Help! Flybe Interview.
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Help! Flybe Interview.
Hi All,
Please can you help?
Unexpectedly and at very short notice I have been invited for an interview (Dash8-400 Captain). Great news I agree but with very little time to prepare I would be most grateful for any "heads up" as to the current interview format(?).
Please do not simply refer me to the "search" function - been there, done that - I am looking for the latest, current info.
Thanks in advance.
Please can you help?
Unexpectedly and at very short notice I have been invited for an interview (Dash8-400 Captain). Great news I agree but with very little time to prepare I would be most grateful for any "heads up" as to the current interview format(?).
Please do not simply refer me to the "search" function - been there, done that - I am looking for the latest, current info.
Thanks in advance.
Actually going for the interview? Didn't they just tell you what time to report for your first commercial sector on the phone? 
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If you are qualified to be a Q-400 Captain (and I assume you are as you are being interviewed) you will have to fail it in spades not to get in. We are crucially short of commanders, as it is a bouyant time for industry.
FWIW, and I am nobody's company-man, the Q-400 is a fab bit of kit and there's a good life to be had at FlyBe. There are issues to be addressed in the transition from small to large company and some fairly crass practices to be streamlined, but it'll happen.
BTW, the shortage bases are BHD, GLA and EDI in particular but if they don't suit there's a system of 'remote rostering' on offer, a bit like a 'join and terminate' base. Also Part time, 70% (which equals 7-on/ 7-off or 5-on/ 5-off) or 50%; so you can have a job AND a life.
Good luck. You could do a whole lot worse.
FWIW, and I am nobody's company-man, the Q-400 is a fab bit of kit and there's a good life to be had at FlyBe. There are issues to be addressed in the transition from small to large company and some fairly crass practices to be streamlined, but it'll happen.
BTW, the shortage bases are BHD, GLA and EDI in particular but if they don't suit there's a system of 'remote rostering' on offer, a bit like a 'join and terminate' base. Also Part time, 70% (which equals 7-on/ 7-off or 5-on/ 5-off) or 50%; so you can have a job AND a life.
Good luck. You could do a whole lot worse.
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Thank You!
Hi,
Sorry but literally logging on with less than 2 minutes to spare so was just checking if I had any replies.
I will read, digest and respond (if appropriate) when I do have a few more minutes; however in the meantime just wanted to say thank you for your replies - greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Thunor.
Sorry but literally logging on with less than 2 minutes to spare so was just checking if I had any replies.
I will read, digest and respond (if appropriate) when I do have a few more minutes; however in the meantime just wanted to say thank you for your replies - greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Thunor.
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Thunor
Not being cheeky, but a search should reveal all you need. It doesn't change that much. In particular look at:
why the company chose turboprops instead of 737/320 like everyone else,
why do they like the Q400 so much,
current fleet and orders, dash and embraer,
plus the usual personal stuff.
Maude Charlee
Good chance of BHD, especially if you're local, assume that's why you want it. Quite a few leaving, Captains and FO's.
Not being cheeky, but a search should reveal all you need. It doesn't change that much. In particular look at:
why the company chose turboprops instead of 737/320 like everyone else,
why do they like the Q400 so much,
current fleet and orders, dash and embraer,
plus the usual personal stuff.
Maude Charlee
Good chance of BHD, especially if you're local, assume that's why you want it. Quite a few leaving, Captains and FO's.
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BFB - yes, it actually is!
There has been a lot written about the aircraft's technical reliability, but this has more to do with our schedulers flogging the aircraft to death, meaning virtually no downtime during the day to attend to minor problems, and also the sheer volume of new pilots who need time to become familiar with the aircraft and the way we operate it, and by this I mean that our fleet manager types have, over time, made it more complicated than it needs to be.
There has been a lot written about the aircraft's technical reliability, but this has more to do with our schedulers flogging the aircraft to death, meaning virtually no downtime during the day to attend to minor problems, and also the sheer volume of new pilots who need time to become familiar with the aircraft and the way we operate it, and by this I mean that our fleet manager types have, over time, made it more complicated than it needs to be.
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Nah the Q400 is a pile of crap! Unreliable, lightly built, noisy, vibey, cramped... awful thing, unless of course you are an airline newbie.
Just said that 'cos everyone expects me to... hate to disappoint you all!
