I interview on the 22 AUG with CAL...any Advice?
 

I would really like to chat with anyone who has recently been hired by CAL. I also think I need some good interview training.

Start saving now. Our new hire benefits, (or lack there of), are an embarrassment to the industry. No medical benefits for 6 months and rock-bottom pay. Our PBS system will leave you in tears and our reserve system was crafted by Lucifer himself.

Other than that, its a great place to be.:rolleyes:

JSTARS - can't help you with the sim - I had the MD-80 sim and did the prep with the clown that used to be in Dallas. However, I do believe you can now do the 737 sim prep on campus with Ray Brendle. Maybe some other folks can shed some light on this...

For the panel - I prepped with Albie Hagan @ emeraldcoastconsulting.com. Outstanding prep - it was a series of me listening to some prior prep's and then a 1 on 1 (STS) phone session for a few hours preparing all my answers. I'd say over 90% of the stuff we practiced was spot on for the panel. I was much more relaxed going into the interview as a whole. I scoff anyone who says you don't need prep with a professional. This is a career we're talking about.

Good luck - I've enjoyed it so far.

I've heard a lot of good things about Emerald Coast, but I would be careful on how you answer the question if asked, "Did you do formal interview prep." Emerald Coast will tell you to deny it. I believe that if asked, the interview team already suspects it of you anyway. If you deny it and they question your integrity, then I'd say you've probably just lessened your chances a lot. I was asked that question during my SWA interview and I answered honestly (Minimal interview experience, wanted to come across as professional as possible, yada yada.)
I echo what Scrapdog said .. I would highly recommend interview prep!! I have a military background, so it paid dividends for me. Best of luck.

Patch

Good luck man!

Is that an e-mail address. The website looks like a computer consulting firm.

JSTARS,

If you want you can PM me. I have some gouge and people you can talk to.

I just can't believe (I can) that in this day and age a company would not have medical benefits available for 6 months for pilots of an airliner. I just can't see any other professional taking a job offer like that. Does management have to wait 6 months? Does a new VP wait 6 months? Does CAl have a union? Who signed off on that.


Man that really boils me.

Anyway....good luck on the interview.

Welcome to the new world of airline flying............:eek:

Brilliant post. How observant of you.

I haven't interviewed at CAL, but I got my type through Ray Brendle (crew pilot training). Those guys are AWESOME and I'd recommend them for sim prep.

Good luck and take good notes.

Riddler

Hey JSTARS, just curious, what equipment do you figure on getting? If given an option, what would you pick?

http://www.emeraldcoastinterviewconsulting.com/

JSTARS, Scrapdog just left out the "interview" in the address... everything else he said is spot on. Aaron is a great dude and a professional at what he does. Well worth it.

Need the Cal Info also
 

flybynuts: I would greatly appreciate the advanced CAL gouge also ... once I get to the PM threshold, I'll send you my email ... thanks

I dont have much of an equipment pref with CAL...all they fly are Boeing, since the MD80 is gone; which is great because I have been in the 707 for 5 years. I know I prefer the philosophy of Boeing to Airbus, so CAL will be a great match for me, any 737 will be great for me. I am also from Houston so the chance of making it back there someday is a huge deal for me.

Available equipment
 

Based off the last system bid there are vacancies as follows which would be filled with new hires:
737 EWR
756 EWR
737 IAH
737 CLE (very very few)
Obviously things change so there could be some other slots that appear but as a new hire I would plan on going to EWR in the 737 or 756 or IAH in the 737.

Is anyone going to Guam? My Wife and I would enjoy that alot.

Along those lines are there any Air Mike guys/gals who could share their take on the whole experience? I think I may consider it given some openings coming soon.

I don't believe there were any vacancies after the last system bid which just closed. We do those roughly every 6 mos so the next one should be in the Feb timeframe. It is pretty rare lately for Guam to go in a new hire drop but it is possible. The only constant is change. If GUM is something you desire you can always try a base trade with someone or bid it on the system bid. However to have a shot at it you would have to take the 737 in initial. If you take the 756 you can't back bid for 2 years and there is no 756 flying based in Guam.

There was no GUM openings on the last system bid but like luv said you can try to base trade.

