Originally Posted by
Pinchanickled
Recently I "popped" a checkride here. First and only failure. I am wondering how the majors will look at this.
I know majors look very closely at your training record. But if they see a bust on a PC at one of these bottom feeder companies, do they even consider it? Now I truely know the reason and driving force behind the quick upgrade here.
It just seems when you have an airline that hands out failures like a NYC meterman, that the recruiters at the top level would probably see right through that.
In the past, they might overlook one bust at any airline, particularly if it was known by the recruiters to hand out an inordinate number of failures.
But post-pinnacle, I have a suspicion that majors will be concerned about the liaibility associated with us sub-par regional pilots. Unfortunately, a plaintiff's attorney could do a lot of damage with blemishes on a pilot's record. My guess is airline legal departments may set limits on who they can hire. I assume one bust would not be a deal breaker, but I would prefer not to have one in this climate. If your next few are good that will help to put this one behind you.
Also think about how you will address this at an interview...
DO NOT say that the examiner was unfair, too tough, inconsistent, etc...even if that's exactly what happened. This will indicate that you don't accept responsibility.
I would also avoid a "poop happens" explanation (even though poop does in fact happen). This will send the message that you are lackadaisical and not firmly committed to controlling your destiny...or that you simply suck.
Even if you really didn't do anything wrong, I might make up an explanation about what happened, how you learned from it, and what you will do differently in the future. They want to feel comfortable that this will not be a trend, so you need to identify a "fix" (even if there really isn't one).