Contour hiring interview

Can you give me a predeparture brief ?

You are expected to explain the procedure for;

1. Departure runway

2. Take off type that will be used, rotation speed, climb speed

3. Specify your go/no go decision point (V1)

Then a quick brief on your emergency procedures

1. Engine failure on takeoff roll

2. Engine failure after takeoff with runway remaining

3. engine failure after takeoff without runway remaining

4. engine failure during flight

What is an MEL?

• Minimum Equipment List: A list of what can be broken and for how long and the aircraft remains airworthy. It is prepared by operator, based on the MMEL (Master MEL) and approved by the FAA. The MEL is not a carte blanch to operate the aircraft in a permanent state of disrepair and includes limitations on how long you can fly with something broken.  (1) An equipment list is a list of items that must be operational for a particular flight.  

• (1) An equipment list is a list of items that must be operational for a particular flight. For example, the landing lights in the Cessna 172 do not have to be operational for flights during the day but must be operational for flights at night.

What altitude do you descend to if you're told to descend via the STAR?

Descend at the pilot's discretion to meet published restrictions and laterally navigate on a STAR.

When is filing an alternate airport required?

For 135/121 Ops, you will ALWAYS need an alternate unless: (135.223) (b) Paragraph (a)(2) of this section does not apply if part 97 of this chapter prescribes a standard instrument approach procedure for the first airport of intended landing and, for at least one hour before and after the estimated time of arrival, the appropriate weather reports or forecasts, or any combination of them, indicate that— (1) The ceiling will be at least 1,500 feet above the lowest circling approach MDA; or (2) If a circling instrument approach is not authorized for the airport, the ceiling will be at least 1,500 feet above the lowest published minimum or 2,000 feet above the airport elevation, whichever is higher; and (3) Visibility for that airport is forecast to be at least three miles, or two miles more than the lowest applicable visibility minimums, whichever is the greater, for the instrument approach procedure to be used at the destination airport. Also check notes section of the approach plate for any pertinent info. (121.619) - Domestic Ops, and 91.169 1,2,3 rule must be met/exceeded to NOT need an alternate Source: Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot, Richie Lengel

What would you do if you were circling to land and lost sight of the runway environment?

• Execute the missed approach.  

• (0) Execute the missed approach: Climb Turn toward the landing runway Re-intercept the missed approach gradually Communicate your missed approach with air traffic control

Can you fly with an INOP Nav light during the day? What must you do?

I need to check the MEL

If it is inevitable to enter turbulence what actions should you take prior / during?

Key action to take before entering turbulence: SARC

1. Activate the seatbelt sign

2. Adjust airspeed

3. Check weather reports

4. Communicate with ATC (Request a possible altitude change if necessary)

Action to take during turbulence: LFMI

1. Maintain a level attitude

2. Fly with the “Flow” (dont fight the turbulence)

3. Avoid abrupt maneuvers

4. Monitor instruments

What is the difference in the QRH between land as soon as practical and land as soon as possible?

The Quick Reference Handbook states: LASAP means the pilot should land at the nearest suitable airport as soon as it is practical to do so, considering weather conditions, aircraft performance, and available landing sites. Pilots have some flexibility in choosing the landing site and may consider factors such as distance, terrain, and available services when making the decision. LASP means Pilots are expected to prioritize finding a suitable landing site and execute the landing as quickly as possible, even if it means deviating from their planned route.

When you have a checklist say "land as soon as practical" how soon do you actually need to land?

As soon as practical does not mean "as soon as possible". That means it's at pilot's discretion to establish the "urgency" of the landing as well as the proper airport (approval, rwy length, weather)

What does the "A" mean on a approach plate?

airport has non-standard alternate minimums?

What are IFR minimums?

What is the standard IFR climb gradient?

200ft/NM or 3.3 % The standard aircraft departure climb gradient (CG) is 200 feet per nautical mile. This value is designed to provide 48 feet of clearance at one nautical mile from the departure end of the runway (DER)

How do you determine if an airport has non-standard alternate minimums?

By looking at the approach plate minimums and looking for the "A" icon on the note section

What is RVSM airspace?

Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum. Significantly increases the number of Airplanes in a defined space (Double in theory) Plus it allows pilots to pick more efficient altitudes for turbulence avoidance.

What does an inverted T mean on an approach plate?

the airport has non-standard takeoff minimums or a departure procedure: 

• Non-standard takeoff minimums: The required visibility for the runway may be different than the standard.

• Departure procedure: There may be a departure procedure for one or more runways.

Can you define V1?

V1 is the maximum speed at which a pilot must take the first action to stop the aircraft during takeoff, such as applying brakes, reducing thrust, or deploying speed brakes.

V1 is the maximum speed at which a rejected takeoff can be initiated in the event of an emergency. Also known as the critical engine failure speed or takeoff decision speed.

How does V1 change if the runway is wet and why?

V1, or take-off decision speed, usually decreases on a wet runway because of reduced braking ability. This is because the accelerate-stop distance decreases more than the accelerate-go distance, so deceleration is a greater problem than acceleration.

