First CFI interview

FlySooner9

FlySooner9

Well-Known Member
Hey everyone, i just got called for an interview with a flight school. Was wondering what to expect. This will be my first CFI interview. What kind of technical questions should i be prepared for? Any other advice would be appreciated. All ready sorta nervous for it.
 
The CFI job interviews I had didn't really have any technical stuff. They were just your standard interview. The most technical thing I have ever done for an interview was a flight in a PCATD, but that wasn't for a CFI gig.
 
Don't be nervous, at all.

I've heard of CFI interviews that ask technical questions or even have you fly a simulator (yikes), but I don't think that is the norm.

I've had two CFI jobs and neither interview included a technical question. It was a get-to-know-you interview. If this is a small operation, dollars to donuts says you can expect just that.
 
I've had to explain what makes an airplane turn and what makes it fly (besides money), plus how all the left-turning tendencies manifest, for the "technical portion."
 
FlySooner9 said:
Hey everyone, i just got called for an interview with a flight school. Was wondering what to expect. This will be my first CFI interview. What kind of technical questions should i be prepared for? Any other advice would be appreciated. All ready sorta nervous for it.
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You are asking the wrong people! Call the flight school and ask what the interview process will consist of and how you can prepare for it! Seriously!
 
If they don't want to tell you, they wont.

Preparation = presentation, or is the FOI slipping away that fast? :P
 
Had 2 CFI interviews, first was very informal and very much a get-to-know-you situation. Second was the same with two technical situations... 'What is new in the regs in the past few months?' and 'Teach us any topic you'd like'.

Chances are you'll be disqualified based on being a Sooner ;)
 
FlySooner9 said:
They wont look badly on that?
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No, not at all. Most companies usually tell you what the interview process will consist of anyway. Could be Tech/HR, Simulator evaluation, written test, etc.

There is nothing wrong with asking the company on how to prepare for the interview. You'll be surprised how much they'll tell you. After all, it's in everyone's best interest for you to come prepared. It shows you want to come prepared and do well on the interview. Make sure to research the company, it's history, training fleet, etc. And of course, talk to people that might have interviewed there before.

Good Luck!
 
I agree with CRJ Driver to call them. If anything it will show a certain level of professionalism on your part.

I have had everything from "Hey you can fly airplanes right? Here is a student" to.. Give me a ground lesson on Constant Speed Props and Chandelles, followed by a flight that was similar to a CFI checkride (This is where I ended up and work now). I can tell you from experience it would have been nice not to be caught off guard with that. Luckily I had my books and lesson plans.

Good Luck !!!!!!!!
 
Well i emailed the chief pilot and according to him theres a "short question and answer session" Followed by a written test (im guessing just study gleim stuff)? He also mentioned the questions will be at your certificate level or below and that some questions will be relative to imparting knowledge to students that don't share your level of expertise. However i don't know if he was referring to the question and answer session or the written test itself.

I also saw one of you guys mentioned bringing books and lesson plans? Is that normal to do for a CFI interview? Would be nice to have my CFI binder with me.
 
FlySooner9 said:
Well i emailed the chief pilot and according to him theres a "short question and answer session" Followed by a written test (im guessing just study gleim stuff)? He also mentioned the questions will be at your certificate level or below and that some questions will be relative to imparting knowledge to students that don't share your level of expertise. However i don't know if he was referring to the question and answer session or the written test itself.

I also saw one of you guys mentioned bringing books and lesson plans? Is that normal to do for a CFI interview? Would be nice to have my CFI binder with me.
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There is nothing wrong with bringing your binder. Think of it as a portfolio of your work. The books and everything else I left in my car, but went and grabbed one to put a graphic on the board for the prop governor. It never hurts to be prepared. Just bring a little bag with your stuff and a resume or two.

Like I said professionalism is key.
 
FlySooner9 said:
Well i emailed the chief pilot and according to him theres a "short question and answer session" Followed by a written test (im guessing just study gleim stuff)? He also mentioned the questions will be at your certificate level or below and that some questions will be relative to imparting knowledge to students that don't share your level of expertise. However i don't know if he was referring to the question and answer session or the written test itself.

I also saw one of you guys mentioned bringing books and lesson plans? Is that normal to do for a CFI interview? Would be nice to have my CFI binder with me.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you are interviewing at RFC... I could have told you all that stuff myself;)
 
Definitely bring your binder. It will show that you're prepared. If they don't want you using it, they'll tell you and it's no skin off your back.
 
Chances are that you may need to teach something during the interview. my flight school does this. Judging your sig, it will most likely be a commercial or private maneuver if they do have you teach something.
 
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