Originally Posted by V4LKYR1ExONE

I was just informed they are swamped with applications to the tune of several hundred in the last two weeks so don’t get discouraged even if it takes longer than a couple of days.

For the technical, we started off with what was essentially a pre-brief of how the event would go which I really appreciated. From the start I was warned that the next step was a review board and that I wouldn’t hear back for a couple of days again. No more job offers on the spot, at least not until the pool empties out again. The technical is a one on one interview with a PSA pilot where the objective is to allow the applicant to demonstrate their current level of aeronautical knowledge.

If you aren’t instrument proficient it’s gonna be a struggle and you should brush up now. Currency per the FAA regs is not enough. CFIIs should do fine, but anybody who doesn’t have their head in IMC ops on at least a weekly basis will suffer.

Reading METARs/TAFs and briefing approach plates/STARs is part of it, but IFR decision-making was also discussed. Alternate regulations and missed approach procedures were covered in detail. The meaning of various symbols depicted on jepp plates was occasionally asked. I’m not very familiar with Jepp but their stuff is Pilot friendly. Look up their chart support guides and browse the symbology in your spare time. I did that and wished I’d had more than 2 days to familiarize myself. Most stuff you can figure out but confidence in knowing the answer makes a difference when you’re in the hot seat.

If you have 121 experience, expect them to pick your brain to see what you recall on pretty much all topics you happen across.

I got questions about the plane I most recently flew, but since I have an ATP type, we talked about that jet too. These kinds of questions are really just a cherry-picking assessment, imho. Weight limits, service ceilings, speeds, a couple of systems in a nutshell, etc. We also talked about engine failure procedures and some other multi-engine specifics like VMC and critical engines. There was another couple of 121 questions related to V1.

There weren’t any gotcha questions but it’s obvious they are serious about finding quality applicants. The whole interview lasted about an hour but it wasn’t a grill session, just a thorough assessment of my knowledge. We talked about our respective experiences and backgrounds and he gave me the opportunity at the end to ask questions about current operations as well. I asked a few questions there which I can elaborate on if y’all really want to know about stuff like training footprint, and next available class dates, reserve and upgrade timelines, base activity, etc.

Originally Posted by AkPilot99

I would love to hear more about these areas if it’s not too much of a hassle for you.

training footprint, and next available class dates, reserve and upgrade timelines, base activity, etc.

Originally Posted by boxthrower

Haha reserve and upgrade times. Those with almost two years on property are still on reserve. Welcome to the suck if you join.

Originally Posted by AkPilot99

way better than my current gig

Originally Posted by Flying Taco

Did you also post your experience on aviation interviews? https://www.aviationinterviews.com/p...rlines-52.html

Originally Posted by AkPilot99

I would love to hear more about these areas if it’s not too much of a hassle for you.

training footprint, and next available class dates, reserve and upgrade timelines, base activity, etc.

Originally Posted by V4LKYR1ExONE

Training footprint of approximately 10 weeks. They are currently filling May classes.

I forget exactly how many block hours they had allotted this month but I recall he said it was 75-80% pre-COVID numbers.

Reserve and upgrade times are unpredictable. Some people with over a year on payroll are reserve, but keep in mind the COVID hiring freeze stagnated progress in all respects. I saw months of reserve at my last company -in the pre COVID pilot shortage era- despite being promised a line out of IOE. Everywhere will have some reserve, and I doubt it’ll be predictable at all. Reserve is a rough experience no matter the company, and especially for commuters. 3 year FOs are bidding to upgrade now, that timeframe will shrink as the majors start hiring and pull Captains from regionals again.

Dayton is the senior base and is likely to stay that way. Philly apparently doesn’t have a lot of action or good crashpad options for sitting reserve. DC has good lines and decent pads, CLT is flying about 60% of total operations so that’s where most of the flying is and crashpads are good there too. DC and CLT were identified as the junior bases.

Originally Posted by Billy738

Has anyone else gotten the email after the video interview saying “we’ll get in touch with you regarding next steps”? Not sure if that means I passed or not, curious to hear what others have got and how long it took to either get the TBNT or date for the next interview.