Ask Captain Lim - What to expect during an interview and simulator evaluation with SIA?

Dear Captain Lim,

What can I expect (questions) during an interview and simulator evaluation with SIA as an expatriate pilot who already has US airline experience?

Sincerely,

John Thomas.

Hi John,

Since you come from a country where pilot union is very strong (contributing to many major airlines' Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition) to one that shuns them, you may be thoroughly grilled on your view about this. Remember, they would read the resume in your application form and be prepared to answer questions about any details contain inside. Do not overlook the obvious. Otherwise, questions are generally quite straightforward, probably similar to those that you have been asked before.

I assume you are applying for a captain's position. Below are some sample questions (not exhaustive) that one can expect from the interview:

1. Tell us about your career to date.
2. Why do you want to join our airline?
3. What do you have to offer to our airline if you are hired?
4. What do you think of the labor unions? Are they the cause of the industry difficulties in the US?
5. Do you know anyone in this airline? Which one do you know best? What would they say about you?
6. Do you know anyone of your friends who have been to this interview? Can you see the difference between the one who has been hired and the one who was not?
7. Who is your immediate superior? What do you admire most about him? What sort of reference would he give you?
8. What is your greatest fault in life? Do you have any weaknesses?
9. What do you think of your present boss?
10. Have you ever had a close call in your past airlines?
11. What other airlines have you applied for?
12. Do you think CRM helps in reducing accidents?
13. Do you expect your lifestyle to change if you move to this Asian country?
14. What is the difference between an average Captain and a good Captain?
15. What does your family think about you coming here?

Your simulator evaluation can be on the Boeing 747, 777 or the Airbus A340, depending on their availability. You would be given a short brief prior to the session. Your evaluator (usually an Examiner or Instructor of the Company) will perform any duties that you ask him to do but without initiative (so do monitor what he does!)

A profile of the exercises would be something like this:

1. Normal visual take off, with moderate cross wind, to the training area.
2. General handling - demonstrate steep turns (left and right)
- stalling exercises , clean and dirty stalls
3. Rejoin for a holding pattern, may be under radar control
4. Carry out a manual ILS approach with Flight Director, with or without autothrottles. May have an engine emergency.
5. Missapproach during single engine ILS at the minima and return for a landing.
6. Take off with engine failure at V1. Join visual circuit with one engine out (no flight director). Vectored very high and close on base leg. Attempt a visual landing with this unusual profile (or go around if unable!)
7. Can expect an emergency after landing - passenger evacuation after an engine or APU fire.

Not all the exercises would be given. It all depends on your luck and the mood of the check pilot. Generally, you are assessed on your basic flying, CRM skills and performance under stress. They don't expect you to know the standard company procedures. So, use your own company procedures whenever possible. Call out for your checks where you would normally do them. It would be wise to familiarize yourself with the ILS procedures for all the runways in Changi before you arrive.

I wish you all the best.