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ExpressJet Airlines Pilot Interview Profiles

Date Interviewed: October 2011
Summary of Qualifications: 500/50 CFI/CFII
Advanced Jet Course
Were you offered the job? Don't Know
Pilot Interview Profile:
Very similiar to previous gouge, except seemed to be backwards. We first went to the Delta headquarters to take their cognitive test, a 250 question personality test, and a knowledge test. Was more difficult than expected, and from what I hear is not considered in the selection process.

After the computer tests was a short presentation on the company and the merger of the two airlines.

Finally last of day one was the sim in the 737 steam gauge sim. Previous procedures stated were spot on. Like was stated before, trim! I was second to go, and set heading bugs, speed bugs and such for the first guy. Overall pretty easy flight, gives plenty of time to figure out the holding pattern. Also briefed on power settings, and if you can remember the climb power setting and the cruise power setting it makes controlling much easier. Thats it for day one they release you and tell you to be at the ASA building at 0800 the next day.

Day two was the tabular test with the X-Y graph, was able to get all 50 questions done with probably 30-45 seconds to review a few before time expired. Some were only able to get high 20's. Don't understand how that happened. I think the key to getting them finished is to keep all your papers confined so your scan doesnt take as much time, and keep track of which question youre on by using the papers as straight edges. I believe they lost time by losing their place.

After that we got the opportunity to ask any questions about the company, and were given a knowledge test about basic 91, weather, and IFR ops. If you're current this shouldnt be a problem.

Technical Interview was next, consisted of a few ILS questions, where FAF was, name the components of ILS, a few weather questions, what is MOCA, MSA, etc..and give some details. Some of the others said they were asked current aircraft systems, I assume I wasnt as the glorious 172 is my current a/c. Asked if had any questions and that was it.

Left over to HR to get fingerprinted and then given a cab to get to the drug testing site and back to the airport.

Was anxious about the whole process, but they made you feel very relaxed. Should hear back within a working week. One class Nov 7th and expect 2 classes in December. good luck!
Date Interviewed: October 2011
Summary of Qualifications: 900TT, 550SE, 350ME, 300 Turbine.
Were you offered the job? Don't Know
Pilot Interview Profile:
Day One

The interview is done by ASA for ExpressJet. They will all be one company soon. According to a recruiter it is on schedule to be done by the end of November of 2011.
All of the events started at 0800 in the A-Tech building at ASA. First off, as the other gouges state, we started out with a short presentation about the company that took probably 20 to 30 minutes; I didn’t keep track of time all that well. Everybody at ASA seems to be really excited about the merger, calling the two companies the “First Super Regional.” After the presentation they asked if anybody had any questions about the company, etc etc. After all that was done we took a short break and came back for the cognitive testing. This was very easy. They give you a graph with an X, Y axis labeled from -17 to 17 on each axis, in the intersection of the two numbers there’s a number and you just answer on a separate sheet of paper what you came up with (I believe there were 4 choices on the multiple choice). That was pretty easy, you have 9 minutes to do it, 50 questions. I was the fastest in the class with 45 out of 50 complete. After the cognitive testing is done you will take another short break and come back for the aviation knowledge testing. Like the packet they sent you, there will be several random questions on there. No questions about RVSM or anything of that nature, but general questions any CFI should be able to answer. I would recommend some time studying on weather, aerodynamics, enroute operations etc etc.
After all of the testing is done they will send you downstairs for a lunch break. It’s just kind of a nice break to sit down with the others and talk about some of the testing and perhaps some of the questions you may or may not have answered correctly. After lunch you will go back upstairs for the one on one interview. This was the part I was most nervous about. It was very relaxed, he will just take you to a small room and sit you down and just talk for a little bit about some of the experiences you have. After all that is done he will hand you a sheet of paper with HR questions and leave the room with all of your paperwork and logbooks. He will also give you an approach plate to look over after you’re done filling out the paperwork. He will come back and ask you a few questions about your logbook (nothing big) and will start asking technical questions about enroute charts, approach plates, and previous aircraft system questions. This was difficult for me because I fly such a wide variety of aircraft, I don’t know the systems like the back of my hand. Overall it wasn’t too bad, but I absolutely blanked on one of my systems questions.

After the one on one interview you will go to HR for fingerprinting and drug testing. After this you’re done for the day. Just relax.

Day Two
This day started out at the Delta training center. You will go in for more cognitive and aviation knowledge testing. This is a computer based testing system. The cognitive was actually kind of fun, but the knowledge testing was horrific. It would be one of those tests that you would get when you’re actually trying to get hired at Delta. From what I understand this isn’t being used to judge you, but to see if they can implement this type of testing into the ASA side. Don’t fret too much about it.
After all that is complete it is time for the sim ride. They are currently using a 737-200 sim, steam gauge, no flight director, no autopilot. This is a TOUCHY airplane to fly. Nothing like I have flown before. The key to it is TRIM! You will depart, holding an airspeed of 250kts, climb to 5000, hold a heading, climb to 8000, go direct the ATL VOR, get assigned a hold, tell what type of entry it is, if you guess right you don’t have to do the hold, get a vector to final approach course while maintaining 3000 until established and shoot the approach down to around 300-400ft AGL. It wasn’t too bad; just don’t over control the aircraft.
The interview is done at that point. They tell you it may take up to 2 weeks to hear anything. No news is good news from what I understand. Everybody is very relaxed at this interview, and I believe this is what their corporate culture is like. Even the flight crews on the XJ flights were very relaxed and courteous. It’s a good company and I look forward to hopefully working for them.

