American Eagle      View Vacancies

Study Help for Technical Questions (note: this is not provided by MyPilotCareer.com, it is posted by another user/interviewee. No claim is made as to the accuracy of the answers listed). MyPilotCareer.com was founded by and has always been run by professional pilots. From our experience it is in your best interest, both as a study technique and in assuring correctness, to look up the answers to these questions independently.

What are flight time limitations for part 121
•       per day -8 hrs
•       per week -30 hrs
•       per month – 100 hrs
•       per year – 1000 hrs
Can we depart (referencing a 10-9 airport information page)?
•       How do you know? Look at the chart minimums
•       What if RVR is reported as 6-6-6, can we depart? yes
•       What if it drops to 5-6-6? No
•       What if an RVR value isn\'t reported put the others are 6 and 6, can we depart? Yes
•       If visibility is 1 mile and RVR is 1200 can we depart? NO
Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit- from C to F double the number and add 32
From F to C subtract 32 and divide by 2
High/Low altitude enroute charts,
•       what can you tell me about this airway (it was a one-way airway)
•       Identify and define
•       MAA-Maximum Authorized Altitude. Max usable altitude or flight level for an airspace structure or route segment for which adequate reception of navigation aid signals are assured.
•       MCA- Minimum Crossing Altitude The lowest altitude at certain fixes at which an aircraft must cross when proceeding in the direction of a higher minimum en route IFR altitude.
•       Grid MORA – Minimum Off Route Altitude. MORA\'s give at least 1,000\' altitude clearance above terrain, and 2,000\' in mountainous (elevation 5,000\'+) terrain.
•       Route MORA - Route MORAs provided an obstacle clearance within 10 nautical miles (19 km) on both sides of the airways and within a 10-nautical-mile (19 km) radius around the ends of the airways.
•       MEA- Minimum En-route Altitude is the lowest published altitude between radio fixes that guarantees adequate navigational signal reception and obstruction clearance of 1,000’ in non mountainous and 2,000’ in mountainous terrain.
•       MOCA: Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude. Ensures reliable navigation only within 22 NM of facility and obstacle clearance
•       Identify Change over points (COP) – looks like a squared off 2 with distances on each side.
•       Define altitudes of Class B airspace. Varies. Typically surface to 10,000 Ft MSL. Looks like an Upside down wedding cake
•       Identify and brief an arrival procedure
•       If you descend from FL290 to 11,000\' but don\'t reset your altimeter how far off will it be? subtract 1,000 ft from indicated for every inHg above 29.92, or add 1,000 ft to indicated altitude for every inHg below 29.92
Brief an approach plate
•       Can we shoot this approach given this weather?
•       Where is the final approach fix on this approach (ILS) Glide slope Intercept
•       What if the weather goes below minimums and we are inside the FAF Yes
•       how long is the runway?
•       What kind of lights should I look for?
•       Where is the beacon? circle with star inside
•       You arrive at decision altitude, what do you need to continue descending?
•       TO: 100\' above TDZ Red side bars or terminating bars (ALFS I & II)
•       All the way with any: Threshold, Threshold markings, Threshold lights, VASI/PAPI, REIL, Touchdown zone, touchdown zone markings, touchdown zone lights, Runway, Runway markings, Runway lights, Approach lights
•       What is different if only the approach lights are in sight? You can only go down to 100 ft. above TDZE
Runway lighting
•       when do the runway edge lights change? What color are they? Runway Edge Lights are white, except on instrument runways where yellow replaces white on the last 2,000 feet or half the runway length, whichever is less, to form a caution zone for landings. When do the centerline lights change? Do they change again? The last 3,000 feet of runway. They alternate red and white for 2,000 ft. then just red.
•  When do you have to have a takeoff alternate ? Must file a departure alternate when the weather is below landing minimums per operators specs, then the alternate must be (1 or 2 engines) at least one hour away in smooth air with cruise power and one engine inoperative. (3 or 4 engines) at least 2 hours away in smooth air with cruise power with one engine inoperative.
•  When do you have to have a destination alternate? You will always need an alternate unless you have at least: on hour before, and after the ETA Ceiling at least 2000\' above airport VIS at least 3 miles.
•  What is the definition of adequate visual reference for takeoff? Runway markings or lighting that provides the pilot with adequate visual reference to continuously identify the takeoff surface and maintain directional control throughout the takeoff run.
•  What lighting is associated with a MALSR? Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL), Touchdown Zone Lights (TDZL),
•  How do you know how much runway is left during landing rollout? Runway distance remaining signs
•  What is required for a thunderstorm to form? Source of lifting (heat), Unstable atmosphere, and moisture
•  Airspace altitudes and airspeeds
Class A – 18,000 FT – FL 600 unrestricted
Class B-  Individually Tailored. Typically surface to 10,000 ft msl. There is NO speed restriction inside class B airspace, the only limitation is the 250KIAS restriction below 10,000MSL. 200kts in vfr corridor.
Class C- Individually tailored. Typically surface to 4,000 ft. AGL core with 5 NM radius. Outer shelf no lower than 1,200ft -4,000ft AGL with a 10 NM radius. 200kt restriction within 4NM of the primary airport
Class D- Individually tailored. Typically surface to 2,500 ft. AGL. 200kt restriction within 4NM of the primary airport
•  Jepps Airport Chart symbols (circled star=rotating beacon)
•  Why do you want to know how much runway is left? So you don’t run the airplane off the runway.
•  On a STAR are \"expected altitudes, mandatory? NO
•  When do you need a second alternate? When the weather at the destination and first alternate are forecast to be marginal.
•  Current Aircraft Systems
What type of engines? Pratt and Whitney JT-15D-4 2,500 lbs of thrust. B pass ratio 2.5:1
How does the gear work? Hydraulically operated.
•  What is RVSM airspace?  What does it give you? Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (FL 290-410). Gain fuel saving and operating efficiency by flying at more fuel efficient FLs and on more user preferred routes.
•       What equipment is required in RVSM?
Generic Equipment Required (FL290-FL410): RVSM-Two independent altitude measurement systems (with ice protection), one transponder (with mode C), an altitude alerting system, and an automatic altitude control system. Altimeter error tolerance is 200ft apart.
Dual digital air data computers and an approved autopilot to fly 1000 feet apart between FL290-FL410

