Qantas mainline Interview Prep Flashcards
Tell us about your Career to date ? Jacob
I began my aviation career in 2014 at Massey University School of Aviation in Palmerston North, New Zealand. There, I pursued a Bachelor of Aviation, majoring in Air Transport Pilot with a minor in Flight Instruction. During the first two years of study I completed my PPL,CPL, Single and MEIR, and all Nz ATPL examinations. During the third year of my degree I completed the flight instructors course and gained a C-Category instructors rating with an additional aerobatics instructor rating. I graduated in 2018 after completing the Instructors Course.
Upon graduation, I was fortunate to be offered an instructing position at Massey University as a Graduate Flight Instructor. This role allowed me to refine my skills, gain valuable teaching experience, and pass on my knowledge to the next generation of pilots.
At the start of 2019, I applied for the newly introduced Qantas Future Pilot Program (QFPP). I was accepted into the program and began my training in June, focusing on the Q300 aircraft with Jetstar Regional based out of Auckland, New Zealand. This program provided me with a robust foundation in commercial flight operations and exposed me to the dynamic environment of regional airline flying.
However, in October 2019, Jetstar decided to cease its operations in New Zealand. Fortunately, they offered me a position flying the Q200/300 aircraft for QantasLink in Sydney. I accepted this opportunity and began my role in March 2020. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leading to a pause in flying activities. During this period, I returned to New Zealand to await the resumption of operations.
With the reopening of borders in February 2021, I returned to Sydney and resumed my role as a First Officer on the Q200 and Q300 aircraft. Due to the Trans Tasman mutual recognition act not recognising my Nz ATPL examination credit. In order to be eligible for a command position or this position as second officer at Qantas mainline. I completed all CASA ATPL subjects over the course of 2022 and 2023. Over the past few years, I’ve accumulated invaluable knowledge and experience in this position. Recently, I was awarded a command position on the Q400 aircraft, and I am currently awaiting the company’s decision on the commencement of my training for this new role.
Throughout my career, I’ve demonstrated adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and a passion for aviation. I’m excited about the prospect of advancing my career further with Qantas Mainline and contributing to the company’s ongoing success.
Why Qantas ?
Why Qantas?
My passion for aviation and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Qantas’s values and reputation. Several factors draw me to Qantas:
1. Commitment to Excellence: Qantas is renowned for its high standards in safety, operational efficiency, and customer service. During my training and career, I have consistently aimed for excellence, from my comprehensive education at Massey University to my proactive approach in adapting to changes in the industry. Being part of an airline that prioritizes these standards resonates deeply with my professional ethos. 2. Career Development Opportunities: Qantas offers robust career development programs and a clear pathway for progression. The Qantas Future Pilot Program (QFPP), which I was fortunate to be part of, exemplifies this commitment to nurturing talent. My experience in this program has given me invaluable insights and skills that I am eager to further develop within Qantas Mainline. 3. Innovation and Growth: Qantas is at the forefront of aviation innovation, from fleet modernization to sustainable practices. The recent fleet expansions and new routes, such as the Sydney-Auckland-New York service, highlight Qantas’s strategic vision for growth and its ability to adapt to market demands. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and be part of such a forward-thinking organization. 4. Resilience and Adaptability: The way Qantas navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the strategic resumption of routes and fleet adjustments, showcases its resilience. My career has similarly been marked by adaptability, as seen in my transition from Jetstar Regional to QantasLink amid the pandemic. Working for an airline that exemplifies resilience in the face of challenges is highly motivating for me. 5. Global Reputation and Impact: Qantas’s global reputation as Australia’s leading airline is built on a century of delivering exceptional service and connecting people across continents. Being part of a legacy carrier that has such a profound impact on the aviation industry and on connecting communities worldwide aligns with my aspirations to make a significant contribution to the field.
Had to convince someone for a better outcome for company or customer? Jacob
During a departure from Griffith, we received a radio call from a Rex aircraft inbound on runway 24. This posed a challenge as our aircraft’s intended taxi departure would obstruct the only available taxiway for Rex’s arrival. The captain was wanting to remain at the bay until Rex landed and taxied to the bay. This would have given us a delay to our taxi time.
