Becoming a pilot is a dream for many and the journey often begins with a rigorous education in a pilot course and later a number of interviews. After your training, those wishing to work in the field must complete a pilot interview before securing a job. This will likely be with a panel and a crucial step in assessing candidates’ academic knowledge, behavioural traits and emotional resilience.
This article will explore what’s involved and offer some insights on pilot interview preparation with some common questions and sample answers.
Academic preparation
The first thing you must do is try to prepare yourself academically. Prepare yourself by revising the aviation fundamentals, including the principles of flight, aircraft systems and navigation. You can use a mixture of books and online resources to prepare for this.
Building on that, don’t underestimate the importance of showcasing your meteorological knowledge. This is absolutely essential for pilots so familiarise yourself with weather patterns, forecasting and how weather affects aviation operations.
Pilots, flights and ground crew couldn’t operate without the assistance of the air traffic controllers. Study their procedures, communication protocols and how they run operations. You should also study both national and international aircraft regulations and guidelines as well as safety practices to ensure compliance.
Candidates should also undertake some flight training to prepare them for the interview. Not only does this give them the opportunity to demonstrate their dedication, desire and ability to achieve milestones like the First Solo, but it’s also a talking point. Those who have completed this can discuss it in the interview, showcasing their commitment and skills.
Behavioural and emotional preparation
Working as a pilot can sometimes be distressing and require you to make quick decisions under a lot of pressure and interviewers will be considering this throughout the mock interview. Here are some tips to come across strongly in this area.
Practise effective communication, both written and verbal as this is essential for pilots. It’s also vital that you demonstrate how well you can work in a team. Tell them when you would discuss options with your team, why you would consult them and how you would instruct them in different scenarios.
Show that you have strong problem-solving skills and use examples from the past to reiterate that you don’t lose this ability when you're under pressure. There will be unforeseen challenges during your career, so let the interviewer know that you understand that and that you are well able to adapt to many situations.
As mentioned, working in aviation can affect your mental health and well-being. So, talk about it. If you raise the topic in the interview, those in the room will see that you’re aware of what can happen and that you have a strategy in place on how you would recognise struggles and deal with them.
Common questions and sample answers
The interview will likely contain a mix of standard interview questions as well as some curveballs, so be prepared for this. Here are a few sample questions and answers, but you should adjust them appropriately to your experience.
[Q] As a pilot you often have to work long shifts under a lot of pressure, why are you attracted to this type of career?
[A] I’ve always been fascinated by aviation and find it to be an amazing blend of science, engineering and adventure, topics which piqued my interest throughout my education. I want to have the power to transport people from one location to another using some of the most advanced technologies and I am drawn to the responsibility involved in doing that.
[Q] How do you handle high-pressure situations?
[A] I know that a professional pilot is one that can remain composed during a crisis so I have studied the importance of keeping calm and trained extensively to improve my ability to do this. Instead of panicking, I use a structured approach to finding a solution. I identify the problem, observe my surroundings and think through possible solutions. The entire time, I am communicating effectively with my team to keep them calm and stay focussed on the task at hand.
[Q] Tell us about a time when you had to make a quick decision under pressure.
[A] During a past flight simulator session, I encountered an unexpected engine failure. It was the first time I had to deal with this and it was intimidating. But again, I remembered to try and stay composed and I quickly followed the emergency checklist. I informed air traffic control and executed a safe emergency landing. I was proud of how calm and well I followed the protocols in that situation.
[Q] What role do you think teamwork plays in aviation and how does the pilot contribute to the team’s success?
[A] Teamwork is pivotal in aviation, I know that I need to actively listen to colleagues, share information and ensure open communication constantly. The co-pilots, cabin crew and air traffic controllers that you work with are not always the same so it’s important to discuss everything and not presume that the team can read your next move. As the pilot, I must foster a collaborative environment where everyone's skills can contribute to the success of the mission.
[Q] How do you stay up to date with the latest aviation technologies and trends?
[A] I subscribe to aviation journals, attend industry conferences and regularly participate in advanced training courses and I intend to continue this if I am successful in this interview process. I understand that continuing professional development is extremely important in such a dynamic industry.
[Q] How do you expect to maintain focus during long-haul flights?
[A] I would use a combination of techniques during a long flight including earring properly, drinking lots of water, taking short breaks and using mindfulness to remain alert and focused. However, I know that taking the required breaks and obeying the pilot rotation schedule for the flight is paramount in this. It’s also essential to prepare for this type of flight by getting the right amount of sleep and rest beforehand, something that I take very seriously.
In summary, the pilot interview involves a blend of academic knowledge, behavioural readiness and emotional resilience. Success in aviation demands not only technical demands, not only technical expertise but also effective communication, adaptability and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. By completing a pilot course, studying properly and later completing the interview, aspiring pilots can achieve their dreams of taking flight.
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