Interview Questions

Question 1

Have you ever had any checkrides failures

Answer 1

Thankfully I have no checkride failures

Question 2

What can you do as a Frontier Pilot to help us overcome our customer service issues?

Answer 2

I can have a positive attitude, smile, and try and interact with the passengers. I can show up early and do everything I can do to make the aircraft depart on time.

Question 3

What do you know about Frontier Airlines?

Answer 3

I know the’y’ve been around since 1994 and was founded by two pilots who worked for the original frontier airlines which ceased operations in 1986. They are currently owned by Indigo who also own parts of Jet-smart, Volaris, and Wizzair. They operate under an ultra-low-cost model, unbundling the fare from other ancillary services and fees. Their current CEO is Barry Biffle. They currently fly an all airbus fleet with approximately 120 current aircraft in operation with orders for an additional 220. Their slogan is “low fares done right”.

Question 4

Why do you want to work at Frontier?

Answer 4

I want to work at Frontier because I believe in the ULCC model and its ability to make flying more affordable for everyone and connect people that otherwise wouldn’t be able to. I’m excited by their expansion plans to nearly triple the size of their fleet and if I was hired now I would have great opportunities for growth and seniority. I also think that there’s a good chance that an economic recession is looming and I believe the ULCC model is more likely to weather the storm. When times are tough people even more so look for the cheapest way to get from A to B so that business model may be more resilient to recession. I also like the bases and the chance to stay in Phoenix.

Question 5

What’s your favorite memory item?

Answer 5

It’s probably the one for unreliable airspeed in flight
-Auto pilot disconnect
-Flight Director deselect
-Stabilize aircraft using the ISI (integrated standby instrument)
-IF CONDUCTING A TAKEOFF/GO-AROUND/INITIAL CLIMB
-Pitch to 10º and TOGA (from S.L. To 15000’) or pitch 5º and CLB (above 15,000’)
-Aircraft configuration clean up at MFRA
-Altitude maintain no lower than minimum safe altitude
-Respect the stick shaker
-Refer to UNREL tab for expanded procedure

Question 6

What’s your least favorite memory item?

Answer 6

The one for a rejected takeoff (tell story if you wish)
-Thrust levers idle
-Brakes maximum until a safe stop
-Thrust reverser/s maximum consistent with directional control
-BELOW 60kts
-Tower advise
-Passengers advise

Question 7

Tell us how you saved you company money?

Answer 7

I always tried to fly the Econ Speed. Additionally we always single engine taxied whenever it was safe to do so. But there’s also a point when saving money can go too far and can cause a safety issue, e.g. taxiing single engine on slippery taxiways.

Question 8

Tell us about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

Answer 8

A few weeks ago I was flying from LGB to FSD. When we got there the weather was just starting to deteriorate. We were preparing to depart to DFW and had to de-ice. We had extra passengers add to our aircraft last minute which made us just under the MTOW for the given conditions. After de-icing the runway conditions had worsened and when we run the numbers we were too heavy by 2000lbs. Rather than turn around and de-plane we talked with tower to try and see if we could get the runway conditions improved so we could takeoff. They did improve so we were able to taxi to the runway and right before takeoff we encountered a maintenance problem and had to come back to the gate. Maintenance took 4 hrs and by the time we were good to go we were at risk of going over our FDP limit. So I suggested to the captain that we could both extend, fatigue permitting to get everyone to Dallas, so the passengers could finally get to their destination. Si in short we did everything we could to make it so the passengers could get to their destination that day including trying to get the runways conditions improved as well as extending our FDP.

Question 9

Tell us about a time you went the extra mile at work?

Answer 9

A few weeks ago I was flying from LGB to FSD. When we got there the weather was just starting to deteriorate. We were preparing to depart to DFW and had to de-ice. We had extra passengers add to our aircraft last minute which made us just under the MTOW for the given conditions. After de-icing the runway conditions had worsened and when we run the numbers we were too heavy by 2000lbs. Rather than turn around and de-plane we talked with tower to try and see if we could get the runway conditions improved so we could takeoff. They did improve so we were able to taxi to the runway and right before takeoff we encountered a maintenance problem and had to come back to the gate. Maintenance took 4 hrs and by the time we were good to go we were at risk of going over our FDP limit. So I suggested to the captain that we could both extend, fatigue permitting to get everyone to Dallas, so the passengers could finally get to their destination. Si in short we did everything we could to make it so the passengers could get to their destination that day including trying to get the runways conditions improved as well as extending our FDP.

Question 10

Tell me about a good leader with an example?

Answer 10

I believe one of the best leaders ever was George Washington. He was a great leader because he really didn’t want to be. After the revolution the Washington, contrary to historical precedent and the predictions of many at the time, voluntarily relinquished his position and title as commander-in-chief. He then made a statement saying essentially that he left the country in God’s hands. The people wanted him to be our sovereign, and it would have been his for the taking. He declined. He didn’t want our fledgling nation to suffer the tyranny they’d just fought to escape. Later, after the constitutional convention, then begged him to be their president which he obliged. He didn’t want a second term but again the people begged him. He overwhelmingly won a second term.

Question 11

What will you bring to Frontier Airlines

Answer 11

Succinctly I bring professionalism, integrity, and a good attitude

Question 12

Have you ever failed a checkride?

