The Air Canada OTS thread

[yvrflyguy]

Has anyone heard back after doing their video interview? PFO or in person interview? If so, what was the turn around time?

[schnitzel2k3]

1.5 years for the video interview but likely much faster now.

I applied in the first AC window in 2016.

S.

[98 Corolla]

3 weeks from online interview completion to offer for in-person interview.

[schnitzel2k3]

My question is - if OTS is going in 3 weeks - why even bother with the Express PML...that's awesome.

Good luck 98.

S.

[DEFPOTEC]

Well I’m coming up on 5 weeks from video interview. Am I out?

[tbaylx]

Nope, 6 weeks for some of the latest guys from video to in person. Patience

[AvifiskAlly]

Nope, 6 weeks for some of the latest guys from video to in person. Patience

Doesn't the new Express Carrier Portal and PMA drastically change the game for OTS? I would say it is pretty obvious AC is going all in on filling their Express aircraft with pilots

[C208]

I suppose I am feeling slightly defeated at the moment. I applied long long ago and was put into a pool, (2 years in the pool). I was eventually (finally) given my PIT course date and medical, offered in March 2014; however I had already taken a job with another company and signed a contract. Which is fine its a fantastic company and schedule is awesome, good people ect. On October 27th I reapplied to AC thinking that in 18 months from then I may be ready to leave the current position and who knows, maybe fly for Big Red!! I haven't heard a thing back since applying, and I suppose Im feeling down on myself cause When I was offered the interview and subsequent Job the first time I had half the time and most of my Turbine time was a darn Caravan in Africa! Now I got all this fancy Jet PIC and Glass time and well wouldn't you know.....all is quiet.

6000Hrs, Enough Jet Pic, 3500 Total PIC.

What is a guy to think. I Will hang in there!

[gtanorth]

I suppose I am feeling slightly defeated at the moment. I applied long long ago and was put into a pool, (2 years in the pool). I was eventually (finally) given my PIT course date and medical, offered in March 2014; however I had already taken a job with another company and signed a contract. Which is fine its a fantastic company and schedule is awesome, good people ect. On October 27th I reapplied to AC thinking that in 18 months from then I may be ready to leave the current position and who knows, maybe fly for Big Red!! I haven't heard a thing back since applying, and I suppose Im feeling down on myself cause When I was offered the interview and subsequent Job the first time I had half the time and most of my Turbine time was a darn Caravan in Africa! Now I got all this fancy Jet PIC and Glass time and well wouldn't you know.....all is quiet.

6000Hrs, Enough Jet Pic, 3500 Total PIC.

What is a guy to think. I Will hang in there!

Go to an express carrier. No brainer

[yvrflyguy]

5 Days from video interview to call for in-person interview. Apparently there are 3 online assessments we have to complete at home before heading in for the interview....sound like behavioural stuff. Has anyone does this? Would love some info if anyone can share! Cheers

[98 Corolla]

The online stuff is a personality test where you rank which statements are most like to least. You do one involving numbers but don't worry it's very simple math. I think it tests your ability to work accurately while working quickly. Then there is one involving symbols which I imagine tests your spatial awareness. I think that was it. I recommend doing the last two in a very quiet, distraction free environment. Not right after you wake up or when you are tired either. You want to be alert and focused.
When you go to the in-person there is also a psych exam on the computer. It's just simple yes or no questions or similar.
They try to do your medical the same day as the interview but it depends on if there is a doctor slot available that day.

[tbaylx]

Nope, 6 weeks for some of the latest guys from video to in person. Patience

Doesn't the new Express Carrier Portal and PMA drastically change the game for OTS? I would say it is pretty obvious AC is going all in on filling their Express aircraft with pilots

Not so far, OTS still being hired

[AvifiskAlly]

Nope, 6 weeks for some of the latest guys from video to in person. Patience

Doesn't the new Express Carrier Portal and PMA drastically change the game for OTS? I would say it is pretty obvious AC is going all in on filling their Express aircraft with pilots

Not so far, OTS still being hired

The New PMA was just released Friday. Im sure OTS hiring will certainly continue but it seems like a lot more preference will be placed on moving people through the Express carriers. The language and commitment to/from each carrier has grown exponentially. It will be interesting to see what pans out once all those that have already been green lighted are on property.

[Transonic]

I suppose I am feeling slightly defeated at the moment. I applied long long ago and was put into a pool, (2 years in the pool). I was eventually (finally) given my PIT course date and medical, offered in March 2014; however I had already taken a job with another company and signed a contract. Which is fine its a fantastic company and schedule is awesome, good people ect. On October 27th I reapplied to AC thinking that in 18 months from then I may be ready to leave the current position and who knows, maybe fly for Big Red!! I haven't heard a thing back since applying, and I suppose Im feeling down on myself cause When I was offered the interview and subsequent Job the first time I had half the time and most of my Turbine time was a darn Caravan in Africa! Now I got all this fancy Jet PIC and Glass time and well wouldn't you know.....all is quiet.

6000Hrs, Enough Jet Pic, 3500 Total PIC.

What is a guy to think. I Will hang in there!

