Comments
non-motion, limited-visual simulator … configured with an HSI, RMI and an instantaneous VSI. The sim ride may include air work, basic IFR navigation, a precision approach, non-precision approach and holding.”
If you have a current ATP written, there is no formal, written exam at the interview. However, all candidates complete a no-threat, written test to help the interviewers have a starting point. They said even if you got a zero, it wouldn’t knock you out of possibly getting hired but the interview would probably be rugged. It was a hard test. One Captain said the record high score is 86 (I got a 70).
Didn’t have easy access to a Frasca/ATC 810 so I prepared for the sim by flying MS Flight Sim 2004 (Baron – pitch sensitivity maxed out) most days leading up to the interview. After flying the Skywest sim, my preparation was reasonable as the sim went fine.
The morning started with a detailed presentation of the company and the Captain said they need pilots. In fact, out of our group of nine, he said they could potentially hire all of us. They took all our paperwork early on (except logbooks). Part of the briefing included the keys to success: professionalism and attitude. Be honest but never let them see you sweat.
We were pulled out by threes to do the 7-minute CRM scenario. In my group, they put the pilot with 121 experience as the jump seater, the less experienced guy as Captain and me (the moderately experienced pilot) as the FO. They set up the flight enroute with fuel remaining in minutes. We had a medical emergency and had to decide where to divert. I should have pushed my thoughts more assertively. The two Captains then debriefed the scenario including asking, “What would you have done differently if you had been the Captain?” “Where you satisfied in your position or do you wish you had been in another seat?”
The sim was very basic to include takeoff, airwork, clearance to hold as published and vectors for an ILS. Left the prop levers forward and just changed the MP – they give you the power settings and speeds. Once cleared for the holding, the evaluator asked my plan. Once I explained it, he knocked off the holding and starting giving vectors for the approach. At one point, the Captain said, “We just lost radar, where are you?” so I gave him a radial and DME. I had to fly and change nav radio frequencies (comm frequencies were simulated). Also, call for checklists which evaluator completes.
All portions were individually debriefed as well as an overall debrief at the end of the day. Wear a suit, have a briefcase of some sort to present the best image.
Don't complain about the free lunch provided during the interview.
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