Air Canada Interview Prep

[schnitzel2k3]

If you get turned on by the long drawn out pain of never knowing when you're going to get relief from the whipping, bonus. Be sure to advise the psych evaluator. Who needs a 'paid mentorship' when you have Avcanada?

[co-joe]

The prep is, you have to bring a certified logbook. That didn't used to be a thing so I had to track down old CPs and meet up to get things signed, then you have to put little post it notes on pages with career highlights in case they want to talk about them. The seem to really like straight line career paths for this, if they say things like "wow you've worked for a lot of companies in 15 years of flying", that's not a positive. College, instructing, tier 2, tier 1, interview would be ideal, or college, military, here... short straight line career paths. Of course there are exceptions, but they asked why I left certain jobs and didn't seem happy with my reasons.

They asked the standard behaviour descriptive questions everyone does but always a little twist. I had 2 pages of examples ready, with bold letters to indicate key memory jogs.

References have to be a CP or Ops manager nothing else. Which is awesome, hey I'm looking to walk, there is nobody else with my experience who will work for you at this crazy low wage/ schedule, please give me the reference I need to leave.

The mmpi, and eqi, and tqas or whatever they're called are a pain, not much to say. Yes my father is a good man, no I don't hear voices, yes I've wanted to be a race car driver, no I've never wanted to be a florist, no I don't frequently think of killing myself, no I don't get frequent stomach aches....and on and on.

If your BP is anything other than 120/ 80 get that taken care of before the medical, talk a doctor into prescribing you BP meds and make sure they're legal for TC. If you get the east Indian lady doctor, well sorry about your luck. Yes she stuck her finger in my bum. I told her I was Celiac and she told me I was lying and that if really was Celiac I wouldn't be so fat (at most I'm 20 lbs overweight...who isn't). Then she made me go on BP drugs, take daily trends for 2 months and submit them to her, then made me get a heart stress test at my own expense. The day after I submitted the test results I got the PFO email. The cardiac specialist told me heart is in perfect shape and that I can start training for marathons tomorrow without worry.

Good luck to all, remember not to put off enjoying the journey till you get to AC.

[unmaskedemperor]

Hey guys, when an airline asks if you have 705 experience does that mean a major airline operating in Canada experience or could it be any major airline in the world? Thanks

[WestJet Puke]

The prep is, you have to bring a certified logbook. That didn't used to be a thing so I had to track down old CPs and meet up to get things signed, then you have to put little post it notes on pages with career highlights in case they want to talk about them. The seem to really like straight line career paths for this, if they say things like "wow you've worked for a lot of companies in 15 years of flying", that's not a positive. College, instructing, tier 2, tier 1, interview would be ideal, or college, military, here... short straight line career paths. Of course there are exceptions, but they asked why I left certain jobs and didn't seem happy with my reasons.

They asked the standard behaviour descriptive questions everyone does but always a little twist. I had 2 pages of examples ready, with bold letters to indicate key memory jogs.

References have to be a CP or Ops manager nothing else. Which is awesome, hey I'm looking to walk, there is nobody else with my experience who will work for you at this crazy low wage/ schedule, please give me the reference I need to leave.

The mmpi, and eqi, and tqas or whatever they're called are a pain, not much to say. Yes my father is a good man, no I don't hear voices, yes I've wanted to be a race car driver, no I've never wanted to be a florist, no I don't frequently think of killing myself, no I don't get frequent stomach aches....and on and on.

If your BP is anything other than 120/ 80 get that taken care of before the medical, talk a doctor into prescribing you BP meds and make sure they're legal for TC. If you get the east Indian lady doctor, well sorry about your luck. Yes she stuck her finger in my bum. I told her I was Celiac and she told me I was lying and that if really was Celiac I wouldn't be so fat (at most I'm 20 lbs overweight...who isn't). Then she made me go on BP drugs, take daily trends for 2 months and submit them to her, then made me get a heart stress test at my own expense. The day after I submitted the test results I got the PFO email. The cardiac specialist told me heart is in perfect shape and that I can start training for marathons tomorrow without worry.