Answer 12

Fortunately, I have never failed a checkride

Question 13

Tell me about yourself

Answer 13

We’ll I’m 31 years old. I’m married with 3 children, soon to be 4 children. I love to watch movies, play my guitar, spend time with my wife and kids, and of course I love to fly planes. I first became interested in aviation as a relatively young boy when my dad worked as a ramp manager for America West airlines. On take you child to work day he took me in his company truck and held short of the runway while planes came in to land. I wanted to be a pilot ever since. As I got older, maybe 14 or 15 I heard that you had to have perfect vision to become a pilot, you basically had to learn to fly in the military, and that pilot were never home to spend time with their families. Upon hearing all of this I spent many years trying to figure out what I “really” wanted to do with my career. After much vascilating I ended up studying physics at ASU with the intention of go to dental school. A few weeks before going to dental school I made a new friend who was a United Airlines pilot. After talking to him he disillusioned me regarding the need for perfect vision and joining the military. He also told me he was home between 16-18 days a month with his family. I realized that I had made a huge mistake and just before I was ready to head of to dental school I changed my mind and went to flight school after consulting my wife and parents. I haven’t looked back since.

Question 14

What do you think makes a successful pilot

Answer 14

Professionalism, perseverance, and strong technical knowledge and skill

Question 15

What would you do if the Lav’s were MEL’d on a flight of ______ length?

Answer 15

On a shorter flight I would just let all the passengers know that the LAV’s weren’t working and to use the bathroom before we left. If that wasn’t possible for them I would tell them to talk to the gate agent about getting booked on a different flight. On a longer flight I would probably just talk to dispatch and tell them that this poses a safety risk and a diversion risk so we should either delay the flight until the aircraft is fixed, we get a new plane, or the flight is cancelled.

Question 16

Give and example of when you would deviate from a regulation or SOP?

Answer 16

This only seems like it would be necessary if in the interest of flight safety and/or an emergency situation. Perhaps going below minimums during a fuel emergency. Or perhaps, a very specific scenario, our QRH calls for shutting down an engine during an excessive fuel imbalance if the fuel balance can’t be controlled by the gravity cross feed valve. I might use my PIC authority to just retard the engine on the low side to correct the imbalance rather that shut off an operating engine.

Question 17

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker?

Answer 17

A few months ago we were getting ready to leave DRO when we realized we had an excessive fuel imbalance and we were in a plane with Fuel Cross-feed pump MEL’d. The MEL for the pump says to open the gravity cross-feed valve, and to fix the imbalance by getting the wing with less fuel lower to fix the imbalance. The captain opened to gravity cross-feed and then kept trying to use the fuel cross-feed pump to fix the imbalance, which again was inoperative. Of course the imbalance persisted and I kept telling him that we need to get the right wing low but he disagreed saying it would make a difference and that we needed to get the pump working to fix the imbalance. I kept trying to persuade him that we should at least try to get the other wing low and he said he didn’t want to which made me very frustrated. Eventually we decided to go back to the gate to get additional fuel in the low wing which I didn’t protest to. Even though I thought I was right I thought it was better to just go back to the gate and get more fuel than to argue with the captain and have a bad relationship with him.

Question 18

What is your greatest achievement in aviation?

Answer 18

Well I hope my greatest achievement is still in front of me, but up until now I would say it was get my Gold Seal CFI cert. I have endorsed over 90 students for checkrides (Mostly CFI and CFII applicants) with a 90% first time pass rate.

Question 19

Tell us about a difficult pilot that you’ve flown with

Answer 19

The most difficult pilot I’ve ever flown with was a captain who kept dismissing all my input and then critiquing everything I did as if I was new to flying. I got so frustrated that it became a distraction which is never good in the cockpit. Rather than argue with him I decided to swallow my pride and just ignore it until we got on the ground. The next day we ended up going to the same restaurant to get lunch before we needed to head tot he airport and we had a really great conversation and I realized he wasn’t as bad as I’d originally thought. I mentioned that I felt picked on yesterday and he apologized. The rest of our trip together had no issues.

Question 20

What was the hardest time in your aviation career?

Answer 20

The day before my com multi checkride in early February 2020 I fell off the Seminole and broke my arm. I couldn’t fly for two months. By the time I finally finished com multi and MEI, Covid was in full swing and I could get a job for 4 months. Even then, when I first started instructing I only managed to get like 30 hours a month which wasn’t even enough money to pay my flight school student loan let alone keep the lights on. I had to get a 2nd job at Dominos delivering pizzas just to make ends meet. Even my wife had to go back to work after being a stay at home mom for most of our marriage. I felt like a failure as a husband, a father, and a provider. One of the hardest things was hearing my oldest son pray and ask for us not to be poor anymore. It was extremely disheartening. I made a decision that day that I would do whatever it took to be successful and to never let that happen to my family again.

Question 21

What is one quality you will bring to frontier and how will you use it?

Answer 21

I’d like to think I bring a lot of good qualities to frontier but if I had to pick one it would be my perseverance. I don’t give up. I don’t ever just resign myself to fate. I will work extremely hard in my training here and if things aren’t going my way I’ll keep trying until I get it figured out. If I find myself in an emergency scenario in an aircraft and nothing seems to be ameliorating the problem I’ll just keep trying.

Question 22

Who is our customer?

Answer 22

Obviously its all our passengers but also anyone else who relies on us for their lives to run smoothly, including other airlines who use us to DH their pilots and crew.

