Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation

Hi Capt Lim,

I*ve been an avid reader of your website, amongst other aviation-related ones, such as PPrune and Airwise aviation news. I play the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 regularly and read widely on air technical issues as well. I attended the SIA (Singapore Airlines) Cadet Pilot Interview 1st round in Jun 2005 and had no difficulty answering the questions posed by a Senior Captain and the Human Resources personnel. Subsequently, 10 of us, out of 80 were called in for the 2nd round of interview a week later. However, I was not called up for the medical selection or further tests.

I was initially very confident of the outcome and couldn*t understand why I wasn*t called back. However, I did a post mortem analysis on the interview process and realized that I made some blunders along the way:

1. I wasn*t too proactive in the Situational Test. I think that kinda cast a doubt on my team playing ability.

2. I wasn*t tactful enough in the final interview with the senior Captains; at one point, I corrected the Senior Captain on his misconception of shipboard helicopter operations (I*m a trained Naval Helicopter Landing Ship Officer). I supposed I could have used some tact in my response.

3. I was overly eager in trying to impress, and answered too much in depth for questions posed to me. For instance, I spoke about triple spool engines and bypass ratios when asked how much I know about jet engines. I think it somehow gave them the idea that I was trying too hard to impress.

4. I was dominating the conversation during the tea party session. In fact, I prepared questions to ask the senior chaps way before the interview and it somehow over-shadowed the rest of PPL (Private Pilot License) holders. I think the essence of this session is to interact and not for showmanship.

Anyway, that said, I am contemplating re-applying for the position. This time, with all the lessons learnt duly taken care of. As you seem to know pretty much about the Singapore Airlines Recruitment, I was wondering if you know whether SIA will consider applicants who have been through the final round of the interview? I have been told otherwise, but am not too sure of the truth in that.

Appreciate any advice you may have.

Jerry.

Hi Jerry,

I am not absolutely clear about second chances for the SIA Cadet Pilot Interview as there are a few views from others who share your misfortunes. You can read their postings in my Forums/FAQ. Here are two views:

First view: Will I be granted a second chance if I had failed the final interview?

I applied to SIA (Singapore Airlines) in 1998 to be an airline pilot just after a year after my Bachelor of Engineering degree from the National University of Singapore. I am a Singapore citizen and have always dreamt of flying for the national airline as a commercial pilot. However, I was rejected after the 3rd interview although I had completed the first 2 rounds with good marks.

I was very disappointed and was wondering why I was not selected as they mainly asked very simple questions which I answered to the best of my abilities. It still puzzles me as to what went wrong. I would like to know the following:

Is it still worthwhile for me to keep applying for the cadet pilot program with SIA even though I had gone through the final interview? It seems that they do not give any second chances to those who have failed the final interview.

Are there any other avenues to pursue and fulfill my dream? I am 32 years old this year. I am still very keen to join the airline and have applied to them a few times again, and most recently, to the Singapore Flying College as a cadet pilot.

Answer. SIA will not grant a second chance to a candidate who didn*t make it for the final interview, as most of the questions and tests are recycled.

Second view:

Myth: Once I fail the Second Interview, I cannot apply again.

Answer: Depending on which stage you fail the interview, I believe you may apply again. You will, of course, not know the individual results of the tests but you can always try again. If say you fail the medical, it is unlikely that they will ever take you in but if say it*s the psychomotor tests or CBTs, they may consider giving you another try.

Well, you can always try to resubmit your application and hope for the best :-).