17 Corporate Pilot Interview Questions and Answers

Commercial pilots fly passengers and cargo on airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. A corporate pilot flies an employer’s executives and other VIPs on company business. The job requires excellent flying skills, good customer service skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

To be considered for a corporate pilot job, you will likely need to have at least 1,500 hours of flying experience and a commercial pilot’s license. Some employers may also require you to have a college degree, although it doesn’t necessarily have to be in aviation. If you meet the qualifications, the next step is to prepare for the interview by knowing how to answer common corporate pilot interview questions.

Are you comfortable flying in all kinds of weather conditions?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience flying in different weather conditions. This can be an important part of the job, so they want to make sure you have enough experience to do it safely. In your answer, share what types of weather conditions you’re comfortable with and why.

Example: “I’ve flown in all kinds of weather conditions, including fog, rain, snow and wind. I’m especially experienced at flying in low visibility situations because I regularly flew a corporate client who had meetings in rural areas. I would fly them into small airports where there was often poor visibility. I always made sure to communicate with air traffic control and follow their instructions.”

What are your qualifications as a pilot?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your qualifications as a pilot. You can list any certifications you have, how long you’ve been flying and what types of aircraft you’re qualified to fly.

Example: “I am a certified commercial pilot with an instrument rating. I also hold a type-rating for several different aircraft including small jets, turboprops and helicopters. I have over 5,000 hours of flight time in my career so far, and I’m still actively pursuing additional training and certification.”

How would you handle a situation where the aircraft needed maintenance while you were in the air?

This question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to challenging situations. Your answer should show that you can think on your feet, prioritize tasks and communicate effectively with others.

Example: “If the aircraft needed maintenance while I was in the air, I would first determine if it’s safe to land or if we need to stay airborne until the issue is resolved. If we have to stay in the air, I would contact my employer immediately so they could send a mechanic out to us. In this situation, I would also try to find an alternative landing location if possible. If there are no other options, I would make sure all passengers were buckled in securely and then focus on flying safely.”

What is your experience with managing a flight crew?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills and how you interact with other crew members. Use examples from previous experience to show that you’re a strong leader who can work well with others.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for managing a flight crew of three pilots and two navigators. We worked together to ensure we met our company’s safety standards and maintained our certifications. In this role, I learned how to delegate tasks effectively so everyone could complete their responsibilities on time. I also developed strategies for motivating my team to perform at their best.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to make a quick decision during a flight.

This question can help interviewers understand how you make decisions in a fast-paced environment. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to think quickly under pressure.

Example: “When I was flying for a large corporation, we were transporting the CEO of the company on a business trip when our plane’s engine started making strange noises. The pilot informed me that he would need to land the plane immediately, so I contacted the closest airport and arranged for an emergency landing. We landed safely, and the mechanic inspected the engine and determined it needed to be replaced. I coordinated with the airline to arrange for another plane to transport the CEO while the mechanics worked to repair the damaged one.”

If a passenger were to become agitated, how would you handle the situation?

This question can help interviewers assess your interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you helped diffuse an uncomfortable or tense situation with a passenger.

Example: “In my experience as a corporate pilot, I have encountered passengers who become agitated for various reasons. In one instance, a passenger became upset when we were delayed on the runway due to inclement weather. I approached the passenger and explained that safety was our top priority and that we would take off as soon as conditions allowed. The passenger seemed satisfied with this explanation and remained calm until we took off.”

What would you do if you noticed a fellow pilot making safety-related mistakes?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and your commitment to safety. In your answer, try to show that you value the importance of safety and are willing to speak up when necessary.

Example: “If I noticed a fellow pilot making mistakes, I would first make sure they were aware of their errors. If they continued to make these mistakes, I would report them to my supervisor so they could take appropriate action. As pilots, we have an obligation to ensure our passengers’ safety, so it’s important to hold each other accountable for our actions.”

How well do you work with others?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you will fit into the corporate pilot team. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you worked well with others and helped achieve a goal or project.

