AA

Question 1

Tell me about yourself (intro)

Answer 1

Hi. My name is Tim Harkins. First of all i’d like to thank you for the invite. I am very excited to be here. I am currently a Citation X Capt for Xojet Aviation for the last 11 years. I grew up in a small town in the capital district of NYS. This is where my interest in flying began. As a youngster, i’d find myself riding my bicycle to the local airport and watching the planes take off and land. This is where I fell in love with airplanes. On my 11th birthday I was gifted a “discovery flight” that forever changed my life and cemented what I wanted to do for a living. In high school I began taking flight lessons with Richmor Aviation Schenectady my junior year. After graduating HS and after a year of junior college, I wanted to focus more on flying, I took a job as a ramper and ticket agent for Trans World Express, and later ,fueled aircraft for Signature Flight Support at which I was promoted to lead lineman at the age of 19. The harsh NY winters halted my flight training repeatedly, so the decision was made to move to FL as a young man to complete my private through CFI’s MEI’s. After completing these ratings in just over a year one of the recessions hit and decided to move back home to NY to work a non flying position. About a year later I was rehired as a CFI at the flight school in FL I graduated from. I believe I had more than a 75% pass rate with my students. My first big break came in the form of an SIC position flying a Sabreliner 60 for just over a year. It was my first jet job.
It was during this time that I met my wife on an American Airlines flight to PHL! After the owner passed away I began working for another charter company flying LJ55 as an SIC. I really enjoyed my first taste of real flying with this job in all kinds of weather and all over the US and different countries. Flight Options came next and enjoyed 5 more years of flying two types of jets with them as an SIC. I was yearning to earn PIC time so I decided to resign from FLOPS to begin a contract flying business (DBA). I quickly realized that I wasn’t getting enough clients so I applied to and was hired at Simcom Training Centers in Orlando as a ground/sim instructor. I was assigned to a team for which I put together the syllabus and curriculum for the Beechjet program. In addition to teaching in the classroom and simulator, I was promoted to Training Center Evaluator, a big responsibility issuing pilot certificates and conducting check rides for recurrent clients. During this time I was getting more business flying contract on the side from clients I met that were in my class. It was also during this time that I enrolled at Excelsior College. I’m very proud of scoring an A on my final capstone with the added stress of the pandemic which was an added challenge. It took 9 years of studying nights and weekends but I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree; truly my greatest accomplishment! I’m very proud that I achieved my goal of flying for a living. My career goal is to retire with AA with a mix of 777 Intl flying, and flying the airbus domestically as a captain.

Question 2

Why American Airlines? Why do you want to work here?

Answer 2

a. Philanthropy. Especially the innovative miles donation program that’s actually quite generous helping families.
b. I’d love to work with the world’s largest airline. In a world where the “strongest get stronger”.
c. Forward-thinking. Sustainable Aviation Fuel plan with Neste.
d. Culture: One that’s built on respect for product delivered to customers, company heritage and future, and for each other.
e. Social Good, Global Health and Well Being, and Heroes.

Question 3

How did you become interested in a career in Aviation?

Answer 3

Good speed airport? SCH Airshows.

Question 4

What were your major responsibilities at your last job?

Answer 4

Captain.
a. Order meals for crew.
b. Ipreflight
Support Part 135 Charter operations domestically and internationally. Ensure all flights operate safely and according to both company procedures and federal aviation regulations.
• Work closely with flight crew members to deliver excellent customer service and timely operation.

Operations Duty Officer.

a.assisting with day-to-day flight operations.

Question 5

Describe a situation where you were frustrated or impatient with another crewmember?

Answer 5

a. Scot Stambaugh/Indy/taking over the plane/I was a jerk on the taxi in.

Question 6

What do you like best about being a pilot…Least?

Answer 6

a. Best: The fun/camaraderie with my crew occasionally on RON’s. Going to baseball games major or minors across the country in summer. The rewarding feeling of getting a family safely from A to B. A simple handshake saying “thank you” to the crew for a nice flight. Trying new foods/restaurants.
b. Least: Being gone from home is always tough. Sometimes the hotel life can be frustrating with noisy neighbors. The feeling of fatigue that can linger.

Question 7

What were your proudest accomplishments?

Answer 7

a. The journey to completing my BS Degree. Getting an A on my Capstone paper. Basically, not giving up. My wife. Setting out and achieving my childhood dream of flying for a living.

Question 8

Put yourself in the cockpit of an aircraft going to Salt Lake City. What would you be concerned about or would
you look for to make sure this flight remains safe?

Answer 8

a. Wx. Checking the wx hourly for trends. Thoroughly Briefing the arrival and expected approach. Ask for ride reports from previous aircraft for the smoothest air. Checking Notices to Air Missions carefully to ensure nothing listed affects our approach choice or landing runway. X-wind limits. Contaminated runways.

Question 9

What have you done to further your knowledge and skills?

Answer 9

a. Attend annual CRM classes which have new scenarios each year. Completed my BS degree as an adult. I like to read.

Question 10

Tell me about your strengths?

Answer 10

I’m generally not a procrastinator. I like to check tasks off of my list early and not induce any stress brought on by having to rush.
b. Communication skills

Question 11

Tell me about your weaknesses?

