PSA Interview!!

D_R_ATC · August 7th, 2007, 13:54

Well, it is finally my turn to post my interview experience here. Very Excited!!
Interviewed with PSA yesterday (8/6/07) in CLT at the USAIRWAYS Training Center. What a BLAST!!
The gouges out there are dead on. I highly recommend to review them before your interview.
So this is how my interview went.
1. Arrived to the training center at 10:00 am (show time was 10:45) there were four applicants already there. Everybody was quiet for a moment but, after a while, we just started conversating. All of the applicants there (8 in total) were very cool people and I would love the opportunity to train and fly with any othe them any time.
2. We made it to the testing room and we were given a presentation of the company. Then again the gouges are spot on. Nothing to to add.
3. Then the written tests. Very easy - exact out of the gouges...in my e-mail prior to the interview I was told that the test had changed and that the new version was not available on any of the gouges...not true. In fact before the test the director of traing asked by show hands how many of us studied out the gouges. (6 of us did out of 8) and he even said that they know people go there to review them and that they don' t have a problem with that - in fact it lets them know that you are doing what you can to make sure you do well and that they like that.
4. we lost 2 of the applicants after the test..they did not passed it...and guess who did not pass?...yup the two that did not review the gouge.
5. I was the first to get call in for the interview. It went pretty smooth..know your jepps, know how to calculate VDP's, how to indentify the FAF in a non precision appch, Gs intercept on an ILS..know how to properly identify what type of entry needs to be made on the published holding pattern. They will try to make you second guess yourself...something like ...is that the only entry that can be made....make sure you get it right.
6. Then regular HR type of questions...why PSA? how did you prepare for this interview? have you ever disagree with any SOP's from previous employers.?..make sure you hava a story to back it up. Doesn't have to be anything too long or dramatic. And that was it for the interview portion or at least what I can recall...I know they asked my more questions but those are the ones I remember.
7. Then the simride. Top of the line-high speed PCATD with an MD 80 setting. Very Touchy S.O.B. then again, just like the previous gouges..dead on..

We were told that they will call the people who made it by the end of the week. We'll see.!!

I know this post is a little lenghty, but I hope some of the fellow JCer's will find it helpful.. I will be posting an update whether or not I get the job.

Murdoughnut · August 7th, 2007, 15:12

Awesome - what were your times? Are the posted mins of CMEL correct?

D_R_ATC · August 7th, 2007, 21:32

I currently have 416TT and 105 Multi
In their presentation they talk about the mins. They are 300TT and 50 Multi..

Air Space B · August 7th, 2007, 22:14

Hey guys... I'm a brand new commercial pilot, 275 TT 15 multi !!! I really want to get a job as a pilot, but don't want to CFI, since it means more $$$ more hard training.... Anyway, since the regional have lowered minimums to nothing, my question is... "Do I have a chance?" I do plan to build some multi time before apply. And I have PSA in mind... hehehehehe

Thanks for any comment.

DE727UPS · August 7th, 2007, 22:39

"I really want to get a job as a pilot, but don't want to CFI"

There are ways to gain valuable experience, prior to becoming an airline pilot, besides being a CFI. Somehow, though, I don't think you'd be interested...

Do another 100 hours multi using the safety pilot loophole and I'm sure you won't have any problems. Or maybe the RJ course is what you need. Both will buy you a job but neither will help with IOE.

"Thanks for any comment"

You're welcome.

t-cart · August 7th, 2007, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

"I really want to get a job as a pilot, but don't want to CFI"

There are ways to gain valuable experience, prior to becoming an airline pilot, besides being a CFI. Somehow, though, I don't think you'd be interested...

Do another 100 hours multi using the safety pilot loophole and I'm sure you won't have any problems. Or maybe the RJ course is what you need. Both will buy you a job but neither will help with IOE.

"Thanks for any comment"

You're welcome.

FLY SAFE T.C.

BobDDuck · August 7th, 2007, 23:41

Don, the funny thing is he probably doesn't even realize why you said what you did.

DRATC... congrats on getting through the interview in one piece. Hopefully you will hear back from them. It's not ALL doom and gloom around here. (just mostly

)

D_R_ATC · August 8th, 2007, 00:36

Thanks...I really hope so to hear from them. Though I have to admit that I am a bit concerned with the fact that some people are not making it through the simulator. I wonder why?...lack of experience due to low times?.....uhmmm...

SmitteyB · August 9th, 2007, 08:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air Space B

Hey guys... I'm a brand new commercial pilot, 275 TT 15 multi !!! I really want to get a job as a pilot, but don't want to CFI, since it means more $$$ more hard training.... Anyway, since the regional have lowered minimums to nothing, my question is... "Do I have a chance?" I do plan to build some multi time before apply. And I have PSA in mind... hehehehehe

Thanks for any comment.