Task:
Understanding the importance of operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction, I recognized the need to find a solution that would accommodate both our departure and Rex’s arrival without causing delays or disruptions.
Action:
To address the situation, I engaged in proactive communication with the Rex aircraft, seeking clarification on their taxiing requirements. Upon learning that Rex would need to backtrack after landing, I proposed an alternative taxi sequence to our Captain. I suggested that we could taxi out to the holding point and await Rex’s arrival, allowing them to backtrack while we maintained our position, ready for departure.
Result:
By coordinating effectively with the Rex aircraft and implementing the adjusted taxi sequence, we successfully saved approximately 5 minutes in departure time. This not only ensured the punctuality of our operation but also facilitated the smooth flow of traffic, ultimately contributing to a positive outcome for both our company and the passengers.
Something hasn’t gone to plan and what did you learn from it Jacob ?
Situation:
During a flight from Sydney to Griffith, we leveled off at flight level 160 and were about to start our meal when both the Captain and I felt our ears pop. We quickly realized we were experiencing a rapid decompression of the cabin.
Task:
Our immediate task was to manage the emergency situation, ensuring the safety of everyone on board while adhering to company protocols for rapid decompression and emergency descent.
Action:
Initially startled, we quickly regained composure and allowed our training to guide us. We donned our oxygen masks immediately and executed the company emergency recall procedures. Fastening our safety belts, we declared a MAYDAY on the ATS frequency and initiated a rapid descent to a safe altitude. Once stabilized at a lower altitude, we completed the rapid depressurization and emergency descent checklist. We communicated with the cabin crew to check for any injuries and to inform them of the situation. After assessing our position and consulting as a crew, we decided that the safest course of action was to turn back to Sydney, which was approximately 60 nautical miles away.
Result:
Our prompt response and adherence to emergency procedures ensured the safety of all passengers and crew members. We successfully returned to Sydney without any injuries or further complications. From this experience, I learned the importance of remaining calm under pressure, the critical role of thorough training, and the value of clear communication and teamwork in managing unexpected situations effectively.
Negative feedback and what you did Jacob ?
Situation:
During the early stages of my flying career with Qantas Link as a First Officer, I completed a line check with a training captain to evaluate my progress in the role. While the line check generally went well, I received some negative feedback during the debrief.
Task:
The specific feedback indicated that I was not as prepared for the approach back into Sydney as the training captain would have liked. I needed to better understand the process of changing frequencies to the director and calculating the distance to touchdown for a proper descent profile.
Action:
To address this feedback, I took the following steps:
1. Acknowledge and Reflect: I acknowledged the feedback and reflected on the approach procedure. I recognized the importance of understanding the relationship between distance to touchdown and the required altitude on a 3-degree glide slope. 2. Study and Plan: I went home and meticulously studied the approach procedure. I drew out on paper what I did during the line check and identified the points where my planning fell short. 3. Practice: I practiced the correct procedure, visualizing the descent profile and calculating the necessary adjustments based on the distance provided by the director. I made sure to integrate this practice into my pre-flight preparations.
Result:
By taking these actions, I significantly improved my approach planning skills. On subsequent flights, I was able to prepare more effectively for the descent and approach phases, ensuring smoother and more precise landings. This experience reinforced the importance of continuous learning and preparedness, and I became more confident in handling approach procedures. The feedback ultimately made me a better and more proficient pilot.
Used technology to solve a problem that had multiple outcomes Jacob ?
Situation:
While performing preflight planning for a flight to Merimbula, I checked the weather reports, which indicated perfect conditions with clear skies around the airport. However, given Merimbula’s coastal location, I wanted to ensure these conditions were accurate.
Task:
My task was to confirm the weather conditions at Merimbula to ensure a safe and efficient flight. This included verifying that there were no unforeseen obstacles, such as coastal fog or low clouds, which could impact our approach and landing.