Answer 11

a. Negative criticism. Sometimes I struggle with negative criticism. But negative criticism is necessary for growth and learning, especially in a training environment and i’ve learned to accept that.

Question 12

What do you like about your current – or previous job…What did you dislike?

Answer 12

a. Like: Crew camaraderie. The Citation X I am still in love with and excited to fly. So versatile! Flying into JAC/SAF, etc. The challenge changes daily. New airports i’ve never been to before at least once per rotation.
b. Dislike: I enjoy my current position, but one area my employer could improve upon is pilot retention. The demeanor of the pilot group tends to drop a bit when we hear of another person leaving for another company. Otherwise, the ones remaining still enjoy working with one another and try to get together for dinner on the road as much as possible.

Question 13

Why did you leave your last job?

Answer 13

a. I’ve been flying 135 charter my entire career. I’ve always been curious about 121 airline ops and discovering a new challenge.
b. No room to grow. To get into the training department or standards Captain I’d have to go on a more aggressive schedule that wouldn’t fit into my home life.

Question 14

What are your priorities in life?

Answer 14

a. My marriage. Focus on my off time. Try to stay healthy and happy.

Question 15

Give me some examples of times when you went above and beyond in your job?

Answer 15

a. President of NCAA diversion to RDU due to thunderstorms/driving him to Duke/using my own CC.
b. Delivering a client’s very expensive jewelry back to her at 3 o’clock in the morning.

Question 16

Have you ever felt that a company policy was unfair?

Answer 16

a. Pilots able to upgrade to the larger fleet out of seniority with just a doctors note.

Question 17

During preflight, you discover an inoperative component, which is required for flight. What steps would you
take to resolve this problem?

Answer 17

a. Call mx control.
b. check MEL-defer the item per company policy.
c. check that inoperative component isn’t necessary for the day’s flights.( i.e. anti-icing, wx radar)

Question 18

You are a FO and the Captain you’re flying with continually hurries or corrects you as you complete a
procedure exactly by the book. How do you deal with that?

Answer 18

I would respectfully tell the captain that a couple of things are at play here. (1). I tend to make mistakes when rushed. (2). Please have patience with me as i’m still trying to learn the aircraft and would appreciate the extra time. (3). What I’m doing is binding company policy.

Question 19

What was the quickest decision you ever had to make?

Answer 19

a. Enroute, pax wanted to all of a sudden land in Carson City, NV instead of SLC where we were enroute to.
b. Assessed fuel/got wx/ permission from ops etc and made it happen with safety, customer service, and company efficiency in mind.

Question 20

What are your short term and long-term goals?

Answer 20

a. Short term: I’m hoping to reapply to our training department to become a Standards Captain or a Check Airman. I hope to attain that within a year. Also, I enjoyed schooling so much that i’m going to begin the enrollment process for my Master’s degree at my alma mater. I’d like to accomplish that within 6 months.
b. Long term: I would like to complete my Master’s degree. I’ve already taken steps to increase my health and fitness routine. My wife and I have the long term goal of moving to Cape Cod. We already have the short term goals in place to achieve this.

Question 21

Why should I hire you over the others?

Answer 21

a. I cannot speak for the others, but I can bring some key strengths, qualifications, and experiences to AA such as a renewed energy, years of captain experience utilizing sound judgement with an emphasis on safety, customer service, and understanding the importance of maintaining company efficiency.

Question 22

What was the toughest decision you had to make in your work?

Answer 22

a. Danny Dunn. He was a very challenging student, and I didn’t want to put a blemish on his career with a type rating failure. I’ve unfortunately had to not recommend or Unsat a few pilots in the sim, but it was harder with Danny because we developed a friendship. But the decision was made to not recommend him for a check ride.
b. Whether or not to choose higher education or go to flight school and finish degree later.

Question 23

What was the worst decision you made in the last year?

Answer 23

a. *Maybe use the hike you went on in Palm Springs that was supposed to be “quick and easy”, but you ended not bringing water, or your phone, and you tweaked your knee and got lost.

Question 24

Describe the perfect job?

Answer 24

a. Workplace that is open to communication, management that are approachable and willing to listen. An open door policy. I think transparency is important for the building and sustainment of employee morale.

Question 25

What has been your biggest disappointment?

Answer 25

b. Not finishing my degree sooner/more windows would have opened.

Question 26

What was your biggest work challenge?

Answer 26

a. I’d have to say that when I was a sim instructor, we would get foreign students from all over the world including Asia, South America, and Europe, and having to assimilate all of the cultures in one classroom, and to make that happen. The plan was to get to know each student first. We would encourage the students to share information about their ethnic background as a means of fostering a trusting relationship with fellow classmates. Then we would adapt to that. One example was when we had students from Japan we picked up right away that the “subordinate” FO wasn’t allowed to answer unless his captain (sitting right next to him) either nodded his head in approval, or answered for him. We told him that although we respect your culture, your FO needs to answer for himself in order to get through the program and graduate.

Question 27

What was the biggest problem you had to face in the last six months?

Answer 27

Gratefully, it’s been a pretty smooth last 6 months. But should I have faced a big problem, some steps I’d consider doing would be to (1) define the problem. (2) make short term goals (3) brainstorm solutions (4) rule out bad choices and go from there.

Question 28

A time you used humor to diffuse a situation?

