Airline Pilot Forums

Hey Guys,
Just arrived back from my XO interview, here are some details!

Interviewee experience breakdown

5-Interviewees
1- Charter 135 / Management
1- Furloughed National Airline
1- unemployed Corporate Pilot
1- Regional Pilot
1- Fractional

Good news for no internal rec wannabee's, I had no internal rec...Everyone else had an internal Rec.

Icebreaker dinner with management and HR the night before ( I enjoyed a beer, along with 3 other inerviewees)
Next Morning
Interview was approx 5 hours
Tour of the Facility
5 interview boards (2-3 interviewers per board) approx 30min each
questions varied from personal to professinal to technical, Very comprehensive. If you read and airline interview book and study up on 135 regs and aim, you will have no problem with the inteview.
I can tell you if you do come unprepared they will eat you up.

I really liked everyone I met! Considering how young the company is, its very well put together. We were told that we would most likely be in the 300 class, however its not set in stone.

I interviewed last thurs and I have not heard anything. I have a slight hunch I might not get an offer because of some home economic problems.
However, from what I know about the company, employees"s, and marketing model I truly beleive this place will be a huge success!
Hope this helps everyone,
Good Luck!

Good Post.

What are your times and do you have a X or 300 type?

When did you get a call? Good luck with the rest of it....

Times

11000+ half of that is Middle east time


However, my interview partners ages ranged from 30's to low 40's
sorry have no idea of their times...

By last Thrusday, you mean on the 16th? I know they are pretty quick getting back with a call but I wouldn't give up just yet. At least give them the weekend.

Best of luck..

Thanks for the informative post jetjockee.
Good luck.

USMCFLYR

When did you get a call? Good luck with the rest of it....


I received a call about 3 weeks ago and it was a phone interview/prescreen. I then recieved a email to fill out another application and a link for a personality test...

Hope that helps!

By last Thrusday, you mean on the 16th? I know they are pretty quick getting back with a call but I wouldn't give up just yet. At least give them the weekend.

Best of luck..

Yes, last thurs. Oct 16th.
They also interviewed 3 more on Friday the 17th.

Yes, last thurs. Oct 16th.
They also interviewed 3 more on Friday the 17th.

Jetjockee -

When it came to 135 regs and AIM - how indepth was it?
Also - what type of technical questions? Could you give a general description? Coming from the military side of the fence I have to admit that I(we) are weak in that area.

USMCFLYR

Jetjockee -

When it came to 135 regs and AIM - how indepth was it?
Also - what type of technical questions? Could you give a general description? Coming from the military side of the fence I have to admit that I(we) are weak in that area.

USMCFLYR
I think this info is very much desired by many of us, I know it goes for me at least.

Please share..

Hey Guys,

I strongly believe if I spoon feed you the interview it will only hurt your chances of doing well.

All the tech questions were stuff you need to know as a professional airmen.
If you dont have 135 experience I would tell them. Do not guess!

If you know the ATP written and basic AIM info, you will be prepared.

I spent about about a week to mentally prepare myself for tech, personal and professional questions.

I went through the ATP written 3 times.
Airline interview book about 4 times

I felt I was prepared for the interview.

No worries if you come across unprepared because there will be someone there who is prepared!

One important note here, its not all about what you know but who you are.
Good Luck!

I'd have to say its more about who you are than what you know. We can teach you everything you need to know, we can't teach you not to be an @-hole...

Good luck Jetjockee and thanks for not posting all the interview questions. We don't want people who memorize answers. Every interview is different depending on who does them and what background you may have.

Point taken..

Hey current XOJet pilots,

Quick question. Do you think you will have much movement by current X FOs into the CL300 as FOs? Or is that type of lateral movement discouraged? Do FOs have a seat lock for a specific amount of time?

Is the upgrade time to PIC still pretty short (i.e., less than 2 years)?

Are there any pay scales for XO jet any where? I assume they are on par with the rest of the fracs out there.