What is Vyse and Vmc?

VYSE- Best climb rate with a single engine VMC- Minimum controllable speed on a single engine

What is VMC on a multiengine airplane?

minimum controllable airspeed single engine

How does a jet pressurize?

When do you raise your landing gear on take off?

As soon as a positive rate of climb is established.

What is the difference between static air temperature and total air temperature?

total air temperature is higher than the static (or ambient) air temperature. Total air temperature is an essential input to an air data computer in order to enable the computation of static air temperature and hence true airspeed.

What does Vyse mean on the airspeed indicator?

Vyse (Blue Line) is your single-engine best rate of climb speed if you were to be running on one engine (other engine INOP)

What is the critical engine?

The engine that will most adversely effect the performance of the aircraft if it fails. Usually it's the left engine in a conventional multiengine airplane.

Can be either Left, Right, Left or Right Inboard or Outboard. this depends on which engine will have greatest negative effect if it becomes INOP. Left is incorrect answer. A PA-44 (Seminole) does not have one.

What are FICON codes and meanings ?

FICON codes are reports on the reaction or slipperiness of a runway. They are made up of Runway Condition Codes which range from 0-6, 0 being no traction and 6 the best braking action. Ex. RWY 36 6/5/3 runway 36 has great breaking for the first two thirds but less traction on the last third of the runway. Therefore, you can know to anticipate less stopping ability once you reach the last third of the runway.

What is the difference between anti-ice and de-ice?

De-icing is the act of getting rid of accumulated ice whereas anti-icing is the act of preventing its accrual.

How far should you remain from the thunderstorms?

20 miles

What is the difference between SIGMETs and AIRMETS?

AIRMETs are issued for less severe weather conditions that may affect lighter aircraft, while SIGMETs are issued for more severe conditions that may affect all aircraft.

What are the different types of structural icing?

Rime, Mixed, Clear.

How do you define the intensity of structural icing?

• Trace, Light, Moderate, or Severe.  

• CRM-FF Clear: Large Cumulus Clouds - Climb, or ask ATC if it's warmer below. Then make a decision. Rime: Stable Air and Freezing Temps - Climb (or try to) Mixed: Rime and Clear Combo: Ask ATC for conditions above and below (if below is an option); Then climb like your life depends on it. It DOES! Freezing Rain: Most Severe - Indicates Warmer Temps above. Frost: Observed on Ground - Remove.

Are you comfortable flying with low time pilots?

What would you do if an emergency checklist said to "land as soon as practical" , could you continue to your destination for your high profile passenger ?

That depends on how far the destination was of course! Yes, if that Airfield is not considered "Extended Flight". No, if there are more reasonable fields between the Malfunction location and the HVT's desired / planned field. Land as soon as Practical does not mean find a highway. It means, consider the entirety of the situation and do some of that "Pilot Stuff". Find a reasonable answer and safely land the plane.

Tell me about a time you had to confront a crew member doing something wrong?

When was the last time you filed your own flight plan?

Why do you want to leave your current employer?

What qualities do you find in a good manager?

Tell me about a difficult student?

Do you have a valid first class medical?

YES

Do you have any checkride failures?

NO

Do you have a valid Passport?

YES

Tell me a time about when you exhibited leadership recently

Hurricane Helene recovery

an approaching briefing

in depth taxi briefing at KBNA

speed restrictions are necessary for specific altitudes

fwd + Aft CG and what is better when within the CG limits of the aircraft

loading the aircraft with a forward CG within limits will increase the aircrafts stability as opposed to loading an aircraft with a more aft (rearward) CG within limits of course will decrease stability

a forward CG is generally considered better because it provides greater stability during flight, although a slightly aft CG can sometimes offer slightly better performance at the cost of reduced stability.

Brief the approach to ICT RNAV Y RWY 14 circle to land RWY 1R

what is a hotspot on a taxi diagram

Hot spots are generally a complex or confusing taxiway or taxiway and runway intersection. Hot spots have a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion, and require heightened attention by pilots and drivers

what is the slope gradient of the taxiway.

what are two things I need before I start to taxi

weather and clearance

brief a SID & STAR

questions about ADM as they relate to our position as a pilot

91/135 regulations

instrument procedures and scans

If the destination airport does not meet the 1-2-3 minimums rule, what are the requirements for selecting an alternate airport?

The standard alternate minimums are 800-2 for non-precision and 600-2 for a precision approach

What is STAR

Standard Terminal Arrival Route, which is a flight procedure that aircraft follow when approaching a destination airport. STARs are used for aircraft on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.

What is SID

Standard Instrument Departure, which is a published flight procedure that aircraft follow after taking off from an airport. SIDs are a way to guide aircraft from the runway to nearby airways, and are designed to help pilots navigate around terrain, other aircraft, and adjacent airspaces.

