What NOT to do?

av8r

av8r

Well-Known Member
Hey guys! I'm preparing for a line service job interview that I have in a few days. I read a couple of prior posts that talk about what to expect during the interview. The most popular question is usually what to expect or what to say, but my question is...what are things to avoid doing or saying? This will be my first interview for a line service position and I'm just hoping to catch my first break and have an opportunity to get into the aviation industry. Thanks in advance for your responses. :)
 
I think just the standard interview rules apply as far as what not to say. For instance don't say you left your last job because your boss was a jerk or because the pay sucked. Don't use any foul language in an interview. Be honest but use your head. If they present you with a scenario where you find $100 laying on the ramp and ask you what you would do, don't say you'd put the money in your pocket and keep it.
 
[YT]eXop3zIPkic[/YT]
They'll probably give you a few scenarios about dealing with jerk customers, so just remember "the customer is always right, even when they're wrong." Pretty much standard stuff. They asked me how my math was and before I answered they said "basically, can you add with a calculator?" I'd show them you've got a strong interest in planes and that you want to have a career in the aviation industry (assuming you do).
 
Thanks for your input guys! JordanD...I especially appreciated the video clip. :laff:
 
Throw in some since of humor into the interview, a small joke or two. When I got my job, I interviewed for the Line Service Tech, but got bumped into Commercial Fueling. It is just like any other job intervier. If you know your aircrafts, that will help too.
 
Thanks for the tips guys! Just found out that I got the job! Pretty pumped about it! I'm a little nervous to start because I've never done anything like this before. So excited to be working around airplanes though! A dream come true. I don't start until May 3rd...any tips or things I should know for my first few days?
 
-Learn to .....a lot
-Please know the difference between 100LL and JetA
-Impress by knowing what turn limits and wheel base are and how they affect towing an aircraft
-You already hate the doughnut
-You already hate Hawker APU's
-Any IAI product or former product fuels slow


Some are serious, some are not :)

In all honesty, just don't do anything you wouldn't do to an airplane yourself. Keep your head on a swivel, absorb everything you can, and have fun!

Remember though, out of site, out of mind ;)

Congrats!
 
n57flyguy said:
-Learn toa lot
-Please know the difference between 100LL and JetA
-Impress by knowing what turn limits and wheel base are and how they affect towing an aircraft
-You already hate the doughnut
-You already hate Hawker APU's
-Any IAI product or former product fuels slow


Some are serious, some are not :)

In all honesty, just don't do anything you wouldn't do to an airplane yourself. Keep your head on a swivel, absorb everything you can, and have fun!

Remember though, out of site, out of mind ;)

Congrats!
Click to expand...
I've learned that in a month!

H25B APU's suck!
 
"And when in doubt, STOP, and talk to your supervisor."


Wanted to shoot myself in the face after hearing that mantra over and over again in the videos.
 
Also, don't put Jet A into an AC50.... people have tried that, then THEY learn their lesson... usually shortly after the pilot makes a dead stick landing after takeoff.

Also, when a C441 and a C421 are parked next to each other, know which is Jet A and which is 100LL, this way you can keep your job!
 
n57flyguy said:
-Learn to .....a lot
-Please know the difference between 100LL and JetA
Click to expand...
Yep, that's a good one. Also might be good to know the hazmat numbers. 100LL = 1203. JetA = 1863. They might not ask you or care if you know. But if they do care (they did where I worked) you'll look impressive if you already know them.

Oh and here's another one I used to run into with new hires. Learn how to use your side mirrors and how to back up a vehicle using them alone. No rear view in a fuel truck and no turning your head around to back up. I was amazed at how many new hires I'd put in a fuel truck who had no earthly idea how to interpret what was in their side mirrors.
 
kiloalpha said:
Also, when a C441 and a C421 are parked next to each other, know which is Jet A and which is 100LL, this way you can keep your job!
Click to expand...

Man, people can't tell the difference between those two at first glance, I don't know what to say. Now, a 404 and a 441 at first glance to the uninitiated, I could see that.
 
Congrats on the job.

Some other items you'll learn to hate. Lav service on a Falcon 50, GPU service on a MU-2. Gulfstream APU's will be your friends in the winter, Pull the nose gear pins out BEFORE towing, especially a MU-2, put the pins in before towing a Gulfstream or Hawker.

The fuel nozzles are different sizes. 100LL is BLUE, JET-A is clear or straw. If all else fails DON'T FUEL IT if you don't know what fuel it takes.
 
CFI A&P said:
The fuel nozzles are different sizes. 100LL is BLUE, JET-A is clear or straw. If all else fails DON'T FUEL IT if you don't know what fuel it takes.
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100 is green, 80 is red, 98 is brown, and 115 is purple.......for places that still have them. :D
 
CFI A&P said:
Congrats on the job.

Some other items you'll learn to hate. Lav service on a Falcon 50.
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Yeah
26932_409593346186_580746186_5377980_7808948_n.jpg
 
Pilots need to have a clear understanding of the concepts of upwind and downwind. But every new line service tech quickly learns that they also must have a clear understanding of those same concepts. Especially when it comes to loose fitting lav hose connections and leaky underwing pressure fuel port connectors. Hint: standing upwind=good, standing downwind=bad.
 
MikeD said:
100 is green, 80 is red, 98 is brown, and 115 is purple.......for places that still have them. :D
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The refinery we use doesn't even know how to make any of those any more. Getting them to make a batch of low lead is like pulling teeth.
 
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