Question 23

What makes a great captain?

Answer 23

In my opinion a great captain is one whose humble but also decisive. A good captain will use all available resources, including the experience of his FO’s and FA’s, in order to ensure the flight has a safe outcome.

Question 24

What is Frontier Airlines slogan?

Answer 24

Low fares done right

Question 25

What is a pilots role when it comes to customer service?

Answer 25

It starts with doing everything we can to make sure we depart and arrive on time, and get people safely to their destination. I think another important thing is always trying to keep the passengers informed about what’s going on. If there’s some kind of delay don’t leave the passengers in the dark, let them know what’s going on, give them an ETA, and apologize. Always be smiling and have a positive attitude.

Question 26

When was the last time you broke a regulation?

Answer 26

It was a while ago as an instructor I had no choice but to fly into IMC with a clearance. I was doing a night IFR XC with a student from SBP to LGB. The tower was closed and the only way to get our clearance on the ground was to call someone on the phone. The ASOS reported sky’s clear and the TAF expected the weather to be clear as well, so I decided it would be easiest to depart VFR and pick up our clearance in the air. Shortly after takeoff, at around 800’ AGL we ran into a cloud layer. We had mountains on either side of us as well as in front of us. We were too low an altitude to call center on the radio and get our IFR clearance and I knew if we continued forward under the cloud layer that we were going to fly into a mountain, so I used my PIC authority to climb through the cloud layer and proceed on course. Fortunately the cloud layer was only like 300’ thick and we were able to call center shortly after and get our clearance. I learned an important lesson that day. It’s always better to get your clearance on the ground at night when you can’t clearly see if there’s clouds or not.

Question 27

What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

Answer 27

I love any kind of brain teaser or puzzle. As nerdy as it sounds I love to do math and I find working on a juicy problem both fun and relaxing. I also enjoy playing my guitar. I enjoy the outdoors, especially with my sons.

Question 28

What do you do to mentor future aviators?

Answer 28

I keep in touch with many of my old students and check in to see how their doing. I ask if the need any advice on where to go, how to build hours, how to help their students, etc. I’m also raising 3 (soon to be 4) sons who it would be really cool to fly with someday if thats what they want to do.

Question 29

Tell me about making a difficult transition you had to make?

Answer 29

I think it was difficult to go form being an instructor, where I was always PIC, to an FO where I wasn’t. It was hard initially for me to defer to someone else, or act like a crew instead of being the straight decision maker. For example when I was first landing the CRJ900 when the captain would say, “my controls” I would keep my feet on the brakes until I could feel the captain positively take over the breaks. That made several of them upset because they thought I was treating them like a student.

Question 30

How do you foster a good cockpit environment?

Answer 30

I think it starts with friendliness and humility. It’s easy to let ego’s get in the way of working as a crew so we need to check our ego’s at the gate. Also open communication is key.

Question 31

Tell me about a time you struggled in training?

Answer 31

The time I struggled the most on training was very early on when I was learning how to land the plane. I had maybe 15hrs worth of pattern flights with my instructor and it wasn’t getting any better. I was getting extremely discouraged and I was afraid I was going to get kicked out of the program. After those 15hrs or so my instructor had me fly with a different instructor who noticed I was doing something that my primary instructor didn’t pick up on. Once he told me to quit doing it my landings improved about 10 fold in a single flight. Sometimes a change in perspective is really helpful.

Question 32

What do you look for in a crew member?

Answer 32

Good CRM and communication skills. It’s also nice if their personable so the trip goes by a little faster. Otherwise I’m a pretty easy guy to please.

Question 33

Tell me about your leadership style

Answer 33

For me it starts with being a good listener. Never discount the experience of the people sitting next to you. I try to be the kind of person that other look put to. I try to be honest in all my dealings, and avoid hypocrisy. It’s also important to be open and honest about my shortcomings. Knowing your weaknesses is actually a strength as it allows you to try and hedge against them.

Question 34

What’s something aviation-related that you learned recently?

Answer 34

I was recently watching a documentary on the history of jet engines and apparently they were invented simultaneously by two different engineers, one in Germany and another in England. I believe it was Frank Whittle and Hans Von Omani. Anyhow to sounds like the jet engine was invented as really an evolution to a forced induction device that they used at the time to get more air into their already powerful piston engines. Frank thought they could just do without the pistons at all and just ignite the compressed air from the supercharger to make thrust but was disregarded by many.

Question 35

Which employee role is most important when it comes to customer service?

Answer 35

I think everyone is equally important. We’re a team and without each team member the operation doesn’t work.

Question 36

How can an employee help their companies bottom line?

Answer 36

I think there’s several things they can do. As a pilot I think we can do whatever we can within the realms of safety to conserve fuel. But additionally anything we do to make the experience better for the customer will help the companies bottom line as they will be more likely to get repeat customers. That includes being on time and offering good customer service.

Question 37

What type of leader impresses you the most?

Answer 37

Someone whose clearly knowledgeable and skilled but humble and willing to help other achieve what they have.

Question 38

What was your most difficult training event?

Answer 38

Although my initial ATP ride was tough I think the toughest was my CFI initial ride. It was just longer. I had about a 6 hour oral examination followed by about a 3 hour flight where we did every single item in the CFI PTS. It was rough.