Ok, so how does someone with a good amount of experience but no friends on the inside get an interview with XO?

Hey current XOJet pilots,

Quick question. Do you think you will have much movement by current X FOs into the CL300 as FOs? Or is that type of lateral movement discouraged? Do FOs have a seat lock for a specific amount of time?

Is the upgrade time to PIC still pretty short (i.e., less than 2 years)?

There is no "seat lock" but I think they want you to stay in a type for 2 years. We can change types based on a Merit point system. Get points for volunteering and staying on duty extra days and such...

It is my understanding that the next 2 classes are CL300 guys.

Upgrade time is different for everyone depending on experience and Argus Min's. Could be less than a year or up to 2 or 3 depending on numerous things...

Are there any pay scales for XO jet any where? I assume they are on par with the rest of the fracs out there.

Under some and over others... Its good though

$52,200 first year SIC
$90,000 first year PIC

Ok, so how does someone with a good amount of experience but no friends on the inside get an interview with XO?

Update your app frequently to show continued interest. We only have so many people to recommend personally, so off the street interviews and hiring will be common soon. Someone in the interviews last week didn't have any recs so its already started...

Good luck everyone, this place really is great! The last job I will ever have, hopefully! Who knows what the next 30 years holds.

We only have so many people to recommend personally, so off the street interviews and hiring will be common soon. Someone in the interviews last week didn't have any recs so its already started...
Hey FF

I hope you are right about this. The problem for us "outsiders" with no personal rec is that for every new newhire XO takes on they in their turn have friends to recommend. That's the case with you from what I understand. If your buds get in through your rec, once they hit three months they themselves are eligable to recommend friends. And so it goes on..

I hope you understand this is not meant as critizism. Obviosuly this is not XO unique, and it's of course a sort of safety net for them to go on personal recs. I'm just saying it's easy to get stuck outside of the "circle" due to this.

I guess eventually you might know someone who got in, but some others might not be that fortunate. That's life I guess..

Look at how it was at NetJets a while back when an int rec helped you get a much quicker shot at an interview. If you had no recs it was basically impossible to get in for a while, or the waiting time was painfully long. At the moment nothing really seems to matter at NJA though, the wait is long no matter what:).

Keep enjoying XO..

SS

I have read several threads about XO Jet but have not seen info on the schedule they offer.

Does anyone have an idea what type of schedule they offer? I noticed they added a lot of domiciles throughout the country, but I am still wondering if it is a 7/7 schedule. If it is 7/7 are you on call or are you flying the entire 7?

Thanks for the information.

I have read several threads about OX Jet but have not seen info on the schedule they offer.

Does anyone have an idea what type of schedule they offer? I noticed they added a lot of domiciles throughout the country, but I am still wondering if it is a 7/7 schedule. If it is 7/7 are you on call or are you flying the entire 7?

Thanks for the information.


8 on and 6 off
or if you live out in the sticks like a few of us it's
15 on and 13 off
or if you are in or going to the middle east it's
28 on and 26 off (its a little more complicated than this)
This has actually been offered to domestic as well but no over ride in pay.

As far as being out the entire time, just plan on it. If they do not call you or you end up in your home town then you scored.

AND IT'S XOJET

AND IT'S XOJET

Easy, no need to yell..... it was a simple typo. ;)

What are typical days/trips like? Number of duty hours/flight hours, number of legs, and so on?

Thanks for the information.

Easy, no need to yell..... it was a simple typo. ;)

What are typical days/trips like? Number of duty hours/flight hours, number of legs, and so on?

Thanks for the information.

Who knows?
It can be all day in the Hilton gym or a 14 hour duty day with 10 hours of scheduled flying. No way to tell. If a pop up trip comes up and you are close, it's yours. Just be ready. (unless it's is some unique international trip with permits and the like)

Thanks for the intel.

This way I know what I am getting into if they ever call.

Is XOJET hiring into all of their bases?? Or, only certain cities? Thanks!

