Very easy-going interview and positive vibe from everybody. First thing they mentioned is that they want us to get the job and that there is a reason why we got called in.
Day one began at 8:00 at the ASA building. Began with a company presentation and question and answer period, followed by the first test. First test was a X - Y graph where you need to look up as many answers as possible using a grid. It is very easy but you must work quickly. The next test was a general aviation knowledge test (again, very easy) it is basically questions from the instrument and commercial knowledge exams. There was an essay question (describe severe weather avoidance) and a questionaire on paper to fill out which was basically the HR equivalent of the interview, but it was on paper. After lunch was the oral. All of the other gauges were spot on, asked about speed limits, takeoff and landing minimums and alternate requirements, lost comm, holding and all speed limits, icing, and brief and instrument approach.
Day two began at 7:30 at the Delta building. First test was a personality test, next was a psyco-motor test which is basically testing your memory and reaction times. Third test was another aviation knowledge exam (they send you a study guide) just study questions from the ATP written. After all those computer tests is the sim. Very easy...takeoff, basic turns, enter a hold and shoot an ILS. Make sure you use trim and the power settings they provide you!!!
Overall, great experience and one week later I was offered a class date. Good luck!
Date Interviewed: December 2011
Summary of Qualifications:
600TT CFI, CFII
Were you offered the job?
Yes
Pilot Interview Profile:
The Interview was really easy.
The first day we took all Delta Test. Cognitive, and Technical. The Cognitive Test was pretty easy but the Technical one is a Diabolic test. But don’t worry, this exam is not for the actual job in ExpressJet. After that we did the Simulator in the 737. We did Climb Turns, Climb Speed, holding and ILS. The sim took less than 15min.
The second day was the Actual Interview for ExpressJet. We took a Cognitive Test with the XY values. There are 50 questions. I completed the 50. After that we took the Aviation knowledge test. Really Easy. VMC questions, holding entries, stall speed and load factor, fuel requirements……
After that we went to the Aviation Oral Exam. In my case we talk about current aircraft system, IFR fuel requirements, Brief and approach plate, holding entries and minimum altitudes in the profile view. Nothing else.
Arrive at the Motel 6 and relax. In the morning, you will meet up with all of the other guys doing the interview that day. We went to the Delta building and did the Cognitive, Knowledge, and Psych tests. They are all on the computer. If you study the ATP written exam you should be good. After that, we had lunch and went to the 737-200 FTD for the sim evals. The sim is heavy, but its an airplane, fly it by the settings they give you and you should do fine.
The next day, we did the HR paperwork stuff and drug tests, then we went for the tabular tests and another written knowledge test. After that, we had the HR and Tech interviews. Just stay relaxed and study what other people say is on the gouges and you will do fine. The guys at ASA are very casual and will answer any questions you had.
I had to wait 15 days to find out that I got the job.
Date Interviewed: November 2011
Summary of Qualifications:
CFI, MEI, ATP 2100+hrs
Were you offered the job?
No
Pilot Interview Profile:
Well my story started back in the summer when I went to a career fair. I went to the ASA/XJT booth and was told I certainly met the mins, but that the review board would want to see 50 hrs in 6 months. It took me awhile to accumulate this time as I am on furlough and on a fixed income. I didn't get the hrs until October and the interview was set in early November. In the meantime I did everything imaginable to prepare, this included reading educational books, enduring hrs of King dvd's, studying Jepp manuals and charts, FAR's and AIM, I also got about 5 hrs in a sim which I had set up as a jet so that I could as closely mirror a 737 as possible. I utilized another person in the sim so that I could practise CRM.
I was emailed a packet which included a study guide. Apparently, they just recently changed their interview technique and there are some things you cannot study. This includes the psych and computer testing. I was given a positive space ticket to ATL and stayed at the Motel 6 for $39/ night. The hotel is really a faster walk, than drive to the interview location. However, the hotel has issues and you might decide to stay at one of the others. I tried, but the ones that were in my budget were full. I arrived in ATL at 2300, the night before the interview. It wasn't my choice, but apparently that was the best they could do since all the flights were full.