Just said that 'cos everyone expects me to... hate to disappoint you all!
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BFB et al ,
Yes, I think it's great. OK, the flight deck is cramped (owing to the Company's insistence on filling it with unnecessary (minute by minute) manuals, etc.) and it's never going to be as smooth and quiet as a jet.
However, once you start operating it more like an A320 and less like an HS748, it's easy and rewarding to fly. People, and there are many, who say it can't be landed well actually mean they can't land it well. Just like a 'bus, know and understand the automatics and it's a breeze.
Commercially, especially in these days of astronomical fuel prices, it's a complete no-brainer. Bombardier will be pushing them out at the rate of one every 9 days days next year to keep up with demand. Admitted, it's got some technical quirks to be addressed and the engines are bit of a disappointment (not least to Pratt and Whitney, I imagine) but that's often true of new-ish types, isn't it? BTW - be under no illusion, it is a new type and emphatically not just a big Dash 300. In fact it bears little relation to it operationally and that's the crux of complaints, really: you can't operate it like a conventional turbo-prop, either from the handling point of view or in SOPs and other procedures. A lot of the unnecessary complication in operation has arisen from the need to standardise a mixed fleet, I believe. Now that the 300 has gone, this can be addressed.
Anyone who recognises my 'handle' knows that I have never sucked up to anyone in my life, but I think the Q-400 is a triffic aeroplane with a bright future and I very much enjoy flying it. Sorry!
BTW, Thunor, to get (briefly!) back to the subject: You really will have to make a deliberate effort to fail the interview, provided you are basically hygenic and your CV isn't a work of fiction! You should expect more of a chat and less of a grilling. E. D is the only pilot (I think) who routinely interviews, so is the only one likely to test you at all professionally. He's a nice guy, though, and if you're there, they want to give you the job, not stop you getting it. D. D is the personnel manager and conducts interviews, but would be hard-put to grill a cheese sandwich, frankly! The other usual interviewer is Jo Soper, who manages the Flight Ops Admin department and is a complete pussy-cat, despite a fairly intimidating presence on first meeting! Honestly, if they're 'interviewing' you, it's with a view to giving you a job - and an early start date (be prepared to be taken by surprise on that). We are very short of commanders anyway and there were 17 (mixed) resignations in September, with more expected. Once again: good luck.
______________________________________________
You haven't seen me, right?!
Yes, I think it's great. OK, the flight deck is cramped (owing to the Company's insistence on filling it with unnecessary (minute by minute) manuals, etc.) and it's never going to be as smooth and quiet as a jet.
However, once you start operating it more like an A320 and less like an HS748, it's easy and rewarding to fly. People, and there are many, who say it can't be landed well actually mean they can't land it well. Just like a 'bus, know and understand the automatics and it's a breeze.
Commercially, especially in these days of astronomical fuel prices, it's a complete no-brainer. Bombardier will be pushing them out at the rate of one every 9 days days next year to keep up with demand. Admitted, it's got some technical quirks to be addressed and the engines are bit of a disappointment (not least to Pratt and Whitney, I imagine) but that's often true of new-ish types, isn't it? BTW - be under no illusion, it is a new type and emphatically not just a big Dash 300. In fact it bears little relation to it operationally and that's the crux of complaints, really: you can't operate it like a conventional turbo-prop, either from the handling point of view or in SOPs and other procedures. A lot of the unnecessary complication in operation has arisen from the need to standardise a mixed fleet, I believe. Now that the 300 has gone, this can be addressed.
Anyone who recognises my 'handle' knows that I have never sucked up to anyone in my life, but I think the Q-400 is a triffic aeroplane with a bright future and I very much enjoy flying it. Sorry!
BTW, Thunor, to get (briefly!) back to the subject: You really will have to make a deliberate effort to fail the interview, provided you are basically hygenic and your CV isn't a work of fiction! You should expect more of a chat and less of a grilling. E. D is the only pilot (I think) who routinely interviews, so is the only one likely to test you at all professionally. He's a nice guy, though, and if you're there, they want to give you the job, not stop you getting it. D. D is the personnel manager and conducts interviews, but would be hard-put to grill a cheese sandwich, frankly! The other usual interviewer is Jo Soper, who manages the Flight Ops Admin department and is a complete pussy-cat, despite a fairly intimidating presence on first meeting! Honestly, if they're 'interviewing' you, it's with a view to giving you a job - and an early start date (be prepared to be taken by surprise on that). We are very short of commanders anyway and there were 17 (mixed) resignations in September, with more expected. Once again: good luck.