Question 39

You encounter an old lady in the terminal who complained to you about Frontier nickel-and-diming them for everything. What would you do?

Answer 39

I’d explain that the best way for people to get the lowest fares is to only pay for what they need. Paying for checked bags on a full service ticket when you do need it is wasteful.

Question 40

How do you learn complex things?

Answer 40

We’ll something you learn as a flight instructor is levels of learning. The deepest level of learning is the application/correlation level of learning. Before you can get there you need to have the rote level of learning done first. So before you can really understand something on a deep level you have to have the rote memorization of the information first. So when I’m trying to learn a new aircraft system I usually make flash cards to help me memorize facts about the system and once I’ve done that I try to envision scenarios related to that system to help me more deeply probe how it works and how it interacts with other systems.

Question 41

Have you ever had any FAA or military actions?

Answer 41

No I have not

Question 42

What is our motto?

Answer 42

Low fares done right

Question 43

What was your best flight?

Answer 43

Flying back to PHX from LGB with my parents on board and getting several compliments from passengers.

Question 44

What does “low fares done right” mean to you?

Answer 44

When I was a kid my dad was a ramp worker and later a ramp manager at America West, later US Airways. His wages were pretty meager for years and only because of our flight benefits were we able to go on a yearly vacation as a family. I got to have experiences like traveling to Hawaii with my family that many children will never experience. Low fares done right means that more children and families can have those experiences like I had as a child, who otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity.

Question 45

Why should we hire you?

Answer 45

You should hire me because I’m a consummate professional, always have safety in mind, try to make the safest decisions for my passengers, and because I live a life of integrity. There is nothing in my personal conduct that would ever reflect poorly on my employer. Additionally I like to think that I’m a fun person to be around and someone who gets along with others easily.

Question 46

What brought you here today?

Answer 46

Tell them how I got involved in aviation

Question 47

How do you stay motivated and avoid complacency?

Answer 47

When I was a kid and learning to drive my dad gave me some sage advice. he told me, “Cameron, the day after you get your drivers license you’ll be the safest driver you’ll ever be.” And I asked why. He told me, “Because the longer you drive the more and more comfortable you’ll get driving. And with increased comfort you get more and more lazy and pay less attention. The most dangerous drivers are those who’ve got just enough driving experience to really think that they know what they’re doing.” Sure enough I was very cautious as a new driver. Then about a year and a half after getting my license I was in a terrible accident because I drove tired and fell asleep while driving to school on the highway. I broke my back and my sister nearly died and was in a coma for a few weeks. After that experience I finally really internalized what my father told me. I decided that when driving I can never let my guard down and I do the same thing when I’m flying. I always expect the worst to happen but I always hope for the best.

Question 48

What would you do if the flight attendants call during cruise and say the masks have deployed?

Answer 48

Make sure the cabin was still pressurized. If so I’d talk with the captain and dispatch about the best course of action. We may need to divert even if the masks have deployed just because undoubtedly some of the passengers used the masks and are now out of oxygen, which means in the event of an actual depressurization they wouldn’t have any.

Question 49

What would you do if the captain showed up and was acting funny but you couldn’t smell any alcohol?

Answer 49

I would do whatever I could to make sure the captain was ok. Maybe he’s having a stroke or he’s on some other kind of medication. Depending on how bad it was I may refuse to fly until he gets checked out.

Question 50

Why would you make a good captain?

Answer 50

I would make a good captain because I’m quick to include my other pilots and FA’s in decision making. I have strong technical knowledge and I’m a good problem solver. As a flight instructor a good 90% of my job was just making sure that my students didn’t hurt themselves so I had to watch everything they did and catch their mistakes. I know that once I have experience in an aircraft my vision will expand enough until I can do the same thing in my jet, and make sure that mistakes aren’t made.

Question 51

Are you a good pilot or a great pilot?

Answer 51

We’ll the pilot who thinks he’s infallible is the most likely to make mistakes because they won’y hedge against them. So I would just say I’m a competent pilot.. The day I start reading my own press clippings and thinking I’m great is the day that I need to really reevaluate myself.

Question 52

Describe the kind of pilot you are in one minute

Answer 52

I’m a consummate professional who takes his job seriously. That being said I’m also a friendly person who others like to be around. I always think about safety during every phase of flight including on the ground before we even start moving. I have strong technical knowledge as well as good communication and CRM skills. I’m not afraid to admit that I’m fallible because knowing your weaknesses makes you better at whatever you do.

Question 53

Will you leave in 6 months for another company?

Answer 53

Absolutely not. I don’t even have apps out anywhere else. I believe in Frontiers growth as an airline and I also really want to be in phoenix since thats where all of my families from. Frontier offers me the best opportunity to do that as well as be able to upgrade quickly and build seniority.

Question 54

Tell us about a mistake you made and how you rectified it

Answer 54

A mistake that I made was as a relatively new instructor I decided to go fly shortly after recovering from a cold. I still had a tiny bit of a runny nose but no other symptoms. We went out flying and climb up to about 8000’. I felt totally fine throughout the flight but the trouble began when we began descending. As we descended I could feel the pressure building up in my ears. By around 4000’ it hurt bad enough that we couldn’t descend any further and I could barely hear. I felt like a total idiot and admitted to my student what was going on. We leveled off at 4000’ for about 15 minutes before I was finally able to clear my ears and continue down to land. I learned to never rush back to flying after being sick, especially in an unpressurized cabin. If I wasn’t able to clear my ears that day I would’ve been forced to descend and could’ve lost my hearing.

