What PSA Airlines Expects on CRJ Systems
PSA Airlines operates the CRJ-700 and CRJ-900, and their technical interview reflects it. Expect systems questions to go beyond memory recall — interviewers want to see you reason through abnormals, understand system interdependencies, and demonstrate the depth expected of a line pilot, not just someone who passed a written exam.
The following covers the highest-yield systems topics based on recent PSA gouge. Study these areas before your sim evaluation and oral.
Hydraulic System
The CRJ has three independent hydraulic systems, each operating at 3,000 PSI. Know the power sources cold:
- System 1: Engine-driven pump (EDP) on engine 1 + AC motor-driven pump (ACAMP)
- System 2: EDP on engine 2 + ACAMP
- System 3: Two ACAMPs + Power Transfer Unit (PTU)
Interviewers frequently ask what's lost with a single engine failure or a pump failure. Understand that Systems 1 and 2 back each other up through the ACAMPs, and System 3 covers flaps, emergency/parking brakes, and supplements flight control power. Know the PTU — it's a common source of confusion: it transfers hydraulic power between systems using pressure, not fluid.
"You lose System 1 completely. What flight controls are affected and what's your alternate source?" Know your flow: flight controls are all three systems, so you retain capability — but you'll want to walk through the QRH logic and demonstrate you understand how degraded ops work.
Electrical System
The CRJ electrical system is AC-primary with DC downstream. Two engine-driven AC generators (115V, 400Hz) feed the AC buses. Two transformer-rectifier units (TRUs) convert to 28V DC. The APU generator can replace either AC generator, and the battery provides emergency backup.
Know bus architecture: which buses are essential vs. non-essential, what sheds automatically on a dual generator failure, and how to restore power manually. Interviewers may ask you to trace a load path or describe what happens if both TRUs fail. The 24V NiCd battery gives you limited time — know the estimate and what it powers.
Pressurization
The CRJ pressurizes using bleed air and controls cabin altitude through two outflow valves (primary and safety). Maximum differential pressure is approximately 8.0 PSI, with a cabin altitude limit of 8,000 ft. In automatic mode, the system schedules cabin pressure based on departure/destination field elevations entered by the crew.
Understand what happens when automatic fails and you go manual, how the safety outflow valve behaves, and what triggers a cabin altitude warning. A common oral question: "You're at FL350 and the outflow valve fails open — walk me through it." Know your immediate action and the controlled descent criteria.
Ice Protection
Wing anti-ice on the CRJ uses bleed air routed to the leading edge slats — this is a common distinction from aircraft that use electric boot-type systems. Engine anti-ice also uses bleed air to the inlet cowls. Windshield and pitot/static heat are electric. There is no tail de-ice system.
Know the conditions for engine anti-ice on (visible moisture, TAT ≤ +10°C) and the performance penalties associated with bleed extraction. Interviewers at PSA have tested applicants on when to turn ice protection ON vs. when it's required by procedure — not the same question.
Recent PSA interviewees report being asked: "Wing anti-ice is on. What's happening to your engine performance and how does FADEC respond?" Understand bleed demand and thrust compensation.
Fire Protection
Each engine has a dual-loop fire detection system and two fire extinguisher shots. The APU has a single fire bottle and auto-shuts on ground fire detection. Know the sequence: handle pull → rotation → bottle discharge, and the difference between a fire warning and an overheat indication.
Interviewers frequently ask what you do after the first bottle fails to extinguish. Know the time delay before firing the second shot and the logic behind it.
Preparing for PSA's Technical Interview
The depth PSA expects in systems knowledge is consistent with what regional carriers are seeing industry-wide. Rote memorization of limitations won't get you through — practice explaining system logic out loud, walk through abnormals step-by-step, and be ready to reason through novel failure scenarios.
For targeted practice, PSA Airlines interview prep on Vectors to Hired includes operator-specific CRJ systems questions drawn from recent pilot gouge. The platform's AI Voice Coach scores your verbal responses 1–5 and flags weak answers before you're sitting across from a chief pilot. A free tier is available; Pro unlocks the full question bank at $19.99/month.
If you're also interviewing with other regional operators, compare question patterns across carriers with the Envoy Air prep guide or review the CRJ systems study guide to build a solid foundation before drilling operator-specific material. Start with your free account to access sample questions and see how your answers score.