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Pilot Interview "Catch" Questions

The document contains questions and responses from a pilot interview. It covers topics such as: - Defining CRM and its components - Describing positive leadership styles - Explaining how the pilot handled a past work problem - Qualities that make a good pilot/captain - When a pilot is most likely to make a mistake - The pilot's short and long-term career objectives - What the pilot looks for in a job - Why the pilot wants to work for the interviewing company

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Paco Iglesias Cubiles
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726 views

Pilot Interview "Catch" Questions

The document contains questions and responses from a pilot interview. It covers topics such as: - Defining CRM and its components - Describing positive leadership styles - Explaining how the pilot handled a past work problem - Qualities that make a good pilot/captain - When a pilot is most likely to make a mistake - The pilot's short and long-term career objectives - What the pilot looks for in a job - Why the pilot wants to work for the interviewing company

Uploaded by

Paco Iglesias Cubiles
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

PILOT INTERVIEW CATCH QUESTIONS

What is CRM?
R: Is the application of the team management concept. Is the effective utilization of all available
resources (liveware, software, hardware) to achieve safe and efficient flight operation.
Tell me 5 components of a positive leadership style?
R: Motivation, communication skills, honesty, respect, responsibility, dedication, commitment,
initiative, common sense.
How do you lead?
R: Being (see above).
Tell me about a work problem you had and explain how you handled it?
R: I remember once, I was fueling the aircraft (DC-9) and I realized one of the fuel gages was not
working properly. I manually opened the fuel valve for a while to complete the fueling in the
respective tank when I observed a huge fuel leak falling down from the opposite wing vent. I ran
out and switched off the APU immediately, advised ATC (fire brigade) and informed cabin crew to
be prepared for a possible fire (no passengers were onboard). After the area was cleaned by the
fire brigade, I asked for boarding.
What makes a good pilot/captain?
R: A good pilot/captain must be an integral person. He/she must:
* Be good leader and good monitor,
* Delegates tasks and assigns responsibilities,
* Sets priorities,
* Be able to utilize available data/resources,
* Be able to communicate intents and plans (effective communication),
* Good decision making,
* Good judgment,
* Honest/Sincere, and
* Self-disciplined.

bad captain:
stubborn=cabezota,obtinad
o
foolhardy=temerario,
imprudente
mad=loco, furioso,rabioso
good captain
neat=ingenioso, ordenado

When is a pilot most likely to make a mistake?


R: When he/she moves too quickly.
Why did you leave your last position?
R: Unfortunately my last company ceased of operation last September due to economical
problems (crisis).
What do you think you could contribute to this company?
R: I am an experienced captain commensurate with age. I have also management experience.
Page 1

Why should we hire you?


R: I am an experienced captain with a total flight time over 9.700 hours. I have also management
experience in Safety issues. Aside from my flying qualifications, I can offer my motivation, my
self-discipline and my loyalty.
What are your short/long-range objectives?
R: My short-range objective is to pass my screaning successfully, find a permanent job in a
competitive airline. My long-range objective is to be an instructor and further more to be an
accident investigator.
What do you look for in a job?
R: Stability and continuity, friendly environment and good terms and conditions.
If we employed you, how long would you stay with us?
R: I am presently seeking to join a company that offers opportunities for growth and
advancement, if you are open to do so, I can remain in here until my retirement.
What position do you expect in five years?
R: I would like to be an instructor and be part of the Safety Office.
How would you describe personal success?
R: Success is the completion of anything intended. In other words, personal success is finishing
what you planned to do.
Why do you want to work for this company?
R: Because I am seeking to join a company that offers opportunities for growth and
advancement. I am looking for stability and continuity and that is just what you are offering.
What interests you most/least about this position?
R: Most: Professionalism and working conditions. Least: To be honest, everything is wonderful to
me.
What can you do for us that someone else could not do as well?
R: All invited candidates are qualified to do the job and are probably excellent pilots. I just hope
my qualifications have convinced you that I am a very strong candidate for this airline. I can offer
my experience, motivation and loyalty.
What did you learn in your present position?
R: To be more responsible, competitive.
How would you evaluate your present company?
R: It is good place to work with very good professionals. It is a small company who gives you
many opportunities for advancement. Unfortunately, it is gone.

