135 interview

[kwb13]

I have a interview coming up with a small 135 operation. What should I expect? I've been through a couple of 121 interviews, but I imagine it must be different. Is it just a get to know you type thing or a full on technical "build me a airplane" type thing? Also, should I dress up like the 121 interviews (suit)? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

First, unless you know for a fact NOT TO -- I would always wear a suit. better a little overdressed than underdressed.

Most small 135 operators will just be looking for qualifications and ratings (they hate to spend money) and a hard working attitude. (when you fly they make money)

I cant imagine many will be too technical, but you never know!

Good Luck!

(wear the suit!)

 

[Rick1128]

Because 135 pilots tend to have more contact with the clients than 121 pilots, operators tend to look for customer oriented pilots.Personable and so on.

 

[Timebuilder]

If you are claiming to have experience in the kind of airplane they fly, then I would know that airplane COLD.

If they fly something completely different from what you have flown, then only a basic idea of the airplane is a good idea.

I went with a tie, and the first thing the CP said was "take that da** tie off!"

But I'd go with the suit and wait for that reaction.

 

[HMR]

As far as quantity of flight time, I was the least qualified applicant when I interviewed for my 135 job (1300TT/500Multi). I was the most qualified when it came to customer service. That's why I got hired. Most of the interview questions were "what would you do with a customer in this situation..."
Definitely wear a nice suit. I can't believe the guys that show up for interviews with our company wearing shorts or with a goatee. They don't get passed the secretary. You can always loosen a tie or roll up a sleeve if the boss says you're overdressed. You won't even see the boss if you look like a slob.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[English]

I second HMR's comments.

My company recently gave a 23 year-old, 600 hour TT pilot (with 30 hours of multi time) the opportunity to "intern" at our company. He is paid to work in the office and in the hangar, and as a side deal, he was to ride along in the right seat of the CJ.

This guy doesn't know how good he has it. The first time he showed up for a trip with me, he was wearing a t-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes. The second time was better, but still not up to par - a black polo shirt and black pants, when the company dress code is white dress shirt and tie with black pants.

I'd fire the guy right now if I had the authority.

What matters most is customer service and your appearance. If you were with-it enough to pass all your checkrides, then you are trainable for the rest of the stuff. What can't be taught is how to dress properly, how to shave and comb one's hair, and how to be presentable to a passenger in a professional manner.


My rant is over. Thanks for letting me vent...

 

[eddie]

English - Maybe no one told him about the dress code, did you mention it to him?

At my last 135 interview I was asked the basic get to know you questions and then was asked situational questions based on customer service, MEL items, wind shear procedures during take off, and a time and distance to descend problem.

You are traveling at 420 knots you need to descend 40,000 feet, how far out will you start down...

good luck!

 

[English]

Of course I did.

 

[Prof. ATP]

Don't get lulled into complacency on the technical part. Our Chief Pilot gives a long technical interview (charts, FARs, aircraft systems, etc) then takes you flying and puts you into an unusual situation (for example, nonpublished hold, or crossing the marker too high) to see how you react.

 

[350DRIVER]

Know the aircraft that you are currently flying inside and out. Be able to brief some approach that you may not be overly familiar with.. I think we use the Aspen plates, know the symbols, etc, etc ,.... Since you have more contact with the pax you should expect scenario type questions as well.

good luck

3 5 0

 

[WhiteCloud]

I went with a tie, and the first thing the CP said was "take that da** tie off!"

But I'd go with the suit and wait for that reaction.

Even if you know that on the job you will be wearing greasy jumpsuits, dressing well for an interview shows respect. It also shows you can clean up well when it might be needed.

 

[kwb13]

Thanks for all of the help! It turns out it was all for nothing, they wanted me to work for free for 3-4 months so I could "get to know how they do things". Oh well.

Thanks anyways!

 

[WhiteCloud]

Thanks for all of the help! It turns out it was all for nothing, they wanted me to work for free for 3-4 months so I could "get to know how they do things". Oh well.

Thanks anyways!

Those "deals" never turn into paying jobs. There's always someone else waiting in the wings. At least you figured out "how they do things" at the interview.

 

[pilotyip]

Regs

When we interview guys who have been flying 135, we ask a few reg questions. flt/duty, what do you need to shoot an approach, currency, how to use an MEL, etc. This is to see if they understand the reg they have ben operating under. So I would recommend you know your 135 regs

 

[Timebuilder]

Thanks for all of the help! It turns out it was all for nothing,

From the standpoint of getting hired, yes. It was all for nothing. Yet, you are now better prepared for next time. You have interview experience.

Now that I am out there selling myself, I am subject to auditions. Most actors and voiceover people have about a one in 25 ratio. That's 25 auditions for every time you book a paying job. Each one makes you better prepared for the next. You have to see them as an enjoyable part of the business, or it can make you crazy. Some people audition 100 times before they book a job. My average has been about one in ten, which I consider to be pretty good. The job I did yesterday as a model didn't even require an audition. It ususally doesn't work that way, though.

As you prepare for your next interview, you can think of it as going on an audition. The part you are up for is "pilot", and you know what the job entails, so you can cover as much material as you like as you prepare for next time. Regs. Sim. Airplane. Positive attitude.

Next time, you may book the job, and be the star.

 

[kwb13]

Good point. Thanks for the input.

 

[uscpilot]

This is by no means the norm in the industry, but unless things have changed dont go and buy a suit for an interview with Airnet. I made that mistake a few years ago when I interviewed. They did not give me the interview packet until I got to CMH, apparently it was supposed to have been mailed out but there wasnt time. I was so pissed off the night before when I read "no suits" in the packet. I wasted $300 dollars since I got the job and never interviewed anywhere else.
The next morning when myself and the other applicants were in the hotel lobby waiting on the shuttle one of the guys came down wearing a suit. The first thing we told him was loose the suit. He quickly shed the coat and tie and did the interview in slacks and a dress shirt.
usc
PS this anticdote was probably humurous more than it was helpful. Actually it isnt even all that funny.