I interviewed second week of FEB. There were 12 of us. Hand full of guys only had silver bullets.

We started the day out with brief introduction; break down of the day and company overview. Know when the 318 left the fleet (date and the tail animal.)

The reason for hiring is attrition, 117 and increase in block hours. Additionally I heard they are still waiting for official Indigo schedule.
Hired north of 100, goal is 128. I believe after all these FEB interviews everything will be filled till fall. Ipads are done deal, they give you $600 to buy your own (32gb or better is the suggestion.) TNN/ILW are expanding with destinations. Majority of people are getting the base they want. You will get your seniority from day one (assigned by age). There are also upgrades happening as well.

Ground school training is in DEN-18 days
SIMs will be in DEN (F9 and UA), MIA (Airbus) and SFO (Virgin), 5 FTDs and 8 SIMs, and a LOFT.
IOE will be around 40 hours

Rumors
MCO-not going to happen
A321-On the table now
APR is last class, starting back up in the fall

PHASE I

Panel:
3 pilots and 1 HR person. Very laid back and professional. No stump the chump questions, just getting to know you.

-When do Runway centerline lights go from red to white…how about all red?
-You show up to the plane and there is some ice on top of the wing, CA doesn’t want to De-Ice, what now?
-Have you ever taken controls from CA/FO?
-Where is the airport elevation measured from?
-Toughest Decision you had to make?
-Any check ride failures, letters, etc?

Look over AIM and review basic instrument rules.

SBI-7 min
Flying from IAH-DEN
1 pack inop, limited to FL310. +TS ahead. FFDO in the J/S. New FO, and you are the CA.
It starts out dealing with the weather, than they give you a situation in the cabin (they changed it up, smoke, unruly passenger, rapid depressurization…pretty much an emergency situation)

Everyone is constantly evaluating you. Smile, laugh make jokes (appropriate) and watch your language. One guy was dropping F bomb every other word.

After lunch they decide who will advance to PHASEII. I believe 6 left and 6 got picked.
You meet with the CP and two other pilots. They are just getting to know you and want to see if they can spend 3-4 day trip with you. Extremely laid back.

Those that got hired did the finger printing, drug test, and paper work same day.

I used Lori Clark for my preparation. She and Todd both were very accommodating with my crazy schedule. Lori has been doing this for a long time and has a great track record. One other candidate used different company, for some reason he was not selected.
Best of luck to anyone interviewing. It is an exciting time to be at F9!
I am thrilled to join the family. I feel optimistic about the future and the direction the airline is headed.


PS

sounds like the hiring numbers are changing for the positive since I typed this up few weeks back