Elimination of the Simulator Requirement
 

Sorry if this has been asked before, I searched the past 2 years threads with no answer...

I have read elsewhere that the simulator portion of the hiring process is to be eliminated in October. Can anyone validate this. Thanks!

I should hope so!

UAL's "sweet spot" is 6000TT and 3000PIC.
It's safe to assume a pilot knows how to fly an airplane with those times.

One would think, yet at an average age of 35 with numerous internal and external recommendations they still mandate the Hogan psych test for applicants.

I got hired 20 years ago. The airlines led the charge in HR Nazi hiring practices, not the least of which was UAL.

I used to complain about them as well. As much as I hate to admit it, I think there is some merit to it.

Flame suit on.

It's my understanding that the simulator portion of the hiring process is much more about personality, getting along with someone and basic CRM rather than specific flying skills.

Just what I've heard from a Capt who does them; I haven't done this myself.

Comments? Opinions?

Has more to do with the sims getting pulled out to make room for the 737NG and 787 sims. October was rumored as to when it was to happen. Can tell you they are booked through sept right now.

My impression was it was an exercise in CRM and whether you could prioritize aviation, navigation, and communication. Every time I got close to a heading, I was told to change a freq. Every time I got close to a level off alt, I was given a new heading or airspeed to hold, etc.

I believe that a simulator evaluation is fair. I think that the sim is used to evaluate basic airmanship and most importantly, decision making ability, along with CRM skills. I have seen pilots that have been in the left seat for 20 years at a previous airline that couldn't fly an airplane and have no business flying a kite, let alone an airplane. So TT does not necessarily equate to airmanship. I also think that it's important that we hire pilots that can think like a Captain. We are getting a lot of applicants that are high time FOs or new Captains from the Regionals. In addition, for those that have not been in a crew environment, CRM skills have to be evaluated. Just my $0.02...

This.

The heads of Training and Flight Standards came in to the last newhire class and addressed it. They said it had to happen with the consolidation of training in DEN. There just isn't going to be any extra room in the building for non-essential simulators.

Sure there is. The Frasca in the basement set up hardly takes up any room.