Is XOJET hiring into all of their bases?? Or, only certain cities? Thanks!


UM, we are hiring from all over. To say that we are focusing in one area in not accurate. We just hired some from the West Coast and PHX area. What's more important is what you can bring to us.

Were you live will dictate the schedule you are on. See above posts.

IT'S XOJET

Does the name stand for something or have a particular meaning?

Thanks...

Does the name stand for something or have a particular meaning?

Thanks...

The company is named after XO Cognac, the CEO's favorite, I would imagine. It represents the finest grade cognac in the world and lends itself to the operational excellence of XOJET, Inc.

It kind of makes me sick to my stomach that Touw stepped down... nevermind who replaced him. It's like he blew up on the scene with this marvelous new company; a shining light on a bleak landscape littered with incompetent management and the carnage of the companies left in their wake. A new company, something like the young and successful fractionals, but better. Modern. Brilliant. A new Mecca. Like a Tony Stark of private business aviation. He quietly put together his machine, building the model from scratch for years with innovative concepts and ideas never before utilized. He unveiled it to the world and we all marveled at its brilliance.

And then, just when his creation is on the verge of really showing us what it can do, he.... steps down? wt*? What the hell's gonna happen now?!

I need a drink.

Thanks! Never would have guessed that.

The hired Siegle, the ex-US Airways CEO.
That one action will tell you a thousand words and more about the current management and their plans going forward....
I wish them the best of luck.

It kind of makes me sick to my stomach that Touw stepped down... nevermind who replaced him. It's like he blew up on the scene with this marvelous new company; a shining light on a bleak landscape littered with incompetent management and the carnage of the companies left in their wake. A new company, something like the young and successful fractionals, but better. Modern. Brilliant. A new Mecca. Like a Tony Stark of private business aviation. He quietly put together his machine, building the model from scratch for years with innovative concepts and ideas never before utilized. He unveiled it to the world and we all marveled at its brilliance.

And then, just when his creation is on the verge of really showing us what it can do, he.... steps down? wt*? What the hell's gonna happen now?!

I need a drink.

Nice post about Paul. He is brilliant, and also a great guy. He hasn't gone anywhere though. He is still our Executive Chairman of the Board, and will continue to set the tone and direction of the company.

Trust me, he's not on vacation. His plate is always full, and there will be plenty more great things to come.

Is it true i hear that xojet is strating to layoff office workers. no pilots yet but if this is true these is not good. am still trying to find some facts out about this.

Is it true i hear that xojet is strating to layoff office workers. no pilots yet but if this is true these is not good. am still trying to find some facts out about this.
Told by pilots on the inside:

The ones laid off are office workers and would have been laid off even in a good economy. They were simply a surplus weighing down the payroll and not contributing much to the results. Trimming the fat I guess.

Remember, the whole ideology of XO is to reduce unnecessary costs and pass it on to the costumers, while at the same time keep employees happy (obviosuly this won't include the office rats let go). Paul T studied the bizmodel of SWA and RyanAir closely, among other things I'm sure, for several years before actually launching the operation. Lets just hope XO will stay more towards SWA than RyanAir.

If you hang at FI you will find more info on this matter there.

Hey guys, Im coming up on 12mos. of updating every month and just wondering if hiring without a reccomendation is happening for 121 only guys? Thanks.

Sioux

Hey guys, Im coming up on 12mos. of updating every month and just wondering if hiring without a reccomendation is happening for 121 only guys? Thanks.

Sioux

Not sure what gave you that idea. The answer is NO!

Hey guys, Im coming up on 12mos. of updating every month and just wondering if hiring without a reccomendation is happening for 121 only guys? Thanks.

Sioux


Keep updating and networking, this isnt the best time to get hired anyway unless your unemployed. XO is starting to show signs from this economy.

Keep updating and networking, this isnt the best time to get hired anyway unless your unemployed. XO is starting to show signs from this economy.

What are you talking about? What signs?

