Timeline:
07 Nov 99 Sent in resume
29 Nov 99 Called for interview
08 Dec 99 Interview in Houston, Holiday Inn North
Interview was mostly as published here. John Dresser was there for the intro and despite
previous postings was very cordial and professional. Started with the 50 question in 12 minutes
test that you can't finish. Word match, easy math (number series, percentages, etc). Then 2
ATR 42 pilots did the morning Q&A session. There were 8 in the group, all males, with one
retired Navy O-5 with 5200 hrs (1600 FW) to an ALL-ATP instructor with barely 900 total time.
After the first session 2 were immediately heading for the bus. One had 2200 hrs - all fixed wing
and previous 135 time but was very sure CE couldn't live without him. Other guy was very
nervous and looked like he wasn't sure he wanted to be there.
Questions in the morning were the typical MEA, MSA, MORA, MOCA, and know which ones
guarantee navaid reception. Know 91.175 cold, and know that it affects BOTH DH and MDA.
One guy got light gun signals, one got airspeeds in Class B, C, and D. FAF on an ILS.
Alternate mins. Nothing really extreme.
Afternoon session was both captains asking questions. 3 more got the early shuttle home, but
came out thinking they had done well. Last 3 were asked to stick around and the two captains
came in and offerred one other guy and myself RJ-145 slots and the 3rd guy got BE 1900 (low
time guy). Wo-hooo!
I think the key was attitude. Go in prepared Get a copy of the company annual report. Check
out latest news releases on the web site. Go to Continental ticket counter anywhere and get a
regular Continental application. The flight time grid on the back is the same. I did that and had
my app filled out in 30 minutes and handed it to the captains in the first interview session. Some
guys were cranking well into the afternoon session-they didn't get a job. Put all your "I love me"
stuff in a nice plastic binder from Staples or Office Max. Resumes, letters of rec, licenses,
transcripts, etc. Show them you want the job. And don't wear a SOLID RED TIE! Go to a nice
men's store and ask a female for help. Wear the suit you'll wear to interview so she can match
tie to suit. No one wears a solid red tie except Santa.
The company is expanding and the RJ-145 is a sweet ride with a great niche market. They
need pilots, and most guys with over 1500 fixed wing will get the RJ. Good luck. And if you get
hired, save the bucks since meals and hotels are on you until you pass the check ride!
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