It was my first interview and I was definitely nervous. The past gouges are spot on, but here is in more detail about what the quiz is like that you have to get 80% on.
1. What is the maximum allowed airspeed underlying Class B airspace?
2. What are VFR cloud clearance requirements in Class E airspace above 10,000 feet?
3. How often are TAFS updated throughout a 24 hour day?
4. Explain one of the four concepts that makes the number 1 or left engine on a twin the critical engine.
5. What are 3 things that, as you taxi out, can tell you that you are approaching an active runway
6. What is the service volume or range on a compass bearing north NDB?
7. Who can issue a Contact Approach? You have either Pilot, ATC or both - Its pilot
8. A question about how many feet wide is the localizer course when you are at the runway threshold? - I believe 750. I know I got that wrong
9. What is the standard temperature lapse rate? 2 degrees Celcius for every 1,000ft.
I can't remember the last one.
Now the last 10 questions were definitely easy. They give you an approach plate for an ILS and just ask you basic questions like
-What are the initial approach fixes?
-What is the final approach fix called?
-You cross the IAF at 5,000 and are cleared for the approach what altitude and heading are you going to fly?
Pretty basic stuff. Its not that hard. Just look carefully at the app plate you will be fine.
I was pretty nervous about the front page of the quiz. I knew the last 10 about the Approach spot on, but I couldn't remember a lot of crap such as the localizer course width or NDB service volume. I was hoping that I did well enough to get an interview and I must have since I was called in.
First off the lady I had was not overly excited or friendly. She seemed rather annoyed for one reason or another. Perhaps it was because she was going to be doing interviews all day. I don't know, but having that kind of an attitude when its my first interview was certainly unsettling and not helping me chill out.
Started off with
-Tell me about yourself
-I see you instruct, what do you like and not like about instructing?
-I see you don't have lots of actual. We fly in that kind of weather. If we were to offer you a job how or what would you do to prepare yourself and make sure you can handle it and not flunk out?
She then threw me for a loop and asked me questions about the Seminole which was the last twin I flew.
- How many gallons can the Seminole hold? Useable and Total
- Explain how the heater works in the Seminole
- What is the maximum take off weight?
This totally caught me by surprise and I was nervous and answered the fuel wrong by about 10 gallons. I could explain the heater fairly well though, but I didn't know the TO weight.
Honestly thats about all I can remember about the HR portion. There was a surprisingly low number of questions. I have some ideas as to why, but ill leave that for later.
Next came tech. She opened up a JEPP enroute. I am not sure if it was low route or high.
She would point to various VORS and ask what type they were. IE Local, low or high altitude. Then asked what the service volumes were for those. I think I messed up and now that I look back I believe it was a low route chart so the L was for a local or terminal VOR and I mistook it for a low altitude. I am pretty sure I was of on my service volumes then.
Then she would ask questions about an instrument approach. She points out that we are 20 miles southeast and cleared for the approach. How am I going to enter it? She stressed that I have to keep in mind our time of arrival since we are an airline. Two IAF were DME arcs. I picked the one closest to me, but I am sure I should have just gone straight in towards the FAF instead. I only think the arc was for traffic coming from the North/NorthWest only.
All in all it is hard to tell how I did. They never tell you if you answered something wrong which is so nerve wracking. They will ask you answer and they move on no matter what.
After everything was done she let me ask her questions. I asked.
- What is the projected growth and goals of Great Lakes in 3-5 years?
- How long can one expect to sit reserve?
- How long does it take generally to upgrade?
She did her best answering them, but again just had this sense of annoyance surrounding her. I can't figure out why. My only thought is I missed one more than allowed on the quiz and got below the 80%. I have heard mixed things that if you don't get 80 your not getting an interview, but I wonder if there was an exception to that rule or for whatever reason I interviewed despite being below that.
Not going to be surprised if I am not offered a class date. It was my first interview and this was certainly not one of my top choices. I will be okay with learning what mistakes not to make the next time when its with someone I really want to get on with.
Good luck! |
