SkyKing466

I got a call today from American to interview next week for the flight ops internship in Dallas this summer. I was wondering if anyone who's done the internship has any advice for the interview. Also what were some of your experiences? Thanks a lot for your help.

wags3539

I did that internship there back in Fall of '06. Our group of interns, unless it has been reinstated, were the last group to have the jumpseat privilages. I hope they got those back, because it was a great experience. Outside of that though, the overall experience was excellent. Everyone I worked with while I was there was really friendly, and they make you feel really welcome throughout the interview process. On the actual day of the interview it was only a 1 on 1 interview with Lisa Solitario. She's really nice, so if she's still doing it just relax and be yourself. I can't remember exactly what was asked since it was a little while ago, but I remember the interview literally lasted about 15 minutes. After I finished the interview she asked which position I was applying for, paid or unpaid. I specified paid, but most of the other interns I talked to said they applied to both for what it's worth. After that was finished she took me down to the 2nd floor of the acadamy and introduced me to Jim Johnson, who I ended up working for. He is a great guy, but he's an Ohio State fan so make sure to give him a hard time about that. Everybody on the 2nd floor of the flight academy is great to work with, and you'll make some great contacts while your there. Best of luck, and if you have any more questions PM me and I'll try to remember best I can

PC12Flyer

While I cannot speak firsthand about being an intern at AA, I can say that my brother is currently down in Dallas as one of 5 interns with American Airlines for this winter/spring semester. He started back in January and his internship continues until May. As wags said in the previous reply, they currently do not have jumpseat privileges, but he has had no problem anyway travelling standby on the weekends with his intern benefits. He told me the interview was very simple. He also met with Lisa Solitario and said it was only about 15-20 minutes. He did not get asked any technical questions and it was mostly just some HR get to know you kind of questions. Then he was given a voucher to check out the C.R. Smith Museum. He got a phone call from Lisa as he was boarding his flight back home that same day offering him the internship (unpaid).

So I wish you luck and don't sweat it....be yourself and good things will come your way.

Senior Skipper

Pardon my ignorance, but what does an airline internship entail? What does the aspiring pilot learn from it?

rickair7777

They usually rotate between a few different departments, where you do low-level grunt work. You get some exposure to flight ops, including JS rides and sim time (not sure if they can still do that).

The big advantage is that you usually get preferential interviews for pilot positions when you meet published mins. This is not a big deal at a regional, but an internship at a major can be a career-defining opportunity.

Of course it all depends on the airline and hiring opportunities...I know several ex-CAL interns who got hired there with 1000 hours Turbine SIC, but I don't imagine those AA interns will be getting hired anytime soon.

Senior Skipper

Thanks Rickair. How does one go about getting such an internship? I haven't seen any such things on any airline websites.

rickair7777

They are normally arranged through a university aviation program, I don't think you can get one off the street.

rightstuffpilot

Did anyone else get the American Internship for Summer 09?

SoonerPilot5420

I interviewed two weeks ago (2/25) and have yet to hear anything back. Does anyone know when they are suppose to make thier decisions? I got offered an internship with ExpressJet, but I was hoping to hear from American before I had to give ExpressJet the final yes or no.

Crism

I interviewed also. No word yet. I've heard 2 people been accepted for a Dallas unpaid and the LGA/JFK unpaid.

I haven't heard anything from ExpressJet...applied about a month ago.

-Steve