Go to an express carrier. No brainer

Why? He could get a call tomorrow for an interview. People are going through the process in as little as 5 weeks during this spring hiring boom. Why miss this opportunity while waiting for 2 years at an express carrier? C208 can always apply to an express as a plan b.

[AvifiskAlly]

I suppose I am feeling slightly defeated at the moment. I applied long long ago and was put into a pool, (2 years in the pool). I was eventually (finally) given my PIT course date and medical, offered in March 2014; however I had already taken a job with another company and signed a contract. Which is fine its a fantastic company and schedule is awesome, good people ect. On October 27th I reapplied to AC thinking that in 18 months from then I may be ready to leave the current position and who knows, maybe fly for Big Red!! I haven't heard a thing back since applying, and I suppose Im feeling down on myself cause When I was offered the interview and subsequent Job the first time I had half the time and most of my Turbine time was a darn Caravan in Africa! Now I got all this fancy Jet PIC and Glass time and well wouldn't you know.....all is quiet.

6000Hrs, Enough Jet Pic, 3500 Total PIC.

What is a guy to think. I Will hang in there!

Go to an express carrier. No brainer

Why? He could get a call tomorrow for an interview. People are going through the process in as little as 5 weeks during this spring hiring boom. Why miss this opportunity while waiting for 2 years at an express carrier? C208 can always apply to an express as a plan b.

Fair just think the new PMA changes the game a bit. If you have been spinning around waiting that means they did not want you at the time and you have 0 visibility as to why. Yes, a call could come next weak but a call could not come for 3 years or at all. At least going to express he would have points for that itself and be able to see where he is and reduce the competitive field to only his own express peers. People that have been moving through quickly from OTS have almost all been 737 skippers or people with 4 yrs uni and some great big jet PIC time. If he has been waiting in limbo there is something they dont like or are waiting to change.

[schnitzel2k3]

Even with the preference of Express carriers - the lifestyle they tend to carry and salary they tend not to pay - my money (quite literally) would be on remaining OTS.

Granted if your current lifestyle salary is equivalent - then it makes sense but otherwise OTS, sit back, and make your money.

S.

[yvrflyguy]

The online stuff is a personality test where you rank which statements are most like to least. You do one involving numbers but don't worry it's very simple math. I think it tests your ability to work accurately while working quickly. Then there is one involving symbols which I imagine tests your spatial awareness. I think that was it. I recommend doing the last two in a very quiet, distraction free environment. Not right after you wake up or when you are tired either. You want to be alert and focused.
When you go to the in-person there is also a psych exam on the computer. It's just simple yes or no questions or similar.
They try to do your medical the same day as the interview but it depends on if there is a doctor slot available that day.

Thanks for the info!! Any word on a GS for ya??

[zipper]

Video interview was early Feb. Nothing heard back. Do they send PFO letters, or just leave you hanging?

[tbaylx]

If they want to interview you you'll hear eventually, if not you'll get a PFO. They'll reply either way. The process takes awhile at AC, patience is key and not stressing out in the meantime.

[yvrflyguy]

Anyone have any info regarding upcoming GS dates?

[thrust set]

Spoke with a hiring HR person about using the the letter of referral we have at AC about recommending my cousin. I asked "point blank " what can he do to increase his chances?
Turbine captain working up north about 2300 hrs.

"Does he have post secondary and has he applied to an Express carrier?"

I said yes to both then asked does it really increase your chances?

"I can not overstate it enough!" ...... Was my response!

[sstaurus]

Spoke with a hiring HR person about using the the letter of referral we have at AC about recommending my cousin. I asked "point blank " what can he do to increase his chances?
Turbine captain working up north about 2300 hrs.

"Does he have post secondary and has he applied to an Express carrier?"

I said yes to both then asked does it really increase your chances?

"I can not overstate it enough!" ...... Was my response!

Odd response, increase his chances of what? Making it to AC Express? If he applied to an Express carrier why would that lead to an offer direct to AC...

[Victory]

Applying at Express shows interest in joining the Air Canada family and willingness to start at the bottom to get there. Maybe that gets you points.
Could be they share the same database of applicants. I applied at Jazz the same time I applied at AC. I thought it was weird that Jazz never responded but AC offered me an interview. Perhaps Jazz knew AC was interested already.

[confusedalot]

After reading most of the posts, why do I still get the feeling that getting a job at air canada is nothing more than winning a lottery?

Full disclosure, got a call, got pfo'd once in 1985 (as a young guy with piston twin time), and once in 1999 (by that time I was left seat in rather large airplanes, so claims of unsuitability or ineptitude don't fly)

I've heard of some rather unique, shall we say, outcomes, but whatever......

[Sharklasers]

After reading most of the posts, why do I still get the feeling that getting a job at air canada is nothing more than winning a lottery?

Full disclosure, got a call, got pfo'd once in 1985 (as a young guy with piston twin time), and once in 1999 (by that time I was left seat in rather large airplanes, so claims of unsuitability or ineptitude don't fly)

I've heard of some rather unique, shall we say, outcomes, but whatever......

And clearly you are not resentful because you only mention it in every other post.
Did you ever get your RAIC back? How did you lose it anyway and what did ACPA have to do with it?