BalloonChaser

Trying to help focus my studying for the DAL interview. I've read the other threads and while most of them have a good bit of info, many of the threads on the subject seem to have been quiet last few days, answers lately about the "new" test have been nothing if not vague and/or the threads seem to have migrated, in some cases, off-topic? So I was hoping someone could shed some light on the following -

1. Has someone taken the new test of 75 questions?
2. Is this test multiple choice or comprehensive/short-answer?
3. Is the old gouge still valid for the "flavor" of questions (e.g. the same type of theory just not the same numbers)
4. Were there any areas you felt you needed to know better (any surprises?)

I'm just trying to focus my studying. I don't need specifics per se, just some help focusing my efforts. I have just over 2 weeks and basically the DAL study guide they email you should just say, "know everything!" Seriously, would I be wasting my time studying regs for example when I should be studying rules of thumb and descent planning, and turbine engine theory, and and and, etc. If someone who's been throught the "new" set of hoops could help out, that would be much appreciated.
I currently have the following books - Everything Explained for the Preofessional Pilot (started going through that first), Aero for Naval Avia.(what in here would you recommend?), FAA library of stuff. Thanks for the help...

MoonShot

I'm also curious about the details of the new test. I've been studying Mental Math, Tubine Pilot Flight Manual, ATP gleim, and other books aimed towards the 3 on 1. What date are you going down?

Ski Patrol

If you UNDERSTAND the old written test and paid attention on your written tests for basic certifications you will be fine. The study guide sent out by DAL is a bit comprehensive. In other words I was surprised at how easy the tech written was. I was not selected based on "your personality does not fit the culture here". I'm OK with it however as I'm confident/comfortable with who I am as a person, and DAL was my plan B anyhow. Best of luck to all who follow.

BalloonChaser

Sorrry to hear you weren't selected and glad you have a PLAN A to revert to. Can you be any more specific to my #1-4 above? I'm still not sure what you wrote will help me "narrow it down." I really just want to know if the test is multiple choice or not. Also, if you got through the test OK, what did you study? I understand if you know basic requirements for certification you should be fine but, I haven't had a cert. ride in over 10 years! Since then it's been part 135 stuff and a 737 type - All pretty specific rides, not "comprehensive" enough to help with a "general" knowledge tech test.

Ski Patrol

1. Has someone taken the new test of 75 questions?
2. Is this test multiple choice or comprehensive/short-answer?
3. Is the old gouge still valid for the "flavor" of questions (e.g. the same type of theory just not the same numbers)
4. Were there any areas you felt you needed to know better (any surprises?)

1. Yes
2. Yes it is multiple GUESS if you don't know the answer you should be able to narrow it to at least 2 choices then guess.
3. Absolutely if you understand the old gouge ie how to derive the answers you should be in good shape.
4. The 3 on 1 part interview everyone says be honest so I was, I call it like I see it that's all.

same old study books ATP, Tech pilot intervews (Ron McElroy), Turb pilots flight manual etc.
Good luck study for the Tech but it's only 1 part of a 4 part evaluation.

groundstop

For the tech test just remember, DAL likes to hire military guys. They are going to make a test that covers generic areas that both a civil pilot and a military pilot will know. In other words, very few part 121/91 regs. Keep that in mind.

The key areas (in order of importance, in my opinion):

Aerodynamics
Performance
Mental math (descents, etc)
Weather & Weather services (METARs, TAFs, etc)
Very basic system questions (what does a inverter do?)
Misc (hydroplaning, illusions, etc.)

That is by no means an extensive list of what you should study, but that is the general idea.

The gouge is still a great study tool.

BalloonChaser

Hey "ski patrol" and "groundstop" thanks a bunch. That's just what I needed - Appreciate the focus ... and I don't care what anyone says, you're OK in my book!

oinkflyer

Just took the technical exam yesterday. I was ready to do a lot of math problems, but only got one. Although, one of the other guys in the group filled up his entire page of scrap paper. Everybody gets a completely random sampling of the questions. A few new ones that I had are as follows.

1. 3000 feet remaining what color do the RWY centerline lights change to. I put alternating red/white. I wasn't sure at the time.

2. Number "3" board position beside the RWY means what? 3000 feet remaining of course.

3. If Mach speed is constant in your climb what has to happen to your TAS/IAS?

4. What does this Metar say. Choices had to do with the date/time group portion, ceiling and or RVR.

5. In what part of the eng does the air increase speed the most. I put stator vanes. Not sure about that one.

6. If you fail to enter a HW into your FMS it will depict you closer or further from your intended point of decent? Something like that.

BalloonChaser

Thanks for the update. Did you get an offer?

fastsail

Thank you for the post. Can you say awything about the panel interview or the cog test?
Any insight is greatly appreciated!