1 Tell me about your Career to date?
2 Why do you want to work for us?
3 What do you know about our Company?
4 What do you have to offer us ?
4-b What is your Salary Expectation?
. Why Did You Want to Be a Pilot?
. Why Should We Hire You?
How Do You Handle Stressful Situations?
4. How Do You Ensure Passenger Safety?
Safety is the top priority for any pilot. Discuss your rigorous adherence
to pre-flight procedures, checklists, and safety protocols. Share any
training that helped you develop your safety-focused mindset. Provide
an example of a time you noticed a potential safety issue and took
action to resolve it.
4b) what do you think about Artificial intelligence AI?
4c)How does social media affects people
interpersonal relationships?
4d)What is your opinion about the dictatorship in
Venezuela?
5. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Highlight technical strengths like your flying proficiency, aircraft
systems knowledge, and navigation abilities. For weaknesses, choose
humble examples like struggling with public speaking in the past, and
share how you actively worked to improve.
6. Describe a Time You Failed and What You
Learned
Share an example of a setback early in your flying career and your
process to recover. Showcase lessons that improved your abilities as a
pilot, not personal shortcomings. Demonstrate grit, accountability, and
your determination to continually enhance your skills.
7. How Do You Prioritize Competing Demands?
Pilots juggle multiple in-flight tasks and pressures. Share your workflow
strategies for managing simultaneous requirements, being attentive to
instrumentation, communicating with air traffic control, and addressing
passenger needs. Give a real example if possible.
8. How Do You Stay Current on Aviation Technology
and Safety Standards?
Highlight any professional training programs, certifications, industry
publications or events you participate in to stay updated on the latest
aviation advances. Share examples of an important new technology,
regulation or safety practice you recently learned about.
9. Describe your experience flying in challenging
weather conditions.
Focus on your training and composure in handling low visibility,
turbulence, or high winds. Share an example of a difficult situation and
how you maintained aircraft control.
10. How do you ensure you get adequate rest
before a flight?
Discuss your sleep hygiene and strategies for avoiding fatigue. Give
examples of times you recognized tiredness before flying and took
steps to get proper rest.
11 Would you like to work for two airways at the
same time why/why not?
12. 11. What do you do to minimize pre-flight
stress?
Share your pre-flight routines and mindset tactics to remain calm
before and during flights. Mention relaxation techniques, positive self-
talk strategies, and any stress management training undertaken.
13 Describe emergency procedures in case of fire in
the cockpit.
1st .Take care of yourself first putting on a smoke mask and goggles, or going on oxygen.
2nd Turn off the barkers if possible
3rd Take action to extinguish the fire and prepare for an emergency land immediately.
Fire is one of the worst things that can go wrong in an airplane. When faced with smoke and/or
fire, your primary goal is to fly the airplane safely to the ground as quickly as practical.
4 Electrical Fire
Many pilots associate an in-flight fire with a flame-filled cockpit. Usually, though, the first signs of
an electrical fire are much more subtle—a slight burning odor, a higher than normal electrical
load, or tripped circuit breakers, for example. Abnormal behavior of electrical components such
as avionics—and random failures of multiple components—can also tip you off to fire in a hidden
area.
5ft Declare an emergency—Advise ATC you have a fire and may need to shut down the
aircraft’s electrical system. You will receive priority handling!”
6th Troubleshooting
Shut down all the electrical equipment and then bring it back online, one piece at a time. This can
help trace the issue to the faulty equipment. On the other hand, if the circumstances don’t require
electrical power, it’s best to leave everything turned off. If there’s a significant amount of smoke in
the cockpit, head for the ground. Have a small Halon fire extinguisher handy in the cockpit. A
smoke hood may also be a worthwhile purchase.
7nd Circuit Breakers
Aircraft electrical systems have circuit breakers or fuses that protect the wiring—not an electrical
device—by opening (i.e., “popping”) the circuit in the event of a current overload. This stops the
flow of electricity before the wire’s amperage rating is exceeded and it overheats. Therefore, only
reset essential breakers when absolutely necessary—but recognize that this can re-create the
situation that caused the problem in the first place, potentially causing the fire to reignite. Never
reset non-essential circuit breakers.
