Interview - Scenario Based Questions

Question 1

Your Captain breaks a rule in flight. What do you do about it?

Answer 1

I would first bring this to the Captain’s Attention, maybe he would’ve forgotten a procedure.
If he DISMISSES my Concern and Insist on proceeding with his own way, I would RESPECTFULLY REMIND the captain about the SOP and also the compromising of safety in his actions.
If he is still reluctant to understand, I would document this issue post flight with the Airline Management.

Question 2

During a pre-flight inspection, you discover a minor technical issue that the Captain deems non-critical and decides to proceed. How do you handle this situation?

Answer 2

I would check and discuss with the captain if this particular ‘minor technical issue’ is PERMITTED in the MEL. If it is deemed essential for the safety of flight, I would extend my concerns to the captain Regarding the POTENTIAL RISKS and SAFETY CONCIRNS regarding this issue and ESCALATE this matter to Maintenance or Operations control for further guidance.

Follow-UP
What if the escalating the issue causes a significant delay and affects the schedule?
I would COMMUNICATE the reason for the delay with the passenger and Crew, emphasising on how Safety is our Top Priority and also would WORK with Maintenance and operations to MITIGATE the delay and resolving the matter.

Question 3

You encounter severe weather conditions that were not forecasted during your flight. What steps do you take to ensure safety?

Answer 3

I would immediately assess the SEVERITY of the weather condition, adjust the flight path as necessary, COMMUNICATE with Air Traffic Control and also ADVISE the Crew and Passengers to take necessary precautions.

Follow-UP
How would you handle passenger anxiety during unexpected turbulence?
I would provide REGULAR UPDATES to the passengers REASSURING them that the SITUATION IS WELL MANAGED. I would also inform the crew to TEND to the anxious passenger to PROVIDE COMFORT.

Question 3

You notice that the First Officer is displaying signs of fatigue during a long flight. What actions would you take?

Answer 3

I would SUGGEST the first officer to take rest while I take over their duties for a while. I would also monitor their condition and report the issue to Operation Control if it persists.

Follow-UP
How would you manage you own fatigue in similar Long-Haul Flight?
I would ensure that ADEQUATE rest is taken before the commencement of my duty, Keep myself HYDRATED and under good NUTRITION, also take short rest brakes during my long haul flight IF THE REGULATIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES allow.

Question 4

Mid-flight, a passenger reports a medical emergency. How do you coordinate with the crew and ground support to address the situation?

Answer 4

I would REQUEST the cabin crew to seek medical assistance from any QUALIFIED PASSENGER and requests them to also provide required first aid and contact the ground to a medical staff on standby if an emergency landing is necessary.

Follow-UP
What if the nearest airport is far away?
I would EVALUATE the medical emergency’s severity and if possible, diver to the closest airport available. I would also continue to COORDINATE WITH A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER on ground for ADVICE.

Question 5

Your aircraft is hit by a bird strike shortly after takeoff. What immediate actions do you take?

Answer 5

I would ASSESS the impact on the aircraft, CHECK the Instruments and Systems for any Abnormalities and consider RETURNING to the Departure airport or DIVERT to the closest possible airport.

Follow-UP
How do you communicate the situation to the passengers without causing a panic?
I would CALMLY inform the passengers that aircraft has encountered in a MINOR issue and there is no IMMEDIATE DANGER. I would keep them updated with clear and CONCISE Information.

Question 6

During a flight, you experience a sudden loss of cabin pressure. What procedures do you follow?

Answer 6

I would IMMEDIATELY make an EMERGENCY DESCENT, put on my Donning mask and deploy the oxygen mask to passengers and also IMMEDIATELY contact ATC about the EMERGENCY DESCENT and SUBSEQUENT actions taken.

Follow-UP
What are the key altitude you must consider during an emergency landing?
I would descent to an altitude below 10.000 Feet as it is a SAFE ALTITUDE TO BREATH in without the help of supplementary oxygen.

Question 6

You receive conflicting information from air traffic control and your onboard navigation systems. How do you resolve the discrepancy?

Answer 6

I would cross check with he available BACKUP INSTRUMENTS and COMMUNICATE with the ATC for CLARITY in the instructions and USE MY TRAINING AND JUDGEMENT TO DETERMINE THE SAFEST COURSE OF ACTION.

Follow-UP
What If the discrepancy remains unresolved and poses a risk?
I would continue to RELY on my Backup instruments and also COMMUNICATE with the ATC to ENSURE the safety of flight.

Question 7

A fellow pilot makes an error during flight that could have led to a serious incident. How do you address this with them and your superiors?

Answer 7

I would first converse with my fellow pilot PRIVATELY, providing CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK and DOCUMENT the Incident to the authorities for further REVIEW and Training.

