Originally Posted by
250kt Final
I applied to them a few years ago while chatting to a recruiter. I’m still puzzled to this day on their secret algorithm to say “yay or nay” to an applicant based strictly where they live. For example several others myself included lived near and within an hours drive of main airports with several flights out per day yet we got the TBNT. However some who happened to live near a few remote airports out west with only a handful of flights a day got the thumbs up. I’ve heard of a few similar stories from guys out east as well. I’ve even heard a rumor that they have a map of the US with parts of the country circled in color pencil with three different colors noting where pilots can, maybe or can’t live. Again that’s just a rumor I have no facts to back that up.
Looking back on XO today I honestly think I dodged a bullet...
Dear 250 Knot
Sounds like we applied about the same time..for me about 28 months ago. Hired in March and started in May. XO (like most “home based” 135ops) has a list of cities pilots can domicile out of based upon size of airport and #of flights year round. At any point the question could’ve been asked in the interview process “can I live here and work for XO”....I would be surprised if you didn’t receive a straight forward answer.
“WOuld you move to one of those cities if hired?” would be a pretty standard question or from XO recruiting giving some indication to them with a ..“, sure no problem, I can move” or “sorry, spouse/family situation prevents a move”.
I’m not aware of a blanket “NO” on any applicant based solely upon where they live at the time of the interview. XO would know that info before you come to the interview. If you are getting a TBNT letter before you come to the interview, the number of reasons for that can for many things unrelated to your current domicile.
We had guys living out of country who applied but were hired based upon their assurances they would be moving to an approved city.
Pilots can be selected who live near less traveled airports if the cities are approved by the CPO
AND meet all the requirements the interview team is looking for. Living within 2 hrs of the airport I believe is the standard also.
Pilots who live near big cities have been unsuccessful at the interview.
Where you live doesn’t determine your chances of being hired
UNLESS you say or indicate you aren’t willing to move to one of the approved DAB. That isn’t unusual for any employer who requires certain locations to be used. Nothing sinister. I can’t say for 100% certain but NJ and FJ probably have similar requirements.
As for the “rumor”, I’ve heard a few over the last 2 years but that one regarding a “a 3 color map” I haven’t heard of. Definitely classified as “wive’s tail”, “rumor”, “fable” but I will look around the next time I’m in FXE for the mystery map.
As far as “dodging a bullet” comment, I hope you landed in a job you like. Getting a TBNT letter is never easy.
The only reference to a bullet I would use is the speed of a bullet in terms of how fast the time has gone by in the 2 years and how much I have enjoyed it. Doesn’t mean there aren’t bumps over the last 2 yrs...definitely..areas for improvement but most pilots I run in to are pretty happy they chose XO. Any applicant should ask loads of questions of any recruiting team in order to make an informed decision. Again, hope your career is going well.