These study guide questions were submitted by real pilots who actually interviewed with SkyWest Airlines Pilot Pathway Program

1. Describe the difference between a generator and an alternator.
   An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into AC electrical energy. A generator is a mechanical device which converts mechanical energy to either AC or DC electrical energy.
2. Tell me about a time that you felt pressured to go.
   After performing a run-up during a discovery flight with a potential new student, I noticed excessive vibrations during the mag check. Therefore, I taxied the plane back to parking where the manager of the flight school and the customers parents were waiting for me. Upon exiting the airplane, the manager gave me quite the upset look, as if I did something wrong, even though I knew it was the right move to make.
3. Tell me about a time that you had a conflict in the cockpit.
   The only slight conflict I can think of is when I was teaching a commercial student Chandelles. The student kept doing them incorrectly, so I tried to show him how it is done. However, he still never fully grasped the correctness until after landing and during debrief. After that, his Chandelles improved immensely.
   I never ever had a conflict in the cockpit, definitely this is not the place for that. We must use our CRM skills to get a commonsense goal in our operations.
4. Do you have any checkride failures?
   No
5. What is your greatest strength?
   I am a hard worker
6. What is your weakness?
   Sometimes I lack confidence, even in things I know I am strong at. The pressure of initial perfect performance makes me anxious and it can lead to performing not as well as I know I can.
   Sometimes I push my kids too much, I want the perfection from them on studies.
7. What would be your biggest struggle in training?
   My biggest struggle in training would be to overcome the barrier I tend to build when meeting new people.
   I think it was in my command upgrade, too many things changing at the same time.
8. What would you do if the CA continued to take off after tower reported RVR below take off minimums?
   Reject Take off procedure
9. What would you do if the First Officer showed up late, and then did not want to run any checklists before the flight, in flight, or after the flight?
   I would probably have a discussion with the First Officer prior to flight while on the ground. If hesitancy persists, I will contact dispatch to request a new FO.
   First talk to the FO. Ask why. Say we shall run the checklist and show up on time. If persist maybe have to bring it up to professional standards
10. Why SkyWest?
    Skywest is a place to grow, learn, and accelerate my career.
Read Interview Experiences for SkyWest Airlines Pilot Pathway Program from other Pilots!

Tobias G

(Hired at SkyWest Airlines Pilot Pathway Program)


Great material, very prepared for interview

Alyrica L

A ton of information which helped me OVER prepare for the interview!

Oct 10, 2024