AirTran interviews...any and all info!

[llowwelll]

Got the call for an AirTran interview on Thurs or Fri of next week. Wondering if any of you all out there with knowledge on the AirTran hiring process could illuminate the rest of us. I have already searched the other threads on this board for the info...just wondering if I could glean any more info from you all in the know. Any info you could provide would be appreciated even if it might be redundant or feels like it might be stupid.

Here are some of my possibly redundant and stupid questions:
1. How many interviewers? How many interviews?
2. Is the sim check absolutely, officially, definitely dead?
3. How many interviewees on average? What percent are hired?
4. Does AirTran pay to fly you there? Hotel?
5. Typical questions asked? (Yes, I know there are other places that list this info, but I'm fishing for more and better info).
6. Do they care about where you live and/or whether you're willing to relocate?
7. What paperwork do they require be brought to the interview? (Letters of rec, transcripts, driving records, FAA certificates, etc).
8. How long does the interview(s) last?
9. Hiring and expansion plans in the near and long term?
10. Financial strength of AAI?
11. Possibility for higher wages in the future?
12. Union composition of pilot/FA/ramp/mgt/etc workforces?
13. Quality of life at AirTran...any kind of company initiatives or "core values" that make the job nicer?
14. Anything else you can think of that might be relevant to a guy or girl going into an AirTran interview.

 

[flydawg]

Just interviewed last week. Excellent experience.

> 1. How many interviewers? How many interviews?

3 interviewers, Stephanie Grantham (HR), Bob Whittenberg (Pilot), and Doug Powell (Pilot). Each intervier spent 20 minutes each with us.

> 2. Is the sim check absolutely, officially, definitely dead?

Absolutely no sim check. Doug Powell did review each of our log books.

> 3. How many interviewees on average? What percent are hired?

There were 8 interviewees on my day. Don't know percentage hired......I did get my call with the good news last night.

> 4. Does AirTran pay to fly you there? Hotel?

Quoting the AirTran letter I received from Greta; "AirTran Airways is pleased to provide positive space air transportation to Atlanta from any city within our network. Ground transportation and overnight lodging are your responsibility."

You need your letter from Greta. They recommended Atlanta Airport South Hotel. They DO NOT provide shuttle service to the interview. I suggest staying at the HO JO next door, if you need a shuttle.

> 5. Typical questions asked? (Yes, I know there are other places that list this info, but I'm fishing for more and better info).

See willflyforfood.cc. I did the AirInc telephone interview prep which included the recorded questions.

> 6. Do they care about where you live and/or whether you're willing to relocate?

Topic never came up since I'm planning to live in the Atlanta area anyway.

> 7. What paperwork do they require be brought to the interview? (Letters of rec, transcripts, driving records, FAA certificates, etc).

Quoting again from Greta"s letter; "...passport, gov't issued ID, certificate and medical certificate. We must inspect the original document." additionally..."updated resume, completed application package, gov't issued photo ID, passport, FAA airmans certificate (ATP, or Commercial), FAA medical certificate, for part 121 pilots-photo copies of last 4 proficiency check reports, for military pilots-photo copy of DD-214 and photo copies of last 4 OPRs.

> 8. How long does the interview(s) last?

Started at 8:00 and finished around 2:00 pm

> 9. Hiring and expansion plans in the near and long term?

Don't remember, still filling out paperwork during the speech.

> 10. Financial strength of AAI?

See quote.yahoo.com...symobol AAI

> 11. Possibility for higher wages in the future?

Get the job first....money will come later.

> 12 and 13......best answered by a currently flying employee.

> 14. Anything else you can think of that might be relevant to a guy or girl going into an AirTran interview.

The interviewers are extremely nice and easy to talk to. Be yourself and don't try to guess what they want to here.

Good luck

 

[DonVerita]

Answers to 12 & 13:


12. Pilots - 100% unionized. NPA: National Pilots Association.
Mechanics - represented by the IBT: Int'l Brotherhood of Teamsters
Ramp and Customer Service - non union...at this time.

13. QOL is pretty good for reserves regarding days off (which is the most important, isn't it?). Anywhere from 10 to 18 days off depending on how heavy pax flow is for the month. Reserves guaranteed 70 hrs. pay credit. Good commuting experiences. Gate agents seem to really work to get you on...many times up front in Business Class. DH pay is 1 for 1.

 

[FL717]

Answers to 12 & 13:


12. Pilots - 100% unionized. NPA: National Pilots Association.
Mechanics - represented by the IAM: Intl' Assoc. of Machinists
Ramp and Customer Service - non union...at this time.

Pilots are not required to join the union, but because we are an agency shop, after they finish probation they still must pay union "dues" which I believe are called a "service charge". We have several pilots that are p!ssed off for one reason or another and have refused to join the union, but still pay up each month. Makes no sense to me, since they pay, but have no union representation.

As far as the mechanics being IAM, I see that you edited your original post for correction. The mechanics just signed a 1 year contract.

 

[mnboyev]

I was at the 'school house' last week when Stephanie and Capt Powell passed through. I can tell you they are good regular folks... They are looking for decent, hard working people that WANT to be at AirTran. No big jet jock ego's or short term meal tickets. We are a still a small airline. Somewhat traditional in many regards... The pilots have a relatively good rapport with management and work hard to fly safe and maintain schedule.

I have been here just short of 4 years and have honestly enjoyed my time here. Pay is OK... It will get better with time and the success of the airline... Just as it did at the big boys back in the day..... Pay is OK, however I understand that most must take a cut to come to AAI.. I did, however it was not long and I have moved up the list rapidly. Year 2 = 59K Year 3 70K Enjoying pretty good monthly schedules and day off patterns. 4 day trips .. three days off.. pretty common. Some three day trips, Some day trips. Most easily to commute for. I live in Wisconsin and never had an issue.

Good Luck.. I look forward to working with the great folks they are hiring ! Its a great pilot group who are safe, hard working, and fun loving. Large mix of Civil and Military. My advice is to be yourself, relax, and dont cover up any garbage..

Eric VanValkenburg
717