Question 55

What would you do if you just pulled into the gate and you only had 20 minutes to make your commute home?

Answer 55

Well this happened to me once and the captain offered to do the post flight walk around so I wouldn’t miss my deadhead which was very kind of him. Of course I wouldn’t neglect any of my post flight duties to make the commute but it was nice having the captain help me out that one time.

Question 56

Have you ever had to take the controls from a superior?

Answer 56

No. I’ve taken the controls from plenty of students but never a superior.

Question 57

When was the last time you lied?

Answer 57

I believe in being honest in all that I do but I”m certainly not perfect. Probably the last time I lied was telling my sons that I was going to bed so he would stay in his bed.

Question 58

What do you know about our business model?

Answer 58

I know its an ultra low cost model thats able to keep fares low by flying efficient planes, and only charging customers for the things they actually need (checked bags, carry ones, drinks, etc.). I read that 3rd quarter last year your “cost per available seat mile” was 10.57 cents. I saw some numbers that said that Delta was at 20.11 cents per available seat mile last quarter so Frontier has much lower costs.

Question 59

How do you define success in aviation?

Answer 59

Getting passengers safely to their destination, no broken planes, no broken regs, chief pilot doesn’t know my name.

Question 60

What would you change about yourself?

Answer 60

Well if there’s something about myself that I want to change and it’s in my control I usually do it. Right now I’m trying to get myself in better shape.

Question 61

Tell me about a time you made a wrong decision and you still regret it

Answer 61

Tell them about the time you departed VFR at night in SBP, with the intention to get your IFR clearance in the air, and you encountered low level clouds.

Question 62

Tell me about a time you witnessed customer service in the airport

Answer 62

A few weeks ago I finished my post-flight walk around and was deplaning when I saw a man with a cane at the bottom of the jet bridge. I asked if he was still waiting on wheel chair and he said no, he was waiting for his mobility scooter. So I went back outside and talked with the dampers to make sure he get his mobility scooters and separate batteries.

Question 63

Without mentioning the words Airbus or NEO, tell us why you want to work for frontier airlines

Answer 63

I believe in Frontiers low cost model that allows passengers on a budget to get where their going. I also believe that model is more resistant to recession because during tough times people are more likely to choose a low cost carrier…

Question 64

If you were Barry Biffle (CEO) what would you change about Frontier Airlines?

Answer 64

I would try and expand the route structure, maybe Hawaii and Alaska.

Question 65

What 2 values are the most important to you?

Answer 65

Honesty and perserverance.

Question 66

What would you do if the captain doesn’t want to de-ice?

Answer 66

If there’s frost on the wings, I’m not going without de-icing. I would try first to show him the CFM/GOM where it says we’re required to de-ice and if he still refuses I’m not going.

Question 67

What was the worst job you ever had?

Answer 67

Sign twirler for a housing community. Was extremely boring. No one to talk to.

Question 68

You meet downstairs after an overnight and the CA isn’t feeling well. You suspect he’s intoxicated. What do you do?

Answer 68

Well I don’t drink and don’t spend much time around people who do drink. So its very possible that I would be wrong that he was intoxicated. I wouldn’t want to ruin a guys entire career over something that I’m not sure of so I would talk to the captain and ask if he was feeling ok. Probably urge him to call in sick. If he refused to call in sick and I was pretty sure he was intoxicated I may need to call the chief pilot.

Question 69

Are you married and do you have kids?

Answer 69

Yes, I’ve been married for 9 years and we. Have 3 children, soon to be 4 children. Marriage has treated me well and I wouldn’t have made it this far without my wife supporting me.

Question 70

Who was my favorite president and why

Answer 70

Again, George Washington. Refer to the information from the other flash card about his leadership that navigate our country through a perilous time during its fledgling years. He set precedents that are still held to this day, e.g. two year term limit, called Mr. President, has a cabinet, etc.

Question 71

What do you have to say about Mesa Airlines?

Answer 71

I love Mesa airlines. They’re the people that taught me to fly Jets and I have wonderful friend over their that I’ll hopefully have for life. I’ve never worked at another 121 company so I can’t make this statement authoritatively but the people there are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever been around in the workplace. Everyone there really wanted you to succeed.

Question 72

What is your favorite movie?

Answer 72

The nightmare before Christmas

Question 73

What is Frontier Airlines projected growth?

Answer 73

I believe they currently have around 120 aircraft in their fleet with another 220 on order. The plan is to essentially triple the fleet size by 2026. That might be easier with Spirit joining JetBlue and leaving the ULCC model but we’ll see.

Question 74

What is Frontiers operating margin?

Answer 74

16%

Question 75

Who is frontiers CEO?

Answer 75

Barry Biffle

Question 76

Who is Frontier Airlines President?

Answer 76

Barry Biffle

Question 77

If we called you letter of recommendation what would he say about you?

Answer 77

He was say that I’m a quick learner. That I’m a thinking pilot and not just a flying robot. He would say I have good systems knowledge and that I’m personable and easy to talk to. He would say that I’m a professional who shows up on time and ready to work.

Question 78

What if Delta, United or FedEx calls while youre in training?

