tech questions by Chris Nardiello (747 FO);

1.) Tell me how you would fly this approach? (given a ndb approach from a Brazilian city using the GAMA ndb, approaching from the east over some high terrain) The appraoch starts at 5000' over the ndb so you must enter and use a depicted holding pattern to descend from the eastern 7500' MSA sector. Important to do a thorough approach brief to yourself.

2.) He reads an atis information at the LAX airport giving you visibility 1/4 fog, temp. 0c, dew point -2c, what are your takeoff considerations? icing and use a takeoff alternate.

3.) Talk through a non-standard holding pattern entry holding south over the Seal Beach VOR approaching the VOR from the west.

4.) Given a LAX VOR approach depicting a VDP. At what point may I descend for the runway?

Polar Air Cargo Trip Report. February 16, 2000

Transportation: After arriving at LAX I took the Super Shuttle ($26+Tip) to Polars Headquarters in the 1st Bank and Trust Building on the corner of Ocean Blvd and Magnolia in Long Beach. Do not use the unlicensed drivers who approach you at the terminal. They are scabs who tried to charge me $40. After the interview walk down to the Hilton (one block West) and give the concierge a couple of bucks to call Super Shuttle for you. They have a deal with the Hilton for $14.

Check in was on the 15th floor as directed. I was met by Capt. Craig Little one of the directors for training who took me to an office where I met Cheryl Lumpkin. After some small talk Cheryl asked me what I knew about Polar. (They have a web site for some information, try to find some press releases on the web.) She then asked me to talk about my background. When hearing that I was married she asked me if I could deal with long trips of up to two weeks away. Craig then asked me some tech questions, very standard: You are at FL350 and need to cross XXX at 10,000 when should you start your descent? You are approaching XXX on this heading and are to hold on this radial, talk me through it. Read a Metar strip. This whole experience was very relaxed, lots of smiling and some laughing. Craig then took me up to see the Chief Pilot, later I took this to mean I passed the HR/Tech part of the interview. Scott (forgot last name) told me everyone does not get brought to his office. He was more interested in my background and flight experience specific to what Polar does. He was also very relaxed. He is looking for potential Captains, unlike some freight outfits they don’t want career copilots.

Polar has to be at the top of the list in the non-scheduled freight world. They are operating 14 747-100/200 and are leasing five more 747-400s in the next couple of years. The have PFEs, which are great to have in that environment, not to mention you start in the right seat. Their pay is well in line with industry standards. There is a 4 hour/day trip rig and 14 guaranteed days off per month. They average about 60 hours per month of hard time and that is also their guarantee. It’s not going to be Fedex or UPS, but it as attractive as Atlas or any of the other box haulers.

I just finished interview at polar. They ask QFE QNE QNH are . HOLDING A/S length of legs slow down time then draw a hold and how to enter it. What is HAT and HAA. 3 people important to you in your life. A positive and negitive event in your life. Sim ride ; one visual app at nite go around one eng IMC s.e. ILS to land. If you are single your in. If your married your not as likely to be hired.