How to Ace Your Pilot Interview (Advice from a Pilot Recruiter)
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- In today's interview, you are going to hear from Geoff Jacobs, the Assistant Director of Operations for Silver Airways (www.silverairways.com); a leading regional U.S. airline operating flights between gateways in Florida, the Southeast and The Bahamas.
In this interview, I asked Geoff to share answers to the following questions:
1. His career path (very unconventional)
2. What is the hiring environment looking like for FO’s these days?
3. What do you look for/avoid when hiring FOs?
4. Is a check ride failure the kiss of death?
5. What is airline training like?
6. What other advice do you have?
✅✅ Chapters ✅✅
0:00 Intro
3:40 How Geoff got started in avation
6:30 What Geoff did when he got to 250 hours
10:00 How Geoff started his own airline with little money
12:20 Geoff's for job as a Director of Operations
13:45 Geoff's start as a pilot with Silver Airways
15:29 Geoff's thoughts on commuting
17:15 Today's hiring environment for First Officers
19:10 The top attributes Geoff looks for (and avoids) when hiring pilots
21:00 How to deal with check ride failures
23:16 Your first type rating experience
24:22 What advice would you give to other career 2.0 pilots
Thanks for watching!
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👋 About Me 👋
After a successful business career where I've started and sold a number of companies, I've decided to get out from behind my computer to pursue a lifelong passion and start career 2.0 as a professional pilot. My goal is to get to 1500 hours and then either work for a large regional, a major, or possibly even cargo. You can learn more at www.FlyWithTrent.com.
My Social Accounts:
Instagram: / fly_with_trent
LinkedIn: / trentdyrsmid
Twitter: / trentdyrsmid
Edited by The Tweaky Tales
(www.thetweakytales.com) - Jak na to + styl
I am 53 years old. I quit my day job last spring to start training to be a pilot. I talked to Silver Airways at Oshkosh last summer. I hope to talk to them again this summer!
Hey Eric! I’m rooting for your success :)
I'm about the same age. This is a fantasy of mine as well. Not sure I'll do it. But I am training for the private pilot license.
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I wish you the best, follow your dreams !
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You never disappoint, Trent. Great interview. As a trucker and private pilot about to make the leap to pro pilot, I loved hearing how he used trucking as a stepping stone to where he wanted to be. As much as I don't think trucking is a good long term career, it is a way a person not from privilege can afford flight training. Thank Jeff.
You bet. Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
I’m a driver as well, just turned 28 and hoping to start my training in the next 1-1.5 years once I get debt paid off. It’s encouraging seeing other people on the same path
Indeed it is!
I’m a trucker begging my journey to become a commercial pilot pretty cool to see other truckers out there!💪🏽
I see quite a few comments from truckers on my channel, so you are definitely not alone.
Trent, some of us are even in our 60's. We just love to fly . . .and it shows!
✈️✈️✈️ heck ya!
Another great interview with actionable info Trent. Thank you for all you’re doing for us 2.0ers!
Any time! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Great video! I enjoy hearing all the different paths and how they got there.
Me too! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
I think the one thing that us older guys have going for us is... we know how to market ourselves, and have been through a bunch of interviews in our life. THanks for the vid.
You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
Great Interview Trent! It’s great to see that there are so many options out there!
Agreed!! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
Another great video, thanks Trent & Geoff ;D
You’re welcome!
Great interview, Please keep more pilot interviews coming. They are great to see and hear about how others got into aviation and the sacrifices they faced. I’m on career 2.0 and really enjoy hearing the stories of others that succeeded.
Hey Adam….will do. I enjoy doing them! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
Thanks, Trent. For this useful interview, keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
I absolutely enjoy these kinds of videos! Keep it up!
Glad you like them!
This is a great interview! His struggle to get training is very reassuring.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Appreciate the insight and perspective!
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Great content as always Trent. Keep it up. Thanks from all of us Boomerang pilots.
Much appreciated!
Thank you, these interviews are great 👍
Glad you like them!
Trent, you're a very good interviewer. You asked a couple of questions that I was thinking of. Excellent work, as usual, my friend!
Much appreciated! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Love this video. I can relate to this guy. I drove truck 15 yrs. It paid the bills but i disliked almost every minute of it. Now that i am 50 and my credit is good enough i do not need a cosigner I plan to start flight school full time this april. Not sure what i will do from 250 to 500. Leaning towards pipline or survey work. i do know once i hit 500 i am going to try and get on with ameriflight as the Saab is my favorite airplane.. I am going to get all my instructor ratings even though i am not sure if i want to instruct. A pilot friend of mine says it still looks good on the resume so i am going to do that.