______________________________________________
You haven't seen me, right?!
Last edited by fokker; 14th Oct 2005 at 09:54.
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Fokker, totally agree with you on your last comments. I flew the Q400 for about 2 years and I loved it. Ok, it wasn't the best designed aircraft in the world, but as soon as the company moved away from the SOP's that were left over from the F27 and Dash Classic then it became a pleasure to fly. It is one of those aircraft that if you understand the machine, it is easy to fly....and fun to land....making greasers even more pleasing!!!
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FD - we haven't yet fully rid the 400 of ALL the leftover commonality SOPs from the days of the 200/300, so the checklist still needs to shrink a whole lot.
However, I have to agree entirely with fokker's comments, and in reply to MOR, indeed the aircraft is not built well, but then again nothing that is manufactured (cars, boats, planes etc) on that side of the Atlantic ever is. As far as reliability is concerned, I stand by earlier comments about being familiar with aircraft. It's a computer-driven aircraft, and things absolutely have to be done in a logical order or, just like your average PC, it will throw a wobbly. In 3 years of flying the 400 I have had only one technical failure (starter genny) that has led to a flight being cancelled or significantly delayed.
Guys like FD who have progressed to Airbus types will no doubt attest to the fact that the 400 was a very useful stepping stone. I standby now for comments about jet time and progression to airlines such as Virgin, but that has more to do with adding an extra hurdle to the selection process than actual jet experience.
However, I have to agree entirely with fokker's comments, and in reply to MOR, indeed the aircraft is not built well, but then again nothing that is manufactured (cars, boats, planes etc) on that side of the Atlantic ever is. As far as reliability is concerned, I stand by earlier comments about being familiar with aircraft. It's a computer-driven aircraft, and things absolutely have to be done in a logical order or, just like your average PC, it will throw a wobbly. In 3 years of flying the 400 I have had only one technical failure (starter genny) that has led to a flight being cancelled or significantly delayed.
Guys like FD who have progressed to Airbus types will no doubt attest to the fact that the 400 was a very useful stepping stone. I standby now for comments about jet time and progression to airlines such as Virgin, but that has more to do with adding an extra hurdle to the selection process than actual jet experience.
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Firstly, thank you all very much for your kind replies.
Secondly, once again I have very little time to spare so please forgive me if I either fail to acknowledge anyone and/or respond to any particular point.
gator bait and Ham Phisted - I thank you for your "insights"
fokker - I am a fairly experienced -300 Captain; however I have never flown the -400. I believe like you say it is, "a fab bit of kit". MAN is my "home"; however I am presently living near LBA but BHD, GLA, EDI or anywhere else are all equally fine.
Cloud Chaser - thank you for your comments which I have taken onboard. Unfortunately due to the very short notice of my interview combined with other commitments to attend to I have very little time for either "searching" or "interview preparation" hence I was hoping (I admit) to be "spoon-fed" as to the exact interview format. For example having just now received written confirmation of my interview I am very suprised to note that I am to attend a "Flybe presentation" (not mentioned on the telephone) prior to my interview. That would imply to me that there are going to be a lot of attendees rather than just the personal interview I had imagined so perhaps not quite the foregone conclusion that fokker and others have suggested - nevertheless I thank you for your positive comments and words of encouragement.
Thanks - wish me luck!
Thunor.
p.s. Mods. - in my "history" of posting on pprune I seem incapable of posting in the correct forum! Yet again my topic has been "moved". Please - in the interests of my continuing education - can you explain why my QUESTION has been moved to "Terms and Endearment"???
Secondly, once again I have very little time to spare so please forgive me if I either fail to acknowledge anyone and/or respond to any particular point.
gator bait and Ham Phisted - I thank you for your "insights"
fokker - I am a fairly experienced -300 Captain; however I have never flown the -400. I believe like you say it is, "a fab bit of kit". MAN is my "home"; however I am presently living near LBA but BHD, GLA, EDI or anywhere else are all equally fine.
