Compass
 

Does anyone have the gouge on the Compass interview? I tried aviationinterviews.com but didn't have any luck.

I went to an interview last week. VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD.

There is a sim portion in an ancient 727 (no motion, awwww dang!)... Standard stuff like climbs, descents with turns during leveloff. Constant rates of course, and speeds, JUST LIKE the IFR practical. 180 steep turns. I entered a hold, and was about to go RV to an ILS when the sim guy cut it short. I don't know if I failed at that point, but they kept the rest of the interview going. You never know about these things. It would be a good idea to practice your steam gauge scan- I was all over the place. I think they are looking to see if you can talk (radio calls) and fly at the same time. Again, standard stuff with no surprises. No V-1 cuts at least... sheesh!

The chitchat was with 3 other guys, 2 were ex-NWA check airman and 1 was ex-airforce (non-flying). Very typical questions. If you have the Airinc book on interview Q's you will be well prepped. Stuff like, "Tell me a time when..." There was a scenario they created of conflict resolution to see how I think and interact in touchy situations. I don't know if I did ok, but they kept saying "there's no real right or wrong answer."

They also discovered an error in my logbooks :eek: YIKES!!!

The written is straight out of the Gleim ATP (about 50-70 q's in all) which was bad for me because I don't remember the details on that junk about piston-recip in class B or upslope fog etc etc... (I am already a 121 captain now... go figure... guess we hardly ever use that junk on line huh?).

After all this is done you meet the HR guy who is super nice... Jeff if I remember. He helped me finish the paperwork.

Caitlin is the one you will correspond with for the invite... she is super nice as well. IN FACT, my overall impression was that this was a pleasurable experience, and I recommend anyone looking for a pilot job to send in an app. MAKE SURE YOUR LOGBOOK NUMBERS ARE TIGHT- don't mess that one up like me. Oh, and dress up nicely, sit up straight (for the most part, lean-in to the interview with an occasional sit-back) and make plenty of eye contact. I could tell they wanted to see that.

Good luck! Keep your chin up, oh- and, whatever you do DON'T stare at the notes they are taking on you. Resist that urge at all costs- it is rude anyhow.

Peace out.

Oh, and don't be embarrassed if you get lost in there- that place is a maze!!! I kept on walking into rooms full of students in live classes and having to say "Sorry, I'm new... while I'm here, which way to the can anyhow?"
:D

Can I ask, if you're already a 121 captain why do you want to go to Compass?

Reasons
 

I'm not sure what his reasons are but don't forget that 95% of the people here at Compass right now (up to appx 70 pilots on property) were all 121 CA's.
I think the primary reason for most was QOL in that they will be MSP based and very senior in that base. I am the only one in my class that wasn't looking for MSP as a base. Some have given up higher pay rates as 5 - 10 year CA's at other regionals just to secure that base here at Compass.

I know some will say that is crazy, but many people are willing to give up a little money to work from your hometown.

For the guy looking into a gouge, there are several really good posts about this if you run a search for Compass. Good luck in your hunt where ever it might lead you.

I interview on Monday a week ago, Is the wait to here time base on background completion or is there a general time period people have waited to here?

Historically the wait has been 3-4 weeks for an answer (yes or no). From what I have heard, this is due to the fact that the interview is conducted by NWA (with admin support from Compass), then the results are sent to Compass management, who review the candidate and then if chosen, send it back to NWA for approval.

Enjoy the medical once you're hired. Did mine today. Nothing like I expected. EKG and the works. Haven't had to turn my head and cough in years. Damn it was cold in there... I swear!

LOL...yeah that medical is pretty intense. That sound chamber deal had me scared to death. I just knew I failed that thing.
Then at the end they asked if I thought I might be doing my next first class medical there. I didn't want to cause a scene by yelling "Are fricken crazy!!" I just nicely stated that I had my own doctor :D.
Anyone looking for a 1st class that takes a couple hours, this is your place.