8th Damaged Wiring
The presence of smoke or a burning odor is a sure indicator that wiring has been damaged,
rendering the aircraft unairworthy. Write a detailed incident description in the aircraft’s
maintenance log or discrepancy sheet, noting which components were in use when the problem
started. This, along with appropriately placed placards and/or other notices, informs other pilots of
the aircraft’s status and prevents it from being operated until the problem has been addressed.
9th Glass
You will lose the primary flight and/or engine instrument displays after turning off electrical power
in a glass cockpit aircraft. If power is needed momentarily, use it, then promptly turn the master
switch off and rely on the mechanical backup instruments (usually an altimeter, and airspeed and
attitude indicators). Handheld radios and nav/GPS receivers are extremely useful under these
circumstances.
10th Short Circuit vs. Tripped Circuit
A tripped circuit breaker creates an “open circuit,” cutting off the flow of electricity. A
“short circuit,” on the other hand, means electricity is flowing along a different path
than the one intended. Electric current will find the easiest pathway back to its source,
leading to arcing between an exposed or damaged wire and a different circuit or a
ground source, such as the aircraft structure. When this happens, huge amounts of
current are effectively “pulled” through the wire, exceeding its amperage rating,
damaging it, and possibly starting a fire.
12. How do you maintain aircraft systems knowledge and proficiency?
Highlight any supplemental systems training, self-study practices, or professional
development initiatives you undertake. Provide examples of recent knowledge acquired.
13. How do you stay motivated and engaged as a pilot, flight after flight?
Share your passion for aviation along with mindset tips and routines that keep you
focused. Give examples of small in-flight goals you create and times you went the extra
mile.
14. Tell me about a time you faced a medical emergency onboard. How did you
manage it?
Walk through a real or hypothetical scenario. Discuss stopping escalation, consulting
others, delegating tasks, contacting ATC, and prioritizing passenger well-being.
15. How do you foster positive relationships within the flight crew?
Share crew resource management principles and your collaboration approach. Provide
examples of resolving conflicts or mentoring junior co-pilots. Emphasize communication
and teamwork.
16. How do you establish passenger trust and confidence as a pilot?
Discuss your professional demeanor(behavior), timely and transparent communication,
and calm handling of abnormal situations. Share examples of passenger interactions.
17. Tell me about a time you made a mistake as a pilot. What did you learn?
Choose a small early career mistake. Emphasize the self-reflection, training and process
changes afterwards. Demonstrate growth mindset and commitment to continuous
improvement.
18. Where do you see your aviation career in 5 years?
Share your professional goals and airline loyalty. Discuss desires for new certifications,
aircraft types, leadership roles or training positions. Convey your long-term passion for
flying.
19. What interests you most about working for our airline?
Highlight aspects that drew you to apply. Mention route networks, fleet, company culture,
training programs, etc. Show you’ve researched the airline.
20. How do you maintain situational awareness(Mantener la conciencia
situaciónal) during all phases of flight?
Share vigilance strategies like constantly scanning instrumentation, staying ahead
through planning, and collaborating with crew. Give in-flight examples.
63 Great Interview Questions and Answers for Pilots: Complete Guide 2
21. What qualities make a great flight captain?
Discuss leadership, authority, operational excellence, teaching abilities, and serving
crew and passengers. Share how you exemplify any of those qualities.
22. How do you stay current with updated FAA regulations and requirements?
Mention memberships in pilot groups, FAA communications, airline provided training,
and independent study habits. Give a recent regulatory example.
23. Tell me about a time you effectively handled an angry or difficult passenger.
Share a real example or discuss de-escalation techniques, calm authority, diverting
issues, following protocol, and minimizing disruption.
24. What do you do if a crew member is unfit to fly but reluctant to step down?
Discuss having a private conversation, emphasizing regulations and safety, encouraging
them to self-report, and if needed, escalating the issue through proper channels.