Actually there was one GUM FO vacancy. One of the July new hires got a Guam slot on the bid along with a few others after it was all said and done.

I've spent some time in Guam, what is so desirable about the place?

Have you ever spent some time in Warner Robis GA? That should answer your question. :D

Well, I had my interview and I think it went very well. I have to say the interview at CAL is very friendly and fun. I like the fact they put you in the Simulator and give a chance to fly, instead of making you take battery of tests that mean nothing.

Now I am just waiting for the call. It has been 2 days, and I am wondering if I need to throw myself a pity party.

Any word JSTAR? I did my sim on the 22nd as well-had done the panel on the 9th.

None so far...it is monday morning and I am sitting by the phone. :confused:

Usually CAL is pretty quick on letting you know if you were hired. Got the phone call the next day on my way home from the interview.

Congrats JSTAR,
You mind if I ask what your internal (or ext) recommendation situation was? I've had my stuff in for about 4 months and haven't heard a thing. I'm pretty sure I have a competitive resume and a squeeky clean history so I think my biggest weakness is the recomendations. I only have one guy on the inside helping (wrote an extrememly flattering letter though) and he's been there just under a year. Anybody else see this as a reason for no responce and if so have any tips?

I just got the good news!!!! I start October 2nd. :D

To all of those who didn't get a call right away...hang in there. I thought I was getting worried.

CONGRATS It must feel great.

Congrats JSTAR. Looking forward to your successful completion of training and working for Continental. Get involved with your Union, we need all the help we can get with our upcoming contract.

Just got the call too. See you there!!

JSTAR: Do you mind sharing you flight time, type of flying & CAL application to hire timeline, along with the recommendation info ... waiting just like AirRegency on the side-lines ... Thanks ... PM if you want to keep it "private".

Just got the phone call from CAL to interview anytime in Sept. I had to schedule in Oct. since I'm in YUL doing sims for Compass. (whoops). What do you guys think? Stick it out at CPS and hope to flow to NWA in 30 months or take a job at CAL in Oct. if one is offered to me? Could be a VERY tough call, as I'd be giving up a CA position with great seniority and some needed PIC turbine (I was just shy of 1000). I really don't want to be hopping companies so quickly. Let's hear it. Don't slam me for going to CPS, it was a great opportunity but the appeal of NWA is waning as I talk to their current pilots. I have a feeling CAL will be around for a while.

If you can start with a short notice, I would call and let them know that. I had them put me on the short call list and was able to get in an earlier class. Remember, seniority is everything.

I've been here 6 months now and and it's been a great experience so far.

Congrats, and welcome

Was the CPS opportunity a DE Capt position? If so, I still wouldn't worry too much if you get the job at CAL. I'm trying to score an interview there as well so good luck to you and let us know about your experience in IAH.

Rook

Yes, I was hired at CPS as a street CA. Being the main reason for my confusion on what to pursue. I'll interview no matter what. And I'll be interviewing in EWR, not IAH. I had a choice, it's just closer to Northern VA and IAD where I happen to be living.

Side note: I started a new thread for this question since I want some answers without getting off topic on this thread someone else started.

Cool bro. Do they have a sim eval for guys that interview in EWR? Trying to find your other thread. Good luck nonetheless and congratulations.

Guess it would help if I RTFQ'd. Found your thread Life, thanks.

Your best bet is to go with the FIRST major that will hire you. NWA is having too many internal labor problems right now and I know of a few pilots that have bypassed their recall and may never go back there. The longer you wait, the more pilots that will be senior to you and in this job, seniority is EVERYTHING (although PBS hasn't figured that out yet....:rolleyes: ). I was hired by DAL and CAL, and CAL offered me a class immediately. DAL said it would be at least a year before a class date. I had my type rating, held a line after one month, and was off probation long before I'd have started my class with DAL, and life has been good. Had I gone to DAL, I'd have been furloughed for quite some time after 9-11. Everything works out for a reason, but if you're looking to fly NEW equipment, move up fast (last bid has captains with only 1 yr and 11 mos. on property), then CAL might be of interest to you. If you're looking to get hired and jump ship, just remember, this is a very small industry and once a bridge is burned, you'll have problems getting on somewhere else in the event something comes up. Just food for thought. Good luck on whatever you choose to do.