PSA Interview

[meyers9163]

I interviewed with PSA yesterday at the UsAirways training facility. The day started off at being told to report by 9:30am for the interview to begin at 10:00 am. After all the applicants were present Rachel started off by introducing herself and JR and another checkairmen. For the interview the video/slide show she typicall shows was inoperative and not working. However instead they did a question answer session to speak about the company. Over all I was fairly impressed with Rachel and JR and Randy I believe. Very pleasant people and from what I could tell honest about the future and growth.

Some of the items that were brought up included the hiring because of J4J in addition to attribution. They are losing 68 pilots over the next 90 days. In addition they had mentioned that UsAirways had been looking into the potential of giving their wholly owned regionals (PDT/PSA) more flying due to the fact they currently only have 17% of the total express flying. However for that to happen they would need bigger equipment which would include PSA having to get at the minimum 700s but more so 900/1000s and PDT getting the Q400 or something comparable. However with that they had mentioned this was ONLY talk and that the future looks promising however making sure everyone interviewing KNOW that it was only DISCUSSION and a few items would have to be worked out.

After the intro we all had to take the 26 question multiple question gouge. Overall it was pretty much on aviationinterviews and other sites. If you study those you will do just fine. You have 10 minutes to complete and if you are prepared you should complete it in about 2 minutes. Again they have the potential to change it at any time but the feel you get from the company is that they indeed want to hire you and want to see how bad you want to work for them based on your preparation. After that our group of 11 were told to step out and get a drink and they would come to get us. All 11 had passed and continued onto phase 2 of the interview which was the HR.

The HR was pretty straigh forward. They asked the basic questions about TMAATT you were scared in a plane, had a good relationship with an supervisior etc..... Honeslty right when I walked into the room Rachel had stepped out and I spoke with the two checkairmen. In talking to them I had gotten off to speaking abour Racing and open wheel vs NASCAR in addition to items such as the farm life and 4-H and when Rachel came back in we continued to discuss various issues. It was all about getting to know you as a person I felt. In addition there were the a few tech questions such as brief the ILS 18R into CLT and VDPs etc. After briefing the approach JR asked, "who taught you how to brief that?" and I had mentioned Denny and a few others..... He went onto say "thats the best approaching briefing he's ever heard" so thanks DENNY AND JEFF! In addition to that we spoke about low hours and they had mentioned that being around 500/125 I was low and they would have never thought about applying for an airline at my hours. However the other checkairman other then JR continued to say, "its all about time and opportunity, if anyone out there says they wouldnt have they arent being honest." After that they all looked at each other and said they didnt need to discuss things any further and told me to "head upstairs and dont let the opportunity pass you by."

Needless to say I was pretty happy about things so far. I went upstairs and spoke to a girl who had flipped the FTD upside down. I was a little nervous about that but figured just go and give it my best shot. I went in and itd a MD82 table top. Over all the profile on the other sites in dead on. Its very pitch sensitive and the A/I for whatever reason turns the opposite way of your turn (aka you turn left it went right kind of odd). However it didnt go horrible. I had my typical items such as a little high, little low, little fast, little slow. However when asked about the approach I got the entry right and then show the ILS. The ILS I felt went great.... Again a few times got 10kts slow but had the GS/ILS within ATP minmums. After that LOUIS the gentlemen who was running the FTD said they would call within a day or two however many havent heard back yet. I am assuming probably a week or so like the other classes before us had. Louis was another great guy....

Overall I know NOTHING..... haha however it was a great day... I enjoyed the company and the opportunity. With any luck I will get a phone call asking me to come to class. If that is the case they hav 3 spots left in the December 9th class however after that it'd be the Janurary class. I am really hoping i get good news as being able to live in Indiana and based in Dayton would make myself and my family and fiance very happy.....

[Pilot84]

Thanks for sharing. I am glad to hear the interview went well and am sure you will here some good news soon, keep us posted. Good Luck

[granlistillo]

Hey Paul,
I interviewed with you. I got the call yesterday for 3 December class. I am very impressed with PSA. Very glad to get the call. Have you heard yet? If there are any recent PSA hires, it would be nice to know what to expect in Dayton.Thanks
Shawn

[meyers9163]

Shawn sounds great... that navy navigator time really helped out huh?

[granlistillo]

Yes it did. I was an enlisted jet engine mechanic too-otherwise they would require a crj bridge. The sim went pretty well. PM me if you get the same class date so we can work up a study group in Dayton, if ya wanna.

[meyers9163]

Decmber 3rd is my class date.... Looking forward to things! Shall be fun!

[granlistillo]

congrats brother,
See ya in Dayton. Any word on the others? I hope they made it. Seemed like a good group.

[surreal1221]

Congrats Meyers!

[Airplane Crazy]

I got an interview with coming up on Nov 20th. Anyone got any advise for me? Guys that already interviewed with PSA I appreciate it if you guys can give me some tips on what you guys studied or what not.

