Hello,
I accepted an offer to work at Colgan Air on Monday and wanted to share my experience with the forums since they helped me get ready for the interview. Ironically enough I was not planning to have a job this fast, got to love the need for pilots now days.
Basically I attended a career fair in Miami a couple of weeks back not planning to get an interview but instead trying to find out about the process, I'm new to the airline business since I have been a satellite engineer for the past few years.
I talked to Colgan and told them straight up that I don't think I meet their requirements but wanted to know what they were looking for or the process of getting hired. I gave them my resume and they agreed I was a bit low 350 TT and 71 Multi. I just began working as a flight instructor for ATP 2 weeks back. Chuck Colgan liked my background and asked me if I could come to an interview the following week .
The process was pretty much as outlined by some of the gouges. The first part of the interview was a 50 question test, except that they now incorporate figures, so spend a little time on those. We have a training software for the ATP written at ATP and I only looked at the question without the figures, still passed but not by a lot. Two of the candidate, six total at the interview date, did not pass the test, but Kathy and Chuck were really cool about it and told them they could continue the interview process and that they would have to re-test at a later date.
After the written we did the 1 on 1 interviews and were asked the usual questions some technical other what if and finally why do you think you can handle such responsibilities. Just be honest and personable. I will agree personality has a lot to do with the interview.
The final part consisted of the flight sim ride, we got to do it on a 737
Basic stuff take off hold an altitude and heading, go direct to a VOR and was asked to hold at a radial and all I had to do was give the correct entry. Finally shot an ILS to minimums. They are definitely looking to see that you have a good scan and can listen to the instructor on procedures and power settings. If he asked 200 kts 5000 ft he does not want 205 kts or 5050 ft so really pay attention to detail and be teachable.
I was asked to do the drug test and was called on Monday afternoon with the offer. I'm very excited, I think it will be a great company to start working for. Have a good attitude and show them that you are happy to be there and you will do great.
I barely flight instructed for 3 weeks at ATP, ironically enough teaching ATP ratings before I got hired. Another advice I just took my written, I encourage anyone looking to do the written call ATP and do it with them, they have a software that reduces the pool of questions to about 500 and it took me one day to train for and it's less than $300. Great investment in your airline career, now I don't have to worry about that test.
I forgot to mention my class start date is July 30th, anyone out there starting this Monday? Does anyone know if I have to do any pre-course work? I was told that I will be getting a package on Friday but that's a bit short.
Thanks