I agree with your friend. I’m rooting for your success :)
Trent, I love these interviews. Not just for the piloting information but for the sheer perspective and life stories that people share. I am constantly impressed by the wildly different ways that people live their lives and how it intertwines with their piloting. I love that I get a glimpse into lifestyles and pursuits that I never would have considered possible without hearing from somebody who did it. I would also love to know how you've gotten in contact with so many people!
I just reach out to them :)
Used to work for Silver not too long ago. Very respectful and fair company, had its faults like lack of pay and maintenance and some other things, but the people were great. ATR was a fun bird to fly for a bit, especially the 42 and taking the ATR into the bahamas or key west. Very complex and has a lot of quirks and its known for being a difficult type rating... definitely put your hours in and study if you end up flying it.
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
These intervews are **THE** best part of this channel Trent!!! All have been MORE than inspiring. Please continue promoting your relationship with Gold Seal for those of us needing a relatively quick and efficient ground zero to start from ... ground school!!
Thanks and will do!
I feel compelled to tell you how much I enjoyed this interview. Best one yet. I’m 16 yrs in LE in MN and am seriously considering 2.0 in aviation. I really appreciated all of Jeff’s insights. Thank you, Trent, for what you’re doing.
You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a pathway. Very ambitious.
Right?!
I am 22 and born and raised in Pensacola Florida. About to start training at NWFL State College for Professional Pilot and hope to get on with Silver down the road! Love the planes every time I see them come into KPNS!
Best of luck! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Excellent interview as always Trent. What a fascinating background Geoff has. I can't even imagine making some of those sacrifices but it really builds the ole character ;) Loving all of these informative interviews for us Career 2.0 folks. I can definitely relate on the burnout. If I have to sit through yet another "status meeting" I think I'm going to lose it - lol. Now just trying to find the time to dedicate a few months to knocking out a few ratings.
Thx Rob! Best of luck with those meetings!
Thanks very much for sharing this interview. As a central Floridian, we are very familiar with the Silver liveries (can't miss them!) and as an avid flight simmer I love to fly the ATR 46 and 76. I'm 54 and working on my PPL with an eye toward that commercial 2.0 career. Silver sounds like a great company to fly/work for.
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Great interview!
Thx!
Great guest, super insightful. Atta boy!
Thx!
I got my PPL recently. Was debating how I should proceed. This video was an inspiration definitely.
I like the sound of Silver.
I hope one day I’ll be able to fly with them 😎
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!! BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
Trent the value you provide within your videos is tremendous! I thank you for all you do and really appreciate how detailed and thorough your interviews are. I’m about to start ground school and will turn 25 this month. I used to feel as if I’m starting out late in this career but your videos are a great reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Thank you Trent.
You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Great job finding different personalities in the industry
I do my best to keep you guys happy!
✈️🇺🇸🛩️🏆 Excellent work Trent (as always!) Truly the best aviation CZcams channel on the planet! This informative 2.0 career getting to 1,500 hours segments are literally phenomenal! Have a great weekend 💪 my friend 🌛
You, too Aldo! BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
I’m loving these interview videos you’re doing Trent! Gives great info for career 2.0 guys like me.
Would love to hear from a Canadian pilot if you ever get the chance to interview one!
Noted! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
Nice job Trent, I enjoy the interviews. I’m 61: I’m doing research for my Air Force daughter wanting to be a Loadmaster to a Pilot flying boxes.
Thx Kevin!
Another excellent video Trent,!
I am a 58-year-old, 2.0 guy successful entrepreneur very similar to you and Geoff.
Keep up the good work!
Thx Wallace!
Great interview Trent!
Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!
Thank you for the insight and having Geoff on your channel! These interviews help me know what to expect and what I should expect from them. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into each and every video, helping other pilots as much as you can!
You’re so welcome! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Nice interview, he’s very correct on job burn out it happens to everyone, when it hit me at 57 I was invested enough, public retirement & military so I bail 20 year’s ago.😅😊
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Great interview Trent. I like this guy! Very impressive. Good luck in moving forward. Ret Airline.
Much appreciated!
You are indeed lucky. Few of us have a spouse that will be with us on a journey like this. Impossible dream for most of us.
Yes I am. But I’m not the only one.