[bap327]

So is 500/100 what they are looking for?

[meyers9163]

Originally Posted by Airplane Crazy

I got an interview with coming up on Nov 20th. Anyone got any advise for me? Guys that already interviewed with PSA I appreciate it if you guys can give me some tips on what you guys studied or what not.

Follow the above... look over gouges.... be yourself.... no reason anyone should ever fail the written.... the sim is touchy but just do your best and keep a cross check going... you'll be alright!

[meyers9163]

Originally Posted by bap327

So is 500/100 what they are looking for?

Many regionals are around that... Xjet 600/100 and many more less......

[granlistillo]

Originally Posted by Airplane Crazy

I got an interview with coming up on Nov 20th. Anyone got any advise for me? Guys that already interviewed with PSA I appreciate it if you guys can give me some tips on what you guys studied or what not.

http://www.aviationinterviews.com/
The gouge is spot on. If you have less than 500 hrs, they will look 4 a jet brdg or similiar exp.

[flhrci]

Originally Posted by granlistillo

http://www.aviationinterviews.com/
The gouge is spot on. If you have less than 500 hrs, they will look 4 a jet brdg or similiar exp.

How do you get a jet bridge course? Not sure where to get one.

David

[granlistillo]

Originally Posted by flhrci

How do you get a jet bridge course? Not sure where to get one.

David

There are several available.
I had a guy that interviewed with me with PSA, that got a conditional offer, pending a jet bridge. There are several out there, but he was recommended ATP . I think it is a week and about $6k.
I would see if they are based on the CRJ or ERJ.

[Pistolpak1]

Where are some of these places that you can buy a jet bridge course?

[surreal1221]

Hmm. . .interesting. I have over double the required ME time for PSA. But right at their 300tt requirement. . .I wonder if they'd also expect me to pay for a jet course (not going to happen thank you very much) - with >90 hours glass experience as well.

Should be interesting.

[BobDDuck]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

with >90 hours glass experience as well.

It has to do with the speed that things happen. Not the glass.

[surreal1221]

No I know. I just don't like the path that I see a number of airlines going down - requiring an RJ course, even for guys with 200+ ME time.

But . . .hey - never know until you attempt.

[flhrci]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

Hmm. . .interesting. I have over double the required ME time for PSA. But right at their 300tt requirement. . .I wonder if they'd also expect me to pay for a jet course (not going to happen thank you very much) - with >90 hours glass experience as well.

Should be interesting.

PSA turned me down today for 340TT, 45ME and no jet bridge course so I feel your pain. Got turned down yesterday by Pinnacle for similar reasons. Discouraging despite the so-called "pilot shortage."

David

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by flhrci

PSA turned me down today for 340TT, 45ME and no jet bridge course so I feel your pain. Got turned down yesterday by Pinnacle for similar reasons. Discouraging despite the so-called "pilot shortage."

David

Welcome to JC, David.

before I jumpe down your throat, I want to make sure I got this right.

You're discouraged because you got turned down by an airline with 340 hours in airplanes?

Let's think about this:

You're not even qualified yet to fly as the Second in Command at a Part 135 company.

With regard to general aviation, you're probably not insurable in most high performance aircraft, cabin-class twins, or anything turbine.

You've probably never even seen the nasty side of a thunderstorm.

You probably have no idea what severe ice looks like from inside the airplane.

You've probably never shot an instrument approach NORDO, in IMC.

Now, come on - do you really think you should be discouraged because you got turned down? Even if there is a pilot shortage, should airlines lower the standards that much? Honestly, how much could you really offer the skipper when the crap gets nasty?

[ljg]

Lloyd what does NORDO mean?

[EDUC8-or]

No radio.

[flhrci]

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

Welcome to JC, David.

before I jumpe down your throat, I want to make sure I got this right.

You're discouraged because you got turned down by an airline with 340 hours in airplanes?

Let's think about this:

You're not even qualified yet to fly as the Second in Command at a Part 135 company.

With regard to general aviation, you're probably not insurable in most high performance aircraft, cabin-class twins, or anything turbine.

You've probably never even seen the nasty side of a thunderstorm.

You probably have no idea what severe ice looks like from inside the airplane.

You've probably never shot an instrument approach NORDO, in IMC.

Now, come on - do you really think you should be discouraged because you got turned down? Even if there is a pilot shortage, should airlines lower the standards that much? Honestly, how much could you really offer the skipper when the crap gets nasty?

Thanks for the welcome, now on to the bitch session because apparently that is what this is now.

I know I have more to learn. I also know that I have more to offer than a brand new from scratch pilot straight out of ATP that just got his certificates within the last 90 days to include Private.

I am 36 years old. I am not an 18 year old kid that doesn't have a clue what responsibility is.

I have been a pilot since 1998.

I know that there are several regional airlines that ARE specifying minimums under 400 hours.