Good Luck!
Date Interviewed: January 2008
Summary of Qualifications: 1000TT/110ME/CFII/MEI
Were you offered the job? No
Pilot Interview Profile:
Pretty much the same experience as previous interviews mentioned here. The staff were professional & easy going. Facility is modern & clean. They have some impressive looking sims behind glass wall in the entry way. Tech interviews consisted of a few Vmc type questions, critical engine stuff, aircraft systems etc. Also asked about holding speeds, altitudes, thunderstorm avoidance, general weather questions, reading tafs/metars etc. For approach plates I got asked about a Mexico VOR approach with only the VOR on the airport as an IAF. Expect to be asked about minimum altitudes if you get this approach hint: MSA ring. That's pretty much it for the tech stuff. HR questions were pretty standard, tell us why we should hire you etc. Suspect I didn't get the offer because I was wishy washy on some of my approach plate questions & I was also a little weak in the weather dept. Maybe I had some food in my teeth or my fly was open. Not really sure in the end. All in all this interview was a good experience for me ~ it highlighted some weak areas that I need to brush up on. I did have a few small gripes about Expressjet's interview process (just in case they read these): It would have been nice to get a little feedback in conjunction with the thumbs down; like we are passing because you were weak in areas x,y,z. Secondly, is it really necessary to fill out 1/2" thick of new hire paperwork before a decision is made to hire you? Seems like a big waste of paper unless you get the green light. 3rd, they ask you to sign a hire agreement with no terms on it (like pay, domicile etc). All the important spots are blank. I'd prefer to sign this after it has some numbers written on it. That's about it. Seems like a good company to work for. Maybe I'll try again in 6 months. Good luck.
Date Interviewed: February 2007
Summary of Qualifications: 970 TT, 140 ME, Part 135 VFR, CFI, CFII, MEI
Were you offered the job? Yes
Pilot Interview Profile:

I was notified via email that I was offered an interview. I had to reply that I accepted and was then emailed a couple of days later with all of the details. I had to gather copies of my pilot licenses, Medical, Social Security Card, Passport, FCC Restricted Radio License, Drivers License, High School/College Transcripts, 10 yr work and residents history, Resumes, Letters of Rec, Flight Grid (sent to me by ExpressJet), School history and W-2's. Start on it now so you can focus on studying. I was flow down to Houston on ExpressJets penny for the first round of interviews of the day. You will be given instructions on where to go. The shuttle is not hard to find just follow the instructions. I was taken to the sim building where the interview was conducted. There where about 12-15 of us. All different types. Instructors, 135 pilots, Military, 121 from other regionals. Hours ranged from 600 and 1, up through the thousands. As stated in previous gouges, make sure your paperwork is exactly the way it is stated in the email. 3-4 applicants were sent packing in the first ten minutes. We were put right to work filling out paperwork and while we did that, Angela, (HR lady), did a short presentation about the company. When she finished, she left the room and we were left to continue filling out all of the forms. She goes in and out so you can ask questions if needed. Everyone in there was very friendly and we all swaped some hangar talk. The comforting thing is that everyone is as nervous as you are so don't think you're alone. Then the interviewers started to come in and call people into other rooms. My first room was with a line captain who was very nice. She asked me about holding speeds and altitudes, if I had ever had an emergency situation and how I handled it. She gave me a choice of what system I wanted to explain on the twin I had the most time on. I chose the Engine. I was given a couple of cards with situations on them and asked what would I do. One was what to do if I was told that I was to follow a B737 but only saw an A319. I said I would call ATC and clear it up. The other was what would I do if a 10 year captain reached MDA but did not see the runway. The captain wanted to continue in for landing. I screwed this up but there is really no good answer. Talking with friends who fly for the company, they said the best answer is to call ATC and request a go-around. That was it for that room. I was sent back to the paperwork room and waited for about another 20 min. During your wait you continue to fill out the forms. The next room was with another line captain. He asked me about my flying past and was I familiar with jepps. He asked me to brief an approach into Mexico to myself and when ready, finger fly it. I got about half way through the heading when he aske me to fly it. I think they want to see how fast you process info. After all you will be in a jet. He told me where I was on the approach and what do I do next. He questioned everything I said to see if I would change my mind at all. Stick to what you know and don't change your mind unless it is for the absolute right answer. I had to finger fly the missed and that was it for the plate. Next He broke out a Low Enrout of SoCal. Asked me about speeds and altitudes, MEA, MOCA. What do these guarentee. Airspace and pointed at some symbols. That was that. Back to the holding pen. My last room was with Angela and another HR guy. They asked me about accidents, incidents, checkride failures etc. I had to answer questions about a SID in Mexico. Trans ALT and Level. What alt to pass an intersection. I was also asked what makes me think that I can transition from a piston to a jet. The last thing was if I had any questions. I was so nervous that I couldn't think of anything. They told me to go outside and wait by the ERJ picture at the end of the hall. Angela came out and offered me the job. Hope this helps anyone with an interview. Thanks for everyone who posted previously. Good Luck