Phew! Thank god airline training isn't hard!!

You dont belong near an airliner.

How old are you?

MusketeerMan · August 9th, 2007, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_R_ATC

I currently have 416TT and 105 Multi
In their presentation they talk about the mins. They are 300TT and 50 Multi..

FlySmiley · August 9th, 2007, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmitteyB

You dont belong near an airliner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmitteyB

Interviewed on Friday, offered the job today. August 13th- Saab class.

Only company I really wanted to work for.

Times:

520 Total Time
190 Multi
250 Dual Given
105 Instrument
25 Actual Instrument
110 Night
40 Glass

You tell 'em... Not trying to rag on you, but this one of those look who's talking situations. In all fairness you did instruct for a few months at least.

SmitteyB · August 10th, 2007, 08:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlySmiley

You tell 'em... Not trying to rag on you, but this one of those look who's talking situations. In all fairness you did instruct for a few months at least.

I'm the first one to admit I'm low time. But I'm not wet certificate low, nor did I have 15 hours of multi.

You can, IN NO WAY compare me to this gentlemen. I wasn't looking for the first company that would hire me.

With that being said- YES, I understand and accept that I'm low time.

Air Space B · August 10th, 2007, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmitteyB

Phew! Thank god airline training isn't hard!!

You dont belong near an airliner.

“You dont belong near an airliner.” Is that what you told your students ?!?

You're maybe right. But than, why some regional, have their minimums down to CMEL only ???????????????????? If 250TT don't belong near an airliner ????? That's my original question.
You highlighted hard training like I didn’t know that. I’m not an ignorant, but if I could skip one hard step (CFI) to become an airliner pilot, that would be nice. CFI maybe the better way but, is not the only way !!!
For the record... I work for an airline, so I do belong to an Airline.

BajtheJino · August 10th, 2007, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air Space B

“You dont belong near an airliner.” Is that what you told your students ?!?

You're maybe right. But than, why some regional, have their minimums down to CMEL only ???????????????????? If 250TT don't belong near an airliner ????? That's my original question.
You highlighted hard training like I didn’t know that. I’m not an ignorant, but if I could skip one hard step (CFI) to become an airliner pilot, that would be nice. CFI maybe the better way but, is not the only way !!!
For the record... I work for an airline, so I do belong to an Airline.

I don't fly for an airline but I do fly for a living and I wouldn't let you near one of my planes just for the bad, bad grammar you have.

Hey A T C, in the interview were bases discussed in detail. I ask because I'm from the Knoxville area and am thinking of PSA next. Any details...thanks.

Air Space B · August 10th, 2007, 16:49

Thanks everyone. I posted looking for help, but there are no friends here. Competition is the name of the game, never mind.

Good luck everyone with PSA interviews!!!

Bye

D_R_ATC · August 10th, 2007, 21:49

Hey A T C, in the interview were bases discussed in detail. I ask because I'm from the Knoxville area and am thinking of PSA next. Any details...thanks.

Yes, they did. They said that Knoxville and Dayton are junior bases and that CLT is a senior base. However, they did mention that it could change...you know..Seniority and things like that...They also talked about the time you will spend on reserve as a new hire. They are averaging six to eight weeks...

BobDDuck · August 10th, 2007, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_R_ATC

Yes, they did. They said that Knoxville and Dayton are junior bases and that CLT is a senior base. However, they did mention that it could change...you know..Seniority and things like that...They also talked about the time you will spend on reserve as a new hire. They are averaging six to eight weeks...

The last FO award had new hires going to all three bases. It just depends where they need people. For a long time CLT was very senior, but right now I'd say DAY is more senior. TYS has mostly always been junior.

Reserve of only 2 months? Eh... I don't think so. For the September bid DAY had 55 active FOs and only 32 lines. That means there are 23 FOs who won't get a hard line. Some of them will get a build up line but those may have reserve days on them. Several people I know have been on reserve for over 8 months now. Up until a few months ago, reserve in CLT was running over a year and a half. Of course IF we hire and upgrade the numbers we need, somebody hired this month would be a mid to senior FO in 6 months.

pilotty · August 10th, 2007, 22:40

Any ideas on upgrade times at PSA?