Answer 28

Hard landing? “Ooh. Take that, Seattle.” b. Or…lady afraid to fly and carried a teddy bear with her. I said “why are you sitting way back there in coach?” She laughed hysterically and seemed to relax.

Question 29

Tell me about a time when you had to perform a task that you believed was unsafe.

Answer 29

a. Had a trip scheduled into a rocky mountain airport. There were pilot reports of severe turbulence. Talk about Kriste and the GOM and how it was against policy to depart with know pireps.

Question 30

Tell me about an emergency situation when you had to react instantaneously.

Answer 30

a. Fine Air carpet fire.

Question 31

Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with another worker or supervisor?

Answer 31

a. Henry saying i’m taking too long. We were on leg 5 of 6. Rare for us to fly that many. Look. I try to put myself in the pilot’s shoes that we’re both tired and his comment is a result of that. We completed another leg professionally, agreed to get dinner and a beer, and had a nice discussion that we were both exhausted from the long day. To resolve this conflict, I had to recognize that I cannot change or control his behavior. I also acknowledged that this behavior, from both of us, was likely a result of stress due to the heavy workload of the day. Therefore, I adjusted my own communication style to increase empathy, and to avoid any triggers that would potentially set us off again until we completed the trip.

Question 32

Time when you had a problem learning a job function and how did you deal with it?

Answer 32

a. Learning the new VistaGlobal software. Centrik was new. EPP was new. ETL was new. Shortly after implementation, the company set up multiple seminars on how to utilize the new system. I attended as many as I could, watched the videos, and called the VistaGlobal I.T. mentor that I was assigned to when I was out on the road for practical help. Soon after it became second nature.

Question 33

Tell about some extracurricular activities that you are involved in that might require similar skills that you would use in the working environment.

Answer 33

a. I’d have to say that i’m a regular reader of books. To me that means that my concentration is improving as a side effect. This constant learning carries over to the work place ensuring i’m up to date on the latest GOM issuance, FCIF’s, and the latest developments in my craft.

Question 34

Describe a time when you had to get cooperation for a co-worker who was not cooperative.

Answer 34

a. Maybe use Kevin and I at the bar in CO where he refused to put out his vape. b. Or use the time when Curtis reached over from right seat and said “let me help you out “ by blowing off checklist and starting engines in front me.

Question 35

Tell me about a stressful situation and how you dealt with it.

Answer 35

a. Use the example where bags were left behind in PBI and the client was Irate about his 80k watch being in the luggage. b. I assured him it was still locked up, we have company policies and departments in place for this sort of thing, and I promised I would remain with him for however long it took until we were sure his belongings were put on another Xojet plane and where he could pick them up. c. I stayed in touch with our owner services and flight crew delivering his belongings.

Question 36

How do you deal with stress generally?

Answer 36

I usually pause about 10 seconds and know there is a solution just around the corner that we could at least begin working on. I try and remain calm. I most definitely get others/other departments involved if available. I try not to make decisions on my own.

Question 37

Tell me about a time when you were reprimanded. How did you deal with it and what did you learn from it?

Answer 37

a. Use Kriste example on when she was mad at me for not calling her in time when we diverted to MSY with pax. Although I deviated from the company policy of immediately calling the CPO on a divert, I assured her that it was in the name of pax comfort. b. I assured her we were now safe on the ground and we were making sure the pax were comfortable inside the FBO, and that we would have an answer for them as quick and as company efficient as possible to get the pax on their way. I told her my copilot was on the phone with client services taking care of that task, and that I was on the other line with mx to resolve the mx issue. What I learned was I should have used CRM more efficiently by having the FBO folks escort the pax to the FBO (instead of us), have my copilot call client services a little sooner, which would have freed me up to report to the CPO our diversion much faster. I also learned that calling mx first was the wrong priority.

Question 38

Tell me about a time when you took initiative in your job.

Answer 38

a. There are many examples of taking initiative in this kind of flying, but a prime example stands out. Rescue trip pick up from MTJ/catering was mistakenly ordered for wrong day/the crew agreed that one of us would run to the local grocery store to get replacement catering. Hundreds of dollars less of course. :) b. Or use RDU/CC/Duke example?

Question 39

What have you done to set a good example for others? Describe a specific project you were responsible for and the steps you took to complete it.

Answer 39

During my final capstone class I had to take to graduate college, I was elected “team lead” on a project paper that happened to be a group project paper on the effect a certain MNC had on its local population of a third-world country. Some of the group were nervous about writing about it so I divided the tasking up with 5 other people, compiled the essay results in a single document, and then asked the group to help me decide which essays they like the best to include in the final paper. I’m hoping that set a good example for the others.

Question 40

Tell me about an unexpected problem you had at work. How did you handle it?

Answer 40

Landed in FOK while snowing/finding out deice truck broke down/called company and suggested ISP be the airport that can recover the clients (no snow).

Question 41

Tell me about a recent time you had a work-related issue and what did you do to solve it.

Answer 41

a. again. MTJ/Catering/etc initiative. | b. Or FOK deice truck broke.

Question 42

Tell how social media impacts an airline?

Answer 42

a. Can impact in a positive way…Marketing/ads/cust service stories, etc. b. Can impact in a negative way…Anyone anywhere can can shed a negative light on an airline whether perceived or real. Video cameras on all phones.