• What does CL RCLM mean? CL = centerline lights; RCLM = runway centerline markings center line runway centerline markings
•       What does the aircraft need to fly into Mexico?
IFR or DVFR flight plan ADCUS written in remarks (means advise customs) Radio Operating Certificate (both pilots certificate and aircraft) \"English proficient\" on all pilot certificates All crew and passengers must have valid passports

•  How is a displaced threshold depicted?
A ten feet wide white threshold bar is located across the width of the runway at the displaced threshold. White arrows are located along the centerline in the area between the beginning of the runway and displaced threshold. White arrow heads are located across the width of the runway just prior to the threshold bar
White arrows/arrow heads

•       What would you do if you are at an outstation and the aircraft breaks an item on the MEL and the captain insists that it will be ok and just wants to get home and wants to continue the flight.
•       Know lost Comm
Squawk 7600
Route-Fly in order of           Altitude-Fly the highest of these in order:
Assigned                        Minimum en-route altitude
Vectored                        Expected
Expected                        Assigned
Filed
•  Soft field symbol on Jepp charts. It will be the letter (s) after the rwy length.
•  How long is a temporary FAA Certificate good for? Ans: 120 days (61.17)
•  How long do you have to report a change of address to the FAA? Ans: 30 days. (61.60)
•  When is the ILS Hold Short in effect? Ans: WX less than 800-2.
•  How long is your medical good for? 12 calendar months if under 40 years old 6 calandar months if older than 40 years old.
•  When you get out to the plane, what five documents do you need?  ans:  ARROW
•  What are the oxygen requirements for part 91?
At cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 feet (MSL) up to and including 14,000 feet (MSL) the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen for that part of the flight at those altitudes that is of more than 30 minutes duration;
At cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen during the entire flight time at those altitudes; and
At cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 feet (MSL) each occupant of the aircraft is provided with supplemental oxygen.

•  How wide is a Victor airway? 8 NM. 4 NM each side
•  Know definitions of V1 and V2.
V1- the maximum speed in the takeoff at which the pilot must take the first action (e.g., apply brakes, reduce thrust, deploy speed brakes) to stop the airplane within the accelerate-stop distance. V1 also means the minimum speed in the takeoff, following a failure of the critical engine at VEF, at which the pilot can continue the takeoff and achieve the required height above the takeoff surface within the takeoff distance

V2- Takeoff safety speed. The speed at which the aircraft may safely become airborne with one engine inoperative.
•       What is required for 5/5/5
SMGS Chart and takeoff alternate. RVR reported as described in ops specs. Lighting as described in ops specs and as required by the chart.
•       what does RVR 6/6/6 mean can you go with 6/5/6 or 6/m/6?
RVR 6/6/6 means all three transmissometers are reporting 600 RVR. Departing with 6/m/6 is allowed. Departing 6/5/6 is not allowed