Hey Airspace B, don't let them beat you up, just keep flying, studying and learning. I highly recommend getting your CFI to build time and experience. The last year for me as a CFI has been a wonderful experience and I would not go back and skip instructing if I could get an airline job with 300 hours. I know everyone says hurry hurry you are losing seniority but everyone needs to gain experience before they try being a professional airline pilot, instructing is a great way to do that. Apply when you have all your paperwork ready, you have studied your tail off with ATP related materials and you are instrument and multi current and proficient. That way you will be able to interview with confidence and will know deep down that you are ready to attempt an airline groundschool for 6-8 weeks. Good luck and slow it down a bit turbo

BobDDuck · August 10th, 2007, 23:18

Upgrade was 5 years. Currently 4. I'm thinking we may see something around 3 years in the not so distant future. Who knows where it will go from there. Either up or down is possible.

sweber1987 · August 11th, 2007, 00:03

You'll love CLT. There's alot to do here, and the cost of living is relatively cheap for the most part. I'm out here on Lake Wylie and living in the burbs is the way to go. Stay away from the West side though, the crime rate there is astronomical, although other parts of the city are decent as well. Best of luck. I bet you'll get hired.... Cheers...

SmitteyB · August 11th, 2007, 08:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air Space B

“You dont belong near an airliner.” Is that what you told your students ?!?

You're maybe right. But than, why some regional, have their minimums down to CMEL only ???????????????????? If 250TT don't belong near an airliner ????? That's my original question.
You highlighted hard training like I didn’t know that. I’m not an ignorant, but if I could skip one hard step (CFI) to become an airliner pilot, that would be nice. CFI maybe the better way but, is not the only way !!!
For the record... I work for an airline, so I do belong to an Airline.

I had foriegn students at Skymates. They were some of the worst students I've ever seen. But, because the DPE's knew they weren't gonig to fly passengers around in the United States, they would happily take their $300-500 and give them a ticket, with really no standards whatsoever. They were going to fly A340's at 251TT/15 Multi.

So to answer your question- YES, I did tell them they weren't ready to fly an airliner. And they had the same attitude you do. The good old- "I don't need to CFI, I'm better than that. It's too hard, I need to be an airline pilot right away, I'm sooo good!" "Look at me!! 275TT- LET ME IN!!!!"

I would love you know what types of real flying you've done...? Caught yourself in between two supercells at 10,000 feet, with no WX radar in a 172, at midnight with no approach plates for your alternate? Icing in a 152? Landing a duchess at Key West on 9 with wind 180 @ 29 G 36? Those are just a few that I've lived through and learned. Not to mention some of the things I've learned from my students. Those situations aren't even impressive compared to the freight dawgs on here.

The likes of PSA, TSA, and Piedmont have their minimums down so low because they are some of the least desireable places to go right now therefore not a lot of people are applying there.

Honestly sir, with 275 and 15 multi- do you really think you can handle a jet? Can you even handle an engine failure on a Seminole?

Don't stop participating in jetCareers just because you've posted in a hot topic and didn't get the support you expected. You'll learn as all of us do that everyone here is willing to help. However, since we're all pilot, we all think we're the best and we don't like it when people disagree with us. We have many pilots who are the older generation, and they're mind boggled that we get hired sub 1000 hours. So when someone with a wet commercial comes on here and says they dont want to get a CFI because it's too hard and they're ready to go fly a regional jet- you can see where we're coming from. Get the CFI- it's hard but you will be a better, sharper pilot. Good luck in everything you do, sir.

greaper007 · August 11th, 2007, 13:24

Smittey, I didn't know that you're doing the Colgan. Are you trying for a SYR base? I'm based in ROC, we'll probably see each other when you get online.

Did you hear Garb's at Air Whiskey?

SmitteyB · August 11th, 2007, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by greaper007

Smittey, I didn't know that you're doing the Colgan. Are you trying for a SYR base? I'm based in ROC, we'll probably see each other when you get online.

Did you hear Garb's at Air Whiskey?

I did hear that, excellent news for him. I'm either trying for ITH, BGM or SYR.

Jason · August 11th, 2007, 17:33

After spending 2 years in BGM at Allegheny I have to ask......why would you want to be based there??????

Jason

Shhhh, not while im flyin · August 12th, 2007, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmitteyB

I would love you know what types of real flying you've done...? Caught yourself in between two supercells at 10,000 feet, with no WX radar in a 172, at midnight with no approach plates for your alternate? Icing in a 152? Landing a duchess at Key West on 9 with wind 180 @ 29 G 36?

Isnt most of that just bad planning on your part?? no approach plates for your alternate? Did they fly out the window? Icing in a 152? Did you get a wx briefing? direct xwind @29 g 36? isnt max demonstrated 25? Sounds like alot of bad decision making as well. There is no need or reason to subject your students to those situations. Just cause you do something stupid and live through it doesnt make you a better pilot!! Aeronautical Decision Making is underrated and very important. Damn i hope somebody was dying in Key West and you werent goin just to get a hamburger.

But i do agree at 15 multi youre not ready to fly a jet. We all wanna reach our goals ASAP but we have to take time out to learn so that we can be ready to accept them when they present themselves.

See you at FL180