ANA JP Express or Air Japan??
09-25-2008, 06:40 PM
#72
New Hire
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Posts: 3
My Experience
Based on the information in the previous posts I believe that I was the RJ captain that interviewed with fogrunner. I was scheduled for the interview less than a week after submitting my app. (Surprised the crap out of me) The interview was about a month later however, which gave me plenty of time to prepare. I was also told that I was successful after the sim/interview. I did not complete the medical exam in Tokyo and am currently waiting to do it in JFK.
Some of my observations:
The written test consisted of 15-20 questions. They sounded like questions straight from the FAA ATP written. I haven’t looked at the question bank in many years and did not review it prior to the interview. I believe I got 2 or 3 incorrect but it was a fairly easy exam and we both completed it in under 10 minutes.
After the written test we were brought into the interview room together in front of the interview panel for an “orientation.” The orientation consisted of introductions, company information read from a statement by one of the AJV/AJX reps, and the sim profile. The majority of the orientation was the walk through of the sim profile. I thought they did a very good job of explaining what they were looking for in the sim. The instructor was very polite and always asked if we had any questions. They really do expect you to know the profile in advance. However if you have any quick questions this would be the time to ask them.
The two of us were then separated for our individual panel interview. They know your background and try not to ask questions outside of your experience level. If they ask something you don’t know just tell them you don’t know or you have no experience with that situation. My interview consisted of an even mix of HR and tech questions. First question was “Tell me about your aviation background.” Remember Speak SLOWLY. I was told that over and over prior to the interview and I still spoke too fast. Other general HR questions: Why AJV? Have you worked with Japanese before? Do you plan on renewing contract after 5 years? What does your family think? Are you prepared for the training? How will you handle communication issues in the cockpit? Best quality? Worst quality? What did you do to prepare for this interview? Tech questions that I can remember: What are your procedures for Rejected TO? (they were stressing brake temps). Multiple questions relating to ground icing/deicing and takeoff into icing conditions. Multiple questions off of Jepp Charts regarding takeoff minimums and takeoff alternates. How close does a takeoff alternate have to be for a 2/3/4 engine airplane? Should you climb or descend based on temperature change regarding clear air turbulence? What do you do if you encounter volcanic ash? Questions regarding thunderstorm avoidance, downdrafts and microbursts. There were other questions however I did not get any airspace or holding speed questions.
Now into the sim. I haven’t flown anything bigger than a CRJ and did not buy any sim prep prior to the interview. I did memorize the profile and believe that is what saved me in the sim because I could just concentrate on flying. When I was in trouble I knew the N1 setting to set which helped a lot. I found a cockpit layout on the internet to familiarize myself with switch locations and the MCP. I also read through the sim gouge that was posted either here or on pprune. I made some pretty stupid mistakes in the sim that would have easily busted a checkride. But I announced when I did something incorrect and then corrected it. I did not feel I gave my best performance in the sim and actually thought I failed miserably when it was over. The point to take away from this is that they are not looking for perfection. They are looking to see if you studied the profile and if you have good judgment when things don’t work out right. A positive attitude goes a long way as well.
My overall experience was very positive. The representative from Parc was very knowledgeable and helpful. The interviewers were very polite and did their best to make you feel welcome but it was a strictly business tone. I have the medical schedule for next week so if that all goes well I hope to see some of you in Tokyo in January or on the line.
If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me.
Fogrunner: Email me if you hear any news on your medical results.
Some of my observations:
The written test consisted of 15-20 questions. They sounded like questions straight from the FAA ATP written. I haven’t looked at the question bank in many years and did not review it prior to the interview. I believe I got 2 or 3 incorrect but it was a fairly easy exam and we both completed it in under 10 minutes.
After the written test we were brought into the interview room together in front of the interview panel for an “orientation.” The orientation consisted of introductions, company information read from a statement by one of the AJV/AJX reps, and the sim profile. The majority of the orientation was the walk through of the sim profile. I thought they did a very good job of explaining what they were looking for in the sim. The instructor was very polite and always asked if we had any questions. They really do expect you to know the profile in advance. However if you have any quick questions this would be the time to ask them.