Cloud Chaser - thank you for your comments which I have taken onboard. Unfortunately due to the very short notice of my interview combined with other commitments to attend to I have very little time for either "searching" or "interview preparation" hence I was hoping (I admit) to be "spoon-fed" as to the exact interview format. For example having just now received written confirmation of my interview I am very suprised to note that I am to attend a "Flybe presentation" (not mentioned on the telephone) prior to my interview. That would imply to me that there are going to be a lot of attendees rather than just the personal interview I had imagined so perhaps not quite the foregone conclusion that fokker and others have suggested - nevertheless I thank you for your positive comments and words of encouragement.
Thanks - wish me luck!
Thunor.
p.s. Mods. - in my "history" of posting on pprune I seem incapable of posting in the correct forum! Yet again my topic has been "moved". Please - in the interests of my continuing education - can you explain why my QUESTION has been moved to "Terms and Endearment"???
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ummm, look at the list of headings for topics in Questions and then look at the same for this forum.
Self evidently belongs here. Jobs, terms, interviews, background info and scuttlebutt for those with professional licences.
While I may well fall to a stampede of naysayers I'd think I'm right as I invented this forum, its title and put a lot of effort into getting it off the ground several years ago. Same with tech log, same with a load of other areas. There is an overall picture we and the mods work to in defining and developing the various areas of the site to give folks one stop browsing when there's something on their mind. Newspapers, magazines, Ops Manuals (?) - they all work to the same principle as well. Nothing clever about it - just minimises clicks and maximises possiblities of finding something pertinent.
Regards
Rob
Self evidently belongs here. Jobs, terms, interviews, background info and scuttlebutt for those with professional licences.
While I may well fall to a stampede of naysayers I'd think I'm right as I invented this forum, its title and put a lot of effort into getting it off the ground several years ago. Same with tech log, same with a load of other areas. There is an overall picture we and the mods work to in defining and developing the various areas of the site to give folks one stop browsing when there's something on their mind. Newspapers, magazines, Ops Manuals (?) - they all work to the same principle as well. Nothing clever about it - just minimises clicks and maximises possiblities of finding something pertinent.
Regards
Rob
Thunor,
You have a licence and a pulse, right? Well, you're in!
You have a licence and a pulse, right? Well, you're in!
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Thunor,
It's quite usual for them to interview a whole bunch of people at the same sitting. At my own, there were perhaps 3 or 4 potential commanders (all of whom were offered jobs on the spot, BTW) and well over 20 brand new FOs. The 'presentation' is a 'powerpoint' job that lasts about 15 minutes and gives fleet numbers, future plans, etc. It's really just a scene-setter and makes Don feel clever!
It'll be interesting to hear your experiences when you've been, but I would be 99.99999999999% sure that you'll come away with a job offer and a start date.
Worth keeping in mind for when you do start is that, although you will go through a full Q-400 course, (you'll need it, it's a very different ship, ie FADEC, for starters) strictly speaking you are joining as 'type-rated' since you don't need anything else on your licence. Therefore, your bond should only be for £5000 over one year, and not £15000 over three. (This is not a secret, or a special deal BTW, but black and white in Company NOTACs) Point this out to personnel when you start.
Good luck. Let us know how you get on.
It's quite usual for them to interview a whole bunch of people at the same sitting. At my own, there were perhaps 3 or 4 potential commanders (all of whom were offered jobs on the spot, BTW) and well over 20 brand new FOs. The 'presentation' is a 'powerpoint' job that lasts about 15 minutes and gives fleet numbers, future plans, etc. It's really just a scene-setter and makes Don feel clever!
It'll be interesting to hear your experiences when you've been, but I would be 99.99999999999% sure that you'll come away with a job offer and a start date.
Worth keeping in mind for when you do start is that, although you will go through a full Q-400 course, (you'll need it, it's a very different ship, ie FADEC, for starters) strictly speaking you are joining as 'type-rated' since you don't need anything else on your licence. Therefore, your bond should only be for £5000 over one year, and not £15000 over three. (This is not a secret, or a special deal BTW, but black and white in Company NOTACs) Point this out to personnel when you start.
Good luck. Let us know how you get on.
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Glad it's not just me then. First PM I have sent in absolutely ages and I discovered I had received several and some from months ago. Now I have to write very belatedly apologising for not replying......