It appears to me that you are being purposefully vague and misleading.

Not sure what gave you that idea. The answer is NO!
Wow...I don't know what it is, but it seems like each time I ask questions about XOJET I get my head bitten off. Well anyways, I guess I got my answer. Thanks for all the kind words.

What are you talking about? What signs?

It appears to me that you are being purposefully vague and misleading.
Hey Mr XOpilot,

If you haven't heard, XO has lay ed off 12 admin staff. According to your interview personnel, XO is not profitable at this time. If you watch the news you will here that our economy is in recession and forecast to go into a deep recession and possible depression. (THESE SIGNS)
I think its great that you are drinking the company Kool aid, nothing wrong that, and I think its good for morale. However, if you think XO will be Immune to the state of this economy you have overdosed on the kool-aid. Do i think XO will fail, absolutely not, But Iam a realist and believe that XO will have to adjust its aggressive growth plan to be a strong survivor. ( the reason for Siegel)
I wouldn't want to be a new hire at the bottom of seniority list nor the low man on the merit list for that matter, especially if I have a family to support.

sometimes a low man on the senority list is better than no job at all. most of the people inquring about a job with an airline currently do not have one therefore it is worth the risk to them. good to hear all the possibilities though before you make the decision. hopefully this economy will turn around soon.

Hey Mr XOpilot,

If you haven't heard, XO has lay ed off 12 admin staff. According to your interview personnel, XO is not profitable at this time. If you watch the news you will here that our economy is in recession and forecast to go into a deep recession and possible depression. (THESE SIGNS)
I think its great that you are drinking the company Kool aid, nothing wrong that, and I think its good for morale. However, if you think XO will be Immune to the state of this economy you have overdosed on the kool-aid. Do i think XO will fail, absolutely not, But Iam a realist and believe that XO will have to adjust its aggressive growth plan to be a strong survivor. ( the reason for Siegel)
I wouldn't want to be a new hire at the bottom of seniority list nor the low man on the merit list for that matter, especially if I have a family to support.

Mr Jetjockee,

First, XOJET was never supposed to be profitable yet. The business plan is to build infrastructure so we can scale into a large company. Also, there were NO Layoffs! 12 unnecessary positions were eliminated and won't ever be replaced. None of them had anything to do with flight operations.

The poor economy is a challenge to everyone. I don't think XOJET is immune, but the company is in far better shape than many due to it's deep pockets and access to serious credit in a very tight market.

While making a move to a new company is never without risk, I think there are few other companies that offer the stability XOJET does due to our continued growth and financial position. You are certainly entitled to your opinion though.

Mr Jetjockee,

First, XOJET was never supposed to be profitable yet. The business plan is to build infrastructure so we can scale into a large company. Also, there were NO Layoffs! 12 unnecessary positions were eliminated and won't ever be replaced. None of them had anything to do with flight operations.

The poor economy is a challenge to everyone. I don't think XOJET is immune, but the company is in far better shape than many due to it's deep pockets and access to serious credit in a very tight market.

While making a move to a new company is never without risk, I think there are few other companies that offer the stability XOJET does due to our continued growth and financial position. You are certainly entitled to your opinion though.

I admire your attitude for the success of XO! I am not here to question the steadfast nature of XO's growth model but simply to bring up some important points to thought for interested parties. I also think XO would be a great opportunity for someone who is unemployed, Howerver IMHO I would not leave a stable job for an XO opportunity at this point in time.

Regarding the eliminations of personnel, Could you tell us exactly what positions were eliminated?
I'm also curious to hear your opinion on how XO is going to support its aggressive growth model during a deep recession?

I also think XO would be a great opportunity for someone who is unemployed, Howerver IMHO I would not leave a stable job for an XO opportunity at this point in time.

Regarding the eliminations of personnel, Could you tell us exactly what positions were eliminated?
I'm also curious to hear your opinion on how XO is going to support its aggressive growth model during a deep recession?


Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you just interview with XO back in October? You started this post with the gouge about the interview. And if they would've offered you the job would you have accepted it?

Wow...I don't know what it is, but it seems like each time I ask questions about XOJET I get my head bitten off. Well anyways, I guess I got my answer. Thanks for all the kind words.

Hey man, I don't even think that guy works for XO... It helps a lot to have a rec right now. I think they have only interviewed 1 or 2 people without a rec. Not just 121 guys that are waiting...

sometimes a low man on the senority list is better than no job at all. most of the people inquring about a job with an airline currently do not have one therefore it is worth the risk to them. good to hear all the possibilities though before you make the decision. hopefully this economy will turn around soon.

I am the low man on the totem pole, literally, and I'm not worried about my job at all! It is definantley worth any risks you think there are...

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you just interview with XO back in October? You started this post with the gouge about the interview. And if they would've offered you the job would you have accepted it?

Haha, PRICELESS!!! Thanks toolbox, I needed that.

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you just interview with XO back in October? You started this post with the gouge about the interview. And if they would've offered you the job would you have accepted it?

Yes you are right, I did interview in October, however I marketed myself as a DEC, and if I would of recieved a DEC offer with a July economy I might of accepted the position.

November issue. B&CA. pg. 18

Sorry, the link wouldn't paste.

November issue. B&CA. pg. 18

Sorry, the link wouldn't paste.

Sorry, unabale to find it? Any chance u could post a address.

Thanks Falcon, Im sure all of us wannabe's appreciate your updates.

It helps a lot to have a rec right now. I think they have only interviewed 1 or 2 people without a rec.

Man, I knew I should have talked to that chick we flew to Spokane that had the XO fleece on.:eek:

Funny to hear about the recommendations gaining preference at XOJet. Last year I was specifically told that they avoid coat-tail hiring.

That being said, I do know of a great candidate that was sabatoged by an existing XOJet pilot due to past personality differences. You can guess which one had the personality issue :-)

An email was sent to existing XOJet pilots saying something like, "these are the candidates we are considering... so please let us know if you have knowledge of them or want to comment on their potential employment with us"

On a different note, I wonder if XOJet still has a "no vacation" policy. I like the company, however.

Funny to hear about the recommendations gaining preference at XOJet. Last year I was specifically told that they avoid coat-tail hiring.

That being said, I do know of a great candidate that was sabatoged by an existing XOJet pilot due to past personality differences. You can guess which one had the personality issue :-)

An email was sent to existing XOJet pilots saying something like, "these are the candidates we are considering... so please let us know if you have knowledge of them or want to comment on their potential employment with us"

On a different note, I wonder if XOJet still has a "no vacation" policy. I like the company, however.

Recommendations have always been very important at XOJET. You got some bad information on that one.

Sorry your buddy didn't get hired, but we like having the opportunity to safeguard our pilot group. It's a very good thing.

1 week (8 days) of vacation after 1 year, two weeks (16 days) after 5 years. I just put my bid in last week.

Yes, it is good to "safeguard" your pilot group. Helps you avoid hiring even more people who have taxied twins off the taxiway into the mud, or landing Falcons off the end of a runways, or bring their personal problems to work with them. :-)

XOJet has no better pilot group than any other fractional. There are many excellent candidates out there that are at a disadvantage just because some XOJet pilot (with undisclosed or shady past experiences) does not recommend them.

Good to hear about the new vacation policy. Again, I like the company but dislike the common practice of internal recs on the "front-end" of determining interviews. It should really only be disclosed, or used after phone and in-person interviews take place. "of the candidates we interviewed, here are the ones that came from internal recs."

your thoughts?

This is the only thing that bugs me about XO and internal recs: they don't have that many pilots. Where are these guys? XO is a place that I'd love to work and a place were I feel like I could have the right quality of life to retire there.

I just don't know any XO pilots and I don't know where I could meet one. I'd fly all across the country to find them if I had to.

