25 most common pilot interview questions with real-life tested example answers
You are the Hero of the movie. Tell a story – Facts tell, Stories Sell.
They are evaluating you as a captain (concerned about performance, crew, and passengers).
Talk about CRM – it’s their language.
The Four Fundamentals of CRM
- Inquiry (Gathering information from the crew, to make a good decision)
- Advocacy (Concern, Uncomfortable, Safe)
- Give good information followed by recommendation For Example: Hey Mary, I noticed the aircraft ahead reported moderate turbulence. I recommend that we seat the flight attendants and request a climb to flight level 250.
- Conflict resolution (resolve a disagreement or a conflict)
- Defuse as necessary (“Maybe you were right, and I am wrong”, “Let’s look it up in a book” or “Pardon me, however here’s what I was thinking”, “Wait a minute”, Captain YOU MUST LISTEN”)
- Reflect (Wait a while and reflect on it)
- Communicate (Inquiry/Advocacy)
- Resolve
- Critique (Is the plan going where it should go? Constructive input/feedback)
You can answer any questions and follow-up questions they may ask you with STAR(Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Questions change but they still want to find out the same things (evaluate what they are looking for – the fundamentals).
- Repeat the question out loud.
- Request a moment to think.
- That is a great question. Let me think about that for a minute.
- Ask clarifying questions.
- There is a lot to say about that. Is there a specific area I can speak to you about?
- Questions to ask(Do not ask questions that will be found on the internet).
- In your opinion which one of your company values can best be seen in everyday life?
- What makes your best employee stand out?
- How do you measure the success of your staff?
- In your opinion, what is best about Airline Air?
- What qualities are needed to become an effective leader?
To be an effective leader, you need to be calm under pressure, make effective decisions that are based on safe practices and facts, show determination, resilience and accountability and also be passionate about the work you do. You also need to act as a positive role model and be dedicated to Airline values and mission. Be a great communicator.
- Why is it important to have strong communication skills?
Primarily for safety. Firstly, while communicating with ATC, you need to give clear and accurate information. Conversely you have to listen and follow ATC instructions. Good communication in the cockpit also enhances good situational awareness and safety.
- Tell me about a time you disagreed in the cockpit.
- How do you handle stress?
- Give me an example of a stressful situation? And how did you handle it?
- What is your impression of your last company?
- How did you hear about this job placement?
- What is your greatest strength?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- How do you take directions?
- Why do you want to work for Airline Air?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What are you doing now?
- Why should we hire you?
- Have you ever had any conflict during your flight training?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Which bases would you like to choose?
- Why Airline Air?
- Core values of Airline Air?
- How did you start flying?
- How would you describe yourself?
- Describe a difficult experience in the cockpit and how you handled it?
- When you had to take risks while at work?
- What would be the most difficult when flying Airbus?
- Good qualities that pilots should have?