Question 43

Tell how a pilot can affect profitability.

Answer 43

a. Flying fast/slow/flying the profiles vs not. Abusing sick time.

Question 44

Tell a time you experienced a challenging situation in the cockpit.

Answer 44

a. fuel wouldn’t transfer from center tank to wings | b. gear indication failure with Brian

Question 45

As a pilot, how can you help the company save money.

Answer 45

Adhere to a fuel savings program if one is in place. fly the profiles to save fuel. Single engine taxi.

Question 46

Tell me a recent time you had to make a difficult decision.

Answer 46

Choosing between higher education and flight school and finishing degree later. b. Or if “recently” then use choosing new Roundtable members cuz everyone so wonderful etc.

Question 47

Tell us what makes an effective and an ineffective brief in the context of safety.

Answer 47

a. Effective: Briefings should be adapted to the specific conditions of the flight and focus on the items that are relevant for the particular takeoff, departure, cruise or approach and landing. b. Ineffective: Overbriefing. Too much information in a briefing. Briefing irrelevant things pertaining to the leg at hand.

Question 48

TMAT you flew with a PIC that was unsafe.

Answer 48

George smoking?

Question 49

Tell us how you got your passion for flying?

Answer 49

Good speed. SCH airshows. Living near an AFB.

Question 50

TMAT you noticed something that your company policy stated that you didn’t agree with.

Answer 50

a. Allowing kids or other folks a peek into the cockpit/airplane. But understood after 9/11 /covid/ and for security. b. APU on “high mode” greater than 15 mins(very uncomfortable for pax when hot).

Question 51

TMAT when someone rubbed you the wrong way.

Answer 51

a. sponge bob and all of his antics? Turn it into a positive saying you cannot change him and keep it professional in the cockpit etc. b. Tim Maison? Yelling at schedulers/yelling at mx/bellowing in the cockpit on our approach into SMO. Again. Keep it positive. Understand where he’s coming from etc. Say you’re going to your job and keep it professional. Just keep doing our jobs. We don’t have to hang after.

Question 52

TMAT you made a decision that fostered respect and inclusion.

Answer 52

a. Listen without being defensive. b. Embrace change. c. Educate ourselves about difference. e. Maybe use example of students from all cultures sitting in class together at SimCom

Question 53

TMAT you went above and beyond for a customer. Did you put the customer’s needs ahead of the airline?

Answer 53

a. Delivered thousands of dollars of jewelry in the middle of the night to customer. b. No. We made a deal with scheduling to extend our rest.

Question 54

TMAT you received criticism and how you handled it.

Answer 54

a. Simcom/new instructor/everyone gets input from the manager on how better to teach or serve the customer. Once I was asked to do less reading from the book word for word when teaching ground school, and more time sort of lecturing and providing your professional input instead. I took his advice and became better. And teaching became more interesting to the clients that way as well.

Question 55

TMAT when you learned a lesson after doing something you regret.

Answer 55

a. Not earning my college degree sooner in life.

Question 56

TMAT you had to make an immediate decision.

Answer 56

a. Me and Shireman were the first to respond to a car wreck right behind us. as we were backing out of our spot at a restaurant. b. Called 911 immediately/told not to move victims/had to hurry and tell a stranger to stop trying to move victim as per orders from the 911 dispatcher.

Question 57

TMAT a co-worker disagreed with a decision you made.

Answer 57

a. Stambaugh wanting to top airplane off on a short flight due to fuel savings. I only wanted to take a little more than required. I explained to him even though we “can” doesn’t mean we should. How if we’re unnecessarily heavy it can be counterproductive should we have an emergency. b. Showed him numbers/he agreed unnecessarily heavy airplane is pointless.

Question 58

TMAT you disagreed with someone’s decision.

Answer 58

a. See above/heavily fueled airplane for short leg.

Question 59

TMAT you had a miscommunication?

Answer 59

a. Simcom “posh posh.” | b. Pitot covers left on during preflight. Burning them.

Question 60

TMAT someone questioned your integrity.

Answer 60

a. Pax in PBI that kept calling me disgraceful/Scheduling miscommunication/pax told 0930/our CB/was for 1030. b. Called me a liar.

Question 61

If you were in charge of an airline for a day, what is one thing that you would change?

Answer 61

a. Not sure. I truly believe CEO’s do their best with their knowledge they’ve attained in their craft, and make the best decisions they can considering what they’re faced with at a particular time. I am not a trained CEO, But to answer the question, and if it is just being in charge for one day, , in order to bring change, I know that I will have to change certain traits and habits. People only follow what they see. As a leader, I am not being professional if I do not follow what I preach 100%.

Question 62

TMAT you counseled a crew member through a difficult personal situation 


Answer 62


a. Mark Smith going through his divorce. Him and I talking poolside in OAK. b. I appreciated his candor. That kept us safe. c. I reminded him of the company’s counseling program.

Question 63

TMAT you mentored someone/another pilot. What did you learn? 


Answer 63


a. Winston Reynolds-having issues with the FMS and VNAV philosophy. b. I asked him questions to make him feel a part of the crew/his input, I shared ideas I had to help him. c. I told him stories of the multiple mistakes i’ve made on the same system when I was new to put him at ease. d. I assured him i’m available for questions even when i’m on my days off. e. I learned a lot about patience. I learned it doesn’t take much effort to have an immense impact on someone.

