blindfayth

Hey guys (and girls),

First time poster, long time lurker here. I'm a CFII at around 530 hours, and I just interviewed at AWAC about 2 weeks ago for the airman trainee program.

1) They said I was going to be non-revved to PHL to interview, but when I checked in with the AA gate agent, she said there must have been a mix-up, because I had positive space seats, and she handed me my tickets. That was a pleasant surprise.

2) I had to pay for my own hotel in PHL, and while they recommended a couple, I found one on my own that was a 5 minute walk from the building where I would interview for much cheaper (~80$ after fees).

3) All of the applicants gathered in a room together and talked with each other. Everyone was a bit nervous, of course. An AWAC employee came in and gathered everyone's documents that they were supposed to bring, so they could be reviewed to make sure all the paperwork was in order.

4) Next, the PHL Chief pilot came to give a power point presentation about why it was great to work there, handed us a printout of the slides, and then administered a (short) written test for us. The FO test was 25 questions from what I gathered, and the Airman Trainees were given 10 question tests. It was all multiple choice. It ranged from things such as aft vs forward cg effects on performance, runway markings, and reading approach plates (i.e. what is the TDZE on this runway). There was a couple about how to read a TAF, another on max speed under a bravo shelf, etc.

5) After that, they collected the written tests, and started calling in people to interview 1on1 with a 7-year captain, but these were 100% HR questions. Very basic questions for us Airman Trainees. Things like, "What are the 3 most important qualities a professional pilot should possess".

5) After that, I was told to wait in the break room until a decision was made. I was given an offer, asked to sign the CJO that states I'm not committed to join AWAC unless/until I take part in their CTP/ATP course, and was welcomed to the team. They handed me a $100.00 gift card as a way to thank me for my time there. I was not expecting that. I've never been paid for my time to interview before.

6) Next, I had my finger prints taken, and had to do the whiz quiz.

7) They served us pizza for lunch, we all chatted for a bit more, then went our separate ways.

All-in-all, very low stress, and extremely easy.

After I got home, they emailed me another bunch of forms to fill out to complete my background check. They will fly me back in the beginning of July for orientation, and provide both positive space and a hotel. I'm guessing they will also pay me for my time there again, though I'm not expecting them to. Can confirm this later once I go.
Once I finish orientation, I've been told I'm allowed to enroll in their travel benefits program, which would take place about 2 weeks (16 days someone said?) after I enroll. So, I'm looking to gain travel benefits somewhere late July at the earliest.

Hopefully this is helpful to someone.

BravoPapa

Thanks BF! Be sure to keep us updated as you go along.

LUPilot

Blindfayth, that is helpful information!! Keep us posted on what the day-today job functions are. On their website it makes it seem pretty minimal. Pretty easy way to make a few bucks, and get the travel benefits.
I know you said you have 530 hours, and you're just starting the program. I go to one of AWAC's affiliate schools, and by December I'll have my commercial multi, and about 230 TT. On their website, one of the eligibility requirements is written as "Must have 500 hours unless from a partner school or university." As near as I can tell, that means I would be eligible by the end of the year. Do you know how frequently they hire new people for the program? I would love to join the program around January!

BigZ

Hope that works out for you.
I was given the conditional offer May 5, June start day didn't happen, not sure how the July is going to play out (it's the second Monday of the month).
Nothing wrong with the company, but Sterling who does the background check isn't really well versed in anything outside the box.
"That company you indicate you owned, we need a W2" "There's no W2, I owned it, I wasn't employed there" "How about a 1099?" "Here's the company registration for you, annual reports with my name all over them and whatever else I can come up with to show my affiliation with the place for the specified period" ".............hi, I'm the new guy your case was dumped on, can you send me proof that shows you were with the company you indicate you owned?"

Again, nothing against ZW, but there was a mention of a percentage of applicants who don't pass background check in other thread, well that might not necessarily be on the truthfulness of the applicant. I can totally see how that could play out this way especially when you can't get a straight answer on whether the submitted paperwork is sufficient or if there's anything else you could provide.

WhistlePig

If you have to, send them your tax returns...

TransWorld

As Jeff Foxworthy says, "Here's Your Sign."

BigZ

As it sits right now, I asked ZW to ask Sterling if they need anything else, because I sure couldn't get an answer.

The world isn't perfect and I understand that the people do the minimum they were trained to do for the wages they are paid and all that.. so I'll hold the "Amen" back, but I totally see where you're coming from.

WisJudge

No need to provide your corporate tax returns. That information is simply no one's business but your own, and your business partner(s).

I ran into the same thing, Sterling wanted our corporate tax returns for the past 4 years. A deal killer for me.
Scenario: a heavily accented voice from an unknown NY number calls and tells me I "MUST" provide my corporate tax returns "because AW REQUIRES I do so". OK, No red flags there.

I called AW and the simple solution was a letter from our corporate counsel stating I did own my business. I provided an emailed letter to Sterling. Easy solution from AW.

100% of our class had issues with Sterling. Also, 100% of our class immediately began getting loads of spam once we provided information to Sterling, and I'm still getting it on a daily basis.

AW's response was immediate. Several corporate folks came to our class to gather details and hear our personal experiences. AW heard the concerns of our class, they took our concerns seriously, and were equally displeased. My guess is they are in the middle of finding a solution to Sterling. If there are problems, just let the company know. I got the clear impression the folks at corporate wanted the on-boarding experience to be positive for the new hires and they were clearly not pleased to hear of our Sterling experience.

That being said, welcome aboard!

Swakid8

Sterling is a big pain the ass for sure, I will definitely make my comments well know. Whenever I get a opportunity as well. Plus, my current supervisor has dealt with them as well as a few of his other guys went to AWAC and has a displeasure of working with them.


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intherightseat

Sterling has been the bane of my existence - what on earth compelled them to use them?

But seriously having to educate them on 1099s, DBAs, EINs, etc... send in pay stubs and W2s because they won't call previous employers to verify ... a real pain. Who have you all been contacting at AirWis about Sterling? I feel like I should give them a ring about my experience as well.


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