Interview Profile

• Last Updated 12/07/11

• If doing a job fair interview everything is the same, except you will go to Dallas on a future afternoon to complete the sim phase.
• All paperwork must be done before you arrive. Take time to make sure it is all correct!
• Bring all material requested , there is additional paperwork on the interview day
• Day starts at 0800 at American Eagle Headquarters
• View video about American Eagle
• Submit logbooks for review
• Paperwork- A lot of paperwork
• Pulled out to do HR and Technical (see question bank below)
  • Technical and HR interviews are separate
• Lunch
  • 45min lunch break for everyone at the interview at the same time
  • Lunch voucher is $6. You must pay the difference, if over the $6, with cash
  • Potentially a long lunch if there are a lot of interviewees
• Simulator Evaluation is after lunch
• Written test has been discontinued
• Medical exam is conducted the following day

1) Day starts at 0800. Shuttle departs Candlewood Suites at 0730.
(2) . .
(3) Have your paperwork squared away. Don\'t know for sure if this was the problem, but as far as I could tell, all those who did not get offered a job had a problem in HR interview with paperwork or required documents.

Interview Question Bank

Simulator Evaluation

• No Full motion simulator evaluations any more. Simulator evaluations are done on a Frasca as a Baron
• Take off out of LAX 24R, IP will give you the controls at 80 knots
• Positive rate- gear up
• 1000 feet- flaps up, climb checklist
• Level at 3000 feet and maintain 200 knots
• Cruise checklist
• Proceed direct, or intercept radial to the Seal Beach VOR and hold (ask IP to tune and ident)
• Use positive exchange of controls to give him the plane so you can copy holding instructions
• Brief the hold entry, if it's correct you may get vectors prior to entering the holding pattern
• Vectors to the LAX ILS 24R with the flight director
• Slow, approach checklist
• Gear down, landing checklist
• Fly the missed approach (no visual cues in sight, traffic on the runway, IP says go missed, etc.)
• Vectors back around for the ILS 24R via Raw Data to the landing
• IP is very helpful acting as the non-flying pilot, use them as much as possible
• • Have him set heading bugs
  • Have him tune and indent
  • With power changes start moving the throttles then have him adjust to final settings
  • The other is the ILS 5 at FWA.  Take off 23 climb to 3000 then turn left 040 to intercept the 180 off of FWA.  Track to the VOR then hold NW on the 340 off of FWA standard right hand turns one min legs.  I briefed it correctly and didn\'t have to do the hold.  After that vectors for the ILS 5.  The first one will be with the flight director to a missed.  Then back around for another one with out the flight director to a landing.

Technical Questions

• What are flight time limitations for part 121
  • per day
  • per week
  • per month
  • per year
• Decode a METAR and TAF
• Can we depart (referencing a 10-9 airport information page)?
  • How do you know?
  • What if RVR is reported as 6-6-6, can we depart?
  • What if it drops to 5-6-6?
  • What if an RVR value isn't reported put the others are 6 and 6, can we depart?
  • If visibility is 1 mile and RVR is 1200 can we depart?
• Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit
• Have you ever flown a Departure Procedure?
• Identify and brief a departure procedure
• after departing ORD and heading to Boiler VOR, what frequency would we use for departure
• High/Low altitude enroute charts,
  • What's the distance between these two points
  • what can you tell me about this airway (it was a one-way airway)
  • Identify and define
  • MAA
  • MCA
  • Grid MORA
  • MEA
  • know what being at each of these altitudes assures
  • Identify Change over points (COP)
  • Identify and explain restricted areas
  • Define altitudes of Class B airspace.
  • Identify and brief an arrival procedure
  • If you descend from FL290 to 11,000' but don't reset your altimeter how far off will it be?
• Brief an approach plate
  • Can we shoot this approach given this weather?
  • Where is the final approach fix on this approach (ILS)
  • What if the weather goes below minimums and we are inside the FAF
  • how long is the runway?
  • What kind of lights should I look for?
  • Where is the beacon?
  • You arrive at decision altitude, what do you need to continue descending?
  • What is different if only the approach lights are in sight?
• Runway lighting
  • when do the runway edge lights change? What color are they?
  • When do the centerline lights change? Do they change again?
• When do you have to have a takeoff alternate ?
• When do you have to have a destination alternate?
• Do we need one for Abilene given this weather (read TAF)?
• What is the definition of adequate visual reference for takeoff?
• What lighting is associated with a MALSR?
• Departing Abilene given these altitudes and intersections, what radial and DME will we use
• How do you know how much runway is left during landing rollout?
• What is required for a thunderstorm to form
• Airspace altitudes and airspeeds
• Where does mountainous terrain start
• Jepps Airport Chart symbols (circled star=rotating beacon)
• Can be any airport in the country, not just DFW
• Why do you want to know how much runway is left?
• On a STAR are "expected altitudes, mandatory?
• Airport diagram
  • What ground frequency you would use based on location?
  • Where is the control tower
  • Where is the beacon
  • What is the length and width of the runway?
• When do you need a second alternate?
• Current Aircraft Systems
  • What type of engines
  • How does the gear work
• What is RVSM airspace?  What does it give you?
• Are there any Hot Spots at the DFW airport?
• Know lost Comm
• Soft field symbol on Jepp charts. It will be the letter (s) after the rwy length.
• How long is a temporary FAA Certificate good for? Ans: 120 days (61.17)
• How long do you have to report a change of address to the FAA? Ans: 30 days. (61.60)
• When is the ILS Hold Short in effect? Ans: WX less than 800-2.
• How long is your medical good for? Ans: See 61.23 Matrix
• When you get out to the plane, what five documents do you need?  ans:  ARROW
• What are the oxygen requirements for part 91?
• How wide is a Victor airway?
• What is a hot spot, and does DFW have any?
• Know definitions of V1 and V2.
  