Question 64

TMAT you had to deal with a co-worker you didn’t like and might possibly have to fly with him/her 
again.

Answer 64

a. Henry. We ended up flying together after our conflict the last time. I once again communicated my position, I actively listened to his position, this dialogue helped resolved the issue, this all improved our relationship between us. We came to an understanding that we know what the triggers are to be identified (hangry, fatigue, tough flying days) and to try and talk it out first. Henry and I are good friends now and fly regularly together.

Question 65

TMAT another crew member was doing something unsafe in an airplane and how did you handle it? 


Answer 65


a. George smoking in the cockpit! I told him politely there’s a few obvious things wrong with this. (1). You’re smoking two feet away from me without any regard for my health or opinion on it. (2). Your smoke is trailing over to me and it smells disgusting and i’m getting a headache. (3). Not to mention we’re in a cockpit right now and that cigarette can fall and catch a fire somewhere! b. I told him I tell you what. You can have your smoke breaks immediately after we land every day in a designated area and i’ll take care of the passengers needs, etc. George agreed and apologized.

Question 66

Tell me the qualities of an airline pilot that are important to you 


Answer 66


a. People skills b. Listening c. Time Management d. Empathy e. Motivation f. Positive Attitude g. Team Work h. Self Discipline i. Confidence j. Ability to remain calm in a crisis k. CRM!! l. Knowledgeable!!

Question 67

TMAT you motivated someone who was not under your supervision. 


Answer 67


a. Our airline went through a lot of challenges when the HQ moved from CA to FL. Including brand new employees in scheduling and ops. As a result of this a common challenge the new folks had to overcome was getting our FP’s out to us in time. Especially when our destinations change last minute sometimes. We’re supposed to have FP’s a minimum of three hours before departure time. At hotel and inside of three hours I gently nudge ops that we have no FP’s. “Working on it.” Hour later on way to airport we try again. “working on it.” Arrival at aircraft and another hour goes by. No FP’s. Now pax show up and still no info. I politely emailed the SOC Supervisor and we had FP’s within minutes after that.

Question 68

After the flight, how would you address a Capt who violated SOP's? 


Answer 68


I’ll have to weigh the severity first. Is he/she simply running the APU longer than SOP for pax comfort? Perhaps lifting a heavy bag for a pax? If it’s omitting checklists or not flying to standards i’ll gently remind her/him with a hint that a checklist needs to be done, etc. Does AA have some sort of Flight Data Program? If so, I’d remind him/her that if it continues, the data may catch up to the violating crew and that includes me being guilty by association. I’d tell the captain that speed kills, and i’m not in a hurry to successfully complete checklists. I’d remind them that checklists and SOP’s catch human errors and that they’re important. I must say i’d refuse to fly with that person if they persisted.

Question 69

TMAT you were task saturated. 


Answer 69

a. Just recently we had a buildup of challenges that were adding up. AOG in Dulles/short rest/next day early airlines to crew new tail/find out last minute the TR’s are pinned/get to plane to find out an MEL is expired/try to start APU a few times but it failed to start which we need to start aircraft engines/FO subsequently found a large jet-A puddle on the ramp. This caused our pax to be inconvenienced, and lots of paperwork which caused the crew to time out. b. ASE/LH engine wouldn’t start/pax right behind me/asking what’s wrong/reboot plane/long troubleshoot process/finally got engine started/then another grounding mx item arose/finally had to cancel trip/rescue pax. I split the duties between me and FO when feeling saturated.

Question 70

TMAT there was a new policy implemented and how did you ensure you were in compliance. 


Answer 70


a. My airline has a new policy procedure: Email advising us/go to Centrik App and read and acknowledge/put it into practice in the airplane or wherever the new change is focused. Centrik app is what keeps us legal.

Question 71

You’re at a party and someone is complaining about AA delaying her flight. WWYD 


Answer 71


a. I’d probably diffuse it a bit by offering the point that all airlines no matter what is painted on the side of the aircraft experience the same issues when it comes to mx, wx, ATC delays, EDCTs etc. And it’s probably for a good reason. I would also say i’m sorry for your delay, but there are thousands of employees doing their best to get everyone safely to their destinations.

Question 72

Give us some examples of how you communicate outside of the flight deck. What do you do to build relationships?

Answer 72

a. With fellow crew members, I always offer up to meet for dinner. If on an extended layover, I like to go hiking or explore a city. I always invite the crew to come along. Humans aren’t always going to connect or have the same interests and that’s fine too.

Question 73

What would be an example of doing something for the customer that wouldn't exactly be in the best interest of the operation? 


Answer 73


a. A recent example/drive pax from TLH-Thomasville/duty could be affected for next day’s tasking/kept it legal/special circumstance.

Question 74

Do you believe customer needs and business needs are the same or different? 


Answer 74


a. I believe it is an important balance that needs to be struck/customer service needs to remain high/while business needs remain profitable and equitable. I believe the airline business is a constant give and take.

Question 75

Explain in non-pilot terms taking off into a thunderstorm activity with possible windshear. 


