Interview was at 10:00, got lost for a little bit but was able to make it to the AIMS Education Center in Greeley around 9:45. Met a lady who took all my documents and looked through them...make sure you thorougly read the instructions on how to fill out all the forms. After all that, she gave me the NDB 27 app into Cheyenne to review, that was what i got also at sim....just look through it, don't memorize anything. Make sure you check for any DPs. The interview itself was quite pleasant. Interview with one of their directors and a really cool line Captain. Same questions as listed before in the other gouges...tell us about you, where do you see yourself in 5 years, most pleasant flying memory, and a few tech questions about the Jepps low enroute chart and finger flying an ILS app,nothing tricky or really difficult. After that, it was time for the sim, was given directions to the SIM building which was not too long a driving distance. Flew the same NDB i had been given when i got to the interview building. It was actually an arc unto the NDB course. Messed it up a little bit because i'm not used to flying with rmi(been using fixed card), got vectors to reintercept the arc and shot the approach, got down to mins, no rwy, went missed and got ready to hold, and sim was freezed. Was asked what kind of entry i would have used and that was it. All i can say is be yourself, make sure you are with prepared all your paperwork and just have fun. Like everyone else says, a really friendly group of folks.
Date Interviewed: March 2007
Summary of Qualifications:
Commercial Multi-Instrument 530 TT 35 Multi-PIC
Were you offered the job?
Yes
Pilot Interview Profile:
I had a friend who is an FO on the 1900. He walked in my resume for me. It seems that GLA puts a great emphasis on applications that are personally recommended. I got the call and was offered and interview. MAKE SURE YOU ARE MULTI PROFICIENT AND CURRENT!! I set up a review date with Lisa Nieffert @Advance Aviation Simulators. I will include the contact info at the end of this document. Lisa had me do a couple of approaches and study some gouge that she has accumulated over the years. Very good info on technical and HR questions. Make sure you are familiar with JEPP low alt. charts and appch plates. Also study general instrument stuff, alt mins, VOR service volumes, what 10 things do you need to descend below MDA, familiar with TAF/METAR format, etc. I set my interview time for 2:00pm as to be late enough so I wouldn't be rushed, but not the last applicant. I arrived in Greeley and went to AIMS community college. Walked in the door and was met by Heidi, an HR rep. She was very nice and explained what was needed from me. Make sure you have ALL documentation with you. Make multiple copies of all your stuff. PREPARE everything way ahead of time. You will be stressed enough as is; you shouldn't have to worry about your documentation. I handed in my docs, and waited to be called. Heather from HR asked me to go upstairs to the interview room. Tori Meisel, Dir. Of Ops was already in the room waiting for my arrival. I tell you guys what, make sure you put an extra layer of deodorant on, you'll need it. I was asked what is the difference between currency and proficiency? Has your integrity ever been questioned? Why lakes? How did you hear about us? Where do you see yourself in 5yrs? Why you want to be a pilot? Explain your last pilot position. Lisa will also have a lot of good ones for you. The technical portion consisted of a JEPP plate of a non-precision approach into somewhere, really doesn't matter. Was asked how I would fly the approach in a non tower situation. Remember to get the ASOS and call intentions, etc., etc. I was asked general questions about markings on the plate. Just be familiar with the legends on both low alt. charts and plates. After the interview I was told to go to the simulators, they were in another building just around the corner. Walking distance. When I arrived, I was given the approach for CYS ILS 27. I reviewed the plate, and went to the sim when it was my turn. There were really no surprises in the sim. 15kts of wind outta the who knows what direction and a hold over the VOR. MAKE SURE YOU GET AND EFC TIME, if you don't, expect engine failure lost comm. and lots of unnecessary stress! Lakes is very big on basic instrument flying and knowledge. After all, 80% of their fleet does not have autopilots! I entered the hold, did a couple of turns, then was told to exit and join the arc for the final approach course. The course comes up fast depending upon which direction you are arcing, so have a good scan. If you don't have a good scan, fly a few approaches on MSflightsim. It will help. Be aware of your wind correction and fly the LOC and SLOPE. I broke out at mins, and the sim was stopped. Had a little small talk with the evaluator, and that was it. It is true what people say about Great Lakes and the people that work here. Everyone enjoys the job, and their enthusiasm shows. This is a great place to start a career in the aviation industry. Remember to look sharp, be polite and prompt, and stay relaxed. I know it is easy to say, but if you prepare, and have a day to breath before you leave. Have fun and good luck!
Date Interviewed: January 2007
Summary of Qualifications:
1200 total time, 170 multi, Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, CE-500 type rating.
Were you offered the job?
No
Pilot Interview Profile:
After reading other gouges I expected a HR, Tech, and then sim but I only had an HR portion with a quick sim flight. There were two interviewers per applicant, both real nice. Tell us about yourself? Then they concentrate on what you know and what your qualifications are. If you have been instructing expect to be asked for instructing stories relating to your strengths, weaknesses, best and worst time, what you enjoy and dislike, and what you have learned. What can you bring to GLA? What have you brought to your current company? Why GLA? Where do you see yourself in five years? Define integrity and professionalism. Any questions? Then I went to the sim, evaluator was really nice and we talked for a little bit about the company. He gave me plenty of time to get comfortable and read checklists then we flew the full 13 DME arc into the ILS 27 CYS broke out called runway in sight and landing and was told to go missed. Went missed, entered the hold and that was it. Really nice sim easy to fly but had increasing turbulence throughout the flight. Overall really short and fun. The chief of operations told me I could bid for upgrade in 6 months so there is a lot of room for opportunity with the company especially if you want PIC turbine ASAP.
Date Interviewed: August 2006
Summary of Qualifications:
CFI, 550TT; 35 ME
Were you offered the job?
