Interview experience:

I interviewed for a Captain 737 position. They pay for the hotel and positive space you to Panama from anywhere Copa flies. Nice hotel with free breakfast. Copa also picks you up at the airport and takes you to and from the hotel. The process was very laid back. My interview was spread out over 2 days, although some of the other guys completed it in one day. Spanish language is not a requirement. Nice operation, friendly people, new fully loaded airplanes. Many new 737NG’s coming, hence the hiring. Days off often an issue for newhires. 7 days guaranteed, usually no more than 10.
 
Medical: 15 minutes- blood work and pee in a cup.
 
Psychoanalysis: can’t study for this part. Recite numbers, word-memory type questions.
 
Sim: The 737 was booked, so the sim eval was in the emb190. They prep you well and understand that you may never have flown the airplane before. About 50-60 minutes. Good FO- helps with whatever you ask for, including all the automation. They are looking for emergency management, CRM, decision making etc. Very little hand flying-takeoff and landing only. Autopilot on from after takeoff.
Takeoff, Bogot Columbia 13R for Panama City. Low ceilings. Loose engine during takeoff roll just after 100 kts. Aborted takeoff. Repositioned. Normal Takeoff- follow departure procedure. Through about FL 180, loose engine. Bogota gone below minimums. I chose to divert to Rionegro. ILS to single engine missed approach. Start flying the single engine missed. Repositioned for single engine, hand flown ILS to a full stop.
 
Interview: 30 minutes. Very laid back. HR questions. Tell us about yourself.  TMAAT you had to make a decision quickly. How do you feel about moving to Panama
 
Knowledge test: 50 questions. A lot of questions from the FAA ATP written. Here is the outline they sent me just prior to the interview:
1.Aerodynamics
1. Lift and drag principles
2. Angle of attack
3. High lift devices, effects of
4. Aerodynamic limits
5. Primary and secondary flight controls
6. Types of tabs and direction of their movements
7. Vortex generators
8. Stability
9. Relation between coordinated turns, airspeed and angle of attack
10. Load factor
11. Ground effect
12. Flight characteristics based on C.G. position
13. Altitude effect on Vmc speeds
14. Speed of sound, Mach number
15. Shock waves
16. Advantages of the swept wing
17. Compressibility effects
2.Navigation, Instrument Flying & ATC Procedures
1. Knowledge of navigational units
2. Longitude and latitude characteristics
3. True and magnetic courses and headings
4. Great circle characteristics
5. Lambert Conformal and Mercator map projections
6. Holding parameters and entry procedures
7. Approach types
8. Approach categories
9. Jeppesen charts, interpretation of all
10. IFR approach clearances
11. Circling approaches
12. Electronic navigation instruments, characteristics and interpretation of
13. Global Positioning System
14. ATC requirements for IFR flights
15. Traffic Collision and Avoidance System procedures
3. Knowledge of Generic Aircraft Systems & Jet Engines
1. Pitot-static system instruments
2. Flight instruments indications characteristics
3. Typical hydraulic system components and their function
4. Typical electrical system components and their function
5. Typical fuel system components and their function
6. Typical pressurization system components and their function
7. Typical air conditioning system components and their function
8. Typical jet engine components and their function
9. Compressor stalls
4.Performance
1. Factors that affect an aircraft’s performance
2. Performance concepts
3. Aircraft performance limitations
4. Balanced and unbalanced field length
5. Takeoff speeds
6. Climb segments
7. Enroute requirements
8. Hydroplanning
9. Chart interpretations
10. Runway slope determination
11. Optimum cruise altitude or flight level
5.Weather
1. Weather report interpretations
2. International Standard Atmosphere
3. QNH, QFE, QNE
4. Constant pressure charts
6. Weight &Balance
1. Aircraft weight limitations
2. Payload/Traffic Load determination
3. Aerodynamic Chord miscellaneous (LEMAC, TEMAC)
4. Datum line and Origin of Moments
5. Center of Gravity limits, calculation of
6. Maximum floor loading
7. Index Units and Dry Operating Index, etc., difference between
8. MTOW determination
7. Regulations
1. IFR approach related regulations
2. Minimum fuel requirements for international transport category operations
3. Responsibilities of the PIC
4. Authority of the PIC
8. Abnormal Situations
1. Loss of communications procedures
2. Minimum fuel condition status, notification to ATC of
3. Wake turbulence, effects and characteristics of
4. Large aircraft wing tip vortices
5. Legal vulnerability of the aircraft commander
6. Offenses and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft
7. In flight medical emergencies
9. Flight Physiology
1. Hypoxia, effects of
2. Types of pilot disorientation
3. Visual illusions in flight and during approach
4. Pilot incapacitation
5. Preventive “maintenance” for the pilot’s health
6. The physics of gases
7. Circadian rhythms
8. Stress management, CRM, and the safe pilot
10. Commercial and Historical Aviation Miscellaneous, etc.
  1. Basic aviation related mathematical calculations
  2. Aviation pioneers
  3. Legendary aircraft
  4. Aviation milestones
  5. ICAO
  6. Freedoms of the air
  7. IATA
  8. Aviation acronyms


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Copa Airlines Study Guide Questions:

1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Tell me about a time you had to make a decision quickly.
3. How do you feel about moving to Panama?