Follow-UP
How would you ensure that this does not affect your working relationship with the pilot?
I would APPROACH the discussion with EMPATHY and help him FOCUS ON THE LEARNING aspect of it RATHER THAN BLAME him, to maintain a Professional and also Respectful working relationship.

Question 8

Due to unexpected turbulence, the flight becomes very uncomfortable for passengers. What do you do to manage the situation?

Answer 8

I wouLd ENSURE that the seatbelt signs are switched ON, ADVISE the Passengers and Crew to to remain seated and Provide updates on the situation and EXPECTED duration of the Turbulence.

Follow-UP
What steps would you take if the turbulence caused an injury to the passenger?
I would COORDINATE with the Cabin Crew to provide IMMEDIATE First aid to the passenger and if necessary, Contact Ground and Consider diverting to the closest airport.

Question 9

You are scheduled to fly with a Captain known for being difficult to work with. How do you prepare for and manage this flight?

Answer 9

I would PREPARE thoroughly for the flight, REMAIN PROFESSIONAL, Communicate CLEARLY and also FOCUS on maintaining SAFETY and my EFFICIENCY, while also equipped to DIPLOMATICALLY handle any disagreements.

Follow-UP
How would you address a situation where the difficult behaviour compromises safety?
I would ASSERTIVELY but also RESPECTFULLY intervene to address the captions behaviour, PRIORITISING SAFETY. If necessary, I would Document and report the incident to the management after the flight.

Question 10

You are flying to an airport with known congestion issues, causing significant delays. How do you manage fuel consumption and passenger communication?

Answer 10

I would CALCULATE the fuel consumption Carefully with the Fuel available and consider ALTERNATE Airports if the fuel required isn’t enough. I would also keep the passengers informed about the delay and provide them with a reason to ENSURE Transparency and calmness among the passengers.

FOLLOW-UP
How would you decide when to divert to an alternate aerodrome?
I would monitor the Fuel Parameter, Weather Conditions and Communicate with the ATC for any update. If it becomes apparent that continuing to the Original Destination will Jeopardise safety, I would INITIATE a diversion to an alternate airport.

Question 11

You are at the gate and ready to push back when you receive a security alert. What are your immediate steps?

Answer 11

I would FOLLOW the Airlines Protocol and HALT push-back. I would also inform the crew and passengers to kindly COOPERATE with the security personnel to address the alert.

FOLLOW-UP
How Would you manage passenger concerns and maintain order during the security alert?
I would provide Clear, Calm and Factual information with the passengers about the delay while security measures are being taken Ensuring the cabin Crew is prepared to manage any passenger reactions.

Question 12

A technical system you rely on fails during flight. How do you manage the flight with limited resources?

Answer 12

I would Revert to Backup Systems, use Manual Navigation Techniques and Closely Coordinate with ATC to Ensure the flight Continues to its destination safely.

FOLLOW-UP
What procedure would you follow if Multiple Systems fail Simultaneously?
I would follow the Emergency Checklist, Prioritise maintaining adequate control over the aircraft and COMMUNICATE with the ATC for Assistance, Guidance to plan the safest course of action.

Question 13

You notice a significant weight and balance issue before takeoff. How do you handle it?

Answer 13

I would STOP the Take-Off procedures, RECALCULATE the Weight and Balance and ENSURE proper adjustments have been made BEFORE PROCEEDING.

FOLLOW-UP
What if the issue cannot be resolved immediately?
I would INFORM Operations Control and the Passengers about the the delay, ENSURING that proper adjustments are made to the aircraft before proceeding Ensuring Safety.

Question 14

During a flight, you and the Captain have a significant disagreement about the approach to landing. How do you resolve it?

Answer 14

I would CALMLY present my Perspective WITH SUPPORTING EVIDENCE, listen to the Captain’s View and aim for a CONSENSUS, Prioritising Safety. If Unresolved, I would Document the disagreement post flight.

FOLOW-UP
What if the disagreement leads to a critical delay in decision making?
I would IMMEDIATELY initiate the Safest Course of Action to AVOID any further delay and Initiate a GO-AROUND if necessary. I would also intend to Document this disagreement for review on the after landing.

Question 15

Your aircraft is on final approach when you realise there is another aircraft on the runway. What actions do you take?

Answer 15

I would IMMEDIATELY Initiate a GO-AROUND, Inform Air Traffic Control and Ensure the Aircraft is in the safest position to ATTEMPT another landing.

FOLOW-UP
Who would you handle fuel concerns during a Go-Around?
I would ASSESS by checking the remains fuel levels and calculate if it would be sufficient for the GO-AROUND. IF it is not sufficient, I would CONTACT ATC to PRIORITISE a diversion to the closest possible Aerodrome.

