Summary of Qualifications: |
ATP 12,000+TT, 10,000+Multi, 10,000+Turbine, 4000PIC, part 121, 135 |
I recently interviewed at Compass Airlines. The gouge from earlier postings is still mostly correct with a few differences - currently, there is no sim check.
They flew me to MSP the night before and put me up at the Hyatt Place Hotel. These were direct billed to the company. Take the shuttle from airport baggage claim. At check-in you need to arrange shuttle service to Pan Am Academy for the next morning. There is a scheduled van leaving at 7:30am getting you there in plenty of time for the interview. You will be responsible for meals however there is a free continental breakfast at the hotel. There are usually 3-4 applicants in a morning session and 3-4 in the afternoon. At the Pan Am Academy, wait in the lobby. Someone will come get you.
First, an HR person will collect your application that was emailed to you prior to coming to MSP. Have this filled out, even if you have already done so and sent it in. If not, you will be given time to fill one out. You will need names, dates, addresses and phone numbers for all employers for the past 10 years. They will also collect your logbooks.
Individually, you will be given a short introduction to the airlines background and plans for its future. Be aware that this is from an HR point of view. This differs from the point of view of Flight Ops. You will be given a summary of benefits. You will sign some documents authorizing background checks and be fingerprinted. You will also get your picture taken for your ID badge.
When it is your turn, you will take a computer based written test consisting of 75 questions from the ATP written. None of the questions require charts, graphs or any type of computation. The test is timed, but you will not have any problem finishing. There are some part 135 as well as 121 questions. You can not review your answers. Once an answer is chosen, you cannot back up, review or change your answer. Choose wisely.
My interview was conducted by the Chief Pilot, a retired Northwest Captain and a person from HR. The interview was relaxed and friendly. The questions were much of what was offered in other gouges: Why Compass? How would you handle an FO that did not follow procedures? How would you feel flying with a Captain that had less experience than you? Tell me about a "bad day of flying".
If you get a chance to fly on an E175, do it. Jumpseat if possible. They really liked the fact that I had spent some time in the cockpit and talked with one of their crews.
After the interview, a cab was called and I was sent to have a drug screening done. Mine was very quick - less than 15 minutes - but some people have reported having to wait an hour or so. I was then taken to the airport for my return flight home. Vouchers were provided for the cab rides. I was the last of the morning group to be interviewed and I was at the airport by 1:00 pm.
I was called the next day and offered the job.
Some things to note:
You get an ATP Rating(if necessary) and PIC Type on the E170/190.
You sign a 12 month contract for $12,000, pro-rated at $1000/mo. if you leave prior to the end of the contract. You are NOT responsible for the training contract if they furlough you. (see flow-back provision below)
There is a flow-up provision with Northwest/Delta. There are restrictions to this - a maximum of 20/month or 25% of Compass crews per rolling 12 month period. There is also a lesser touted flow-back provision. If Northwest/Delta surplus, they can move back to Compass and you may be on the street.
You can expect to upgrade at Compass within 24 months of the first flow-up to Northwest/Delta. Since Northwest/Delta are not taking any pilots at this time, you can expect to upgrade 2 yrs. from a future, unknown date. The current hiring is to staff for increased aircraft utilization, not expansion. HR tells you that there are options for an additional 100 aircraft and their charter allows Compass to operate for carriers other than Northwest/Delta but Flight Ops says that no expansion and no additional aircraft are expected. Expect to be an FO for a long time.
As a new hire, you will be based in MSP. This means that you will be responsible for getting yourself to MSP for training and you must provide housing while there. If you fly in for training, you must buy a ticket to get yourself to MSP for the first day. After that, you should be in the CASS system and will be able to jumpseat or non-rev pass travel.
Initial training consists of a physical on the first day and basic indoc on day two. You are then sent home for 30 days to complete a self study course. When you return, you will go to class followed by SIM training. They advise that this can stretch to as much as 45 days. Again, you will be responsible for your own transportation, food and housing during this time. After training, you bid for your domicile.
Friendly people, great equipment. If you are just starting your airline career, Compass would be a great place to be. |