kbalch

I worked briefly last year for a warbird operation giving rides/instruction in the T-6 (actually the SNJ-5), but left after only a few months due to some serious safety concerns. I want to stay positive in interviews and not appear to blame the operation's owners, but the truth is that I felt safety was compromised by policy, my concerns weren't addressed to my satisfaction, and I left. Needless to say, I'm not using them as a reference.

Can I just tell the story straight out as an example of standing firm by my convictions on never compromising flight safety, or do I need to sugar coat it somehow? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards,
Ken

Shrek

Just say that oppurtunities at that next job were too good to pass up.......nobody will fault ya for that one.

APM145

I would be completely honest with the airline or new employer. It shows two big factors about wour character. First, Your integrity. You tell the truth and if you state that you were no longer comfortable with the operation or the airworthyness of the aircraft then any pilot will completely understand. There is no reason to fly something in questionable condition. Secondly, Your judgment as a pilot. You made a desicion and stuck with it. You found a hazard or safety issue and felt it was your duty to refuse to fly a passenger in the aircraft. Both respectable actions.

No airline pilot wants to get into an airplane that is not airworthy. MEL's and differed items are ok because they will be fixed and have been approved for safe opperation. Even if approved you can still make a judgment as the Captain to refuse to fly if you feel it is a safety issue.

I would not be so worried about your situation if you have presented the whole story correctly. Just study and be proficient.

Good Luck

rickair7777

The two previous posters BOTH have valid points...

In interviewing, it is generally best to avoid conversations about negative issues, unless such conversations are unavoidable.

In this case you may or may not NEED to address this...aviation employers will generally check out your past employers, but what do you think this employer will say? If they were PO'ed when you left, then you should pre-emptively address the situation at the interview to attempt (no guarantees) to head off any damage from a bad background check. If they were not upset with you, even though you were upset with them (how well did you hide it?), they provide a decent or non-adverse recomendation.

The good news is that if you do feel the need to address it, GA is full of sketchy operations and everybody knows it. No one (who you really want to work for) is likely to hold this against you, especially airlines. Be careful that you do not come off as an inflexible reg-nazi though, they don't want that either.

kbalch

Thanks to all for the good advice.

APM145: I agree about demonstrating integrity and judgement and would certainly couch any comments of mine in those terms. It's even true! :-)

rickair7777: I do feel that it should be preemptively addressed by me. The owners of the business were not happy that I left, though I can't imagine that they'd want to draw any additional scrutiny to their operation.

My specific problems with the warbird operation would best be addressed offline, as I have no wish to air that sort of laundry in public with any specificity. If anyone's interested, feel free to email me for the details.

Again, thanks for the good advice.

Regards,
Ken

Kirsty Ferguson

If this comes up, and that is beyond your control as the recruiter is in charge, then treat it FACTUALLY. You will get into trouble if you start offering opinions or comments on the airline or the situation. Simply state the facts and leave it at that.

kbalch

Thanks. That's exactly what I did (almost two months ago) and it wasn't a problem at all. I'm currently in my third week of ground school and deep into CRJ systems. Big fun! :-)

Ken