Delta Hiring Update

Derg said:
It wasn't that hard.
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Average scores are lowish on the test. I was told scores over 80% were rare. Then again a pass (at least for a regional) was 55% or 60%.

I passed without much of a problem. Just had to review a ton of stuff and actually put in some effort. You do feel like crap when you walk out of the test though.
 
The entire process isn't nearly as difficult as it is rumored to be. There's no secret about what the interview consists of nor how to prepare for it. It's perhaps different than other airline interviews our there in many ways but not especially more difficult. I've been on jumpseats where guys were borderline not applying because of what they heard about the interview. The most important part is still the panel which is no different than any other. Bottom line you prepare the best you can and you either show up and have a good day or show up and have a bad day. I hear a lot of my coworkers act like they've passed the most difficult interview ever invented. They didn't. Airline interviews as a whole are easier than their non aviation counterparts where generally success rates are much lower.
 
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I tell people it is the hardest test you will ever take so people will take the time to study. Some people are buying just an ATP book to study for the exam. I would suggest purchasing Everything Explained, Mental Math for Aviators and the principles of gas turbine engines. When you receive an email invite, Delta will send you a link with topics to study. Some people are not taking it seriously and they end up failing.

Yes you can come back if you fail the Aviation Knowledge test but I don't want people to screw it up the first time. General topics for the test include Aerodynamics, Engineering, Air Navigation and Meteorology. Each general topic is broken down in 12 subtopics. Some subtopics are broken down into 3-4 topics. Current invites are for June interviews so you will have time to study.

If anybody has a question about the process send me a PM.
 
I've heard Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators covers just about every aero question that can be found on the various gouges. Also helps immensely on the velocity/pressure of air changes thru different sections of the jet engine questions. You'll have to read it 4 times to understand the subject matter but there will be plenty of time.

Buddy of mine recommends:
Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators
Turbine Pilot Manual
FAA PHAK
Everything Explained
Google/Wikipedia
 
Cav said:
The entire process isn't nearly as difficult as it is rumored to be. There's no secret about what the interview consists of nor how to prepare for it. It's perhaps different than other airline interviews our there in many ways but not especially more difficult. I've been on jumpseats where guys were borderline not applying because of what they heard about the interview. The most important part is still the panel which is no different than any other. Bottom line you prepare the best you can and you either show up and have a good day or show up and have a bad day. I hear a lot of my coworkers act like they've passed the most difficult interview ever invented. They didn't. Airline interviews as a whole are easier than their non aviation counterparts where generally success rates are much lower.
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Ive heard the old AA, or maybe even current, you have to poop in a box and mail it to them.
 
A couple people on here hinted that DeltaNet might have the keys to getting an interview. I found out a few things but I'm wondering, if my application gets looked at by someone in HR is there a certain filter I need to pass before I can get the go-ahead on an interview? Is there a list somewhere of what is included on that filter? Basically... should I keep searching?

I don't think I'm really competitive at this point ( < 2,000 TT, 0 TPIC) but I can certainly stack the deck if I know what boxes I need to be checking off.

Thanks guys!
 
Doug,
Is there any chance that Delta opens a hub in SFO/bay area in the near future? They are expanding around here but it seems mainly with Regional at the moment.
 
Trip7 said:
I've heard Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators covers just about every aero question that can be found on the various gouges.
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Since this book was mentioned and I happen to have a link to the pdf of it, I'll drop it here for those who might want to tackle it. My paper versions are dated May, 66 and Nov, 63, and titled "Aerodynamics for Pilots", ATC Manual 51-3

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/00-80T-80.pdf

416 pages of pathologically mind-numbing boredom. I suppose there's valuable info in there but the volume of stuff makes it a bit difficult to weed out just what you think you might need under this circumstance. If you're going to read it, better get a running start now.

I read it years ago and afterward wondered why the heck I spent so many unrecoverable hours of my life doing that. I could feel giant clusters of my brain cells imploding in violent death spasms of boredom.

There's got to be a better recommendation for a reasonable overview of aerodynamics and performance that would serve a person as well...maybe better ? Wish you all the best.
 
bafanguy said:
Since this book was mentioned and I happen to have a link to the pdf of it, I'll drop it here for those who might want to tackle it. My paper versions are dated May, 66 and Nov, 63, and titled "Aerodynamics for Pilots", ATC Manual 51-3

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/00-80T-80.pdf

416 pages of pathologically mind-numbing boredom. I suppose there's valuable info in there but the volume of stuff makes it a bit difficult to weed out just what you think you might need under this circumstance. If you're going to read it, better get a running start now.

I read it years ago and afterward wondered why the heck I spent so many unrecoverable hours of my life doing that. I could feel giant clusters of my brain cells imploding in violent death spasms of boredom.

