Just got a call for a pre screen interview at Delta. Anyone out there willing to share their experience? Seems like it's a relatively new program. Just wondering if I should call the Emerald Coast folks for the pre screen or hold off until I get the invite.

I've read most of the responses on this site but not alot of mention about this pre screen. Thanks

 

It is assumed you mean the meet and greet with a CP, or Manager.

It is very much like a mini interview, but even more informal and informative. You will have more time to ask questions about Delta and the Captain, or Asst. Chief's, are great folks & easy to talk to. Although it might feel like meeting a friend for coffee, realize that you are being evaluated and the better prepared you are, the better an impression you will make.

Be ready for the easy questions:
"Why do you want to work for Delta?"
"What do you have to offer Delta?"
"Tell me about a time you (had to take action to ensure safety, helped out a passenger, etc...)"

Also, I got some of the tough questions, like:
"What are your weaknesses?"
"When have you made a mistake and what was the outcome?"

The Pre-Screen is a good opportunity which results in the CP's office sending an e-mail to the Recruiting Managers reccommending you, which is a strong reccommendation.

Emerald Coast I'm sure would do an excellent job preparing you, or even Air Inc. Even better if you get one of Delta's retired Captains for the interview prep. Obviously they have broken the code. My prep was provided by a Captain who had taught "In Command" for Delta and we worked together to refine my answers to hit on the points that Delta cares about - safety, efficiency, customer service.

Also, it is a good time to get gouge for the next step in the process. The CPs and Managers have all been through this process themselves and they were selected by Delta. They know the process, they also have been in your shoes, they are great sources of information.

 

How do you go about getting a pre-screen/meet and greet at Delta? Thanks in advance!

 

Bucking Bar,

Thanks for the info.

PilotWife,

After 10 months of applying and trying a few various avenues, someone walked my resume into the chief pilots office. Got a call within an hour of that friend walking my stuff in to set up a meet and greet.

 

Phantom is correct.

 

Is there any way to check on the status of an app?

I've updated every month since May... have a letter of rec from a check airman... and I've got plenty of time (121 jet PIC, 4 types.)... and still no love from DAL.

Anybody got any ideas what else there is to do?

Marty!

 

Have that check airman pay a visit ...

Tom

 

I know this question gets asked a lot on this board but would appreciate some honest answers with pros and cons.

I have been offered an interview with Delta. Currently I am a captain with Airtran in the top 1/3 of the senority list. I am having second thoughts about making the jump to Delta. I have always wanted to fly international and that probably will never happen at AirTran, other than Canda, Mexico, and the Caribbean. I have calculated that I would lose around 700,000 dollars my first 10 years at Delta and then the next 15 years would make about the same amount that I am making at AirTran. I do not know if I can justify losing that money in order to fly a bigger airplane international.

Again, any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

If you want to fly for DAL then go for it.

Are you into the international flying or just the international destinations?

That is a lot of mulah you could spend on worldwide vacations.

I always remember that poem or short story about the pilots dream. (If anyone has it please pm it to me)

How as a youngster we spent out time washing planes for rides, or waxing them for the privilege of some flight time. How much debt we have collected for our training and how many relationships we sacrificed with our shop hours.
How many holidays have we spent alone in hotels and how many meals we have missed. Short nights commuting and red eyes eating at our longevity.
We love the profession and pride ourselves at our ability. Challenge is what we thrive on and are excited at a chance to shoot the ILS to minimums. Most of us have a few uniforms in our closet and bank notes from carriers gone the way of the Dodo bird. Yet we continue to fly. A new city, a new wife, a new set of limitations to learn.
In the end it is just luck which airline keeps aloft for 30 years. Todays hero is tomorrows dust. How many wanted to work at UAL 10 years ago? How about CAL? And today, would you pick CAL over UAL? And the cycle continues and you chase the dream until you find yourself in a foreign land in a culture that is strange but has the newest biggest metal. As you push up the thrust levers and rumble down the runway you think...yes,,,it was worth it.

My thoughts:
AbsoFinglutely not. A job is not my life. Many employers ask what I can do for them. They also ask what I like about the company. What you should ask is what can company XYZ do for you.

It sounds like you have a good gig. But your answers aren't here. They are at home.

Good luck bother and if you need DAL gouge pm me.

 

Usually, your instincts don't lead you astray.

I'm assuming you are using age 65. If not, you are 35 ... you were lucky early in your career. This is a very tough call, but you have to ask yourself where you want to finish. 700K is 700K. As children most of us wanted to fly to exotic, romantic destinations. Will you be able to do that at your current carrier?

With the movement at Delta, you don't know how long upgrade will take. I think 88 captain is 8-9 years, but that is certain to come down. Delta has very few retirements over the next four years, but the flood gates open wide in 2011 or 2016 if age 65 passes. Have you figured that into your calculations? I think it is safe to say your call is the MOTHER of all tough calls. Who knows, after Southwest staples you guys and completes the merge, you may buy us. You never know. Good luck.


Tom