CFI Interview

K

KevinJH7

Well-Known Member
Hey guys,

I have my first interview for CFI job next Monday at Century Air down in New Jersey. I was just wondering if anybody had any advice for preparing for a CFI interview. It does involve a simulator check.

From what I've read it seems like a pretty well respected place but any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Kevin
 
I've worked at two places.

Part 61 interview: Fly with guy who works at desk and is also a commercial pilot. Do/teach commercial maneuvers. Accept job.

Part 141 interview: Meet with two of the three bosses and spend 1-2 hours discussing aerodynamics, teaching methods, systems knowledge, and difficult situations (What do you do if your boss smells like alcohol?). Fly once with one boss for 1 hour teaching private maneuvers. Accept job. Expect one standardization ride for each aircraft type.

Overall, look sharp, be chipper, and know your stuff.
 
I only had one CFI interview and it was a Part 61 school. The guy just met me, told me about the school, and asked me when I could start.

As for advise.... don't show up in a suit, just look presentable (slacks and a button down shirt, or even a polo depending on the type of school). Be knowledgable about the type of aircraft they fly. Don't act like you know everything. Be yourself and ask as many questions as you can think of.
 
And get some sim time prior. Sometimes they will let you freshen up in the sim.

141 is usually a more rigourous process.

61 for me was literally walk in and talk with one of the "senior" instructors and then given some sporatic students...
 
I had a look at Century Air's website. If you haven't already, I suggest you visit it also and learn everything there is to know about the company and its founder.

They are a 141 school so brush up on your 141 regulations. Don't spend to much time on any one subject though. They have glass cockpit airplanes? If you have no prior experience with these at least do some reading so that you may say that you are familiar with their operation.

This company seems to focus on custom service and professionalism. I would expect that to be the case since a majority of their students are most likely well to do and interested in purchasing a $250k airplane. Come up with some past experience were you have demonstrated these qualities and be ready for other types of PR type questions.

Your best bet is to find out what their instructors wear on a daily basis and match their attire (not the same colors -- but if they wear a tie, you wear a tie, ect). Bring along the necessities but don't carry in your Sporty's Pilot super deluxe bag. A nice portfolio case with your logbook, business cards, medical, licenses, and passport/birth certificate will most likely be best.

Hope it helps, I've been to a handfull of intervews of this type and these tips have worked well so far.
 
KevinJH7 said:
It does involve a simulator check.
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Wat?!

-------

My first one, 61: No more than 10 minutes long. Talked a little about NASCAR. Didn't get a single aviation related question.

Second one, 141: "Douglas, good seeing you again, I'm kind of busy right now, just come back when you move back and we will get you situated."

Mine might not be bet the norm but I don't think many CFI interviews are too difficult. Just don't lie and make eye contact; a winning combo.
 
Thanks for all the responses so far!

Unfortunately I won't be able to visit the FBO until the interview since I am up in NH but I am doing as much research as possible from here. I have a pretty strong work history with companies with strong customer service so I think that should help since it's one of their focuses. Having come from a college flight program I also have plenty of experience with the whole professional flight environment thing (not that you can't get that without a college program).

I do plan on getting in the sim up here for an hour or two to brush up since it's been a while and I am obviously brushing up on all the FARs, systems, etc.

Anyways, just hoping it won't be too overwhelming for a first aviation interview.

Kevin
 
dc3flyer said:
I only had one CFI interview and it was a Part 61 school. The guy just met me, told me about the school, and asked me when I could start.

As for advise.... don't show up in a suit, just look presentable (slacks and a button down shirt, or even a polo depending on the type of school). Be knowledgable about the type of aircraft they fly. Don't act like you know everything. Be yourself and ask as many questions as you can think of.
Click to expand...


I would say to find out what the CFI's wear and wear that at a minimum. If they were dockers with a shirt and tie, wear at least that to the interview.
 
moxiepilot said:
Mmmmnh? what about DWC?
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Unfortunately, there's no hiring of CFIs going on at DWC in the near future. Figures, the year I graduate!

Also, I was planning on wearing a suit if I don't get any information on what the CFIs where. I figure that they seem to push professionalism so I don't think it'll be overkill. Seems like a good idea to me?

Kevin
 
I think it depends on the op. 141, probably should look good. Part 61, I'd wear a little more than what the instructors are wearing.

If a 61 op is wearing hawaiian shirts and flip flops, coming in a suit might not be what youre looking for.
 
moxiepilot said:
I think it depends on the op. 141, probably should look good. Part 61, I'd wear a little more than what the instructors are wearing.

If a 61 op is wearing hawaiian shirts and flip flops, coming in a suit might not be what youre looking for.
Click to expand...

It is a 141 op.
 
In my experience with 141, the interview is pretty much as stated above. Is the sim ride in a Frasca of some sort?

if it is, I would definitly recommend studying up on IFR callouts and procedures. Generally they are not looking for super man in the Sim, but they are looking for is safe procedures, not blowing through altitude, situation management, etc. Know the FOI, and know how to teach. Practice teaching Lazy Eights, or 8's on Pylons, or Steep Turns. Most likely they will want to see how you conduct yourself. There will most likely be a short HR portion where they ask a few What would you do, or tell me about a time when...

Sometimes they ask questions like What is your best quality? or the other end of the spectrum, What is your biggest flaw. Tell me about a time that you helped someone you work with, or Tell me about the time you resolved a conflict. I suggest on reading up on interviews that are asked around the aviation world.

The biggest thing is being prepared, looking professional, acting professional, and showing a willingness to learn and adapt to their procedures. I doubt they expect you to be up to speed on how THEY do things. It cannot hurt, but I bet the main thing they are going to be looking for is professionalism and teachability.

Good Luck!
 
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