Action:
To address this, I decided to utilize additional technology by checking a live webcam feed of the Merimbula area. Upon viewing the webcam, I observed very low clouds sitting just off the coastline, which had the potential to move inland and obstruct our approach to the airfield.
Given this new information, I made the decision to take extra fuel onboard, providing us with the option to divert to Canberra if necessary.
Result:
Using the webcam allowed us to make an informed decision to carry extra fuel, which ultimately ensured we had sufficient reserves to divert if the weather conditions deteriorated. This proactive approach prevented a potential scenario where we might have been unable to land at Merimbula and faced limitations in our diversion options. As a result, we maintained operational flexibility and safety for our flight, demonstrating the critical role of technology in effective flight planning.
How often are TAF 3s issued ?
Issued every 3 hours
What’s the area of a TAF ?
5nm from ARP
What are the conditions for forming radiation FOG ?
• Radiation FOG
• Over land
At night
Clear or nearly clear skies
• Light winds - about 2kt to 8kt
High relative humidity
Indication of overshoot sheer ?
Causes
Weather fronts
Mountain waves
Microburst from thunderstorms
Symptoms
Sudden change in required control forces if hand flying
Sudden change in airspeed >15kts over a sustained period
Unusual power lever position for a sustain period
Unusual attitude not normal for configuration, power and speed.
Climb gradient rules of thumb ?
Climb gradient rules of thumb
% x airpseed = ROC
So 5% at 160 = 800ft/min
Runway lights on 16R Sydney?
Edge lighting THR to RWY end:
a. MIRL - intensity white.
b. HIRL - white with last 600M yellow.
Information may be continued on the next page: PTO
AIP Australia
21 MAR 2024
FAC YSSY - 4
14.2.2. Centre line lighting THR to RWY end:
a. White to 900M FM end, 900M-300M FM end alternating 2 red 2 white, 300M FM end red.
SE performance. 2.1% vs 2.5% ?
Can we meet the missed approach design gradient limit of 2.5%.
Single engine you must calculate using the QRH given the current conditions and weight.
If you can meet 2.5% then use published DA/MDA and track the standard missed approach. If you can’t then as long as we can meet the 2.1% gradient and our WAT limit is ok then you can use a revised DA/MDA if missed approach below the revised DA then carry out engine failure procedure.
LDA vs TORA vs ASDA ?
The Take-off Run Available (TORA) is the distance that is declared available and suitable for the
ground roll of an aircraft taking-off.
The Take-off Distance Available (TODA) consists of the TORA plus clearway suitable for take-
off and initial climb to 35 feet.
The Accelerate-Stop Distance Available (ASDA) consists of TORA plus stopway suitable for use
during a rejected take-off.
The Landing Distance Available (LDA) is the distance available for an aircraft during landing.
The runway may feature a displaced threshold due to obstacles.
Explain simply the Aerodrome Lighting ?
Taxiway edge is blue
Taxiway centreline green
Runway lights white, changes to two red and two with from 900 to 300m to go then just red for last
300m
What’s the difference between MAYDAY fuel and minimum fuel ?
Mayday Mayday Mayday FUEL. Land with less than fixed reserves. Minimum fuel. Land with just fixed reserve.
Fuel imbalance classic ?
And 400
600 lbs
272kgs
Pressurisation normal and max ?
Classic and 400
Classic normal : 5.5 +/- 0.3 max: 5.95
400 normal: 5.46 PSI 5.95PSI
Aerodrome Lighting ?
Taxiway edge is blue
o Taxiway centreline green
o Runway lights white, changes to red and white for last 600m, then just red for
300m
What is Minimum fuel ?
Minimum fuel. Land
with just fixed reserve.
What is MAYDAY fuel ?
Mayday Mayday Mayday FUEL. Land with less than fixed reserves
When was QANTAS founded ?
Founded in 1920
Who was QANTAS founded by ?
in Winton by Hudson Fysh, Paul McGinness and Fergus McMaster
What was the first aircraft ?
Avro 504 byplane was first aircraft.
Who’s the chief pilot ?
Richard Tobiano
Engine type for 787 ?