Answer 75

A lot depends on how far away it is and how it’s affecting the airport conditions. But TS are unpredictable in their power. Doesn’t matter the weight or size of an aircraft. Airplane will porpoise up and down, hopefully not settling down onto the runway. A bad idea! “if you crash because of wx your funeral is on a sunny day.”

Question 76

Have you ever been removed from flight status or failed any training events or checkrides. 


Answer 76


a. see app for failed check rides.

Question 77

TMAT you withheld info from somebody and what would you have done different

Answer 77

No specific example, but my wife and I have withheld information from children in our family to protect them from potential harm.

Question 78

Tell us about a boss you admire. 


Answer 78


a. Bradley Stewart. Active listener/real open door policy/could express how we felt about important issues without consequences/for the most part he acted on promises/good listener.

Question 79

Tell about your idea of the best and worst crew briefings and what you learned from each example. 


Answer 79


a. right off the bat the worst Cb’s are leaving the FA’s or Jumpseater(s) out of it. CRM should involve all. A generic CB that leaves out pertinent info (mountains/weather/wet runways) for the leg at hand is also not an effective brief. b. A good briefing should include elements pertinent to the leg your about to fly. All briefs should be long enough to cover important items for the leg, yet short enough that things won’t be forgotten or obscured.

Question 80

TMAT you counseled a peer, gave bad news. Was it difficult for you? What did you learn? 


Answer 80


a. Danny Dunn/told he cannot be recommended for BE40 type rating check ride/b. It was very difficult since we started to make a little progress at the end/c. I learned that students learn at different paces. d. I learned that the system put in place for aircraft training works.

Question 81

TMAT when you anticipated another crew member's needs 


Answer 81


a. Recently on go home day my FO had tight airlines home. I told him as soon as we land to takeoff for the terminal to make your flight and i’d post flight and shut the aircraft down since my airlines were much later than his.

Question 82

TMAT you found something during a pre-flight that you presented to the Captain. What would you 
do if he still wanted to go without a corrective action?

Answer 82


a. I’d tell the captain i’m not comfortable with it and that we need to follow SOP and call mx.

Question 83

Tell me about your scariest in-flight emergency. 


Answer 83


a. When the door seal partially blew and was making the scariest sound ever. b. Fine Air carpet fire?

Question 84

TMAT you deviated from an order. 


Answer 84


a. PITCH FEEL FAIL/company checklist in office said land as soon as “practical”. Our updated onboard QRH said land as soon as “possible.” They didn’t really “order” us to continue the trip, but the crew decided to land using the onboard checklists’ . CPO office later saw that our decision was correct.

Question 85

TMAT you made an unpopular decision. 


Answer 85


a. Cold wx ops or “red” client trips we have to show 90 mins early vs 60. Some FO’s don’t like it. I always abide by it because having more time reduces stress should we find an issue and we can better serve our clients that way. The FO’s usually agree.

Question 86

TMAT you mediated or intervened between two crewmembers in a conflict.

Answer 86

???

Question 87

TMAT you worked for someone you admired and the qualities you value in that person - are these 
qualities you have embraced in your own leadership. 


Answer 87


a. Al Bernet/Simcom/calming demeanor/respectful/motivating/he believed in me and others. b. Yes. I tried bringing these qualities into my leadership in the cockpit, and mentoring new FO’s.

Question 88

TMAT when you felt fatigued. 


Answer 88

a. fatigue is a large part of this business. it’s how we mitigate or manage fatigue that matters. listen to yourself. listen to your crew. Use the FRMS system in place.

Question 89

TMAT you made a decision that impacted a peer.

Answer 89

We live in a somewhat gloomy world right now with Covid, mass shootings, and I try to bring positivity daily with very simply things–sharing a word of encouragement, smiling on people, giving a helping hand when someone needs it. Holding a door open for someone longer than expected. Maybe these aren’t big things, but I believe they make the world a better place. This is my philosophy in life, and I definitely want to stick to it in my job as well.


Question 90

TMAT you were proud of a team accomplishment.

Answer 90

a. Simcom/Beechjet team/engineers;instructors;FAA; all working together to complete the Beechjet simulator program/a feeling of accomplishment and reward at the end!

Question 91

Tell me about your thought process with a recent decision you made 


Answer 91


a. Deciding which contractor to remodel our bathrooms/feel of the employees/listening to our desires/attention to detail. b. Or diverting to SMF cuz of pylon bleed leak message/mx there/suitable airport/ b. Or just choose any divert.

Question 92

What did you do in preparation for the interview 


Answer 92


a. Interview prep/read some TMAT questions inserting my own stories/had my electronic logbook professionally printed and bound

Question 93

TMAT you had a conflict with a crew member 


Answer 93


a. Henry | b. Tim Maison

Question 94

TMAT you had to use your leadership skills

Answer 94

a. I do my best daily as a captain to demonstrate my leadership skills. I try to be early downstairs for our “show.” I try to take my time on post flights and look for discrepancies that can affect a flight for the next day etc. b. Capstone project where I had to divide the group?

Question 95

TMAT you had to work in a group to achieve a common goal


Answer 95


a. Hired at Xojet/put all the black binders together as a team/stock all new Hawkers as a team/

Question 96

Tell me the qualities of an airline pilot and which is the most important for you (CRM and why) 


Answer 96

a. People skills b. Listening c. Time Management d. Empathy e. Motivation f. Positive Attitude g. Team Work h. Self Discipline i. Confidence j. Ability to remain calm in a crisis k. CRM!! l. Lead by example!!