25. How would you brief the flight crew and passengers for an emergency
landing?
Talk through priorities like contacting ATC, assigning crew roles, securing the cabin,
requested passenger brace positions, and delivering calm updates throughout.
26. Do you feel the pilot role has become over-automated in modern aircraft? Why
or why not?
Provide your perspective on automation reliance vs the continued need for pilot skill,
vigilance and quick critical thinking in abnormal situations. Give reasoned examples.
27. Where do you see opportunities to improve the commercial flight experience
for passengers?
Share ideas like more transparent communication, safety information accessibility,
comfort offerings, or technology integration, based on passenger feedback.
28. What feedback have your previous captains and instructors given about your
piloting skills?
Highlight positive competencies they observed like safety-mindedness, trainability,
steady hands, emergencies response, CRM, checklist usage, etc. Demonstrate your
strengths.
29. How do you maintain professionalism on long haul or repetitive flights?
Discuss mental habits and focus strategies to avoid complacency. Share examples of
going the extra mile despite fatigue or boredom. Highlight your diligence.
30. Do you believe the airline could do better when it comes to safety practices?
Provide a thoughtful critique – perhaps more reporting transparency or enhanced mental
health resources. Emphasize you’re offering constructive feedback to an already safety-
focused airline.
31. Tell me about a time you had to make a diversion or unscheduled landing.
Explain the circumstances, your realignment of priorities to safety, communications with
crew/ATC/passengers, and actions taken for a successful diversion.
32. What is a personal area of development you are working to improve as a pilot
right now?
Share a current growth and learning goal, such as mastering a new aircraft or avionics
system, improving CRM, navigating challenging terrain, etc. Describe how you are
enhancing this competency.
33. How would you maintain order and oversight during an emergency
evacuation?
Discuss coordinating the crew’s pre-assigned roles, delegating tasks, establishing
control of passenger flow, accountability procedures, and compliance with safety
protocols.
34. How do you ensure you are mentally prepared for a long international flight?
Share needed rest, adequate nutrition, mindfulness techniques, mental checklists and
flight plan review. Emphasize commitment to pre-flight diligence for such flights.
35. How do you maintain physical health and fitness as a professional pilot?
Highlight a fitness regimen, proper nutrition, responsible rest habits, annual physicals,
and any training required to perform emergency procedures. Discuss aeromedical
resources used.
36. What would you do if a personal issue impacted your fitness for duty before a
flight?
Affirm you would immediately self-report to be removed from duty until the issue is fully
resolved. Note appreciation for the airline’s support programs and resources.
37. How do you keep your piloting skills sharp during extended leaves like
maternity or medical?
Discuss use of simulators, self-study, remedial training prior to return, meeting with
check pilots, and any recertification required to return fully competent.
38. What feedback can you offer about our fleet or operations from your
perspective as an experienced pilot?
Provide constructive observations – perhaps maintenance handling, cabin comfort, or
route scheduling. Offer thoughtful, solutions-focused insights stated with humility.
39. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance given the demands and
scheduling of aviation?
Share strategies like planning quality time off, avoiding overwork, prioritizing family, and
pursuing hobbies. Emphasize you understand the importance of work-life balance to
avoid burnout.
40. What experience do you have collaborating with flight attendants and other
airline staff?
Share positive examples of communicating with other teams to coordinate flight needs,
resolve issues, and ensure safe, seamless service for passengers.
41. What do you find most rewarding about working as a commercial airline pilot?
Share your passion for aviation, pride in bringing passengers to their destinations,
appreciation for the airline team, and enjoying amazing views and experiences that few
get to be a part of.
42. In your opinion, what makes a skilled and effective flight instructor?
Discuss qualities like exceptional knowledge, teaching abilities, listening skills, modeling
best practices, enabling trainee confidence, providing effective feedback, and leading by
example.
43. How would you maintain a sense of empathy when faced with frequent
passenger complaints?
Acknowledge the mental fatigue of addressing negativity but staying engaged and
solution-focused. Share how you maintain perspective and your commitment to
empathic service.