The two of us were then separated for our individual panel interview. They know your background and try not to ask questions outside of your experience level. If they ask something you don’t know just tell them you don’t know or you have no experience with that situation. My interview consisted of an even mix of HR and tech questions. First question was “Tell me about your aviation background.” Remember Speak SLOWLY. I was told that over and over prior to the interview and I still spoke too fast. Other general HR questions: Why AJV? Have you worked with Japanese before? Do you plan on renewing contract after 5 years? What does your family think? Are you prepared for the training? How will you handle communication issues in the cockpit? Best quality? Worst quality? What did you do to prepare for this interview? Tech questions that I can remember: What are your procedures for Rejected TO? (they were stressing brake temps). Multiple questions relating to ground icing/deicing and takeoff into icing conditions. Multiple questions off of Jepp Charts regarding takeoff minimums and takeoff alternates. How close does a takeoff alternate have to be for a 2/3/4 engine airplane? Should you climb or descend based on temperature change regarding clear air turbulence? What do you do if you encounter volcanic ash? Questions regarding thunderstorm avoidance, downdrafts and microbursts. There were other questions however I did not get any airspace or holding speed questions.
Now into the sim. I haven’t flown anything bigger than a CRJ and did not buy any sim prep prior to the interview. I did memorize the profile and believe that is what saved me in the sim because I could just concentrate on flying. When I was in trouble I knew the N1 setting to set which helped a lot. I found a cockpit layout on the internet to familiarize myself with switch locations and the MCP. I also read through the sim gouge that was posted either here or on pprune. I made some pretty stupid mistakes in the sim that would have easily busted a checkride. But I announced when I did something incorrect and then corrected it. I did not feel I gave my best performance in the sim and actually thought I failed miserably when it was over. The point to take away from this is that they are not looking for perfection. They are looking to see if you studied the profile and if you have good judgment when things don’t work out right. A positive attitude goes a long way as well.
My overall experience was very positive. The representative from Parc was very knowledgeable and helpful. The interviewers were very polite and did their best to make you feel welcome but it was a strictly business tone. I have the medical schedule for next week so if that all goes well I hope to see some of you in Tokyo in January or on the line.
If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me.
Fogrunner: Email me if you hear any news on your medical results.
09-26-2008, 11:45 PM
#75
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 167
That is one of the drawbacks to this job. Zed applications take about 1 to 2 weeks from the time you submit your application to the time that it arrives in your mailbox at work. You just have to plan ahead. The application is an excel file that you email to one of the office girls and it is pretty painless. The Zeds are then deducted from your pay.
09-27-2008, 07:35 AM
#77
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Posts: 151
That is one of the drawbacks to this job. Zed applications take about 1 to 2 weeks from the time you submit your application to the time that it arrives in your mailbox at work. You just have to plan ahead. The application is an excel file that you email to one of the office girls and it is pretty painless. The Zeds are then deducted from your pay.
What about on ANA? Can you list yourself and check loads online? What are the pass privileges on ANA?
Thanks
09-27-2008, 10:25 AM
#78
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 167
To be honest, I have found that I just buy tickets now for my commuting and I only use Zeds for family to come visit when they don't have to be back home at a certain time. Even for vacation I typically buy my wife and I tickets. It's pretty nice not having to worry about getting on flights anymore.
09-27-2008, 06:52 PM
#79
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Captain 767
Posts: 91
Trust me, if you live in Atlanta, you will have so many Platinum Points on Delta from the commute, you will never non-rev again!! I live in Atlanta, and Delta has worked out awesome for me.. Business class to Tokyo every month as not bad at all..
09-27-2008, 11:53 PM
#80
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: Capt
Posts: 3,215
Hi!
I've been studying Japan for about 4 years, and just found out that I am not elligible.
I got info back from a contract agency, that said NO MIL time.
I have 4200 TT, 3200 fixed-wind, 3100 jet, but ONLY 2700 jet if you don't count military time.
So, I am trying to confirm that my mil time (heavy, international) doesn't count, and I'm below the 3000 threshold.
Have to hope I can hold on for at least a year here, if the mil time counts as 0.
Please confirm.
Thanx!
cliff
GRB
I've been studying Japan for about 4 years, and just found out that I am not elligible.
I got info back from a contract agency, that said NO MIL time.
I have 4200 TT, 3200 fixed-wind, 3100 jet, but ONLY 2700 jet if you don't count military time.
So, I am trying to confirm that my mil time (heavy, international) doesn't count, and I'm below the 3000 threshold.
Have to hope I can hold on for at least a year here, if the mil time counts as 0.
Please confirm.
Thanx!
cliff
GRB
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