Answer 78

Well I don’t have applications out anywhere else so I suspect thats pretty unlikely.

Question 79

Why did you leave Mesa Airlines to come here?

Answer 79

Well first of all I loved my time at Mesa, brief as it may be. The people I met there are top notch and super friendly. They really taught me a lot about the 121 world and how to work as a crew. My time there is invaluable to me. But I believe Frontier is just a better place to be for me and my family. I think there’s definitely some kind of recession coming and Frontier will weather the storm a lot better than Mesa will. I also believe in the ULCC model that lets people travel who otherwise wouldn’t be able to. And of course its much better for my future. I’ll make more money here, fly nicer planes here, and hopefully learn a lot.

Question 80

If Barry Biffle was in the room right now what’s one thing you’d tell him to improve?

Answer 80

I think it would be nice to have more routes out west. Hawaii and Alaska would be awesome. Some additional routes would be nice too. Perhaps even Atlantic crossings in the new A321XLR’s they have optioned.

Question 81

Tell me about the most annoying captain you’ve ever flown with

Answer 81

Tell them about Randy

Question 82

Tell me about the time you’ve laughed the hardest

Answer 82

Well I’m constantly laughing at my sons. Those guys are absolutely hilarious. Probably one of the times I’ve laughed the hardest was when my oldest was maybe 18 months old and we took him to the park. It was his first time going down the slide and he didn’t react much to going down the first time. So I told him, “Nathan, when you go down say, ‘Weeee!’” So the next time he went down the slide, in the most unenthusiastic and monotone voice you’ve ever heard he said, “weee…”. My wife and I were in stitches.

Question 83

What would you do if the captain refused to go around after losing an essential instrument during the approach?

Answer 83

Of course I would call for a go-around first. If the captain refuses to go around after that I could tel tower that we’re going around an hopefully thats what he’ll do.

Question 84

What would you do if your captain makes mistakes?

Answer 84

We all make mistakes and I would give the captain the same courtesy that I hope he would give me. I would just bring it to his attention to help him improve. If he’s intentionally disregarding regs or SOP’d thats different but we all make mistakes.

Question 85

What was the price of Frontier stock this morning? What’s the ticker symbol?

Answer 85

The price as of a few days ago was around $12/share.

Question 86

Tell us about a time you had an emergency and how you handled it?

Answer 86

Tell them about the time you had serious engine issues and had to come back to Gateway. Make sure to mention that you ran the engine roughness checklist and took control of the plane while you had the student scan for good landing spots.

Question 87

What SOP at your current company would you change?

Answer 87

If I could change anything I would change the requirement to always climb in speed mode to allow us discretion to either fly in V/S mode or pitch mode.

Question 88

How will you know when you’re ready to upgrade?

Answer 88

Well I was used to being the PIC when I was an instructor. After having over 1000hrs in that plane I felt like I knew it inside and out and that I was very confident in how to deal with all kinds of emergencies. I think I’ll be ready when I have that same level of confidence. Additionally I think it would be useful to ask captains that I’m flying with if they think I’m ready and get their honest opinion.

Question 89

During a walk-around at an outstation you notice the tire has a bald spot with some cord showing. The captain says he doesn’t care and that you’r lever reacting. What do you do?

Answer 89

I would ask him to call maintenance and get his opinion. If not I could always call maintenance myself and ask what they thought. If both the captain and the maintenance personal said the plane is good to go that I would depart.

Question 90

Tell me a joke

Answer 90

What’s The difference between a a guitar and a fish? You can tune a guitar but you can’t tune a fish.

Question 91

What do you do if the captain refuses to go missed?

Answer 91

Call the missed for him. If he still refuses to go missed call the tower and tell them you’re going missed.

Question 92

How would you prep yourself to be a captain at a major airline over the next 3 years?

Answer 92

Study all company procedures and manuals, make sure I know the aircraft inside and out, and make sure I know all the emergency procedures. Work on my communication skills to make sure I make the other pilot feel appreciated.

Question 93

Tell me about a time you were given instructions and something bad happened?

Answer 93

When I was flight instructor I was told to fly a particular route with my student to scout out its suitability for future flying. Along the route there were 8000’ mountains and the MEA was at 10000. We flew back at night to meet a requirement for the students commercial cert and because it was dark and we couldn’t see that mountains below us I decided it was safest to fly higher at 12000’ rather than at the MEA of 10000’. About 3hrs into our 4hr flight the student very suddenly got very nauseous and began throwing up. We couldn’t seem to figure what was wrong until it dawned on me that perhaps it was altitude related. I asked ATC for a lower altitude for my sick student and almost immediately after descending the student began to feel a lot better. A few days later word had gotten back to my superiors about the event and they asked why I chose to fly at 12000’. I told them because of the high terrain and the lack of suitable landing places for long stretches. I was then given a stern lecture and was told that I should have picked a different route with lower terrain, even though it was the route they asked me to fly.

Question 94

What percentage of travel in the US is done on Frontier airlines?

Answer 94

3.3% domestic market share per google

Question 95

What would you do if the captain wanted to take of with frost on the wings?

Answer 95

Well according the PHAK even a small amount of frost on the wings can cause a sizeable decrease in lift so under no circumstances would I go. I would insist we go and de-ice. If he still said he didn’t want to I’d say its required by company policy. If he still said he wouldn’t de-ice I’d tell him that I’m not flying and that if he didn’t let up I’d call the chief pilot.