The General Electric GEnx (“General Electric Next-generation”) is an advanced dual rotor, axial flow, high-bypass turbofan jet engine in production by GE Aerospace for the Boeing 747-8 and 787.
thrust per engine 787 ?
Approx. 70,000lbs of thrust
The published maximum range of 787-9 is ?
7,635 NM (8,786.2 mi/14,140 km), less than
the great circle route of 9009 mi from Perth to London.
Challengers with Perth ?
> 40°C in summer.
3. Cost of Relocation: Relocating to Perth can be costly and logistically complex, especially if you need to move with family or significant belongings. 5. Work-life Balance: Balancing the demands of a flying career with the need to settle into a new city can be challenging, particularly when adjusting to a new lifestyle and community.
How many crew rest 787 ?
2 crew rest best and high performance chair
How many cabin crew rest ?
Cabin crew rest has 6 bunks
How many total seats ?
The aircraft has 236 seats - 42 Business, 28 Premium Economy and 166 Economy seats.
How many Dreamliners ?
14 operating
Destinations 787 ?
Auckland, New Zealand;
Johannesburg, South Africa (until September 2024);
London (LHR), UK;
Rome, Italy;
Paris (CDG), France;*
Santiago, Chile;
Tokyo, Japan;
USA - Dallas/Fort Worth, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York (JFK) and San Francisco; and
Vancouver, Canada.
How many A380s ?
Destinations ?
Originally 12 in fleet
10 now in fleet
Qantas now has eight A380s back flying commercially: VH-OQB, VH-OQD, VH-OQH, VH-OQK, VH-OQJ, VH-OQG, VH-OQL and VH-OQI.
The remaining two are still in Dubai getting a cabin upgrade.
Singapore;
Johannesburg, South Africa (from October 2024);*
London (LHR), UK; and
Los Angeles, USA.
How many A330s ?
Destinations?
Seats ?
-200 (18)
o Two being converted into freighters
• -300 (10)
• Destinations: Delhi, Bangalore, Singapore, Manilla, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo Haneda,
Honolulu, LA (ex BNE), Auckland.
28 Business seats and 269 Economy seats. In the A330-300
Project Sunrise tell us about it ?
The final frontier in Australian Aviation. Direct flights from east coast of Australia to
Europe and New York.
• Ultra long haul flying.
• Sunrise – a nod to the double sunrise flights operated during WWII that were airborne
for long enough to see two sunrises.
• 12 x A350-1000 with an extra fuel tank selected for the flights.
• Flights to launch late 2025
• Low seat count – range and comfort for ultra long haul.
• 9000nm
The purpose is the “why”, the strategy is the “how”.
What do these behaviours mean to me and how do I live them?
Responsible?
Ownership
• Accountable
• Caring
• Commitment to improving
How?
• Not afraid to admit when you make a mistake. Reporting culture.
Respectful what does that mean to you ?
Considerate of differences
• Empathy for what others are going through
• Treating people how you would want to be treated
How?
• Being kind to my crew
• Making regular PA’s to customers during delays. Showing you care about their time.
Resilient what does that mean to you ?
Good foundations for everyday challenges,
Adapting to unexpected
Keep fit and healthy
Positive, focused, solution orientated
maintaining composure and effectiveness in the face of challenges and setbacks. It involves quickly adapting to unexpected situations, such as operational disruptions or adverse weather conditions, and continuing to perform my duties with a high level of professionalism. Resilience also means learning from difficult experiences and using them to improve future performance. By staying focused, positive, and solution-oriented, I can contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of the flight operations, ensuring a smooth experience for passengers and crew alike.
• I try to look after my body and mental health by eating well and exercising regularly. I
feel it helps me prepare for when things get tough.
Excellence what does that mean to you ?
Continuously improving, Striving to be better each day
Setting a high standard for yourself, upholding Qantas high standard.
Exceptional service
Professional attributes, uniform, team work.