Flyerjosh had a good post in June on the sim profile. see if I can find it. Almost exact. www.willflyforfood.cc had a post for the interview.

Thanks again flyerjosh. Found this from5/23/7 post.

Sounds like straight out of the Gleim. No computational type questions from what I have heard second hand (Weight shift, CG, performance, etc). 75 questions, computerized test.

3 person interview panel. 2 mainline CA's and one retired pilot now working HR. Some folks have also had a 4th HR (non pilot) representative. Typical HR type questions, little or no technical:

"Why do you want to work for us"
"Tell us about each of your previous jobs"
"What do you know about the E170"
"Tell us about a time when there was conflict in the cockpit"
etc...

Sim ride is 727 sim, blocked at 45 minutes, but many are taking much less time. Profile is something similar to this:

1. 250 knots/5000'/180 heading.
2. Maintain altitude/heading- slow to 200 knots.
3. Maintain speed/heading, descend to 2000' at 1000FPM
4. Passing 3500', turn right using 30 degree bank to 040, while continuing descent to 2000 at 200 knots/1000FPM.
5. Level off/rollout. Maintain 2000, turn left using 30 degree bank to 270 while accelerating to 250 knots.
6. Roll out. Maintain 250 knots, turn right using 30 degrees bank to 120, while climbing to 5000 at 1000FPM.
7. Approaching 360 degree heading, reverse turn to left to 360 heading using 30 degrees bank while continuing climb at 250kts/1000 FPM.
8. Approaching 360 heading (level 5000), steep turn at 45 degrees left or right to 180 heading, roll out and reverse steep turn.
9. Proceed direct to VOR. Slow to 200 knots. Determine hold entry, enter the hold and complete one circuit.

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Last edited by FlyerJosh : 05-23-2007 at 11:36 AM.

I work for a crummy 121 regional. You can guess which one.

Transtates!

Sure...any number of them. But my point is if you have 121 PIC time, why not apply to one of the majors?

I know many people think it is that easy, but just applying to a major doesn't work like getting the regional job. If you can get a medical a regional job is yours. More than half the CA's training at CMP right now have applied to majors but without the inside track or some military time your in a long line.

So like I have said so many times before on this board, those of you looking for the quick 1000 T-PIC, it won't get you the job unless you've got some tight connnections. Good luck to all, heaven knows we need it. ;)

Point taken!

** UPDATE **

Class today (08.08.07) brings the total number of pilots to 83. This includes several at the top of the list that are management/training/leave of absence.

Today's class is the last class comprising entirely of CA's.

It is also the last class that will have to do training in MSP. From here on out, CBT's will be done on CD at home - still at training pay.

CASS approval is still pending - but should be within next couple weeks.

Experience level in the class ranged from ~3000TT - 7000TT+. Everyone had turbine experience, though not everyone had jet PIC experience. 10 Male. 1 Female. (odd # due to 1 no-show) 4 ex Indy-Air/ACA. Ages ranged from 26-50. I'm very impressed with everyone's conduct & personality (both students and instructors).

Compass is still very much interviewing and hiring, and even at this point - anticipate pilots hired later this year to be FO's for as much as a couple months. Still not too late to toss your hat into the ring if looking for that quick upgrade. Internal rec's are highly valued.

They've asked us to wait on signing the training contracts and have hinted that the flow-up language may be changing. Perhaps due to NWA's commencement of hiring far earlier than expected..??

That's all I've got for ya for now. Study time.

Just got the 1000 and they have yet to call. Better to wait somewhere good than somewhere crappy.

That's interesting that they are telling you guys to wait on that contract. The union reps told us the same thing. Said to spread the word not to sign anything until they get back to us.
Oh and welcome aboard :D. I too have seen some great professionalism since I set foot on property, but look at what I had to compare it too. I am very satisfied with my choice so far which is always a good thing after you make a decision to switch right?

