SkyWest Interview Flashcards
SkyWest CEO
Chip Childs (2016)
SkyWest Mission Statement
We understand and value the priceless commodity of time. We respect every individual’s quality of life and are committed to promoting dignity and trust in all we do.
SkyWest Guiding Principles
Health and Safety First
Excellent Service and Quality
Personal and Operational Reliability
Fairness and Consistency
Respect and Teamwork
Personal and Corporate Integrity
Superior Profitability and
Efficient Use of All Resources
How many aircraft does SKW operate
485
When was SKW found
1972
SKW Motto
“Safety First”
What Medical is Required to Serve at SKW
1st Class Medical
How long is the required medical good for?
6/12 months depending on age
What is a METAR?
Aviation Weather Report (Meteorological Report)
How often are METARs reported?
Once every hour, 24 hours a day
What is the range of a METAR?
Typically 10SM from the airport
What is a SPECI?
Special Issuance METAR
When is a SPECI issued?
Unscheduled report taken when there is a significant change in the weather during the period between the hourly reports
What is a TAF?
Terminal Aerodrome/Area Forecast
What does a TAF report?
Expected meteorological conditions
What is the range of a TAF?
5SM from airport
How often are TAFs issued?
Generally 24 hours, Issued 4 times daily (0000z, 0600z, 1200z, 1800z)
What is a thunderstorm?
A rain-bearing cloud that also produces lightning
How do thunderstorms form?
A combination of unstable atmospheric conditions, lifting action, and moisture
How far are you required to fly from thunderstorms?
At least 5 miles but is recommended that you stay at least 20 miles away
What are the stages of a thunderstorm?
Cumulus, Mature, Dissipating
What is a Microburst?
Localized column of sinking air (downdraft)
Where are microbursts commonly found?
Within and below a thunderstorm
How large are microbursts?
Usually less than or equal to 2.5 miles in diameter and can produce downdrafts in excess of 6000 fpm
How can you forecast a microburst?
LLWAS alerting system
What is a cold front?
An air mass that has cooler air than the surrounding area
What are some weather characteristics of a cold front?
Showery precipitation, drop in temperature, cumulonimbus clouds, thunderstorms, hail, squall lines, and good visibility
What is a warm front?
An air mass containing warmer air than the surrounding area
What are some weather characteristics of a warm front?
Drizzly precipitation, rise in temperature, increase in humidity, and decrease in visibility
What is a stationary front?
Combination of warm and cold fronts pushing against each other with neither front overpowering the other
What are some weather characteristics of a stationary front?
Combination of both cold and warm front weather can be present
What is an occluded front?
When a cold front catches up and overtakes a warm front, an occluded front forms
What are some weather characteristics of an occluded front?
Severe thunderstorms can be present
What is aircraft icing?
Visible moisture that freezes to an aircraft
Why is aircraft icing bad?
Reduces lift, increases weight and drag, increases the AoA of the wing
What are the types of aircraft icing?
Rime, Clear, and Mixed
What happens in a tailplane stall?
Downward force is lessen and thus cause an uncommand nose down pitch
How should you land if you suspect tailplane icing?
No flaps and maintain best forward airspeed
What is CRM?
Crew Resource Management, using all available resources to handle a situation that arises
What does AO2 mean on a METAR?
Automated station with precipitation discriminator
What is FU mean on a METAR?
Smoke
What is BR mean on a METAR?
Mist
How would you know which way a thunderstorm is moving by looking at the cloud formation?
By observing the direction of the cloud anvil as it always appears on the downwind side
What are some hazardous risks associated with thunderstorms?
Severe turbulence, microbursts, lightning, and hail
How long can a microburst last?
Can seldom last longer than 15 minutes
You just departed Dallas, there’s a thunderstorm directly in front of you. What direction do you go around it?
In the direction away from the anvil
Can you overfly a thunderstorm?
Yes, for each 10 knots of wind you should be 1,000 feet higher than the top of the thunderstorm