Human Resource Questions

• Why do you want to work for American Eagle?
• Why should we hire you?
• Describe yourself in 1 or 2 words.
• Are you willing to relocate?
• What's important to you as a FO.
• What would you change about yourself?
• How did you prepare for this interview?
• What is one attribute you would change about yourself?
• What are two things you look for in an airline job?
• When would you take the controls from the captain?
• What will be the hardest part about training?
• How would others describe you in one word?
• Tell me what the hardest part will be working for Eagle?
• What would your present employer say about you?
• What quality do you most dislike about yourself?
• What is your biggest achievement?
• Have you applied at any others airlines?
• Have you applied at Eagle before?
• Any checkride failures?
• When can you start?
• What base do you want, why?
• Ever been fired or asked to resign?
• Tell me something about yourself that we can't find out on the application.
• Use two words to describe a professional pilot.
• What do you expect out of a captain?
• What makes a good First Officer?
• You are an FO and are done with your preflight.  Your Captain shows up with a buddy who is riding in the jumpseat and they are talking non-stop throughout all your checklists and taxi to the runway even though it should be "sterile".
• You are next to take off and you hear the Captain read-back "Eagle flight 1, position and hold" but you are no where near done with checklists.  What do you do?  

Comments

• Everyone was very nice and seemed to really want me to succeed all through the process. I can't wait to start flying there. (08/15/07)
• Good info on here! Great site! (09/01/07)
• If you've ever failed a check-ride, don't waste your time with this airline. You'll walk into Dallas, they'll ask everyone in the room if they've failed a check-ride, and if so, they'll tell you to get out. (06/23/10)
• same info as the other. Out of seven in the moorning, they offered jobs to three. check the paper work with the online application any discrepancy may cost the job. (06/30/10)
• In regards to the comment about, "if you have failed a checkride, then they ask you to get out" didn't happen this time around.  I interviewed recently with a checkride failure, and they didn't care.  Probably because the company is looking to hire 200 pilots in 2010 and 300 more in 2011. (10/13/2010)
• My interview was on 12/20/10. It started at 0800 and lasted until around 1400, so a very long day. The interviewers and recruiters were very nice, enthusiastic, and wanted you to succeed through the interview process. This gouge is really accurate and even has more questions then the amount questions that I was asked during my interview. Make sure your paperwork and Logbooks are accurate, otherwise it could cost you the job! Out of the 8 of us who interviewed only 4 of us made it to the very end. (01/27/11)
• Know lost Comm.  Soft field symbol on Jepp charts. It will be the letter (s) after the rwy length. 
  