Question 97

How would you describe yourself 


Answer 97


a. a loyal person who’s grateful for everything that I have. I’m passionate about my work. I am ambitious and driven. I am organized.

Question 98

TMAT - you changed a person's approach to something - what was the outcome and what could 
have happened if it was different - did this impact that person in a positive manner 


Answer 98


a. Very challenging student at Simcom/had issues maintaining directional control during SE approaches/recognized he wasn’t trimming enough/kept telling him “trim is your friend” and “garbage in = garbage out.” Also, keep two hands on yoke during SE approach. Only throttle when you need it.

Question 99

TMAT you accomplished something you are proud of. 


Answer 99


a. Hands down my college degree.

Question 100

Tell us a situation you regret 


Answer 100


a. Not earning my college degree much sooner.

Question 101

TMAT you had to give tough feedback 


Answer 101


a. I’ve had to fail some initial beechjet candidates in the simulator/all were tough feedback/but use example of guys flying through localizer twice because they didn’t do a simple brief/they missed loc freq.

Question 102

TMAT you went outside of standard procedures to get the job done 


Answer 102


a. APU failed in Costa Rica on go home day with pax onboard. We had to pull the nonstandard checklist out to perform a cross bleed start to get the pax on their way.

Question 103

What community activities or organizations are you involved in? 


Answer 103


a. I *was with Meals on Wheels in Florida/decided to stop when covid was ramped up/plan on going back.

Question 104

TMAT you had to make a decision to improve safety or avoid an unsafe situation. What was the result? 


Answer 104


a. Early Covid 2020. Wife and I *almost decided for me to take a LOA for a while until things calmed down. Wife and I decided to not attend my niece’s wedding/too many guests. Canceled vacation plans due to pandemic.

Question 105

What do you think of our testing? 


Answer 105


a. with lots of applications, I understand the need for a narrowing down process. It’s all kind of new to me personally. i’d be interested in finding out the reasons for some of the tasks. Especially the flying tunnel.

Question 106

Are you willing to be based at all of our bases? 


Answer 106


a. Yes

Question 107

How do you build rapport in the cockpit? Is it important to the success of the flight? 


Answer 107


a. dinner/phone conversation the night before/set an example/brief who does what/build trust with other pilot/b. I believe starting out that way is very important to the success of the flight.

Question 108

TMAT you corrected or refreshed another pilot’s procedures or approach to a problem? 


Answer 108


a. Very challenging student at Simcom/had issues maintaining directional control during SE approaches/recognized he wasn’t trimming enough/kept telling him “trim is your friend” and “garbage in = garbage out.” Also, keep two hands on yoke during SE approach. Only throttle when you need it.

Question 109

TMAT that you had something happen on the airplane that there is not a procedure for.

Answer 109

a. Lav door stuck closed/vanity drawer blocking door from opening/laid down on back/used opening on bottom to close drawer and open door.

Question 110

TMAT that ATC asked you to do something that you didn’t want to do 


Answer 110


a. It’s not uncommon for us to be asked to slow down in trail of other aircraft on an arrival for example. Florida airports to NY area/1.5 hours out of the way routing way out west/but I know its for good reasons. I just smile and comply.

Question 111

Will it be difficult for you to go back to being a First Officer? 


Answer 111

a. Not at all. I’m looking forward to learning the 121 way! I will have much to learn! b. Looking forward to retiring with a legendary company.

Question 112

Are your applications out elsewhere? Delta, United? 


Answer 112


a. Yes. I’m interviewing at other legacy carriers like yours . I started job searching recently, so I’m just beginning to take interviews, but that’s the type of company I’m focused on finding a role with, and that’s why I applied to this position

Question 113

Have you ever failed a check ride? 


Answer 113


a. Yes.

Question 114

Are you familiar with the new FAR Part 117 Rules? 


Answer 114


a. Yes. Rest requirements implemented following the Colgan Air crash.

Question 115

TMAT that you called in Fatigued or TMAT you felt fatigued. 


Answer 115


a. “black” call. We have an FRMS system in place that i’ve had to use twice. ex. long day of flying coast to coast/monitoring HPN enroute/200/1/2 wx/ILS/missed/divert to TEB middle of night.

Question 116

Who is your role model?

Answer 116


a. Not a particular person, but anyone that has a fighting/don’t give up spirit is who I model after. Jimmy Valvano, Randy Pausch. The ones that like to make every day matter under dire circumstances appeals to me. I try to model that.

Question 117

What do you think the future is for the industry? What changes do you foresee?

Answer 117


a. I believe all of the legacy consolidations have stopped for a while. I believe the LCC and ULCC will begin to consolidate. I see a push towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel. I see that in a press release that AA is already leading that charge accepting the first batch of SAF from Neste.

Question 118

TMAT that you flew somewhere new that you have never been before. What did you do to prepare 
for this flight? 


Answer 118


a. In the charter business, this is a weekly occurrence. Sometimes we have about 30 minutes to prepare for it. Sometimes 24 hours. b. We check our GOM and other docs for legality first. Then we go through our self-release charts. Lastly double check the Special Airport Guide to make sure it’s not a “special” airport, requiring addl’ eyes on it.

