Pilot Interview Questions & Answers
Airline or aircraft pilots fly passengers and/or cargo on long or short-haul flights for leisure, business or commercial purposes. The aircraft is typically operated by two pilots; one will be the captain who is the pilot in command, while the other will be the supporting first officer.
The pilots will usually take turns to fly the plane to avoid fatigue, with one operating the controls while the other speaks to air traffic control and completes the paperwork. In some instances, such as long-haul flights, there may be three or four pilots on board so that the necessary breaks from flying can be taken.
The captain has the overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and the safety of crew and passengers. Prior to the flight, pilots check flight plans, ensure that the aircraft’s controls are operating efficiently and calculate the required fuel for the flight. They are also responsible for checking the weather conditions and briefing cabin crew.
Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Pilot or
an employer preparing to interview candidates for Pilot position,
these Pilot interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.
Pilot Interview Questions
Below are a list of some skill-based Pilot interview questions.
- Can you provide an overview of your flight training and experience, including the types of aircraft you've operated and your total flight hours?
- What motivated you to become a pilot, and why did you choose this particular type of flying (e.g., commercial, cargo, private, military, etc.)?
- Describe a challenging flight situation or emergency you've encountered in your career. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
- How do you stay current with the latest aviation regulations, safety procedures, and technological advancements in the aviation industry?
- What are the key responsibilities of a pilot when it comes to pre-flight inspections and safety checks?
- Explain your understanding of and experience with flight planning, including factors such as weather, fuel calculations, and route optimization.
- How do you handle communication and collaboration with the air traffic control (ATC) team during takeoff, flight, and landing?
- Discuss your knowledge of and adherence to aviation safety protocols, including the sterile cockpit rule and cabin crew communication during critical phases of flight.
- What steps do you take to ensure the comfort and well-being of passengers on board your aircraft, especially during long-haul flights?
- In the event of adverse weather conditions or mechanical issues, how do you assess the situation and make decisions about flight diversion, delay, or alternate routes?
- Can you describe your experience with multi-crew coordination (MCC) and your ability to work effectively as part of a flight crew?
- What measures do you take to maintain situational awareness during flight, especially in high-stress situations or when dealing with multiple tasks and responsibilities?
- Discuss your familiarity with emergency procedures, including evacuations, ditching, or other critical situations. How do you ensure passengers' safety during such events?
- Explain your understanding of fatigue management and how you mitigate the effects of long hours and irregular schedules on your performance as a pilot.
- In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges and trends in the aviation industry today, and how do you see them affecting the role of a pilot in the future?
- Explain the concept of aerodynamic stall in an aircraft. What are the critical factors that lead to a stall, and how do you recover from one?
- Discuss the principles of aircraft navigation. How do you determine your position and navigate accurately, especially when flying in challenging weather conditions or over remote areas?
- Describe the primary flight controls of an aircraft (ailerons, elevator, and rudder). How do these controls work together to maintain stability and control during flight, and what is their role in maneuvering the aircraft?
- In commercial aviation, automation plays a significant role. Can you explain the operation of the autopilot system, including its modes and limitations? How do you monitor and override the autopilot when necessary?
- Aircraft performance is critical for safe takeoff and landing. How do you calculate takeoff and landing distances, and what factors influence these calculations? How do you adjust for variations in weight, altitude, and weather conditions?
- You're the captain of a long-haul flight, and severe turbulence unexpectedly hits while passengers are still awake. How do you manage the situation to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew?
- Imagine you're flying a commercial aircraft, and the weather at your destination airport suddenly deteriorates to below minimums. What steps do you take to decide whether to initiate a landing attempt or divert to an alternate airport?
- During cruise at high altitude, you receive an engine failure indication. Walk me through the immediate actions you would take, including communication with air traffic control and the cabin crew.
- You're flying a complex approach into a busy international airport, and air traffic control gives you last-minute vector changes. How do you adapt to these changes while ensuring a safe approach and landing?
- While preparing for takeoff, you notice a discrepancy in the aircraft's weight and balance calculations. Passengers are already on board. How do you address this issue, and what considerations do you take into account when deciding whether to proceed with the flight or delay it for further checks?
Pilot Interview Questions and Answers
Every interview is different and the questions may vary.
However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.
Below are some common questions you'd expect during Pilot interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.
- Why Do You Want This Job?
- What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
- What is Your Greatest Strength?
- What is Your Salary Expectation?
- Tell Me About Yourself
- Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
- Are You a Leader or a Follower?
- Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
- What is Your Greatest Weakness?
- Why Should We Hire You?