Originally Posted by
Deuce130
I don't know anyone that knows all of this. Memorize all of the FARs? Everything about Jeppesen? METARs and TAFs? Yeah, I had to look up some METAR codes yesterday as a matter of fact. And what in the world is the Turbine Pilot's Manual and how does one memorize it? Is this all legit?
Deuce, yes, this is actually true for SkyWest. That's what all the gouge tells you they will ask, both in the test and in the technical portion of the interview, and it was true for me.
We spent roughly 10 minutes on TAFs/METARs, about 10 minutes on Jeppessen (low chart, approach plates), 20 minutes on turbine engines/electrical systems/aerodynamics/weather, and then another 15ish minutes on FARs, drawing runways/lighting systems, everything there is to know about 91.175. "Here's a blank piece of paper, draw the electrical system of the F-16, in as much detail as you can." Etc.
I was sweating when it was over. Plus, the test covered all that stuff as well. NONE of the questions about TAF/METAR and Jepp's were the simple stuff - they were all the things that you and I would have to no-kidding look up in the real world. There were several that I just didn't know.
I know that it's different for the majors, but that's how they do it at SkyWest - not sure if they do that at any other regionals or not.
I'm pretty sure I haven't had a tougher ground eval since the mid-80's!