  Two different sim profiles.  There is the one listed in the gouge and the other is the ILS 5 at FWA.  Take off 23 climb to 3000 then turn left 040 to intercept the 180 off of FWA.  Track to the VOR then hold NW on the 340 off of FWA standard right hand turns one min legs.  I briefed it correctly and didn\'t have to do the hold.  After that vectors for the ILS 5.  The first one will be with the flight director to a missed.  Then back around for another one with out the flight director to a landing. (02/28/11)
• Gouge is still good as of this week (04/15/11)
• Day starts at 0800. Shuttle departs Candlewood Suites at 0730. (04/15/11)
• Have your paperwork squared away. Don't know for sure if this was the problem, but as far as I could tell, all those who did not get offered a job had a problem in HR interview with paperwork or required documents (04/15/11)
• Paperwork is huge make sure you make copies of all the required documents and have the originals of all the items on the list.  My interview was a great experience and everyone was really friendly and wanted us to get the job.  There were 8 that interviewed and 7 of us got the job.  I was the last one in the holding tank and didn't get out of there until about 4 so prepare yourself for a long day overall great experience and I can't wait to start flying for them. (4/22/11)
• Gouge is accurate (5/13/11)
• our sim was at mem rwy 9 t/o right turn to 230 to intercept the 090 radial, 270 to the station. hold at the vor, mine was hold on the 310 std turns but everyone got a differant hold. then ils and land no missed approch. we had a lot of people interviewing so I think they might have droped the go around for us to get us all in in the day. (05/15/11)
• I interviewed on 5/5/2011. our sim was in the frasca as a baron with the g1000 so flight instructors have a good chance. it was in MEM RWY 9. I wont say any more because it was easy stuff just follow the instructions and they do not try to trick you. One thing they did to us that was not in the gouge is everyone got a ALT failure and you just have to relize you got a failure. Then the faiure goes away. Dont worry the screen flashes red when it happens.  There were 12 that started the day 2 left in the first 10 minutes. I think 2 more left durring the day. and I only think that 5 or 6 were offered the job but I do not know because they broke us up towards the end of the day. I was the last to leave around 4pm. I still made my flight home at 5:05. I was offered the job on the spot. That is a nice perk with this company. Win or loose you know. Just get a good nights sleep before because it is a long day and you want to be able to function. Hr. was short and basic. I had a little trouble with tech because I have been in FMS Jets for the last 7 years and I rarely put out a low enroute chart, I did not know some of the symbology of the chart. Know DP's study the DFW 10-9 page for where to look for freks and where to look for runway info (back side of the page). I got asked what the blank triangle inside of a compass rose ment and I had know idea. Also I had know Idea where to look for the top of class B on an enroute chart. and the floor of class B on an enroute chart.(it was the mea of the airway that transitioned the air space). those are the things that triped me up and I still got the job offer. just be relaxed. oh make sure you do all your paper work. They love paperwork. if you have worked at more than one aviation company in the last 5 years make sure you do background paper work for every company you worked for. you will have to print more copys of the application.
• Just a quick note on the original gouge. It bothered me till I realized the information was a little mixed up regarding when we can descend below the DA on an approach. You can continue down to 100' (AGL) if you see the approach lights, not the red side bars or terminating lights. The Red side bars and terminating lights are used to descend to the runway as part of the 11 or so odd things else listed. It was just mixed up. Hope that helps.
• I interviewed on 08/29/11 and the sim profile was the one in MEM.  Exactly same as the one on 05/15/11 (09/26/11)
• I stayed at Days Inn and Suites DFW Airport South on 13954 Trinity Boulevard, Euless, TX.  It\'s pretty close to the AA headquarter and a lot cheaper than the Candlewood Suites they list on their interview confirmation email, even after the AE discount.  People I met at the interview told me they didn\'t even serve breakfast at Candlewood.  At the Days Inn I had some at least, nothing fancy though.  The room was new and clean.  Some restaurants are within a walking distance but the van driver is usually available to give you a ride and he\'s also used to taking people to the interviewees to the headquarters. (09/27/2011)
• I interviewed on 10/11/11 and this gouge is still spot on, the comment above about studying the DFW 10-9 page is really important.  Sim profile was a hold at MEM VOR, didn't even turn outbound before vectors to the ILS 09 into MEM were given.  Everyone gets a different hold, so don't bother trying to discuss and get a leg up.  Started with 9 people in the morning, one dropped immediately after the logbook review, two more throughout the day, 6 of us got the offer.  I was the last to get done with all three parts and was back in the terminal by 4PM to catch my flight.  If your paperwork is in order, you study this gouge and have a small amount of common sense/professionalism you will be just fine....GOOD LUCK! (10/14/2011).
• Interviewed a few days ago.  The gouge was spot on, know your jepps most importantly.  Out of 11 people interviewing, 7 were sent home without a job offer.  Only 4 including myself were hired.  Good luck. (12/7/2011)