The next day I arrived at the interview location and met with 3 other individuals for our 0800 appointment. I was struck by how friendly all the employees were, even the rampers. Everyone was so pleasant, greeting us and each other. Eventually, we were led to the break room and then taken upstairs to a conference room. We were shown a brief presentation on the company outlook and the "Super Regional" concept. Then we turned in all of our paperwork, told a little about ourselves and the tabular testing began. Afterwards, we were taken to another floor and each brought in for a 2 on 1 technical/HR interview. I was asked a little about myself, my background and previous airline. I was provided a low enroute chart for DEN and an ILS plate. I was then questioned extensively on icons, procedures and rules. Take your time and make sure that you read all notes on the plate. The only thing I slipped up on was the classes of VOR's, I just couldn't remember the specifics. Also, forgot about the signal limitation on the MOCA. Afterwards, was allowed to take a lunch break where we all were united and then were driven to another location for fingerprinting. When this was done we were told to take a cab over to the Concentra for drug testing. Our day ended around 1600. The four of us had dinner at across the street at Spondivits, if you like fish, this is the place. Fairly priced, with a nice atmosphere, but a little noisey.
At 0730 the next morning we met at the Delta training center for the computer testing. This is where I blew it. I really didn't sleep well the night before, didn't have any breakfast and just wasn't prepared for this type of testing. We were given countless different test which are impossible to study for. By the time the test got to the aviation specific material, my brain was fried and I was just done. Be prepared for formula problems, ie, fuel burn, computing time enroute, and crossing restrictions. These test take about 3 hrs, then comes the psych test, which is another hr. Unfortunately, I know that I did so poorly on the computer testing that I was pretty depressed by the time I got to the psych test and maybe it showed. Later I found out nobody thought they did well on the computer test. Around 11 we were walked over to the sim building and briefed on the 737 FTD. I suggest writing down all the EPR settings for the various configurations and giving it to your copilot, or placing it in an area in your field of view so that you have the proper power settings. You will be flying from the right seat, they'll tell you that when you're in the left seat you're not being evaluated, but I would still act as you would in a crew enviorment. Make sure to help you partner out with the basic callouts and occasional reminders. Mine didn't do it for me, but I did it for her. The sim is sensitive, and it is a jet, so try to stay ahead and anticipate speed changes, etc. You have to allow for spool up time. Profile was pretty simple, depart JKF and I think we were told to do a steep turn. Then you're given holding clearance, you just tell them how you'll enter the hold. Then vectored for the ILS following a constant speed descent.
The sim guy told us that we could expect 2-3 wks before we hear anything. I never did and had to end up calling, that's when I found out I was rejected. Hope this helps someone else, good luck!
Date Interviewed: October 2011
Summary of Qualifications:
500/50 CFI/CFII Advanced Jet Course
Were you offered the job?
Don't Know
Pilot Interview Profile:
Very similiar to previous gouge, except seemed to be backwards. We first went to the Delta headquarters to take their cognitive test, a 250 question personality test, and a knowledge test. Was more difficult than expected, and from what I hear is not considered in the selection process.
After the computer tests was a short presentation on the company and the merger of the two airlines.
Finally last of day one was the sim in the 737 steam gauge sim. Previous procedures stated were spot on. Like was stated before, trim! I was second to go, and set heading bugs, speed bugs and such for the first guy. Overall pretty easy flight, gives plenty of time to figure out the holding pattern. Also briefed on power settings, and if you can remember the climb power setting and the cruise power setting it makes controlling much easier. Thats it for day one they release you and tell you to be at the ASA building at 0800 the next day.
Day two was the tabular test with the X-Y graph, was able to get all 50 questions done with probably 30-45 seconds to review a few before time expired. Some were only able to get high 20's. Don't understand how that happened. I think the key to getting them finished is to keep all your papers confined so your scan doesnt take as much time, and keep track of which question youre on by using the papers as straight edges. I believe they lost time by losing their place.
After that we got the opportunity to ask any questions about the company, and were given a knowledge test about basic 91, weather, and IFR ops. If you're current this shouldnt be a problem.
Technical Interview was next, consisted of a few ILS questions, where FAF was, name the components of ILS, a few weather questions, what is MOCA, MSA, etc..and give some details. Some of the others said they were asked current aircraft systems, I assume I wasnt as the glorious 172 is my current a/c. Asked if had any questions and that was it.
Left over to HR to get fingerprinted and then given a cab to get to the drug testing site and back to the airport.
Was anxious about the whole process, but they made you feel very relaxed. Should hear back within a working week. One class Nov 7th and expect 2 classes in December. good luck!