Good video thanks
Ya Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
Trent! Just found your channel today and can't stop watching your videos. I'm just a little older and have a few more hours than you (just passed 700 total) but I'm going for my THIRD career as a pilot. I've been all over the world with the Navy and had a career as an Electrical Engineer but my love of flying has been with me since I could walk. Seems like 750 hours is some kind of insurance barrier for a lot of jobs out there as best as I can tell but I've been asking myself the exact same questions you are; do I keep instructing or find some corporate gig and go for turbine time. Really love all the interviews! Great job!
Hey Spence…. if your goal is to be a contract, corporate pilot, then do everything in your power to start building multi engine turban time as soon as you can.
If your goal is to become an airline pilot, you will probably be able to build your hours faster as a CFI.
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
This is awesome. Flying in the south all day and make it home for dinner with the family. Talk about a dream job.
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Nice video !
Thanks!
Very interesting
Glad you think so!
Very valuable info
Glad you think so!
Man this dude started a 135! Impressive
that was exactly what I was thinking, as I was interviewing him!
I would not recommend it to anyone! Buy a preexisting 135 certificate.
Agree!!
I am 27 years old turning 28 this year I am a CPL with IR here at the Philippines. I have a type rating in ATR 72-600. I really love this video it gave me inspiration and determination to keep continuing my passion and dream to become a pilot in my country. I have experienced rejection from two airline companies but after seeing this video I know there is still hope to achieve that dream.
Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!
That was a great interview. I really appreciate him as a person that has no problem in doing something that he hated for a while (trucking), just to get to his final goal. I think that says a lot about his strong character and determination.
And yeah, doing something that you love / quality of life is very important. I think what is pushing me into considering aviation is a job that I very much hate, that also leaves me with no life outside of work. The money is good, and in about 1 year I'll have $100k saved up, which is hopefully enough to quit and go from zero to CFI with no income and without going into debt.
Where in the US would be the best place to fly? As in there is the best weather so I'm not wasting any time stuck on the ground. I was thinking about going back to Florida, probably around Fort Lauderdale where it's a bit cheaper but still very nice.
I think AZ might be the best if you can go anywhere. Maybe just not during monsoon season.
I recommend Arizona. flywithtrent.com/flight-training-in-mesa/
I recommend Arizona of Florida. There are so many aviation opportunities in south Florida, but I lived in AZ for 18 years and loved it too.
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I truck drove for many years and just quit I hated it, new job is a flight dispatch at 141 school I found some similarities
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
6:05 Westwind was bought by United Airlines and is now the United Aviate Academy. I believe...
Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!
I just applied thanks to this video.
Excellent! I’m rooting for your success :)
Thank you, I have a phone interview January 3rd. I am 46 year old law enforcement officer eligible for full retirement. Your channel is a great resource for guys like me.@@trent_dyrsmid
Good to hear. I’m rooting for your success :)
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
Excellent content. I just got my mutli-engine ATP and have amassed 1600 hours mostly through being a CFI. I Saw your stuff and its on point and highly recommend to all your viewers.@@trent_dyrsmid
Thx!
Trent, Are you not eligible for any of the tuition reimbursements being offered bu regionals, since you did not go to a big box academy?
Correct. But I’m really not worried about it. My path was faster than they could provide…. Not to mention a lot CHEAPER!!
I’ve also been driving and living in a semi-truck and training student truck drivers for Swift Transportation, my trucking company, and I’m looking to get started with flight training soon.
I’m from a foster care background, so there’s no way I’m getting the co-signer that a private aviation loan requires to train at a private academy. If I’m going to get a loan, it would have to be a federal subsidized or unsubsidized loan.
Recently, I’ve started looking into Sinclair College’s program in Dayton, Ohio, because I can literally move anywhere plus my company has tons of shorthaul automotive freight in Ohio/Michigan so I can casual drive on the weekends if need be. Because it’s a college program, I’m hoping to be able to use federal loans for whatever I can’t pay out of savings.
Still feeling this idea out, and I haven’t actually checked out Sinclair College yet, but we’ll see how it goes!
Sounds promising! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
I’d love to chat with you and Geoff about my airplane leaseback business and pick your brains. I definitely need to determine when to scale.
Happy to read an email with your questions. Not sure I’ll have any answers though.
There is not much left to pick at! 😂
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Hey man I want to officially start the path to obtaining my PPL it is a little difficult due to me working 40 hrs a week and its expensive but I understand that Scholarships are an option, recommendations?
