Ace Your PSA Airlines Pilot Interview with 182 Real Questions Pilot Interview Prep

Interview Stages

Written Test

25-question multiple choice test. Topics: VOR service limits (high vs low vs terminal), Class C airspace radius, TAF decoding with time zone conversion (Zulu to CST), FAR 121.542(c), Jeppesen chart reading (highest obstacle altitude, fix crossing altitude on glideslope). Mix of old and new questions. One candidate was sent home after failing the test.

Sim Aircraft

MD-80 (Elite PCATD with steam gauges)

Behavioral Questions

• Explain everything on your application and resume

Technical Questions

• High VOR service limits vs low/terminal
• Class C airspace radius
• TAF decoding with Zulu to CST time conversion
• FAR 121.542(c) - sterile cockpit rule
• Jeppesen chart reading: highest obstacle, fix crossing altitude on glideslope
• Normal range of a glideslope (AIM 1-1-9 d.3)

Tips

• Written test gouge is important - 15 of 25 questions are the same as older versions
• Study Jeppesen chart reading - 30 articles on Jeppesen.com from AOPA Pilot 1999-2000
• Know FAR 121.542(c) cold
• TAF questions involve tricky time zone conversion
• One person per group is typically sent home after the written test
• Bases: CLT, DAY, TYS
• Be ready to start training in Dayton within weeks
• Diverse applicant pool accepted - no single preferred profile

Interview Experience

“PSA written test is 25 questions covering VOR limits, airspace, TAF interpretation with time zone conversions, and Jepp chart reading. Desktop sim eval in an MD-80 config tests basic instrument flying. The written is the gate. Fail it and you're walking out the door.”

Interview Stages

Behavioral Questions

• How would you handle working a four-day trip with crew members

Technical Questions

• How would you fly this ILS approach
• Explain how to calculate VDP for non-precision approaches
• Read and interpret Jeppesen approach charts
• Identify takeoff and landing minimums
• Do you need an alternate airport and why
• Read METAR and TAF
• Interpret taxi diagrams
• Explain SID and STAR procedures
• Is DME required for this localizer approach

Company Questions

• What do you know about PSA Airlines
• Who is PSA's parent company
• What aircraft does PSA operate

Tips

• Study aviationinterviews.com gouge thoroughly
• Know Jeppesen chart symbols and legend
• Be honest if you don't know something - don't try to BS
• Understand VDP calculation: HAT x 10% in seconds, subtract from FAF to MAP time
• Wear a full suit and look professional
• Ask questions about the company
• Find someone for a referral before applying
• Know basic instrument procedures cold

Interview Experience

“PSA interview is in Charlotte, multiple stages. First is a written test from the ATP bank and basic instrument knowledge. Fail the written and you're sent home immediately. Then the tech portion where you walk through Jepp approach charts, calculate VDPs, plan flights with weather and alternates. The pilot interviewers are good people who actually want to have a conversation about flying, not trick you. That said, don't sleep on it. One interview day only 2 out of 12 got offers. Study your Jepps, know your instrument procedures, be honest and professional.”