Good luck to all, remember not to put off enjoying the journey till you get to AC.

Absolute gold.

Respect my friend.

Best advice for AC applicants is to buy co-joe $225 worth of beer, and you'll get the best insights on getting there.....

[altiplano]

LOL... sorry you got the PFO, that story is a pretty good primer for those getting the call...

Not far off my own experience...

I'll add what I said before, it perhaps doesn't have to be a straight line to AC, god knows mine wasn't, but they like progression and commitment. Left seat, right seat, bigger airplane, repeat along with training and similar roles along the way and so on.

Career highlights?
"cut loose left seat for the first time in the twin turbine and that time I delivered a baby in 22D were both big days, of course there was that moon landing I greased, but the biggest highlight, the biggest day of my career is right here, today, talking to you about my next 25 years at AC..." they liked that... LOL.. good luck to everyone getting the call, esp. OTS.

[alkaseltzer]

What a piss poor deal for AC. Penny wise pound foolish, as they say.

I honestly think it was a terrible decision. The complaints I hear from Captains about the incoming Jazz pilots are shocking. My personal interaction with them has been minimal but I recall during my PIT course some struggled to even complete the exam at that end. It's an open-book exam, using an iPad with a search function.

The latest generation of Jazz pilots - the public should be asking questions.

[Old fella]

What a piss poor deal for AC. Penny wise pound foolish, as they say.

I honestly think it was a terrible decision. The complaints I hear from Captains about the incoming Jazz pilots are shocking. My personal interaction with them has been minimal but I recall during my PIT course some struggled to even complete the exam at that end. It's an open-book exam, using an iPad with a search function.

The latest generation of Jazz pilots - the public should be asking questions.

Ok… I am a member of the public( I never worked for any airline) so what questions should we ask then. Are you suggesting there a pilots in cockpits of Jazz aircraft who shouldn’t be there.

[altiplano]

I'm a supporter of OTS hiring being equal to express, ie. no quota for express flow, but I have flown with many ex-Jazz/Sky/Georgian most of whom were fine to fly with.

[rudder]

I'm a supporter of OTS hiring being equal to express, ie. no quota for express flow,…

This is a moot point since it is codified in agreements between AC, CHR, Jazz, and ALPA.

There is nothing in the ACPA CBA re: new-hires other than assignment of seniority and entitlements (pay level, vacation, pension, etc).

It would take a multilateral agreement to modify the 60% requirement.

[altiplano]

I'm a supporter of OTS hiring being equal to express, ie. no quota for express flow,…

This is a moot point since it is codified in agreements between AC, CHR, Jazz, and ALPA.

There is nothing in the ACPA CBA re: new-hires other than assignment of seniority and entitlements (pay level, vacation, pension, etc).

It would take a multilateral agreement to modify the 60% requirement.

I'm not talking about your CBA or multilateral modifications or anything else. Moot or not, I'm just saying I support and believe that OTS hiring should be equal. I'm against affirmative action or any matrix based on anything other than who's best for the job. Opinion only.

[alkaseltzer]

I honestly think it was a terrible decision. The complaints I hear from Captains about the incoming Jazz pilots are shocking. My personal interaction with them has been minimal but I recall during my PIT course some struggled to even complete the exam at that end. It's an open-book exam, using an iPad with a search function.

The latest generation of Jazz pilots - the public should be asking questions.

Ok… I am a member of the public( I never worked for any airline) so what questions should we ask then. Are you suggesting there a pilots in cockpits of Jazz aircraft who shouldn’t be there.

Bring a copy of From the Ground Up...Better yet...ask them a simple question on their aircraft type...

[Antigravity2233]

Hello folks,

I am happy to share that I got a call for interview in Jan but quite anxious as what to expect. I have been following all the threads regarding FAQs and what are asked at the past interviews. According to the mail, I will be going through a computerised assessment before in-person interview, followed by medicals and psych evaluation. I have zero clue on what to expect for MMPI assessment.

Any insight, tips/referrals on how to prep better? I wanted to have a holistic picture of the whole process so that I am not taken by surprise during the assessment.