It involves meticulous attention to detail in pre-flight planning, adhering to the highest safety standards, and continuously improving my skills and knowledge through ongoing training and self-assessment. Excellence also means providing exceptional service to passengers, supporting my colleagues, and contributing positively to the team. By aiming for excellence, I ensure that every flight meets the high standards of Qantas and delivers a safe, efficient, and pleasant experience for everyone on board.
Qantas group purpose statement?
WE TAKE THE SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA FURTHER
OUR FOUNDATIONS ?
Safety first.
Always caring.
Proud to serve our
customers and community.
Inspired by challenges and opportunities.
A strong, ethical
sustainable business.
Career to date question? Jacob
Structure: Job - Roles and Responsibilities - What you learned and took away
University : Bachelor of Aviation. Major in Air transport pilot and minor in flight instruction.
Graduated 2018
Was given a graduate flight instructor position with Massey University.
C category flight instructor
SE day/Night VFR PPL,CPL
Teaching the ground and flight requirements for the issue of pilot’s licenses,
Dispatching/operational duties, Refuelling of aircraft with tractor and tanker.
Contributed to the development of training materials and curriculum enhancements.
Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems course presenter and examiner.
Applied for QFPP 1 first ever cadet program at Massey University in Nz. Was offered a position with Jetstar Nz. Started training in June 2019
Operated on regional flights utilising the Dash 8 Q300 aircraft.
Ensured the safety and comfort of passengers and crew during flights.
Worked as a team including Ground staff, Captain and Cabin crew to maintain a high level of operational efficiency.
In October 2019 Jetstar regional Nz ceased operations. Offered me a position in SYD flying Q200/300 for Qantas link
Been an FO on the classic Since march 2020, short hiatus in Nz due to COVID from then untill March 2021.
Been flying the line with no disruptions since that time.
Now been offered a Q400 Command position with Qantas link.
With the start of training yet to be advised.
Qantaslink
• First Officer on Dash 8 Q300
• Multi Crew experience, will help me at Qantas as i’ve already had exposure to how that
works.
• Team work with FA
• Main take away for me though has been flying with very experienced captains who have
been flying the dash for over 20 years. I’m someone that likes to continue to learn and
improve and being able to observe and learn from the way these experienced pilots
operate has allowed me to learn so much that I will bring to the Job at Qantas as a
second officer. Comparing captains.
• I feel like a sponge taking it all in and learning everything I can.
Insert snippet of why Qantas 787 SO is the right next step~
Professionalism, professional approach to work ?
Qantaslink
• Constant drive to learn and improve.
• Add what I learn from sims, good captains, and my own experiences. Learnings from
other peoples incidents in monthly newsletter. Threats at ports.
• I do it to stay on top of my career and keep improving. I want to be the best pilot I can
be and do everything I can to see how far it will take me.
A professional approach to work means adhering to the highest safety and operational standards, being punctual and well-prepared for each flight, and maintaining a respectful and collaborative attitude towards colleagues and passengers. It also involves staying composed and making well-informed decisions under pressure, effectively communicating, and continuously seeking opportunities for personal and professional development. By embodying professionalism, I contribute to the reliability and reputation of Qantas
How are you approachable (?)
Friendly/ open demeanor
Actively listening to
Providing an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.
Open to feedback not taking it negatively, just a chance to get better.
I strive to be approachable at work by maintaining a friendly and open demeanor, actively listening to others, and being available to assist my colleagues and passengers. I make sure to communicate clearly and respectfully, fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. I also remain open to feedback and willing to collaborate on solutions, showing empathy and understanding in all interactions. By being approachable, I contribute to a positive team dynamic and help ensure smooth and effective operations.
Important to get the most out of the team you’re working in.
• Important as a charter pilot
• How I did it at Qantas? Try to be positive, took pride in my uniform, first impressions
with crew at start of duty.
How are you a Critical Thinker?
Good situational awareness, makes me efficient at recognising threats
Evaluating information
Problem solving, thinking ahead coming up with contingency plans.
Receive feedback, break it down and analyse it to get better next time.
At qantaslink, when things don’t go to plan I always try and take a moment after to
reflect on what could have been done better. Reverse engineer
• Good at recognising threats.