What is a TAF

Terminal Area Forecast, which is a weather forecast for aviation that provides information about expected conditions at an airport. TAFs are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and are used by pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight planners to make decisions about flight safety, scheduling, and planning.

Flying a IFR flight, tell me about sigmets, airmets, and convective sigmets

AIRMETs

• Issued for weather that may be hazardous to light aircraft and VFR pilots, but is less severe than a SIGMET

• Refers to moderate icing, moderate turbulence, surface winds of 30 knots or more, mountain obscurations, or IFR conditions

• Expire after 6 hours

SIGMETs

• Refer to Significant Meteorological activity

• Issued for lines of thunderstorms, embedded thunderstorms, heavy intensity storms which cover at least 40% of an area, tornadoes, winds of 50 knots or higher, or hail 3/4″ or larger (these are called Convective SIGMETs)

• Also issued for volcanic activity, dust storms, sandstorms, severe turbulence, and icing (non-convective SIGMETs)

• Have a maximum valid time of 2 hours

What changes Vmc?

Aircraft Configuration: Flaps, landing gear position, and centre of gravity can affect Vmc. Atmospheric Conditions: Air density, temperature, and altitude play a significant role in determining Vmc, with higher altitudes and temperatures generally increasing Vmc due to decreased engine performance and air density.

WARTS

Weather, Wind, Abnormals, Runway, Taxi, Terrain, Threats, Trans Alt

NATS

NOTAMS. • ATIS/Arrival and or Approach Chart. • Terrain/Taxi Routes. • Specials

What are the different types of Hydroplaning?

Dynamic Hydroplaning: happens at higher speeds when water lyfts the tires off the runway, causing a loss of contact. (Deep water, High speed, wedge lifts tires)

Viscous Hydroplaning: occurs on a thin water layer, usually on smooth surfaces, reducing tire grip even at lower speeds. (Very thin water, Slick surfaces, Traction loss)

Reverted Rubber Hydroplaning: Happens when locked breaks create steam, lifting the tire and causing a loss of traction. (Reheat, Steam, Locked Breaks)

What are the different types of thunderstorms?

Single Cell: A single cell (or common) thunderstorm cell often develops on warm and humid summer days. These cells may be severe and produce hail and microburst winds.

Thunderstorm Cluster (Multi Cell): Thunderstorms often develop in clusters with numerous cells. These can cover large areas. Individual cells within the cluster may move in one direction while the whole system moves in another.

Squall Line: A squall line is a narrow band of active thunderstorms. Often it develops on or ahead of a cold front in moist, unstable air, but it may develop in unstable air far removed from any front. The line may be too long to detour easily around and too wide and severe to penetrate.

Supercell: A supercell is a single long-lived thunderstorm which is responsible for nearly all of the significant tornadoes produced in the United States and for most of the hailstones larger than golf ball-size. 2

Get familiar with the 135 duty rigs

What are the different types of fog

Radiation Fog: Forms at night when the ground cools, causing the air above it to cool and reach saturation. It typically forms in clear, calm conditions and dissipates after sunrise

Advection Fog: Occurs when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface, cooling the air to its dew point. It is most common along coastlines and can persist for long periods.

Upslope Fog: Forms when moist sir is forced to rise along a slope or terrain, cooling as it ascends until it reaches saturation. this is most common in mountainous areas.

Steam Fog: Happens when cold air moves around warmer water, causing the water to evaporate into the cooler air, creating a fog. This is often seen over lakes or rivers in cold weather.

Ice Fog: Forms in very cold conditions (Below freezing), when water vapor directly sublimates into ice crystals, creating a fog of ice particles. This occurs in Arctic or sub-Arctic regions

Criteria for an alternate

Part 135 regs. when do you need an alternate… different from 121

Part 135 Alternate Requirements:

1. If the weather at your destination is forecast to be below certain minimums:

   • If, one hour before to one hour after the estimated time of arrival, the weather reports or forecasts at the destination airport indicate that the ceiling will be at least 1,500 feet above the lowest circling MDA (Minimum Descent Altitude) or, if a circling approach is not authorized, 1,500 feet above the lowest published minimum or 2,000 feet above the airport elevation, whichever is higher, and visibility is at least 3 miles or 2 miles more than the lowest visibility minimums, whichever is higher.

2. If these conditions are not met, then an alternate airport is required.

Differences from Part 121:

• Part 121 requires stricter alternate rules, such as the 1-2-3 rule, where an alternate is required if:

  • Within 1 hour before and after the planned arrival, the destination weather is forecasted to be less than 2,000 feet ceilings and 3 miles visibility.

In Part 135, the alternate requirements are more flexible for smaller, on-demand, or commuter flights, reflecting the typically different operational conditions and aircraft types

How do you determine if you can taxi/depart an airport?

Back of taxi page

What are the max airspeeds for holding patterns all altitudes?

Holding altitude 14000' or below - 230 KIAS. Holding altitude above 14000' to 20000' - 240 KIAS. Holding altitude above 20000' to 34000' - 265 KIAS

Jet engines

High bipass