Thanks for the words everybody.

It doesn't do any good to complain or be upset about the process. It is what it is and there isn't anything you or I can do to change it at this point. The companies hold all of the cards and if we want to get in the game then we have to play by their rules regardless of how silly we may think they are.

I guess I'll have around a month to wait until I hear something. Not too unlike the wait I had to hear from the SWA Decision Board! Fortunately I'll still be getting a paycheck from the USAF for several more months.

 

Sorry you got held up. I got held up and waited over a month to hear the bad news. The part of this process that needs a shrink is the shrink himself. I have no idea what he wrote about me but it was obvious to me that he didn't like me from the get go. I guess I look wierd because I sure don't remember P!$$ing him off. I didn't realize this was a populartity contest. Whatever he wrote about me trumped my exemplary military record, my combat experience including the numerous awards and decorations in my record, my TS clearance, my hours and experience, my supervisory experience, my testing scores, my interview, and mostly my 6 letters of recommendation from people all at DAL that have flown with me for years and know me well. The shrink trumped all of it. I'd say the process is in need of a review.

Razor- hang in there but don't wait to start the process at another company.

 

71kilo, I'm sure it doesnt make things better but folks have been complaining about the Delta shrink from the 1970's when I got hired...

 

Razor/Satch/bros,

First thought to share is be patient and give yourself the mindset that this process will take a few weeks, so try to avoid stressing. Seriously, consider a weekend get away or taking on that new project (inexpensive one, just in case) just to get your mind to crunch on something else. It looks like you’re well on your way.

Some quick facts to help your expectations: interviewed 25-26 Sept, shrink email from AWK the next day 27th. Expect ‘the letter’ detailing the process in about 10 days or less. Mine was dated 2 Oct and arrived 6 Oct and it only had to travel a few hundred miles in the same geographic region. Hoped to meet the 2 Oct board but no words yet (obviously).

The Delta guys I know all scoff at the psych eval result after learning the news. The eval seems to be a sore spot for many pilots. Fortunately, they all point out that the board will recognize that you possess high qualifications and if the AF trusted you with lots of responsibilities, DAL can too. A strong military record will certainly play to your favor, and considering that you had to meet a MAJCOM level board to go fly the U-2, DAL will give you the benefit of the doubt I’ll bet. If you have internal recs, they will most likely be included in the package the board will review, which should also be a tremendous help for you. If the board says ‘no thanks,’ there may still yet be hope as the graybeards around here have stories of guys who were turned away due to the psych eval and are on property today (maybe acl65 or cvg767A can verify?). That’s probably a longshot though.

The second most common response from DAL buds is: "so did you hear about the last shrink that used to interview pilots? He committed suicide."

As to what alarmed the shrink.... It’s hard to know for sure. The questions that he asked were no surprise. I expect it was the same for you? Perhaps the MMPI results paint a different picture than what the he saw in person? If that's the case then (as your letter will outline) the board will include that 'nationally recognized expert' on the MMPI who should be able to factor in the points that we're 1. nervous 2. have never been in a psych eval before 3. straining to take the eval seriously when the first question is literally a deadpan face saying: "so, tell me about yourself" followed by "tell me about your childhood."

pm for more if interested. You see 71K got shot down so maybe all this optimism is for naught.

 

71 Kilo, sorry it didn't work out for you. I'm sure something good will be coming your way soon. I know I've got other options and wouldn't put all of my eggs in one basket in this industry and I'm sure you have other options too.

Tripled, good post. Thanks. I hope you hear some good news soon. I've gotten PMs from a couple of guys that met the Oct board and were picked up so I hope you get the call too. I'll just be hanging out for a few more weeks waiting to hear. Along with Satchip there is another guy from my interview group in the holding pattern with me so I'm in good company.

 

Called AG. It's about time for another board because there are 7+ files 'in holding.' Getting one file together takes a few days because the shrink office has to submit a written report before the whole file can be assembled and evaluated by the board. Unfortunately, this board probably won't include recently referred files due to the practical time constraints of getting several different offices to coordinate one file so that 3 VERY BUSY people can accurately and effectively make a judgment (think exec type duties for wing type leaders).

It was heartening to hear that those who we interface with during the interview day(s) are as dumbfounded as we are about the psych eval results. Maybe that's legit; maybe that's just massaging our egos. They're tracking who gets flagged by the shrink and have observed a disproportionate demographic compared to the demographics of the applicants. It was also heartening to learn that AK has personally written letters to be included in some of the files. This without request by any applicants. I wouldn't call in and ask for one or try to see if he wrote one for you personally, but it reinforces that they are definitely on our side. pm for more details if interested.

Last board passed 6 out of 7.

 

That's good news!

 

Not if you were number 7. Hi nice to meet you...

I'm glad to hear the numbers have increased though. The intel I had was Aug: 8 of 12 and Sep: 5 of 9 and now Oct: 6 of 7. BTW, I was told "no thanks" the day after the board by AK (he's a class act and was very good about it, no issues there). They didn't take long to decide. I guess I'm a real nut job. My wife could have saved DAL some money and time on that one. Anyway, the rest of the six then waited about 2 weeks later to hear. They heard in person via phone call from AK. I suspect DAL did background checks after the board. That is the only thing we can think of for why it took over 6 weeks from the interview to let people know. Dig in, think about other things, and apply elsewhere. While waiting on DAL to decide, a buddy of mine got interviewed, job offers, and class dates from UA and CAL.

As for me, I have some other eggs out there but I was really leaning toward DAL for many reasons, personal and professional. With that said, does anyone know of anybody that has been shot down by the shrink and board and still able to get in at DAL?

A guy in my unit was shot down at SWA. All the SWA guys in my unit went to the chief pilot and got the decision reversed. I guess it is time for me to go get a 73 type.

 

71, when AK called you did he say what was wrong with the psych eval? Did they just say "sorry, you don't fit"? Were you allowed any input into the process like further testing or interviews with the clinician?

While I hope to be in the 85%, I empathize with you.

 

I spoke to the Pilot Selection office today and was told that no additional information would be considered. What they have is what they will use to make their decision.

He couldn't tell me for sure but thought it would be about 4 weeks until I hear anything.