Question, I interviewed Monday the July 30th, I saw others got the word that interview that week like Thursday and Friday they were hired that very next monday. Is it time to start thinking that I did not get hired? I emailed Caitlin and she said that either the panel had not met or a discission had not been made. I worry she was being nice and I'm burnt. Anyone know if others have taken longer to here. I really want this job so I'm stressed:eek:

Has Compass been developed by NWA to gain concessions at NWA? Kind of a Freedom Airlines (A) at NWA?

I have heard that it was and was curious if it was true?

I wouldn't rule it out yet. It was definitely a full two business weeks before I got a FedEx envelope and an e-mail with the offer.

I'm not sure I follow you. There's nothing left to take from the NWA pilot group, and the E-175 is NOT any type of replacement for the DC-9. If you're implying a whipsaw, I'd disagree with the people who told you that. Though many NWA pilots will say that Compass was rammed down their throats during bankrupcy negotiations, Compass was created by NWA for NWA pilots originally. Compass was to be staffed by NWA pilots, but with recalls and attrition - this never occured (with the exception of 3 or 4 pilots who chose to stay at the top of Compass's list). NWA's sole hope now is that some staffing needs will be met by Compass over the next few years. Can't we all just get along? :p

Thanks bud. It is good to be here, despite the growing pains. It's especially nice to see old friends and some familiar faces.

Here's my take on the contract thing: it's because there's already a provision for it in the ALPA contract. There's no reason for pilots to sign individual contracts when the legalities are covered in the newly formed contract. They made sure to let us know that it would still be enforced irregardless. I think they were mostly concerned with the wording of when it becomes effective (i.e. date of hire, date of training, etc...) as there are people who have been on property for 1 or 2 months that have not signed one when there was no ALPA contract ratified.

Now the rumor mill version (least likely): Possible re-wording of the flow-up and training contract terms so they can snag us all right away to NWA. UNLIKELY! HAHA.:D

Spoken like a man who has never worked for NWA management.

1. There is something more to take from the NWA pilot group...their job! How secure would you feel about your new job at NWA if you were one of the 300 they are planning to hire?
2. The E-175 is absolutely a replacement for the DC-9. Why else would -9s be disappearing about the same time Compass was starting up? They even admitted it in the last NWA newsletter.
3. NWA is THE king of whipsaw...watch out.
4. Compass was created to fly people from point A to point B, and to feed the mainline. With Compass, they can do it cheaper than they could with mainline pilots. Management didn't graciously offer to start an airline to create jobs for furloughed pilots.

I know a lot of pilots out there are excited about a new opportunity, but let's call a spade a spade.

Wow Dude, wake up! 40 DC-9's are parking next year, as well as some Airbus's. Compass is the Whip in Whipsaw. It's one of the main reasons I bailed. That contract was carried by the widebody guys and guys ready to retire.(not really affected by compass) Don't fool yourself, you are the DC-9!
It's ok to be working at compass, just be aware of where you stand, YOU are
the new B-SCALE.

Can you explain what the current training contract states?

Yeah. You might think you aren't replacing the 9, but see what kinda attitude you get when jumpseating on one of the 9's.

I know plenty of 9 drivers at NWA. All of them really don't have any ill will towards the Compass pilots. They have said that they are sorry that the whole situation evolved as it did, but they aren't going to take out their anger towards managment at another pilot group- especially when it was their own pilot group that created (and continues to negotiate for- at least in the short term) Compass.

It may still very well become a whipsaw group, but Compass is most certainly not an alter-ego airline ala GoJets or Freedom.

That's good, and good point. Yeah I've also heard a lot of the NWA guys gripe about their own group since they approved their pay cuts that they are sitting on now...if you give an inch you give a mile in some people's minds I guess. But I hope your right, I'd hate to see another pilot group feud. This industry needs unity to get everyone back to the level of respect, pay, and benefits that is deserved.