Date Interviewed: January 2007
Summary of Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI TT 1850 PIC 1718 INSTRUMENT 134, MULTI 247
Were you offered the job? Yes
Pilot Interview Profile:

Alright everyone, I have been reading these gouges for the past few months and appreciate everyone who has posted so now it is my turn and it is great to do it. Ok so I arrived from MCO at 8:00 a.m. met the bus which is not hard to find..not sure why everyone gets confused and was at the training center by 8:30. Angela met us in the lobby and we were taken to a classroom to start filling out our folders and put the STAPLED AND IN ORDER paperwork. It's not hard just do it as stated. No one was booted out for paperwork and there were only 13 of us..I was expecting more. Anyway Angela gave us the info about planes and answered any rumors that she could confirm (Which wasn't many) we might have heard. The now let you start on the paperwork while the interviewers collect your paperwork and logbooks to look over. I would suggest you tab all your check rides though I am not sure if this is necessary. The paperwork does take about an hour and a half to two hours but it is great because you get distracted and time goes by quick. I was the first to be called into all three rooms so I am not sure how many they hired or what questions were asked from others. My first room was with a great captain named Diane. She was very pleasant and started by asking about my flying background. She asked very basic questions about my twin such as what engines does it have, why counter rotating props, what is max speed in bravo, what is max speed at 2000 AGL in class C. Very basic. She then asked the seatbelt question, as well as the flap question but had a bit of a twist. She then stated that I was flying from IAH to Corpus Christi which is a 40 min flight. It was my 6th and final leg and we had been 20 min late all day. I had the chance to go direct which would catch us up to schedule but would put us somewhat near some thunderstorms..still a safe distance but probably would be turbulent So what should I do? I said that since the passengers are already expecting to be 20 min late and we can keep a smooth ride why not just stay on the current course and keep it smooth and not run into the chance of bumps or maybe having the t-storms close in around us.she said no one had ever stated it that way. She seemed pleased, and then asked if I was holding at 16,000 what is my max airspeed. Asked how long a pilot could be on duty for part 121.I jumped her question and said 8 which was wrong. You can only fly 8 but can be on duty for as much as 16. (Take your time with the questions) That was it for that room...just over 5 min. Waited 5 min and was called into to the Jepp room with a very nice line captain. He asked Bravo and Charlie speeds again, pointed to the chart and asked very basic symbols like change over point, what does the h mean, what does the d mean. What is HIWAS. I then was given a DP out of Mazatlan. Very basic just briefed the course and distance restriction and noted the MCA depending on the route you will be going. He then pulled out a Mazatlan VOR approach. I DID NOT HAVE TO BRIEF, only asked me to look over it and when I was done he put me on the arc and asked where the FAF was and what I would do if I lost DME.read the notes!!!!! Then asked how to fly the missed...that was it!!! I waited 15 more min and then Angela called me. I met with her and Paul. Many previous gouges state that Paul is only out to get you. Well since I was the first interview of the day, he seemed very straightforward but was smiling the whole time. He asked what I will expect out of my other crewmembers, what my pass rate was..went off on that for a bit and tried to get me worked up over my last three signoffs that had all been busts. Asked what annoys me most about instructing and after I answered asked if my sim partner or instructor will say the something about me? He asked some other very basic things. He is only trying to fluster you and see how you handle a little pressure just smile at him and just be confident that is all he is looking for. His last question was that he noticed I was a check instructor for 141. He asked what my pass rate was for that, I told him I could not remember and he asked if I busted lots of people.said overall yes and he smiled real big and said GREAT. Angela asked the busted checkrides, accidents, etc. and that was it. I told them I had done my research and had been following the company closely and did not have any questions. They both kinda looked at me weird and said ok. It would be my advice that either ask a good question that does not have to do with rumors or upgrade time or don't ask anything at all. Waited outside for about 2 min but as everyone says feels like 20. I was offered the job and start the 29th. Hope all this helps. Please be yourself and be confident, this is a great company and they made the whole process very relaxed. I do recommend getting any internal recommendations as I had a few and it seemed to have helped. They are a very family oriented company with all of their employees. Thanks and see you others on the 29th. Also I way over studied but that is not a bad thing, just look over gouges and jepps and be yourself. They still need to hire many more, good luck!

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