Question 16

You are on a long-haul flight and the Captain becomes incapacitated. How do you manage the situation?

Answer 16

I would ASSUME COMMAND and Inform the Cabin Crew and ATC. I would also request the cain crew to tend to the Captain to provide first aid and COMMUNICATE with the ATC for an EMERGENCY LANDING with Medical assistance on Arrival.

Question 17

You are approaching your destination, but weather conditions are below the minimums required for landing. What is your course of action?

Answer 17

I would contact ATC to Raise my concerns and would Consider Holding Above or Near the Aerodrome if the Weather is Set to IMPROVE soon. If not, I would prepare for a diversion to the Closest Aerodrome if necessary.

FOLLOW-UP
How would you Communicate the Diversion With the passengers?
I would CLEARLY explain the Weather Situation with the passenger, also explaining the SAFETY Concerns with the Original Destination and Continue to give them UPDATES on the Process.

Question 18

A passenger becomes unruly and aggressive during the flight. How do you ensure the safety of the aircraft and passengers?

Answer 18

I would Notify the Cabin Crew to manage the situation by using DE-ESCALATION TECHNIQUES, Coordinate with Ground Support and CONSIDER Diverting if the situation cannot be controlled.

FOLLOW-UP
How would you communicate the Diversion to the Passengers?
I would CLEARLY Explain to the Passengers the current situation and To ENSURE safety among other passengers, we have initiated a Diversion, the Diversion Aerodrome and the Estimated Time of Arrival at the Diversion Aerodrome, while keeping the Passengers Updated during the Process.

Question 19

You are asked to take off from a runway that is shorter than usual for your aircraft. What considerations and actions are necessary?

Answer 19

With the CALCULATED Aircrafts weight, I would proceed with the ATC’s Orders if the aircraft is within weight limits and safe for the use of the Runway. If not, I would Contact the ATC and raise my Concern that the TODA of the particular Runway Does Not meet our Take Off Requirements and Request the ATC to provide a runway with a Longer TODA.

FOLLOW-UP
How would you handle a Take off Abort decision in this Scenario?
I would CAREFULLY Monitor the Take Off Roll and ensure that there is enough Stop Distance available if such an Abnormalities occur.

Question 20

A maintenance issue causes a significant delay, and passengers are becoming frustrated. How do you manage communication and expectations?

Answer 20

I would Calmly COMMUNICATE with he Passengers providing Updates and explaining the NATURE OF THE DELAY aswell as request the Cabin Crew to tend to any passengers with Additional Concerns. I would also APOLOGISE TO THE PASSENGERS, EMPHASISING SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY.

FOLLOW-UP
What if the Delay extends beyond the initially communicate time?
I would CONTINUE to Provide Updates to the Passengers, offer Explanations about the delay, and also be in Contact with OPERATIONS CONTROL for any Updates and advice.

Question 21

While taxiing, you observe another aircraft on a collision course with yours. What do you do to prevent an incident?

Answer 21

I would Immediately Reduce Thrust and Apply Brakes bringing the Aircraft to a FULL STOP, INFORM the GROUND CONTROL the situation and await for any FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.

FOLLOW-UP
What if the communication with Ground Control is Unclear or Delayed?
I would continue to remain stationary to avoid any RISK OF COLLISION, Use visuals to assess the Situation and communicate through other methods if necessary.

Question 21

You receive a bomb threat while in the air. What are your immediate and subsequent actions?

Answer 21

I would FOLLOW the SECURITY PROTOCOLS, IMMEDIATELY inform the ATC and Consider an Immediate Diversion. I would also inform the passengers about the diversion WITHOUT LETTING OUT FULL DETAILS preventing any PANIC.

FOLLOW-UP
How would you manage the passengers?
I would CLEAR and CALMLY explain to the passengers the situation and Diversion, while NOT LETTING OUT COMPLETE DETAILS on the Situation to prevent PANIC. I would also advise the Cabin Crew to TEND to the passengers Concerns, ENSURING the situation is been handled SMOOTHLY.

Question 22

During a night flight, you experience a complete electrical failure. How do you handle the situation and ensure a safe landing?

Answer 22

I would Switch on my Emergency Power Supply, Such as the APU or Deploy the RAT. I would COMMUNICATE with the ATC and follow EMERGENCY PROCEDURES to NAVIGATE to the nearest aerodrome for a SAFE LANDING.

FOLLOW-UP
What if the Backup Systems also Fail?
I would USE MY TRAINING and EXPERIENCE to Navigate Manually though VISUAL MEANS and COMMUNICATE through alternate Means. I would PRIORITISE navigating to the Closest Aerodrome to Make an EMERGENCY LANDING.