The day started with the advertised welcome and “pep talk”. After the talk, two of us were chosen alphabetically to be interviewed while the other six were given the testing.
My interview was a recap of my application with certain key points. I had listed two tickets from 1994 and 1992 (my last 2) and was asked if I had any others. I did have another that came to mind (1990) and was asked to write it in and initial.
Otherwise we moved into the scenario questions. I had two main ones concerning a Captain who routinely flies one dot low and configures late, but who always has a smooth touchdown and early turnoff. The other scenario had me in an aircraft approaching a converging pair of super cells (>35,000’). If I went around, I would cause a lot of folks to be inconvenienced and may have to set down somewhere to get additional fuel. What do you do?
After the interview, was given directions on the testing by Tony. I’ll echo what others have said. Listen, listen, listen, listen to TONY!!! He was a calming influence on an otherwise turbulent day!
The knowledge test was different for each of us. I had perhaps 3 math questions – decent point, point to point heading and a descent rate on final. The rest included items on holding entry (1), aero/performance, signage/airfield markings, weather, EGT, V(ne) and wind shear (a couple). None came directly out of the ATP book but were instead an application of knowledge. Plenty of time but certainly not “easy”.
COG test is not that hard. Read the directions, do one practice, do the test. Luminosity helped me to concentrate. There is no time for drifting thoughts. Take a stretch at your seat partway through but otherwise buckle down and it’s over in 25 minutes. By the way, during testing there is plenty of time for lunch and lots of water to be had.
After some of us were done, they tallied the scores and while the others were still taking portions of their test or interviewing, four of us were called back for the happy news! There was only one more that made it and he was the last one interviewed. Two of the guys failed for the interview and the other I don’t know about. All were awesome folks!
After the conditional, there is a lot of paperwork, drug test, fingerprints and the ID picture. They set up the medical schedule for the next day and send you back to the hotel.
Day two involves the MMPI, Medical and Occupational Psychologist meeting. After that, a brief tour of Atlanta on your way to the airport. Overall, it was a great experience in a very welcoming atmosphere. Good Luck!! |
