Continental Q's

[Beaker]

Since we're all about to get called for interviews and I haven't seen a ton of info on Continental, I thought I'd throw out some questions for those in the know:

What is the interview format? Is there a sim involved?
Is this a who you know that can walk your app in to the chief pilot gig, like a cargo outfit in western TN is rumored to be?
What is the atmosphere like; fun company to work for?
How is the health of the company... how likely are future furloughs, compared with the others?
If the company continues to hire 20/month (is that reasonable?) to replace retirees, how long to hold a line at EWR?
Is the company well situated for growth?

Like many before me, I'm trying to decide carefully which road to travel so I only have to go through the airline interview process once... maybe optimistic, but hoping for as much info as possible.

Thanks
B

 

[jbDC9]

What is the interview format? Is there a sim involved?
Is this a who you know that can walk your app in to the chief pilot gig, like a cargo outfit in western TN is rumored to be?
What is the atmosphere like; fun company to work for?
How is the health of the company... how likely are future furloughs, compared with the others? If the company continues to hire 20/month (is that reasonable?) to replace retirees, how long to hold a line at EWR?
Is the company well situated for growth?

Okay, I'll give it a shot... although I interviewed Sept. '97, so methinks some of this stuff has probably changed since then.

The interview was just me talking to 3-4 pilot type guys along with a woman from HR. The HR person didn't ask any questions, left it up to the pilots. A very positive experience... especially since UAL had just shot me down a month prior. I don't recall any exact questions, but nothing covering systems or FARs, anything like that. I've heard that the interview sim ride will be in the MD-80 sim since it's idle, waiting for a buyer.

As far as the "who you know" aspect... I don't think it's like FDX or SWA where you must have either a sponsor or 3 internal recommendations; then again, isn't this whole industry all about Who You Know? But ya might get lucky, as I did. No recommendation, just a resume in the mailbox got me a job.

Atmosphere/fun factor? I guess that kinda depends on your attitude. Some guys just live to piss and moan and will whine about anything... it's what they do. Concessionary contract sucks, reserve scheduling sucks, blah blah blah. All good points, and concessions do suck (I voted NO), but even so, I really like it here, it's a pretty good place to be and a good bunch of guys to fly with. There are a few weirdos to deal with... but doesn't every airline have those? I just fly my trips, have some fun with 'em, stay outta trouble and then go home. Can't complain about that.

Company health? Read the news or other threads about CAL and you'll get the idea. Not doing great, but better off than some. Furloughs? Not likely, we're waaay short staffed; our reserves are getting beat like rented mules as a result. There's also a bit of int'l expansion on the way, so gotta fill the seats. Can't answer about time to lineholder in EWR, but since it's the junior base, you'll be a lineholder there the quickest.

Hope this helps.

 

[VVJM265]

Another good site is: http://www.aviationinterviews.com/ It requires registration similar to this one and has lots of good gouge.

There is a very recent CAL interview experience posted; about a dozen "tell me about..." type questions, very relaxed except the 3 captains all wore their uniforms. The guy states he is waiting for a callback for the sim ride. He also recommended updating the online app since a few things have been added.

Good luck!

 

[RJ Bum]

Any one else have opinions on QOL at CAL?

 

[CAL to T-1A]

I was recalled after 3.5 years on furlough in March. I've been flying as a VERY junior reserve in Houston. Most folks are a little upset over the new contract but in general most employees seem happy to be at work. As a very junior reserve you get yanked around a bit by scheduling and feel the pain of the airline being short of pilots. I enjoy flying a lot more than sitting around a crash pad, so I'm very happy to be back.

 

[SlapShot]

How many days off does a reserve line hold? Can they extend you?

 

[CAL to T-1A]

Reserve lines hold 12 days off. They can turn you into all except immovable days off. If they use you on a movable day off you can ask to have it restored.

 

[SlapShot]

How many "immovable" days do you get in a month or year? If you ask to have it restored do they usually accommodate?

 

[Flyforyou]

As far as the app goes, I just want to make sure that every time I update that it doesn't go back to the bottom of the stack. Can anyone in the know confirm that the apps are reviewed on quals vs. date applied? I have heard that this is the case at a few other carriers and don't want to make this mistake. Thanks!

Fly

 

[imadumbpilot]

How many "immovable" days do you get in a month or year? If you ask to have it restored do they usually accommodate?

you get 12 days off a month. 8 of those are immovable 4 are moveable. If they "roll" your moveable days off it is restored that month. I spent 2 and 1/2 years as a EWR 737 reserve before 9/11 and never once had a day off rolled. I was recalled in January and only spent 2 months on reserve this time, and once again did not have a day off rolled.

 

[TexaSWA]

I don't think it's like FDX or SWA where you must have either a sponsor or 3 internal recommendations...

SWA does not require any internal recs.

 

[ForgedBlade]

SWA does not require any internal recs.

"...either a sponsor OR 3 internal recommedations..."

 

[TexaSWA]

"...either a sponsor OR 3 internal recommedations..."

You are not required to know anyone remotely connected to the company. Three letters from people who can attest to your abilities. Thats it. They do not have to work for SWA.

 

[catIIIc]

I went to update my app and I could not find anything different. What has changed?

 

[Boeingman]

you get 12 days off a month. 8 of those are immovable 4 are moveable. If they "roll" your moveable days off it is restored that month. I spent 2 and 1/2 years as a EWR 737 reserve before 9/11 and never once had a day off rolled. I was recalled in January and only spent 2 months on reserve this time, and once again did not have a day off rolled.

Wait until summer. Hopefully, you'll either have a line or a conversion line by then.

BTW, welcome back.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Any news?

Just wondering if anyone has heard from Continental lately. It seems like it has been a quiet week. Thanks.

 

[imadumbpilot]

Wait until summer. Hopefully, you'll either have a line or a conversion line by then.

BTW, welcome back.

Thanks, I held a hard line this month. May. I almost called scheduling to tell them they made a mistake

 

[Boeingman]

Thanks, I held a hard line this month. May. I almost called scheduling to tell them they made a mistake

Call them! The guy junior to you would appreciate it!