Stay at the Comfort Inn ($59) because that is where Delta puts employees while in training and there is a dedicated "Delta Training Center" van that leaves every 20 minutes. Take the 7:20 van. All 8 interviewers had a navy suit with red tie. Interview times are scheduled alphabetically using your last name. If you are not interviewing, you are testing. 3 computer tests - technical exam, personality test, and cognitive test. The tech exam is 75 questions in 75 minutes and is multiple choice with 4 possible answers for each question. Very similar to ATP written. The old gouge gets you thinking in the right direction. However, the old gouge has several mathematical equations for descent planning, vsi, gradients, mach to TAS, holding pattern entries, etc. I only had 1 descent planning question and 0 holding pattern entries. Here are some questions from my Technical exam (they don't give you your score or the correct answers so these answers may/may not be correct):
Why do you burn fuel from the center tank first? - reduce wing root loading
What characteristics at Airport after frontal passage? - wind shift
What are the characteristics of the stratosphere? - increase in temp with increase in altitude
Normal metar with rvr reading. rvr1000v/u. - I think this means rvr 1000 visibility unchanging
Picture of touchdown zone of runway. What is distance of touchdown aim point? 1000ft and 1500ft possible answers.
Time to hold with fuel burn and fuel remaining listed.
Characteristics of Kadiabatic Winds? Not sure about this answer. I think I put wind traveling downhill = temp increasing.
Flying constant Mach below optimum flight level? - Increased fuel burn, decreased time to destination (higher TAS)
All others equal, how is range affected by different weights? - range is same
How does IAS stall speed change with altitude? - remains the same
Picture of L/D max graph given with no labels. Where is L/D max?
Inside DH tower issues go-around. With respect to obstacle clearance this is considered? - rejected landing, balked landing, missed approach, ? (Not sure about this answer)
Picture of airport signage indicates you are on taxiway T holding short of Rwy 18/36. If you take a left on runway, which runway will you be on? - 36
On runway, light winds, thunderstorm approaching departure end? - Delay takeoff
A couple of crosswing landing scenarios. They will give you runway and wind reports. You must choose various aileron/rudder inputs in answers.
All fuel pumps on and crossfeed valves open. How is fuel consumed? I chose fuel is used in proportion to strength of fuel pump.
Why is fluid used vs. gas in a hydraulic system? - compressibility
Why is nitrogen used in tires? - heat resistance
What is used for directional control during V1 cut to minimize drag? - rudder
Inbound on 090 radial with clearance to proceed outbound on 060 radial after crossing VOR. After crossing VOR the head of the needle is off your right and points to 090. What heading to intercept 060? - 080 heading until head of needle points to 240.
What causes aerodynamic contrails? - not sure right answer. One answer about pressure differential over wing and another answer about temp difference with exhaust air and ambient air.
You hear popping and flight attendant reports burst of smoke from engine (compressor stall). What do you do? Decrease AOA and or decrease power.
Where is EGT measured? Aft of turbine section even though combustion section is hotter
Tire pressure 144 psi. What airspeed for hydroplane? 108
What happens to runway edge lights during last 2000ft of instrument runway? Amber (I think yellow is best answer of the four choices)
What happens to runway centerline lights during last 3000 ft of instrument runway? - Alternate red and white then change to all red for last 1000ft.
Studies indicate that frost with texture of coarse sandpaper can reduce lift by what percentage? I think 30% is best answer.
Personality test is 240 questions and you don't have to study for it. You are who you are. Cognitive exam isn't too bad - can't really study for that either. Just focus and don't get flustered. You don't have to be perfect.
Panel interview. Three people (2 pilots and 1 HR). They encourage you to take jacket off and relax. Approx 1 hour in length. They prep for approx 45 minutes before each interviewer to review application and letters of rec. They know info about you before you walk in the room. They started by going over entire AirlineApps application while one of the pilots inspected my logbooks.
Starting in high school, walk us through your education.
Why did you decide to become a pilot?
What separates good pilot from average pilot?
What is your leadership style? When did it work? When did it not work?
Tell us about a conflict in the cockpit.
What would your current chief pilot say about you?
Do you think your current chief pilot does a good job?
Why did you choose your college? Did you like it?
Do you have a good driving record?
Any FAA violations?
If we call your current company, what will they tell us about your attendance?
When is the last time you sat reserve?
Did you ever miss work on a scheduled reserve day?
How many total days in the last year, did you call in sick?
How long did you fly as a first officer?
Have you researched base and aircraft assignments for newhires?
What does a first year Delta pilot make?
Into the scenario questions:
Meet captain for drink and one thing leads to another, approaching 8 hour rule, what would you do?
Less than 8 hours to show time, captain takes another drink?
Captain shows up next morning ready to fly wwyd?
Who would you call to get captain replaced?
Next scenario. Flight attendant reports intoxicated and unruly passenger and wants the passenger removed from the flight. Customer service manager says passenger is ok to fly. What would you do?
Tell us about your worst emergency and how did you handle it?
Describe a scenario when you had the feeling of being "on top of the world."
If offered the job, you will fill out paperwork, get fingerprints, take drug test, and get picture taken for company ID before going back to the hotel. Day 2 involves a medical exam similar to 1st class medical but includes EKG and cholesterol check. You also take a 580-something psychological test (MMPI) and then get transported to downtown Atlanta for interview with a psychologist. About 20 minutes of interview. Questions include background, stress, leadership, why delta, etc. Similar to panel interview questions but less stress. After psych interview, van drops you off at airport to go home.
I hope this helps. The whole process was a positive experience and everyone was friendly. The morale at Delta seems high which is uncommon in today's airline industry. The management at Delta appears to have maintained trust and teamwork and is determined for long term success. |