No
Pilot Interview Profile:
Given two weeks notice for interview and my pick of times for a Friday. Chose last slot. Went to Advanced Simulator at the Centennial airport for all sim prep. There I was told to expect ILS 26 at Cheyenne and arc. I was told to expect the sim set as Baron 58. Great Lakes emailed info about the interview which also stated Baron 58. The interview was to be held at the Aims Community College in Greely. All ten year background info was to be completed prior to interview, along with a host of other paper work. Advanced Sim told me to get Reporting Clear and Checklist For Success by Cheryl Cage. I did, were excellent for preparing for HR. Additionally, I got Airline Pilot Technical Interviews by Ronald McElroy and Everything Explained (FAR's)by Richie Lengel. Excellent books for technical portion.
Had to cram because instrument proficiency lapsed, although still current per the FAR's. Three days before the interview was informed by Lakes employee to expect ILS 26 at Cheyenne with arc and failed engine! I thought he was crazy, but I practiced it. Interview day and running around like crazy tieing up loose ends. Two hours before the interview Lakes called to see if I could come in early. I told them I'd try, but that the notice came a little too late. Additionally, there was a mistake made on the directions which had to be cleared up. I didn't arrive until ten minutes prior to the interview time. Was a nervous wreck, couldn't stop shaking. Turned in paperwork, which wasn't entirely complete, and had picture taken. Sat down and reviewed the approach plate, training agreement and sim information. Was so nervous, eyes started filling with tears. The sim was to be set up as a Seminole.
15 minutes later HR reps approached me, two females who never smiled even though I did. After the pleasantries they started on my NDR, I'd had several speeding tickets in the last 5 years and 2 suspensions due to not getting the tickets paid timely. I hadn't reviewed the report and couldn't really explain specific instances. I just admitted wrong doing and told them I was really trying to do better. They related it to adhering to FAR's. A few HR questions later they started with the technical questions. Didn't know if they were pilots since got HR and tech quest from both. Just used plain english with limited acros and stillted lang. Radiation fog, lost comm in VFR and IFR, what you need to descend below MDA, difficult capt scenario, explain symbols on enroute chart, finger fly Sheridan ILS approach, IFR/VFR fuel mins, did I ever break FAR or have EMG. There were a few I couldn't remember answers to. Toward the end they rushed me and I thought I busted. They asked if I had questions and I said no because I thought I was going to be given the boot and they were just going through formality. Figured it was useless asking questions even though I had some. They were surprised and confirmed. I said no questions. Then I thanked them and expected the boot, but they sent me to the sim! Later I realized I should have asked questions, because if I busted they wouldn't have sent me to the sim.
Couldn't remember directions to sim. Got lost and wandered, was very nervous and couldn't think clearly. Nobody around to ask. Finally I came to intersection and stood, sim interviewer saw me and flagged me down. He presented me with the ATIS info sheet. Got in sim and confirmed the setting for all radios, navs etc. Pre-take off checklist, climb check, go direct to CYS VOR, then outbound on 070 radial and fly 13 DME arc. Cleared for the approach and contact twr at the OM. Briefed the approach while waiting for the 13 DME fix, interviewer was on cell phone! Lead turn 1.2 nm had some trouble holding the arc despite constantly turning in to correct. Got to 13.9 when about to get the lead in radial. Turned in nailed the final approach course. Sweaty palms and trembling, hard to keep altitude. Sim very sensitive had to concentrate on breathing. No DME for approach, but used RMI to identify proximity to OM. Hit OM, 5 t's, cleared to land. Then interviewer told me 2 miles off course say intentions! Froze, couldn't think, couldn't understand. Didn't respond right, just babbled. Missed, forgot to report. Flew the published, but couldn't make standard rate turns or else the sim would knife edge, could only do 1/2 standard. This screwed up the entry into the hold. So nervous, entered TD instead of easier PL. Reported hold to twr, 5 t's, had to reintercept, took awhile. Interviewer asked if I was going direct or intercepting, told him I was intercepting. Just as course coming in started to turn in. Sim stopped just prior to getting on course. Was told prior to sim that you couldn't ask how you did or anything.
Aftewards talked to two other candidates. They failed the engine on one of them! Day two afterwards one was hired. Day three for me and other guy that had engine failed, no word. Good luck, hope this helped!!!!
Date Interviewed: January 2006
Summary of Qualifications:
COMM, 700 HRS, CFII-MEI
Were you offered the job?
No
Pilot Interview Profile:
WELL....First off, What a great bunch of people! The training contract is a little rough, but what do you expect? In the fine print I'm pretty sure it said the first year you're at Lakes you'll be paid with peanuts and coffee. But, to be honest I'd love to share a cockpit with Lakers'. Okay, here's the dirt: First, make sure you're on time! I arrived right at the time of my interview, because the dirctions/map seemed a little different then the layout of the city and AIMS college. Nevertheless, just go there way before your interview time and you'll be fine. I was interviewed by two Super-Duper nice ladies (one line CA and one HR). I got the normal HR questions and a few Tech questions about Jepp charts. Then, I had to finger fly an Approach. Nothing Special. Just formulate a quiz sheet from all the previous gouges and you'll be a rockstar during the interview. Next, the Sim Ride. Same profile as the rest of the gouges. But, be aware I was told prior to the interview that the approach should be flown between 120-140 knots, however the brief sheet we were handed before the interview specified 110 knots. So, just verify this approach speed with the evaluater before starting your ride. Not too much else. However, I suggest going a day early and flying at Advanced Aviation Simulators with Lisa (303) 649-9901. She is the owner of the simulators and a great help. She has two of the same type of simulators that Lakes uses. Good Luck! Hopefully I'll be an official Laker soon.
