UPS Interview Info

[koko nw]

Hey folks any info on UPS in regards to the interview process and types of questions asked? Is it the same "tell us a time" kind of interview?

And yes I did search the archives, it seems to be lacking in terms of recent interviewee's perspectives. Also it seem's like most of the internet searches end up at will fly for food, which I believe is out of commision.

Any info or insights would be appreciated. Additionally any insights on the working conditions and enviroment from current UPS pilots who have "moved" on from a Legacy? Most of my friends perspectives are as Newhires and may be tainted from the honey moon stage that their in

Thanks

Koko

 

[1800 RVR]

Here you go...

Here is some recent info. Also, the older stuff is still pretty accurate. The only thing that may change, obviously, is any HR question that they may ask.

From airlinepilotcentral.com:

Okay kids, here's the skinny...

Showed up :20 early for the interview time. Receptionist Linda Rich was very nice, made a temporary visitor badge for me, took the PRIA paperwork and copies I was supposed to bring along, explained the process for the day, fingerprinted me, and gave me a study book for the sim. All that took about 1 hour.

Went to a study room to look over the book for about the next 45 min to 1 hour. Mike Kahalen (A300 chief pilot) showed up and took me in for the sim check. I drew the 727 Level D. Everyone I've talked to who's interviewed lately has done the sim check on a different aircraft so there's no real practical way to buy sim time to prepare. They just use whatever is available the day and time you're there. Mike was also very friendly, explained the objective for the sim check and some basic do's and don'ts. The 727 has an EADI and an EHSI, otherwise it's the old school 6-pack days.

The study book detailed all the callouts expected and general fuel flow/pitch settings for given phases of flight. I found the pitch settings were pretty accurate but the fuel flows were about 500 lbs off...maybe it was the weight we were programmed at, not sure. The callouts are:

Takeoff:
"Set Thrust"
80 kts -- "checks"
V1, rotate, positive rate -- "gear up"
1000' AGL -- "set climb thrust, flaps as scheduled"

Approach:
2 dots below GS -- "gear down"
1 dot below GS -- "flaps 25"
1/2 dot below GS -- "flaps 30"
he will call whatever advisory altitudes on the approach that you want

Takeoff 17R from SDF. Obstacle depature mandates RH to 1300' before turning. He wanted a 210 heading to intercept the 250 off IIU. Got used to the feel a little bit while tracking the radial and then did some standard rate turns (30 deg of bank with 180 deg heading change, constant alt and a/s).
Did some steep turns next (45 deg bank with 180 deg heading change, constant alt and a/s). Next came the vertical S (30 deg bank with 1000 fpm descent at 250 KIAS then 30 deg opp bank with 1000 fpm climb).

He took the a/c while I briefed the approach (17R at SDF) and climbed us up to 11000' at 330 KIAS. Gave me the a/c and directed an expedited descent to 6000' and vectors for the ILS. Don't bust 10000' at 250 KIAS! 1000' step downs for the ILS and flew it in. All of this is raw data, no FD and no AP. He will configure as much or as little as directed. Kind of got the impression they were looking for decision making skills and general ability, not that you know how to handle the 727....at least I hope that's what they were looking for! http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Went right into the interview with Mike and Larry Rosa from HR. It lasted roughly 45 minutes and generally was laid back. On the way over from the sim Mike said just be yourself and be honest. They started by telling me their backgrounds and careers at UPS and then asked my background, from birth to the interview. Other questions I remember:

Why UPS?
How long have you wanted to be a pilot here?
What do you know about UPS? (no 1907 stuff, recent history only...I mentioned the new TA, USPS contract this July, new heavy freight building in SDF, A380s 744s MD11s coming and the ANC base, 99th anniversary last week, and a few other things from this year).
What negatives have you heard about UPS?
Who recommended you and why?
Where else have you applied?
If you're in our pool and you get a class date somewhere else what will you do?
What obstacles have you overcome with your career?
What don't you like about your co-workers?
When have you been irritated with your employer?
What do you expect from your employer?
What does your employer expect from you?
When have you made a mistake at work?
How do you feel about 2-week stretches, flying an MD11 out of ANC to the PAC RIM?
Will you commute to ANC?
How will you adjust to night flying?
2 scenarios from a book...CRM and decision-making ability related.
Mike looked over all 3 of my logbooks pretty good.

All in all the actual interview was relaxed and more of a conversation than a two-on-one Q&A. Some of the questions were definitely tailored to my background and work experience. They asked if I had any questions for them and we talked for a couple more minutes. Mike walked me out and Linda hooked me up with a cab to the terminal. They said good or bad, it would be about 4 weeks before I heard anything. If it's good news, I'm in the pool until they schedule a physical and class date. If it's bad news, I can reapply in 6 months.

Hope this helps someone!

 

[koko nw]

1800RVR, thank you kind sir.

Tailwinds

Koko

 

[L'il J.Seinfeld]

It seems as if interviews are picking up quickly. There have even been folks called that lack internal recs. They have all had heavy jet, FMS/glass experience. If anyone has that type of experience you should have an application in.

 

[Russ]

What seems to be the magic number of internal recc's these days for guys with averge numbers?

 

[capt. megadeth]

What seems to be the magic number of internal recc's these days for guys with averge numbers?

If you find that out, please let me know. I have recs in for 5 people some of which have 4-5 recs and no call.

 

[L'il J.Seinfeld]

Maybe noone is listening to me, but I know of a guy with an interview coming up and he has no recs.

 

[koko nw]

I was called a little under a month after submitting the online apps.
I have one rec from a newhire for what it's worth. Now back to the subject at hand any info?
commuter friendly? movement? Time on reserve? Treated as an asset vice a liability? Like I said most of my info is from folks in their first year there soooo any brownies that's been there awhile....I'm all ears.

Koko

 

[Russ]

"I have recs in for 5 people some of which have 4-5 recs and no call"

I guess that doesn't bode well for a my application, having only one internal rec.

 

[capt. megadeth]

"I have recs in for 5 people some of which have 4-5 recs and no call"

I guess that doesn't bode well for a my application, having only one internal rec.

Who knows....it's truly one of life's greatest mysteries (UPS HR)