How are you a Team Player?
Best FO that I can be trusted and reliable
As prepared as possible everyday.
Collaboration to achieve common goal
Providing support and assistance
Qantaslink
• I try and do as much preparation for my role as a member of my crew as possible to help
make the whole operation go the best it can.
• I admit when I make a mistake and ask for feedback
Negative questions
Tell us about a weakness?
When discussing your weakness of acting too quickly in emergency situations during a pilot interview, you could frame it as needing to refine your approach to problem-solving. Explain that while your instinct is to immediately address the issue, you recognize the importance of taking a moment to fully assess the situation before taking action. Emphasize your commitment to improving this by implementing techniques such as pausing to gather all available information before formulating a response. Comes from how we were taught during stall and upset recoveries at flight school. Minimise height loss is something I used to teach in flight school so it’s hard to recognise confirm breath. With further UPRT sessions I’ve been getting better with the idea that nothing is to time critical. Sit back and confirm the situation first.
Why do you want to work for us? (company questions)
Company
• Culture
o Always trying to improve and innovate (project sunrise, SAF, net zero 2050 etc).
Why? Because I have the same approach to the way I work.
o Recognises when things don’t go to plan and is honest about it (responsibility
and integrity). Why? I think this is key to a business longevity. I want Qantas to
prosper as I’m investing the remained of my career in the business.
•
Safety
Qantas has an unwavering approach to safety. They safety record of Qantas is
arguably it’s biggest and most valuable asset. Why? I share this passion and
having a company that’s on the same page makes my job a lot easier.
Aircraft & Operations
• Modern and complex aircraft. Never flown a jet, it’s the next challenge I’m ready for. I’ll
learn a lot, again tying back to my goal “best pilot I can be”.
• Long haul flying has it’s challenges. Fatigue and jetlag, away from home. I think I’m well
suited to those challenges. My favourite subject to teach when I was an instructor was
Human Factors. I enjoy the challenge on managing that.
• Qantas has the scope to suit my lifestyle in the long term. Both long haul and short haul
jets. Ultimate goal is wide body captain.
• New Fleet, A220, A321XLR, A350-1000. Exciting product.
Personal
• “The best of Australia”
• I want to be a part of this excellence!
• Travel is such a big part of Australian culture. I love sharing in the excitement of travel.
Challenges to being a second officer?
Acknowledge jet lag and less hands on flying more of challenge when I become an FO.
• Then go straight into positives
o 1st jet job
o New routes
o Big team different compared to Qlink but excited to meet new people and share experiences
o New aircraft
o World first routes.
Tell us about a time stories…
Up and down drafts SE IFR in Palmerston North
Low speed event on landing one of first flights as instructor.
Emergency decent due cabin rapid depressurisation.
Captain wanting to find hole in a line of storms instead of going around it SYD-CBR
BASIC light on the taxi out CPT was sure you can depart with it.
TCAS RA event into Bendigo.
FMS Not giving us any fuel info for diversion SYD-BHE broke FCOM
Broken TCAS after takeoff in SYD leading to air return. Unnecessary should have spoken up
GO around due traffic cutting me off into MOREE
Explain STAR ?
. Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge. This sets the stage for your story by providing relevant background information.
• Example: “In my previous job at XYZ Company, we were facing a critical deadline for a major project.”
2. Task: Explain the specific task or responsibility you were assigned in that situation. This helps the interviewer understand your role and the expectations placed on you.
• Example: “As the project manager, my task was to ensure that the project was completed on time and met all the client’s specifications.”
3. Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task. Focus on your contributions and highlight the steps you personally took to handle the situation.
• Example: “I organized a series of daily check-ins with the team to monitor progress, identify potential roadblocks early, and allocate resources where needed. I also implemented a new project management tool to improve communication and efficiency.”
4. Result: Share the outcomes of your actions. Quantify the results if possible, and explain how your actions led to a positive outcome.
• Example: “As a result, we completed the project three days ahead of schedule and received commendations from the client for our efficiency and quality of work.”