Question 119

What is the hardest thing about making Passenger Announcements? (They are looking to see if you 
are honest with the passengers about delays, maintenance, etc.)


Answer 119


a. Our pax announcements are a bit more intimate. The hardest thing is telling a passenger/client that we are now AOG and it could be hours before they’re rescued. We remain honest during these dialogues. Just last week we were delayed two hours working out a hung start. It was resolved, hopes were raised, then the copilot’s altimeter broke and then we were grounded. 


Question 120

TMAT you've gone above and beyond in your current duty to make a process better. 


Answer 120


a. Suggested to client services that there’s a CL350 repoing soon from OPF to deliver luggage we left behind. The suggestion was executed and the pax had their bags within 2.5 hours.

Question 121

TMAT ATC has "painted" you into a corner, and how did you recover, was the outcome successful? 


Answer 121


a. VNY/very busy ATC day/getting closer and closer to 34R/vectored us through final w/o telling us/we had an RA as a result. b. Yes, it was successful. We subsequently filed an ASAP report.

Question 122

Tell me how about your decision-making process is in a crew environment, how well does it work 
for you as a leader and as a follower 


Answer 122


a. When practicing a standardized cockpit, the decision making process although not always seamless, it usually comes close. In a non-emergency situation I try to follow procedures by the book. b. It works identically as a leader and follower.

Question 123

TMAT you had to counsel a colleague or crew member on his actions or demeanor. 


Answer 123


a. Mike Class/rushing around/didn’t remove pitot covers in time/delayed trip.

Question 124

TMAA tough decision you had to make under pressure. 


Answer 124


a. Pitch feel fail/checklist discrepancies/land ASAP vs As soon as practical.

Question 125

You’re at a party and someone says Delta always lands but AA went around twice, what if anything would you do? 


Answer 125


a. I’d tell them that all airlines no matter the paint job all operate under the same rules. That Delta doesn’t “always land” and that AA doesn’t always go around twice. I’d add that it was more than likely the best decision to go around twice (I’ve done it one day myself), and that it shows amazing CRM and crew judgement.

Question 126

Are there any bases that you are unwilling to work at? 101.What airplane of ours would you like to fly?

Answer 126

No. I will commute if necessary. I’ll be extremely grateful for any fleet/base.

Question 127

What would you do if the other pilot was not stabilized inside the final approach fix and would not go around when requested? 


Answer 127


a. address him/her more firmly this time “CAPTAIN”, GO AROUND! If the pilot doesn't respond it could be argued that you should suspect a case of subtle incapacitation, and CRM would dictate that you take over and go missed….But refrain from “wrestling controls” at a low altitude.

Question 128

Who is a role model of yours who has helped to shape the person you are today? 


Answer 128


a. My dad for my work ethic and the “never give up” attitude. But others for having amazing attitudes while facing adversity in their lives. b. Randy Paush

Question 129

After the flight, how would you address if a Captain violated SOPs? 


Answer 129


a. could start the subsequent conversation (after you get to the gate and shut it down of course) with something like "...that put me in a difficult position, and I don't appreciate you forcing me to go along with your decision to ignore SOPs.." If it happened again (with me) i’d have to go to Pro Standards.

Question 130

TMAT you went above and beyond for a customer/helped a customer that was upset 
a. Jewelry story.

Answer 130


a. Jewelry story. | b. Or the CMH divert with subsequent AOG/stuck with them until there was a solution/found correct CS team.

Question 131

Tell us a little about wind shear, and how you avoid it. 


Answer 131


a. Fly the aircraft profile/usually keep the configuration as is (gear/flaps down)/use CRM to recognize when out of it (NFP calls AS trends/altitude trends/recover/inform ATC. b. It can’t always be avoided, but some techniques are to avoid landing in/near TSRA. Utilize ride reports/understand wx phenomena.

Question 132

TMAT that you had to give bad news.

Answer 132

RecentlyASE/Hung start/ then worked/ then copilots altimeter failed.

Question 133

Talk to us about Vmcg as it relates to V1. Can V1 be lower than Vmcg?

Answer 133

V1 is the minimum speed at which a pilot can continue a takeoff after an engine failure. If an engine failure is detected after V1, the takeoff must be continued. This implies that the aircraft must be controllable on ground. Therefore, V1 is always greater than VMCG. I’ve never flown anything larger that a 31k airplane so I suppose it’s possible in the larger airliners you all have?

Question 134

About AA:

Answer 134

127,000 Employees. 95 years old. Achieve zero emissions by 2050. (SAF) W/American Eagle, 6700 flights/day. 350 destinations/50 countries. Regionals: Eagle, Envoy, Piedmont, PSA. Robert Isom CEO.

Question 135

What bad qualities would your FO say you have?

Answer 135

Sometimes they say they can’t read my handwriting on the releases. A couple would say I’m prepared to a fault. I have the habit of looking ahead to the next day’s tasking too soon. But that translates my work into being proactive (choosing different airports for clients when snow coming the next day for ex), it gives us time to choose a safe option , and allows the company to reach out to the clients of any impending diversions.

Question 136

Fleet?

Answer 136

Airbus. Including the NEO. 737 777 787