Question 96

Tell me about the last time you made a mistake in the cockpit and how you fixed it

Answer 96

As we were approaching the runway I was doing our before takeoff checklist and realized we had an excessive fuel imbalance. I brought it the captains attention and then I told tower we weren’t ready for takeoff and we’d need a sec. After we fixed the imbalance I told tower that we were ready for departure and we were cleared for takeoff. As we were taking the runway I realized that we never finished the before takeoff checklist because of the distraction with the fuel so I called tower and told them we’d need a sec on the runway and they cancelled our takeoff clearance. They weren’t terribly pleased but we needed to finish our checklist and there was only a few items left.

Question 97

What was your favorite concert of all time?

Answer 97

Going to see the Fab 5 ( a Beatles impersonation group) with my parents. It was cool to be able to spend time with my father.

Question 98

What’s your favorite time in history?

Answer 98

Somewhere around 200-400BC around the time of the Greeks and Romans. It was a time of great mathematicians and thinkers like Pythagoras and Archimedes. It always fascinates me to see what ancient peoples were able to accomplish.

Question 99

Who is your favorite leader and why?

Answer 99

George Washington

Question 100

What kind of leader are you and how you use it in our culture?

Answer 100

Well I believe in leading by example. I try to be the kind of person that others can depend on and look up to. I try to keep my ego in check and never let myself think I know better than someone else and make sure I include other peoples input when making important decisions. I also try and have a positive attitude all the time as its really tough to follow someone who’s negative.

Question 101

How have you improved the culture at your current airline?

Answer 101

Well I try to always be positive and have a good attitude. I think that frequently speaking negatively of the company just makes everyone upset and less motivated to do a good job. I also go out of my way in the crew room to reach out to even newer FO’s and try and answer any questions they have.

Question 102

Tell me about a time you needed to get information from someone and they weren’t forthcoming

Answer 102

Well if you don’t include trying heedlessly to get the truth out of my children, a few weeks ago there was a discrepancy with one of my paychecks and I couldn’t figure out who to talk to get it fixed. I emailed HR, they said I needed to email payroll, they said I needed to email training, and the whole thing was a mess. It wasn’t until I just sent an email including all three groups that I was able to get my question addressed but it was stressful.

Question 103

There is a conflict in the cabin. Hulk and Spider-Man are in the back. Who do you send to solve the conflict?

Answer 103

Couldn’t be Hulk. He’d destroy the whole aircraft and certainly wouldn’t be able to talk anyone down. Spider-Man could at least try and talk the people down. If not, then he could at least restrain people to their seat without putting the whole aircraft in danger.

Question 104

What would you do if the captain showed up out of uniform?

Answer 104

I’d give him the professional courtesy of just letting him know that it’s important to be in uniform. If he was just missing something I may be able to give him what heeds from my bag. We all make mistakes and I don’t think it would be worth involving our superiors unless its a repeated issue and I’ve already talked with him. I hope the captain would do the same for me.

Question 105

What would you do if people refused to wear their masks?

Answer 105

Probably just make a PA that as much as we all hate the masks, were required to wear them and we’d appreciate it. If they still refuse I’d let the gate agent know and have her deal with it.

Question 106

What would you do if there was a passenger seating conflict?

Answer 106

Call the gate agent to have them fix their seats

Question 107

What would you do if the captain became unresponsive on takeoff?

Answer 107

Below V1 I’d abort the takeoff. Above V1 I’d continue, declare and emergency, and come back around and land.

Question 108

What would you do if the captains notices a MX problem and doesn’t want to write it up and just go home?

Answer 108

If it was anything close to serious I would just call maintenance myself. It also depends on whether or not it was a terminating flight. Maintenance should definitely be called if the plane is done for the day. If the plane is just doing a turn and getting a new crew I may just let the new captain know. Either way if the captain refuse to write up something important it may be worth reporting to pro-standards.

Question 109

What’s the newest news that we’ve announced?

Answer 109

I saw a Frontier video a few days ago with what it said were upcoming routes to HNL, DUB, and LIM. That would be really cool.

Question 110

What has been the biggest set back in your career?

Answer 110

Covid and breaking my arm

Question 111

What do you do to stay on top of your game?

Answer 111

On my overnights I try and read the CFM a few minutes a night. I also read it when I’m in the crew room on ready reserve.

Question 112

Why do you want to fly passengers instead of boxes?

Answer 112

Well boxes aren’t thankful when you get them were they want to go safely. Additionally I’m just a people person and enjoy interacting with other. I think flying cargo would just get really boring.

Question 113

Who are our non-paying customers?

Answer 113

Everyone who isn’t a paying customer. Thats why its always important to comport yourself well so as to not embarrass your employer.

Question 114

What would you do if a flight attendant called and said she could hear a clock ticking from inside an overhead bin?

Answer 114

Definitely don’t open it. Definitely want to get law enforcement involved so they can try and figure out whether or not its something to be worried about.

Question 115

How would you handle two FA’s who are fighting?

Answer 115

Try and separate them. If they refuse to separate you could always try and mediate and help solve their conflict. If nothing is working, you really don’t want them fighting in front of passengers. I might call dispatch and see what they want to do.

Question 116

What can you do as a first office to follow our model?