44. How do you typically deal with delays or unexpected schedule changes?
Highlight your adaptability, problem-solving, effective communication with airline staff
and passengers, and commitment to safety over expediency. Share an example if
possible.
45. What do you enjoy most about collaborating with other members of the flight
crew?
Discuss camaraderie, collective expertise, resource management strategies,
compartmentalized responsibilities, coaching opportunities, and continuously learning
together.
46. How do you proactively address potential safety concerns from crew members
or passengers?
Emphasize listening without judgement, validating concerns, following reporting
procedures, and reinforcing the airline’s diligent safety culture. Share an occasion you
did this.
47. Tell me about a time you needed to discipline or correct an aircraft mechanic
or technician. How did you handle it?
Sensitively discuss the private feedback approach taken, rules/regulations emphasized,
and desire to maintain a culture of accountability and safety.
48. Do you have any hesitations about the heavy time demands of a piloting
career?
Acknowledge the challenges but reinforce your commitment and passion. Share how
you will maintain work-life balance and responsibility to be fully present and rested for
flight duties.
49. How would you calculate the aircraft’s V-speeds and explain their
significance?
Walk through determining the key V-speeds – V1, VR, V2 – from aircraft manuals based
on its weight, flap setting, weather conditions, runway length, etc. Explain the
significance of each speed in the takeoff sequence, such as:
V1 – Critical engine failure recognition speed. The speed beyond which the takeoff
should no longer be aborted.
VR – Rotation speed. The speed at which the pilot should gently pitch up to lift off the
runway.
V2 – Takeoff safety speed. The minimum speed to be maintained after liftoff for safety
and optimal climb performance.
Discuss the importance of precisely calculating these speeds each flight for
performance, safety margins, and compliance with aircraft operating limitations. Share
your diligence in this process as a pilot.
50. How do you stay current on new avionics systems and EFB capabilities on
modern aircraft?
The term "Electronic Flight Bag" covers any portable electronic display hardware
intended primarily for flight deck or cabin use. Some national aviation authorities
(NAAs) now simplify their definition of electronic flight bag (EFB) as “any device, or
combination of devices, actively displaying EFB applications.” ‘EFB devices’ can store
and display...
Pilots should regularly review training materials and operating manuals for new aircraft
types to fully understand the EFB tools at their disposal. Pursuing supplemental systems
courses and simulations can help remain proficient as well.
51. What experience do you have utilizing EFBs for calculations, charts,
checklists, weather data, and other tools?
Discuss extensive experience with a range of EFB capabilities, including pre-flight
computations, accessing real-time weather updates, managing electronic checklists, and
replacing paper charts. Share how these tools have enhanced efficiency and situational
awareness.
52. How can EFBs both improve safety and introduce distractions if not managed
properly?
Explain that while EFBs streamline access to critical data, pilots must never lose focus
on physical aircraft operations. Endorsing TRM principles and setting EFB usage limits
helps avoid over-reliance.
53. What benefits and potential pitfalls do you see in the industry’s transition from
paper to electronic flight bags?
Note EFB benefits like real-time access to information, while underscoring risks like
system failures. Paper backups and proficiency without EFBs remains critical.
54. Tell me about a time you faced a technical issue with an EFB during a flight.
How did you troubleshoot and manage the situation?
Share an example of an EFB failure and quick reference of paper backups while
collaborating with other crew. Discuss minimizing disruption.
55. How do you balance utilization of EFB capabilities with fundamental hand-
flying and paper checklist proficiency?
Emphasize the importance of maintaining both hand-flying proficiency and utilizing EFB
capabilities. Both skills are essential for pilots.
63. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Prepare 2-3 insightful questions that show your engagement and interest in the airline.
Ask about opportunities for professional development, the airline’s safety record and
culture, or challenges and goals for the future. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for
the role.
Questions and Answers For Flight Instructors Interviewing at Flight Schools
56. What attracted you to a career as a flight instructor?
Discuss a lifelong passion for aviation along with a desire to teach and mentor the next
generation of pilots. Highlight the rewards of witnessing student growth.
