ATA Interview

[Buford]

My husband just got called for an interview next Thursday so I'm writing this on his behalf as he's flying at the mo. It's early days yet but just wondering what the new hire pool is like, in particular how many of you are waiting on a class date? How long between getting the job and getting a class date? What aircraft are they hiring for at the moment and how big are the classes? Do any current ATA employees think furloughs are just around the corner or do things seem fairly steady at the moment? I know the last question is probably anyone's guess but we've just had a baby and you can imagine it's a bit of a concern. The job he's in now is pretty secure but not a "career" position. I'm willing to go wherever he has to go but do we wait it out 'til the whole industry starts hiring again(however long that takes?) or do we take a chance that ATA will see it through the tough times and bite the bullet with a new start? Like I said, it's early days but any thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[Iflewjetz]

When did he get called? When did he turn in his app? Been waiting since Thanksgiving with a letter of reccomendation. Good luck to him and hopefully I will be there with him.

 

[Buford]

He got called 03/21. I'm pretty sure he put his application in around November and updated it about 3weeks ago with LOR.

 

[JettisonAD]

I can answer a couple of your questions regarding pool info. I interviewed first week of March and got the "good news" letter 11 Mar. They told us at the interviews there was a pool of about 18 before they hired any of us. Some of those guys were military and activated so its a few less than that. They brought in 24 interviewees that week and will probably hire about 18 of them. So no more than about 36 in the pool at the end of march. I also got a call for training not long ago, as did others from my interview group, so it looks like they're keeping the overhead pretty low and hiring for near term training slots.

The trend was hiring into 757 and L1011s but it really depends on your background. They may wait and put you in a 737 class if they think you're more suited to that airframe.

That's the extent of my knowledge.

JettisonAD

 

[ForgedBlade]

Here's my timeline for reference:

10/02 Initial resume - got app about a week later
2/03 Updated resume - called for interview about a week later
3/4/03 Interview
3/10 "Congrats" letter
4/7 Start class (small pool!)

I didn't have any LOR's and all the gouge is here or on the web! Best of luck!

 

[Buford]

Forged Blade,

When did they assign you a class date?

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Here's my timeline for reference:

10/02 Initial resume - got app about a week later
2/03 Updated resume - called for interview about a week later
3/4/03 Interview
3/10 "Congrats" letter
4/7 Start class (small pool!)

I didn't have any LOR's and all the gouge is here or on the web! Best of luck!

I agree with all and don't have much to add. I didn't have an LOR either. I'm sure it helps but, contrary to popular thought, not necessary. The gouge you will find if you search "ATA" on this board will give you everything you need. Interviewees are encouraged to share the questions asked other interviewees. Very relaxed interview atmosphere and great people in Indy. My theory is they want to see if you are sociable and a good fit for the company. If they call you already have the piloting skills they are looking for. It is all day so have fun, but not too much fun. We had a couple of beers after the Sim evals.

I flew the 727 Sim at Lafayette the Saturday before and was happy I did. The altimeter is hard to read and I hadn't flown in months.

For your info, you will be offered the aircraft they want you to be in. That's o.k. by me since I like all of them.

 

[Pickle]

ATA info

Bufurd:

To answer some of your questions/concerns.....

I am an ATA pilot, I am on the 757 based in and living in Chicago. I have been here for 3 1/2 years and have flown the 727 and L-1011 as well as the 757. I do not think that any furloughs are coming, I am a member of the ATA ALPA furlough committee and we have been told nothing of impending furloughs. It is always a crap shoot to leave a steady job for a new one, but I honestly believe that we will make it. Our CASMs are down, and headed further down with cost saving measures (no pay cuts in those cost saving measures either). Your lifestyle will be dependant upon which aircraft you get, as well as which base. I got hired into the L-1011 on the west coast and commuted from the east coast and that was a royal pain. I was based on the 727 and 757 where I lived and the only commute was geting into my car and driving to the airport. Much nicer. Get the gouge for the interview, it has not changed in some time. Be yourself, get some 727 sim time if you can in preparation for the sim eval. There are no tricks in the interview. Good luck.

 

[ForgedBlade]

Buford,

My class date is 4/7 and I absolutely can't wait! What a great group of folks - I'm looking forward to a long career here. The 757 should be a blast!

The interview is a great experience, very relaxed. They want to see your social skills! I didn't get any sim prep time, but I was hoping all the DC-9 years would come back to me and help in the 727 sim - apparantly it did!