Example: “I work very well with others because I am always willing to listen to their ideas and opinions. In my last position as a corporate pilot, I was working with another pilot who had different ideas about how we should fly the plane. Instead of getting defensive, I listened to his idea and asked questions to understand why he thought that would be better. We talked through our ideas and decided on one together.”

Do you have any questions for me about the position?

This is your chance to show the interviewer that you’re interested in the job and want to learn more about it. It’s also a way for you to ask any questions you have about the company or the position itself. When preparing for an interview, make sure you think of at least one question to ask the interviewer.

Example: “I’m very excited about this opportunity, and I would love to work here. I do have a few questions though. First, what are some of the challenges of being a corporate pilot? Second, how often am I expected to travel? And third, what type of training programs does the company offer?”

When did you become a pilot and what is your experience level?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer’s expectations. If they are looking for someone with experience, you may want to highlight the length of time you’ve been flying and how many different types of aircraft you have flown. If they are looking for someone who can quickly adapt to their company’s needs, you might focus on when you started flying and what training or certifications you have since then.

Example: “I became a pilot in my early twenties after I graduated from flight school. Since then, I have gained additional training and certification as an instructor and am now able to fly several different types of planes.”

We want to offer you the job, but we need to wait for the results of a background check. When would be a good time for us to contact you?

A background check is a standard part of the hiring process for many companies. The interviewer may ask you this question to make sure that you understand why they need to do one and when they will likely be able to contact you with their decision. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to undergo a background check and that you understand how long it takes.

Example: “I completely understand why you would want to run a background check on me. I am happy to wait as long as necessary for the results. If you could let me know when you expect to have them, I can clear my schedule so I’m available at that time.”

Describe your experience with different types of aircraft.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with different types of aircraft. This can help them determine if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform well in this role. In your answer, describe which types of aircraft you’ve worked with and what type of aircraft you’re most comfortable working with.

Example: “I’ve worked as a corporate pilot for five years now, and I’m most comfortable flying private jets. However, I also have experience with smaller planes like turboprops and helicopters. I feel confident performing all of these tasks because I regularly practiced each one during my training.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant experience and soft skills.

Example: “I am passionate about aviation and have been flying since I was 16 years old. Throughout my career as a pilot, I’ve gained valuable experience in managing complex situations and working with different teams. My communication skills are excellent, which makes it easy for me to work with clients and colleagues. I also have extensive knowledge of FAA regulations and safety procedures.”

Which aircraft models have you flown the most?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level. If you have a lot of experience with one model, it may show that you’re an expert in that aircraft and can provide more detailed answers to questions about it. However, if you’ve flown many models, it may show that you are adaptable and can answer questions about all types of aircraft.

Example: “I have most experience flying Boeing 737s, but I also fly Airbus A320s and Embraer ERJ 145s regularly. I am comfortable flying any type of commercial aircraft.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a corporate pilot to have?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities necessary for this role. You can answer this question by identifying a skill from the job description and explaining how you use it in your work.

Example: “The most important skill for a corporate pilot to have is excellent communication skills. As a pilot, I am responsible for communicating with air traffic control and other pilots while flying my passengers around. In my last position, I was able to demonstrate my communication skills when I had to explain to an airport employee why we needed to take off early. I explained our flight plan and communicated clearly so that they understood.”

How often do you perform maintenance on aircraft?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your technical skills. They want to know how often you perform maintenance and what types of maintenance you’re comfortable doing on aircraft. Use examples from your experience that show you have the ability to complete tasks like changing oil, checking tire pressure or replacing filters.

Example: “I do regular checks on all systems in the aircraft every 100 hours. I also check fuel levels regularly and change them when necessary. I inspect the tires for wear and replace them as needed. Finally, I clean the exterior of the plane after each flight.”

There is a mechanical issue with the aircraft you’re supposed to fly today. How do you react?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. A good answer will show that you can remain focused, communicate clearly with the crew and passengers and make decisions based on safety considerations.

Example: “I would first check if there are any other pilots available who could take over for me. If not, I would call my supervisor or the company’s maintenance department to see what they recommend. In this case, it might be best to cancel the flight and reschedule it for another day. This ensures that we don’t put anyone in danger due to an issue with the aircraft.”