Carlos A. Rodrguez Hernndez

Page 2

What do you think of your boss?


R: He is a person with a great professionalism. He always shows great respect toward his fellow
workers. He is capable of doing a great job due to his constant dedication and initiative.
What features of previous job have you disliked?
R: Honestly, I loved my previous job. I was line captain and at the same time Safety Officer. In my
opinion, one of the most beautiful positions in management.
What is your attitude toward working for a woman?
R: In my opinion there are no differences between men and women. They are both persons and
they must be equally respected.
Can you work under pressure?
R: Absolutely. Aviation industry is always under pressure.
What is your greatest strength/weakness?
R: Strength: I am honest, positive, self-disciplined, persistence, responsible and hard worker.
Weakness: Some times shy or timid but I am working on that.
If you start over again in your career, what would you do differently?
R: Nothing. I am very happy for what I have got in my professional life. I can consider myself as a
lucky person.
How do you describe your personality?
R: I am a big dreamer. I am persistence in my goals. I am honest, responsible, self-disciplined
and hard worker. I like relax.
What do your subordinates think of you?
R: I am an enthusiastic professional and a hard worker.
What was the last book you read? The last movie you saw? Sporting event you
attended?
R: How to become a good father, Blood Diamonds, my sons soccer game.
What is your philosophy of management?
R: To involve the work force into a safety and just cultures. To keep a balance between
Protection (Safety) and Production (Profits).
Do you prefer staff or line work? Why?
R: It depends, I love Instruction and Safety.
Are you creative, analytical, good manager, good leader?
R: With regard to my last position as Safety Officer, I say yes.

Page 3

What are the five biggest accomplishments in your present or last job? In your career
so far?
R: My 737-800 type rating as PIC, to get the Europe en-route competence, to perform ETOPS
flights, to perform CAT IIIa approaches and my position as Safety Officer.
What activities, outside of work, do you participate in?
R: Sports.
What situations in the above areas cause you the most concern?
R: Unsafe practices and dishonesty.
Tell me about a problem that you have had to solve as part of a group?
R: A medical emergency just landing in Dublin.
Describe a time when you have made a split second decision? Was it the correct one?
R: Go-around due to GPWS windshear alert.
If you have a long term decision to make, what thought process do you go through?
R: Use of T-Charts (pros and cons) and planning.
Do you have the flying skills necessary to be successful at the job?
R: Absolutely, I can offer more than 15 years experience as professional pilot.
What separates you from all the other equally qualified candidates?
R: See page 2 above.
Why should we hire you? Why should we hire you instead of the next guy?
R: See page 2 above.
Background type:
What was the most difficult part of your flying training?
Why did you decide to get into commercial aviation?
How did you pay for your training?
Why did you leave your previous employment?

Page 4

Problem solving:
You get a technical failure, how would you go about solving it with no engineering
cover?
Decision Making:
What is the hardest decision you have had to make?
Either flying related or not.
Describe a time when you have made a split second decision.
Was it the correct one?
If you have a long term decision to make, what thought process do you go through?
Leadership:
List some of the leadership roles you have had in the past?
Give an example of an occasion when you demonstrated good leadership?
Personality:
What do you consider as the high and low points in your life to date?
Give an example of when you have risen to a challenge set for you?
Give an example of a situation that you have learnt from?
Tell me about a conflict you have had with a superior or supervisor?

Page 5

Safety/Security:
What would you do if you saw a passenger being abusive to a member of cabin crew?
What do you think poses the greatest threat to Airline security today?
Company Specific:
Why do you want to join us?
Why do you think this company is right for you?
What will you do if you are not selected for a job with this Airline?
Discuss the most significant business issue currently affecting the airline industry and
what measures you think this airline is taking in response to its effects.
Thinking:
What would you do if you lost an engine on takeoff? Run through your thought
process?
Discussion (technical questions):
Why do airliners have swept wings? Discuss the significance of Mcrit.

Page 6

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