Many thanks.

Exp :
6500TT
3000PIC A320

[JHR]

You have 3000PIC on an airbus and you wish to work for $50,000 a year??
I would be worried about passing a psychological evaluation

[sstaurus]

Your take is lame. We all know the first few years’ pay sucks, but anyone with half a braincell could see why someone might be able to look beyond that. Let the guy enjoy this.

[JHR]

Sorry to offend you buttercup. Take a joke

[schnitzel2k3]

Your take is lame. We all know the first few years’ pay sucks, but anyone with half a braincell could see why someone might be able to look beyond that. Let the guy enjoy this.

I thought it was hilarious.

Someone with 3000 PIC on Airbus applying to Air Canada with it's current package and clear message that it doesn't care about new hires, sends all the wrong vibes. The level of contracts that would be available to that pilot are pretty lengthy unless there was an issue with their experience or records. It just doesn't add up prima facie. Anyone I know coming in with significant experience applied not because, what else ya gonna do until the U.S border opens...if it ever does.

With that level of experience you could do a line of blow during the medical, answer all the psych questions like a serial killer, while picking your nose and dookieing yourself during the interview and still get hired at AC. If Keith can get in, just about anybody can.

[FL030]

Any insight, tips/referrals on how to prep better? I wanted to have a holistic picture of the whole process so that I am not taken by surprise during the assessment.

The assessment besides the interview is very easy and straight forward. There's nothing you need to do to prepare for the pysch exam or medical. The pysch exam is just a long series of questions that you answer honestly. I imagine the aim is to make sure you aren't suicidal, or a sociopath, so don't overthink it and just state how you feel. For the medical again there is not much you can do to prep other than making sure you drink some water beforehand so you can fill the cup.

[loose]

Hello folks,

I am happy to share that I got a call for interview in Jan but quite anxious as what to expect. I have been following all the threads regarding FAQs and what are asked at the past interviews. According to the mail, I will be going through a computerised assessment before in-person interview, followed by medicals and psych evaluation. I have zero clue on what to expect for MMPI assessment.

Any insight, tips/referrals on how to prep better? I wanted to have a holistic picture of the whole process so that I am not taken by surprise during the assessment.

Many thanks.

Exp :
6500TT
3000PIC A320

Did you recently move to Canada or something? Returning expat perhaps ?? I’m just trying to make sense of your situation…

[altiplano]

Haters gonna hate...

Can you blame this guy? Where else should he go for a career in this country?

I remember when I went to AC there were people that told me I was crazy, I'd always be on reserve, lose my pension, never upgrade, and they were for sure going bankrupt again. Now here in the peanut gallery everyone likes to shit on AC and ACPA pilots for their own crap contracts and choices instead of thinking they might be able to do something to help themselves.

It's amazing to me that we are still the leading contract in this country by most metrics, Alaska killed it on 737 rates last year after breaking through the ceiling that they "couldn't expect to be payed like UAL, DAL, AA - let alone better." AK pilots said F- that.

[schnitzel2k3]

It's amazing to me that we are still the leading contract in this country by most metrics...

It's nothing short of sad. I think having seen one of your other posts you got in before flat pay was a thing. I just don't understand how people make ends meet without any sort of commuting policy.

That being said, if more experienced pilots avoided applying to Air Canada, you'd likely see AC more willing to ameliorate the package. But guys like this sit there and validate AC managements argument that there 'is no shortage in experience, so why pay better?'.

Then all the other operators using Airbus and Boeing in Canada have to work under those profit ceilings because they have likely higher running costs to Air Canada, so the only place to save is on pilots.

You guys and this industry need a massive win in 2024.

[Crewbunk]

But guys like this sit there and validate AC managements argument that there 'is no shortage in experience, so why pay better?'.

You guys and this industry need a massive win in 2024.

That’s the issue. Why pay better? Don’t forget you’re dealing with accountants, who have to answer to a Board of Directors. And how does one answer the simple question “why raise/eliminate flat pay, when classes are full?”