57. What qualifications and experience make you a strong candidate for this flight
instructor role?
Highlight specific licenses and ratings held, total flight hours, and previous instruction
experience. Reference working with diverse students.
58. How do you adapt your teaching style to the needs of individual students?
Note listening skills to assess students’ strengths and weaknesses, then tailoring
explanations, demonstrations, and pacing accordingly. Give examples.
59. How do you maintain both patience and authority when students make
mistakes?
Share the importance of understanding the student’s perspective and providing
thoughtful guidance. Discuss promoting self-analysis over criticism.
60. What techniques do you find effective for overcoming student fears or lack of
confidence?
Give examples like relating personal experiences, simulators for skill practice, setting
progressive goals, and focusing feedback on growth areas.
61. How do you stay motivated when students require multiple repetitions to
grasp key concepts?
Discuss viewing setbacks as learning opportunities. Share that student breakthroughs
provide intrinsic motivation as an instructor.
62. What strategies have you found effective to prepare students for solo flight?
Mention comprehensive procedures review, repetitive practice of takeoffs and landings,
emphasizing checklist usage, and ensuring mastery of communications protocols before
solo sign-off.
63. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Prepare 2-3 insightful questions that show your engagement and interest in the airline.
Ask about opportunities for professional development, the airline’s safety record and
culture, or challenges and goals for the future. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for
the role.
Tips for Acing Pilot Interview Questions
Thoroughly research the airline and stay updated on industry news
Read through our aviation glossary and jargon guide
Review typical technical and behavioral interview questions
Prepare specific stories that highlight in-demand pilot competencies
Exhibit professionalism, confidence, and a safety-focused mindset
Ask thoughtful questions that show your interest in the airline
Follow up with a thank you note reiterating your fit and enthusiasm
Helpful Video with Pilot Interview Questions and Answers
Further reading: LinkedIn has a good guide on this topic here.
Industry Insights from the Front Line of Aviation
Being an airline pilot demands far more than just technical competency. To gain
perspective on the key intangibles that separate exceptional candidates, I consulted with
two veteran pilots at major US airlines.
With over 15 years flying the Embraer E170, Captain Norris has conducted hundreds of
interviews and assessments. “Beyond flying skills, I’m always looking for candidates who
demonstrate a stellar safety mindset along with adaptability to handle diverse scenarios,”
he emphasized.
Similarly, Captain Branco flies the Bombardier CRJ-900 and has evaluated many
aspiring aviators over her long career. “An aviation psychologist once told me that
integrity, resilience, and exceptional decision-making under pressure are key predictors
of success – so I’m listening for those qualities,” she explained.
Both captains highlighted that today’s pilots need more than just technical proficiency –
you must excel in judgement, leadership, and safety awareness to operate at the highest
levels.
Use their insights to focus your preparation and showcase these critical competencies.
Wrapping Up
With meticulous preparation using this interview questions and answers for pilots guide,
you’ll demonstrate the technical abilities and leadership potential needed to begin an
exciting and rewarding career as an airline pilot.
Best of luck!
Sean Walsh
My name is Sean Walsh, and I'm the founder and writer of this website. For as far back
as I can remember, I've always been interested in flying. A few years ago, I passed my
check ride and got my PPL certificate! I'm now a private pilot with over 500 hours of
flying time. Read more about me here.
About Pilot Passion
A community for seasoned & student pilots to explore the fascinating world of aviation
and the joys of learning to fly planes. This site is for entertainment purposes only and is
not intended to provide legal advice or to replace specific flight instruction from your CFI.
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ICAO Exam quest
What aircraft do you Fly and where?
What is the first thing you do before flying thr aircraft?
Tell me in detail and what do you check when you perform this walk around ?
Where do you start your check /north Pitot, cages of gears, oleos liquages
Engine Growling , wings lidinage trilling age
Surfaces of damamges service vehicles birds structural damage
Exhausts
Pitot
Airport Maintenance damages to the aircraft
Do you enjoy Flying the B737 700.
