Pinnacle Airlines Interview Questions
& Process

Applied online and got an invitation for a hiring event. The email had all the details on what to bring, where to go, and the time. After checking in, we went to the conference room where lots of people were waiting. Recruiters and flight attendants introduced themselves and gave a presentation about the job, pay, and company history. Afterwards, we were asked to leave and a list of names was posted outside. Those on the list stayed. Next, we were given a question to answer standing up in front of everyone. After answering, we had to read an announcement. Once finished, we were told to leave again. Another list with interview times would be posted outside.

I applied online and then got an email for the Flight Attendant Open House in Atlanta. We had to get there between 7:30am and 9am. About 40-50 people showed up. They wanted our online application copy, passport, and driver's license. Before the presentation, we were split into small groups to have our documents checked by an admin person and a current Flight Attendant. If your name on your license and passport didn't match exactly, you had to see the head recruiter. They mentioned this is a TSA rule and you'll need DMV proof of correction if you move forward. They said it's easier to get your DMV info to match your passport. The base managers looked at the applications turned in; no one asked for a resume. Then there was a video from the Pinnacle website and a PowerPoint about the training program, duties, and HR stuff. The head recruiter said training is 23 days in Memphis with 2 days off, and you need 80% to pass. A $400 stipend is given upon completion. After the presentation, there was a Q&A. They posted a list of about 14-17 people invited back in 15 minutes for introductions and announcements. After another 30-minute break, another list was posted for individual interviews. They mentioned the starting pay ($15.50 for 6 months, then $17.52, then $19.01 at a year) and emphasized Pinnacle wants commitment, 'Honor in Your Work', and a 'serving heart'. It was my first open house, an interesting experience.

The interview process was very professional and took place over one day. It began with an overview of the company, followed by testing in the morning. If you passed the tests, you'd proceed to interviews in the afternoon. There were three tests: 1. Cognitive test: Pay close attention to and follow all instructions for each section. Practice sessions are provided before each section to ensure understanding. It requires the ability to multitask effectively, similar to managing an instrument approach down to minimums. 2. Personality test: Answer honestly based on your feelings. 3. Job knowledge test: This is the part you can prepare for. Knowing aerodynamics, performance, turbine engines, rules of thumb, and the AIM is crucial. It's better to have a fundamental understanding and know how to apply it rather than memorizing specific answers. Most of my answers came from college studies. You will only receive a pass or fail result. 4. Interview: A three-person panel conducted the interview. My group was relaxed and not confrontational. They asked standard 'what if' questions and probed into perceived weak areas, asking how you'd handle them if hired. Overall, be serious, get enough rest, and show your passion for aviation. It's a challenging but rewarding process that depends on your effort.

The interview had 4 parts. First, there was a video presentation about the company. Then, the panel introduced themselves. After that, a 100-question multiple-answer written test based on the FAA ATP written exam, with a minimum score of 80%. We then waited to be called for the next steps. This involved a 2-person panel interview where one asked HR questions and the other asked technical questions simultaneously, while also scrutinizing our logbooks. Next was the "situational" phase where we entered a room set up like a cockpit, sat in the left seat, and were given a scenario to test our judgment through role-playing. Finally, we met with another 2-person "management" panel for a get-to-know-you discussion.