As I said earlier, maybe some day things will change. Are people willing to wait? Looking at a recent Equipment Bid, the hiring plan is staggering. If one waited a year or two, they’d be 1000-1500 names down the list.

So yes, in a year or two, Flat Pay might be doubled. Even eliminated. Anything to keep classes full. The company is very reactive that way. But someone who waited until then could be 1500 names below someone hired today. Who is smarter?

Right now, someone hired today would likely be making $200,000/yr as a 737/320 Captain in 5 years. Using a 2% a year gain (a frightening thought, but it IS ACPA), if the current plan actually happens, $400K /yr as a WB CA in 10 years is not that far fetched.

[schnitzel2k3]

But guys like this sit there and validate AC managements argument that there 'is no shortage in experience, so why pay better?'.

You guys and this industry need a massive win in 2024.

That’s the issue. Why pay better? Don’t forget you’re dealing with accountants, who have to answer to a Board of Directors. And how does one answer the simple question “why raise/eliminate flat pay, when classes are full?”

As I said earlier, maybe some day things will change. Are people willing to wait? Looking at the Equipment Bid issued a couple days ago, the hiring plan is staggering. If one waited a year or two, they’d be 1000-1500 names down the list.

So yes, in a year or two, Flat Pay might be doubled. Even eliminated. Anything to keep classes full. The company is very reactive that way. But someone who wanted until then could be 1500 names below someone hired today. Who is smarter?

Right now, someone hired today would likely be making $200,000/yr as a 737/320 Captain in 5 years. Using a 2% a year gain (a frightening thought, but it IS ACPA), if the current plan actually happens, $400K /yr as a WB CA in 10 years is not that far fetched.

I hope for your guys sake it works out like that. That would be fantastic and you would have nothing but my respect for negociating those valuations from the company.

Until then I'll live in the peanut gallery...

[Crewbunk]

I hope for your guys sake it works out like that. That would be fantastic and you would have nothing but my respect for negociating those valuations from the company.

Until then I'll live in the peanut gallery...

The numbers/wages I quoted are current wages, nothing to negotiate.

The 5 year and 10 year forecast I quoted are assuming a 2% a year wage gain. Nothing more. And ….. God effing help us, if 2% a year is the best ACPA can do.

Nothing wrong with the peanut gallery. It’s a fun show. I stood and applauded the gains other airlines have achieved over the last couple of months. It’s good for everyone.

[schnitzel2k3]

I hope for your guys sake it works out like that. That would be fantastic and you would have nothing but my respect for negociating those valuations from the company.

Until then I'll live in the peanut gallery...

The numbers/wages I quoted are current wages, nothing to negotiate.

The 5 year and 10 year forecast I quoted are assuming a 2% a year wage gain. Nothing more. And ….. God effing help us, if 2% a year is the best ACPA can do.

Nothing wrong with the peanut gallery. It’s a fun show. I stood and applauded the gains other airlines have achieved over the last couple of months. It’s good for everyone.

(I just realized you meant at end of career with 2% COL they'll see 400k)

Hmmm, I don't know anyone at AC at YR 10 flying in the left on a WB and earning 400k. But I probably just don't know the right people.

[Crewbunk]

(I just realized you meant at end of career with 2% COL they'll see 400k)

Hmmm, I don't know anyone at AC at YR 10 flying in the left on a WB and earning 400k. But I probably just don't know the right people.

That’s correct. Read what I wrote again. I said in ten years . Let’s run the numbers ….

Right now, a Triple Captain makes about $335/hr, Half day, half night, using the year 10 pay band. That’s roughly 342,000/ yr. The present AC pilot contract allows for a 2% a year increase. I assumed ACPA was unable to negotiate anything better. So in 10 years, that 10 year Triple Captain will be making $417,900 /yr. With no negotiated gains (compounded 2% annually).

Looking at the training plan and the planned retirements over the next 10 years, I suggested it’s not that far fetched that one hired at the beginning of this hiring wave could hold Triple Captain.

Also understand, that is not maximum pay. There are 12 pay bands presently, but I took the 10 year pay band as I did say, in 10 years!