I'd go through a personal interview with any one of them if i needed to, but I'm applying anyway and we'll see what happens.

Yes, it is good to "safeguard" your pilot group. Helps you avoid hiring even more people who have taxied twins off the taxiway into the mud, or landing Falcons off the end of a runways, or bring their personal problems to work with them. :-)

XOJet has no better pilot group than any other fractional. There are many excellent candidates out there that are at a disadvantage just because some XOJet pilot (with undisclosed or shady past experiences) does not recommend them.

Good to hear about the new vacation policy. Again, I like the company but dislike the common practice of internal recs on the "front-end" of determining interviews. It should really only be disclosed, or used after phone and in-person interviews take place. "of the candidates we interviewed, here are the ones that came from internal recs."

your thoughts?

Did your friend get an interview?

I've been updating for the past nine months very regularly, and have been in contact with Dave Cox (who is a friend of a friend). Other than that I don't know if I know any current employees. I've got over 6000 hrs. turbojet PIC with both domestic and international ops. My experience includes 135/121/91/91K and military flying with strong customer service involvement. I've been a Check Airman under all of the above Parts.

Presently, I'm a Challenger 300 Instructor and can't get an interview. I want XOJET to be my last aviation company, but that's not possible if you can't get the initial invitation.

The current economy stinks, and I count myself fortunate to be employed,
but I want to fly for this operation. It is extremely frustrating.

My friend was given an initial phone interview, then the email went out. He was given a second phone interview and the only hangup was the internal "negative recommendation" by one pilot at XO.

I know my friend has no hard feelings regarding the process... just my personal opinion about pilots and their egos who make an effort to stop a fellow pilot's employment opportunity. Not cool.

I would totally understand if the candidate was an unsafe pilot, or a jerk, but this was not the case.

Enough venting :-) In the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter.

Like every company XOJet has a few pilots who are not the best. Let's keep this in mind when putting weight in their recommendations... and negative recommendations for that matter.

Okay, that's enough from my side. Again, XO is a great company. Too bad it was not mentioned among other fractionals in the latest issue of Private Air Private Air & Private AirMart | The Private Air Guide to Fractionals and Jet Cards (http://www.privateairdaily.com/magazine/article/25273.html)

I mean, even OurPlane got coverage with 16 aircraft. What a shame.

You would be surprised how many companies use this method of weeding out "bad apples". We do get emails saying who they are going to interview. It is hard to believe that a guy didn't get an interview from 1 XO pilot saying no. The guy that said no must be high up or have some real bad stories about the guy. It is a shame for your buddy. He should really contact the XO pilot to talk about the issue, if he knows who it is, then maybe they can resolve the issue like men.

Hey Sligo, I wouldn't post peoples names on public forums, at least not HIS full name. If your buddy is good friends with Dave, then you will get a call for an interview...

There is an old saying in Aviation... If you’re a D***head on the east coast then you’re a D***head on the west coast. Aviation is as much about personality as it is about flying. I spoke with a chief pilot who told me he could easily find over a thousand pilots to fly his aircraft, but he was looking for one who wouldn’t make him want to gouge his eyes out in the cockpit.

To those guys who are young, remember that, especially those in the military. Don’t pad your careers on the backs of others and expect to fly civilian after a 20 year military career. To those who are relatively older, if you know you burned any bridges send that guy (gal) an email and apologize for being a recital cavity in your previous life. It doesn’t matter where they work, taking the time to do it will go a ling way in examining how you’ve treated others. If the issue really was their fault, remember there are two view points to every situation. Send the email anyway.

Recommendations have always been very important at XOJET. You got some bad information on that one.

Sorry your buddy didn't get hired, but we like having the opportunity to safeguard our pilot group. It's a very good thing.

1 week (8 days) of vacation after 1 year, two weeks (16 days) after 5 years. I just put my bid in last week.


Hmm.... safeguard your pilot group...a good idea in theory, however that is in a perfect world and company!

What percentage of newhires are getting the X vs. the CL300?