I put everything I was able to find into my video on scholarships.
This guys resume must be CRAZY!!!
Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!
Mr. Dyrsmid., I do have a question that I feel you and Mr. Jacob’s are the perfect people to ask with your experience and knowledge of the industry. However, it is not something I’m 100% sure I’m comfortable putting in the general comments. Is there a way to reach out to you or Mr. Jacobs.
You can DM me on IG.
I'm a truck driver looking to do the same thing and get into aviation and become a pilot as my "career 2.0"
Go for it! Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
Wow, another beautiful interview. Unfortunately, they have high standards torwards the first officers. I got an 820TT, 150AMEL, 226.9 Inst, and I didn't fit. I'm in my mid-40s, I also was a truck driver for many years, also live in the truck, and pay for my flight school. I started working on my CFI but the money ended it and I had to stop that training. I do a little ferry flight around the N. America and fly my friend C-182 practicing my CFI maneuvers. I'm sending applications to everybody but so far nothing. Not enough hours.
Hours are KEY….though if you network enough you might be pleasantly surprised one day.
@@trent_dyrsmid
Ya, what else I can do, just keep flying do not give up, and push myself forward to my goal. Right now I'm reading my FOI oral and standing about my written tests.
I wish happy Holidays to everyone!!!!!!!!
I’m rooting for your success :)
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
@@trent_dyrsmid
Thank you.
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Hey Mr. Trent, I’ve been watching your videos for a few days now. I’m 30 years old and have been a professional firefighter for the past 10 years. I’m looking to make a career change and plan on paying off all my debts, quitting my job, and perusing a commercial pilots license in the same manner that you did. My question though is, I don’t have a degree. Will I be wasting my time perusing this without a college degree. I’ve heard that airlines only hire people with a degree.
Not at all. I do not have a degree either.
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
No degree required anymore.
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Do you know where I can try with 500TT 60 instrument 370 xc
Not off the top of my head.
I'd love to talk to Geoffrey. How do I get a hold of him? I'm a career 2.0 pilot changing from law enforcement in South Florida into aviation with some hours already. I am local to Silver and would love to chat with him!
I’d suggest LinkedIn. Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
Hoover…. I was in VS-31, 92-96
🙌
I was in VS-29 at the same time. NASNI
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how many hours did Jeff have when he started flying for AHP?
I’ll have to defer to Geoff on that one.
I had around 700 when I started with DPS. 500tt was the minimum.
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I have one question , I'm 55 years old and if I start pilot training with ATP in 2024 and complete training and gain my 1500 hours in the next 15 months. I will have about 6 years of flying time with a airline. Do you think a airline will hire and invest time and money in training with only 6 years of availability
Yes. I know a guy who just got hired at 57 by a regional.
BTW, I’ve got a free email course on how to become a professional pilot as fast as possible. The course covers things like how to study to the written exams, how to pick a school, how much to expect to spend, how to get financing, etc….If you’d like to gain access, just go to FlyWithTrent.com and become an email subscriber.
The answer is yes!
I've been told by a United pilot friend they're hiring up to 60.
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Can you be a regional pilot in the USA with a beard even if trimmed and well maintained as for religious reasons i cannot shave. Therfore will i ever get a job in the usa?
No idea. Ask Google :)
Isn’t SkyWest independently owned?
I have never actually checked 🤷♂️
Hey Trent, sorry to post this comment here but wanted to ensure your email list didn’t get hacked. I received an email from you at 3pm central time and it was just a bit off from your typical email. Trying to get people to click on a ton of hyper links within the email itself. Hope all is well formal and nothing to be concerned of. Cheers
That was from me. I just created a new email sequence to teach people how to select a flight school. All those links are to my videos on the same topic.
Great to know. The reintroduction felt like it was someone trying to start your story all over again. I appreciate the clarification.
If you read the emails you receive over the next couple of days, you will see why I put all my existing subscribers into the sequence.
Man this guy can talk…..
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. It all helps my channel to grow and help more guys/gals like us!!
He got fired for arresting a politician doing 109 in a construction zone?!? Wow...seems like a classic case of wrongful termination...no?
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I like your videos but the spam emails I receive from you are very annoying
I do not send spam emails. If you joined my email list, how can my emails be spam? By joining my list you literally said “I want to receive your emails” 🤦♂️
Maybe you should remove yourself from my email list.
ace pilot interview ? this was autobiography
Thanks so much for watching one of my videos! I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment!
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