Answer 116

Show up early, follow all company procedures correctly, admit when I make mistakes, and try and have a friendly, positive attitude. Of course try and always provide good customer service.

Question 117

What would you do if a passenger on board starts telling people that they’re drunk?

Answer 117

Get the gate agent to remove them

Question 118

What would you do if the captain wanted to wear a Frontier baseball cap on duty?

Answer 118

I would tell him that it doesn’t look professional and that it’s outside the dress code. I wouldn’t go to pro-standards or management unless it was a continuous, intentional problem of being out of uniform

Question 119

Have you ever been afraid in a plane?

Answer 119

Yes. Tell them about the time you began picking up icing because of a bad weather forecast.

Question 120

What is Frontiers Nasdaq ticker symbol?

Answer 120

ULCC

Question 121

Would you own company stock?

Answer 121

Of course.

Question 122

Do you have any questions for us?

Answer 122

What are the most Junior bases? What does health insurance cost for a family of 6? How long should I expect to be on reserve? Is there a wait for IOE and how long is it? Do 401K contributions start day 1? Vested day 1?

Question 123

Do you know anyone at Frontier?

Answer 123

No.

Question 124

Is your medical current?

Answer 124

Yes it is.

Question 125

Do you have applications out to any other airlines?

Answer 125

Yes. Only Delta. And I really just applied because I could apply to them at the same time as Frontier through Airlineapps.com, and it didn’t make sense to apply to just one place in case Frontier didn’t respond. Of course if I got a job at Frontier there would be no need to go to any other interviews or put out other applications.

Question 126

You currently live in Phoenix. Do you plan to stay there?

Answer 126

Yes. That’s one of the main draws of Frontier is so I can stay here near my family.

Question 127

Are you familiar with the training contract?

Answer 127

I don’t believe there is one at this time

Question 128

Which base do you think you’ll be bidding for?

Answer 128

PHX

Question 129

How did you prepare for this interview?

Answer 129

I tried to prepare several experiences that I’ve had that could apply to a variety of scenarios. I tried to brush up on regs and IFR things.

Question 130

What is an MSA?

Answer 130

Minimum sector altitude. It guarantees you 1000’ of obstacle clearance within 25nm of the Navaid or Waypoint on which its centered.

Question 131

What are the different of ice?

Answer 131

Clear, Mixed, ad Rime icing. Clear happens at warmer temperatures and Rime happens at colder temperatures.

Question 132

What’s your companies V1 cut procedure?

Answer 132

“Set thrust”, “thrust set”, “80kts”, “v1”, *BAM*, “rotate”, “positive rate”, “gear up, speed mode, bug V2”, “heading mode, 1/2 bank on”, “Autopilot on”, “Autopilot on”, “Acceleration altitude”, “ALT”, “Flaps 1 (V2+12)”, “Flaps up, set climb thrust (Vt-15)”, “Vt”, speed mode, “set MCT”, “I have the radios and controls, reference the QRH for single engine procedures.”, “after takeoff checklist”””

Question 133

What’s the final approach fix on an ILS?

Answer 133

The intersection of the glideslope and the glideslope intercept altitude is the precision FAF. If ATC directs you to intercept at a lower altitude, the intersection of that altitude and the glideslope is the FAF.

Question 134

What do you need to go below minimums?

Answer 134

Per 91.175 you need 3 things. 1.) You must continuously be in position to land on your intended runway using a normal rate of descent and normal maneuvers (for part 121, your descent rate must allow touchdown within the touchdown zone) 2.) The flight visibility must not be less than what’s prescribed on the instrument approach plate being using 3.) One of the following items must be distinctly visible and identifiable. The threshold, touchdown zone, or runway, itself its lights or its markings. The REIL lights, visual glideslope indicator, or approach lighting systems. With the exception that the Approach lighting system only lets you continue to 100’ above touchdown zone elevation unless the red side row bars or terminating bars are distinctly visible and identifiable.

Question 135

WHat are the holding speeds?

Question 136

What are your considerations with an RCC code of 2?

Answer 136

RCC is Runway Condition code. Goes from 0-6 with 6 being good braking action. 2 is medium to poor. I’d be potentially worried about landing distance and also directional control. It would be extremely important to run the numbers and make suer it says that it’s possible. Also be sure to land in the touchdown zone.

Question 137

What would you do if you lost an engine during cruise over mountains?

Answer 137

Know the difference between drift down method 1 and 2. Method 1: Provide 1000’ of obstacle clearance within 5sm of you’re route from the departure airport to arrival airport with 5sm Method 2: Provides 2000’ of obstacle clearance within 5sm of your route, but it includes a defined engine out plan. If Method 1 than terrain is less concerning and you should have enough obstacle clearance along youre route. If method 2 than you have the terrain clearance to make it to certain diversion airports along the route. You’re not required to go there but you have the performance to.

Question 138

What’s the difference between chop and turbulence?

Answer 138

Chop doesn’t cause much change in attitude or altitude. Turbulence does.

Question 139

If a VOR was OTS but required for a missed approach procedure, can you accept the approach?

Answer 139

Generally yes because RNAV can be used in lieu of VOR’s. See AIM 1-2-3.

Question 140

What would prompt an immediate ATC advisory in cruise flight?

Answer 140

MARVELOUSVFRC500

Question 141

What are the different kinds of hydroplaning?

Answer 141

Dynamic, viscous, and reverted rubber