There's got to be a better recommendation for a reasonable overview of aerodynamics and performance that would serve a person as well...maybe better ? Wish you all the best.
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Fly The Wing is good but even that didn't cover some of the questions that AFNA covered. Stuff like.... When approaching a stall where does boundary layer separation begin? Which section of the turbine engine does the greatest increase in air velocity take place etc etc

The verbiage in the book is so foreign to us that it is critical to read it several times. By the 4th time reading the book I could understand it clear as crystal. It's like watching a movie you've seen before. You pick up stuff you never noticed the first time around.

Have no fear, the book does not take long to read thru
 
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I'll add this...you can spend an eternity studying the books and subjects listed in the email they send you trying to prepare for what might be on the test. It might make you feel good but the truth is in my experience more people failed the actual interview than they did the various tests. I studied hard for the knowledge test no doubt and it's not to be overlooked but don't neglect interview prep. If you aren't prepared for that portion it doesn't matter what you score on the tests. Mental Math For Pilots was a great book for the test. Aerodynamics For Naval Aviators is a great reference but I didn't use it for more than that. You could make a test out of that book by itself. Don't get caught up in minutia. Keep the big picture in mind and divide your studying time up accordingly. Good luck!
 
Cav said:
I'll add this...you can spend an eternity studying the books and subjects listed in the email they send you trying to prepare for what might be on the test. It might make you feel good but the truth is in my experience more people failed the actual interview than they did the various tests. I studied hard for the knowledge test no doubt and it's not to be overlooked but don't neglect interview prep. If you aren't prepared for that portion it doesn't matter what you score on the tests. Mental Math For Pilots was a great book for the test. Aerodynamics For Naval Aviators is a great reference but I didn't use it for more than that. You could make a test out of that book by itself. Don't get caught up in minutia. Keep the big picture in mind and divide your studying time up accordingly. Good luck!
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Well said, Sir. :cool:

I didn't mean to completely "diss" AFNA. I did use it for a reference source over the years, as you mentioned, if a very narrow question came up. But this thread is about preparing for a very specific exam where I feel AFNA would be like swimming in molasses.

Outside the subject framework of this thread, if a person wanted to devote time to stuffing the entirety of a book into his skull, this might be a good one (perhaps most people are familiar with it already ?):

http://www.amazon.com/Handling-Big-Jets-Explanation-Significant/dp/0903083019
 
surreal1221 said:
Delta's rules.

Complain all you want, but it'll get you nowhere.
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Let there be no doubt as to whose rules are at play here.

Can't say I see any complaints, though, but rather a few people trying to help each other understand a very important, but understandably somewhat mysterious, process. Considering how life altering success would be, it's likely worth all the discussion it has garnered here...and sorta/kinda fun. :D

For some of us, it was the mythology of the rocking chair.
 
n77j said:
Doug,
Is there any chance that Delta opens a hub in SFO/bay area in the near future? They are expanding around here but it seems mainly with Regional at the moment.
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I'll bet a steak dinner on Delta NEVER placing a pilot base in SFO. As far as a hub, highly doubtful, if ever. LAX and SEA will be the west coast hubs.
 
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bronco21016 said:
A couple people on here hinted that DeltaNet might have the keys to getting an interview. I found out a few things but I'm wondering, if my application gets looked at by someone in HR is there a certain filter I need to pass before I can get the go-ahead on an interview? Is there a list somewhere of what is included on that filter? Basically... should I keep searching?

I don't think I'm really competitive at this point ( < 2,000 TT, 0 TPIC) but I can certainly stack the deck if I know what boxes I need to be checking off.

Thanks guys!
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There isn't a checklist, just semi vague qualities they are looking for. No different I believe than what is publicly posted. There is something special in there that helps but you need to be competitive for it to work at the moment. Patience, just the tip of the ice berg. We'll all get our chance I'm sure.
 
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Trip7 said:
I've heard Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators covers just about every aero question that can be found on the various gouges. Also helps immensely on the velocity/pressure of air changes thru different sections of the jet engine questions. You'll have to read it 4 times to understand the subject matter but there will be plenty of time.

Buddy of mine recommends:
Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators
Turbine Pilot Manual
FAA PHAK
Everything Explained
Google/Wikipedia
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I still have my Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators, given to us when we started API or Primary flight training for the Navy. I'm ahead of the curve :bounce: though to be honest, I haven't looked at that book since 1994!!!
 
Cptnchia said:
I'll bet a steak dinner on Delta NEVER placing a pilot base in SFO. As far as a hub, highly doubtful, if ever. LAX and SEA will be the west coast hubs.
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I was day dreaming for a pilot base in SFO/ Bay Area:) I assume LAX is a senior base and the likelihood of a newbie getting that base is hard- from what i am hearing...
 
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