First Airline Interview (Great lakes). Tips?

J

JFlighttt

Well-Known Member
Got a call from Great Lakes for an interview next week for their 135 op as I am still 19.

This will be my first formal interview for a pilot position and I really don't know what to expect and would like to know if anyone has interviewed at GL recently? I have a few buddies there/were there and years ago the interviews were a bit more strict for the 121 op but now that they are begging for pilots, I would assume the interviews would have changed slightly now that they need pilots and for the 135 op.

Any recent gouges would be great. Also tips and advice for a general pilot interview would be great.

PM preferred.

Thanks all
 
JFlighttt said:
Got a call from Great Lakes for an interview next week for their 135 op as I am still 19.

This will be my first formal interview for a pilot position and I really don't know what to expect and would like to know if anyone has interviewed at GL recently? I have a few buddies there/were there and years ago the interviews were a bit more strict for the 121 op but now that they are begging for pilots, I would assume the interviews would have changed slightly now that they need pilots and for the 135 op.

Any recent gouges would be great. Also tips and advice for a general pilot interview would be great.

PM preferred.

Thanks all
Click to expand...

On a serious note, just be yourself. Know the basic IFR flying and have a great personality. Once you get some solid time, bounce to another regional or where ever you wanna go. Get the time and go.
 
Yep, just like @cmhumphr said. Best of luck to you. The first airline interview is tough…and in my experience, they don't get much easier after that, unfortunately. Yes, you'll have a better idea on what to expect, but any interview is a stressful, challenging event. As for GL specific gouge...sorry, I've got none.


Now where's my popcorn?!?
 
JFlighttt said:
Got a call from Great Lakes for an interview next week for their 135 op as I am still 19.

This will be my first formal interview for a pilot position and I really don't know what to expect and would like to know if anyone has interviewed at GL recently? I have a few buddies there/were there and years ago the interviews were a bit more strict for the 121 op but now that they are begging for pilots, I would assume the interviews would have changed slightly now that they need pilots and for the 135 op.

Any recent gouges would be great. Also tips and advice for a general pilot interview would be great.

PM preferred.

Thanks all
Click to expand...

Do you have a four year college degree?
 
My very close "teacher" put it to me this way, which is also my first hand account with the Great Lakes fairytale.

So the "rumor" is they are dropping mins down to 400 hour TT. Pay is around what, 17k per year for FO?

However my close acquaintance did say two of his siblings went this route and one was hired at frontier and the other who made captain after 1 year is looking to jump ship for frontier, virgin, or JetBlue I believe in which he has offers from all.

This was the fist time I actually put Great Lakes into perspective in my own eyes and reality. Even if I had the 400 hours and the opportunity i'm pretty sure my answer is still the same. Nah.
 
Forgot to mention the training contract he spoke of. Something like the management is pushing for a 3 year training contract that is NOT pro rated. Leave one day early from your 3 year contract and owe the company 15000 or something like that.
 
So many red flags! See what other options are out there. You could MAYBE, at least use this as an interview prep experience.

JFlighttt said:
Because at 19, I'd be getting turbine time...

I'd rather have 1000 hours of turbine time than 1000 hours of C172 time by the time I'm 21.
Click to expand...

Which begs the question. How low are you willing to go to get that coveted turbine time? I make more as an instructor than I ever would at Great Lakes. Sacrificing QOL that severely for some turbines doesn't seem worth it...
 
Welp, everyone is going to tell you not to do it.

You obviously worked pretty hard to be ready for that job at 19. I say do it as long as you are also working towards getting a 4 year degree.

You must must must have that degree. Lakes sucks, but damn, you are only 19.

Good Luck.
 
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