I know that the only thing I meant that is discouraging is that at least one airline I got turned down by says its minimums are one thing and then tells me something different via email. I didn't even get a chance.

I know that some of these airlines aren't telling applicants that they want transition/bridge training. If you can afford such training, it may only be good for one airline only and you may still not get hired.

I know that I spent a lot of money getting my instrument rating, and both commercial certificates over the last 4 months. I know I worked hard to get these certificates and all I want is a chance to learn and to prove myself. Apparently by your statements, I wasted my time.

I know I don't really want to work for the airlines and I would prefer something else. There is a really nice sounding pipeline patrol job available that pays good and would be good for time building. Haven't heard a peep. I would actually prefer to be a professional CFI as I have had the opportunity to teach in the past and enjoy it. But, I can't afford to get my CFI right now.

I know that a stupid bridge program costs upwards of $10000 more that I don't have to spend.

I know I am unemployed and need a job.

I know that even during the interview process that a perspective employer may not think I am good enough.

As for your part 135 SIC statement, there is at least one company I know of willing to hire low-time pilots, part 135 SIC allowing for time-building and will transition that person to left seat once the 135 minimums are met.

So let me see if I understand what you are saying. Apparently there is no way I can get any type of pilot job at my experience level. Apparently, I should give up and let everyone else applying get ahead of me. Apparently, I should just keep flying 172's until I get around 2000 hours or so like I would get the types of real world experience you are quoting.

My biggest point here is that we all have to start somewhere. Apparently you are a high-time, macho know it all pilot.

I will not give up! I am done defending myself here.

David

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by flhrci

Thanks for the welcome, now on to the bitch session because apparently that is what this is now.

Not a bitch session, my friend. Relax, pour yourself a Holiday scotch, and let's talk!

I know I have more to learn. I also know that I have more to offer than a brand new from scratch pilot straight out of ATP that just got his certificates within the last 90 days to include Private.

What do you have to offer? 90 more hours of total time?

I am 36 years old. I am not an 18 year old kid that doesn't have a clue what responsibility is.

The, you should understand that I'm not arguing with you - I'm just explaining a few things to you.

I have been a pilot since 1998.

I know that there are several regional airlines that ARE specifying minimums under 400 hours.

Yes - it's sickening, isn't it?

I know that the only thing I meant that is discouraging is that at least one airline I got turned down by says its minimums are one thing and then tells me something different via email. I didn't even get a chance.

Don't be discouraged - take it to mean that they think you aren't qualified.

I know that some of these airlines aren't telling applicants that they want transition/bridge training. If you can afford such training, it may only be good for one airline only and you may still not get hired.

This extra training crap is a waste of money - that's already being discussed in another thread, though.

I know that I spent a lot of money getting my instrument rating, and both commercial certificates over the last 4 months. I know I worked hard to get these certificates and all I want is a chance to learn and to prove myself.

The cockpit of an airliner is NOT the place to prove yourself . . .

Apparently by your statements, I wasted my time.

NOOOOOO - you didn't . . . not at all~ Just keep chugging along! You've got a long way to go, but the hardest part is over!!

I know I don't really want to work for the airlines and I would prefer something else. There is a really nice sounding pipeline patrol job available that pays good and would be good for time building. Haven't heard a peep.

Because you have a wet commercial certificate, and you haven't done anything yet to show a potential employer why you're qualified for the job.

I would actually prefer to be a professional CFI as I have had the opportunity to teach in the past and enjoy it. But, I can't afford to get my CFI right now.

With the right CFI and the right plane, you can get your CFI for less than $2500. Where are you located? I can help you find one!

I know that a stupid bridge program costs upwards of $10000 more that I don't have to spend.

See, you already know it's stupid . . . you're ahead of the game!

I know I am unemployed and need a job.

There are lots of jobs out there!

I know that even during the interview process that a perspective employer may not think I am good enough.

What makes you qualified to fly an airliner?

As for your part 135 SIC statement, there is at least one company I know of willing to hire low-time pilots, part 135 SIC allowing for time-building and will transition that person to left seat once the 135 minimums are met.

Tell me where this 135 company is that allows pilots with less than 500TT to fly in the right seat as SIC, so that we can report them to the FAA. That's illegal.

So let me see if I understand what you are saying. Apparently there is no way I can get any type of pilot job at my experience level.

Go get your CFI ticket(s).

Apparently, I should give up and let everyone else applying get ahead of me.

If they're more qualified . . .

Apparently, I should just keep flying 172's until I get around 2000 hours or so like I would get the types of real world experience you are quoting.

?

My biggest point here is that we all have to start somewhere.

We all started at the same place, my man!

Apparently you are a high-time, macho know it all pilot.

Not really high-time, but I have been called macho before . . . nowhere close to knowing it all.

I will not give up!

That's the spirit. You can't give up . . . you have to march forward.

I am done defending myself here.

There's nothing to defend!

David

Lloyd