Interview Questions and Answers Bristow Academy Sikorski 300CBi ASK: What are the most important priorities

of this position? ASK: Is there anything else that you see thats essential for the success of this position?

1. Tell me about yourself I have 3 years of teaching experience all over the country. Ive had the great fortune of flying with some amazing people and Ive even had the chance to fly with the police force in Iraq. My time as an instructor allowed me to build my management skills as I was required to set up appointments, schedules, and deadlines. This experience also allowed me the necessary creativity to build my own lesson plans as well as adjust teaching styles to best cater the student. The benefit of this was that it allowed me to teach to the individual students needs while still maintaining a strict deadline goal. Working around other peoples schedules quickly made time management and customer service some of my greatest skills. I also have a 100% pass rate for my students endorsed for knowledge and practical tests. In addition Im an FAA Safety Team Representative and when possible I volunteer my time creating seminars to raise helicopter safety awareness. 2. What are your greatest strengths? I have a proven track record of success with students based on the many satisfied students and 100% pass rate. Teaching is the greatest thing that Ive ever done and I enjoy helping a student discover and realize their love of flying. Because I get so much enjoyment from it, Im dedicated to give the students every opportunity for success while creating a professional and friendly atmosphere.

3. What do you think is your greatest weakness? I think my greatest weakness is that sometimes I push myself too hard. Occasionally I would set up or agree to an aggressive training schedule for multiple students without allowing myself enough time to rest in between. I frequently traveled across state lines in order to offer training several hundred miles apart and the constant movement caused me to become fatigued after a couple of weeks. Ive learned that I can still provide great training and service to my students without tiring myself out.

4. What did you like least about your previous job? Ive had the opportunity to work and teach some outstanding people. I guess if I had to pick one it would be the students who were consistently late for class and flights. I like to get things done, stay busy, be efficient and work with people. That lost time is a lost opportunity to focus on a task or maneuver that the student is having trouble understanding.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Im definitely interested in making a long term commitment with Bristow. I hope that in 5 years Im established in a position that will help Bristow succeed and reach its goals. Im certain that if I do my work hard, opportunities will open up for me.

6. Tell me about a time you failed. At the beginning of my position as an instructor, I allowed students too much leeway and freedom setting up their schedule. I allowed students to cancel repeatedly, I allowed laziness, and because of that, some students didnt meet their goals within the time frame we established. Ive learned to understand the customers needs but to be firm regarding schedules, deadlines and professional expectations.

7. Why should I hire you? Well I understand your need for an instructor that can both be a part of a team as well as an effective teacher. I have taught many students from sometimes very different backgrounds and I have learned to adjust my teaching styles to best suit the students needs. The years Ive spent managing and organizing the training I provide with realistic goals has taught me invaluable skill of professionalism, customer service and attention to detail. As a self motivator its important that Im constantly professional, dedicated, punctual and have great communication skills, otherwise the system of training breaks down.

8. Arent you overqualified for this position?

Because of my experience as an instructor, I believe that I could begin to contribute to Bristow immediately. I love teaching, and I dont consider myself overqualified, I dont believe anyone can be overqualified to teach. I believe that the more time I spend teaching, the more qualified I become.

9. Whats the toughest decision youve ever had to make? I think the toughest decision Ive ever had to make was being the guy who had to tell a new student that flying just wasnt for them. I had a student who would freeze under pressure and wasnt committed to the decision he made for a career flying helicopters. It was a difficult sit down with the student where we discussed his focus and I allowed him to state his own opinions, and at the end we both agreed that flying simply wasnt for him.

10. What changes would you make if you came on board? If I was to come onboard, I would take a good look at what Bristow does and understand why its done that way. I would have meeting with everyone necessary to discuss whats being done right and how they could be improved.

11. Why do you want to work with Bristow? Bristow has a long and outstanding history in the helicopter community. Its widely regarded as one of the best schools for helicopter training with top quality instruction and I want to be a part of that success. Its in a prime area for training purposes and I feel that I can benefit from the professionalism. Its a chance to be a part of a great team with new challenges and responsibilities.

12. Tell me about a time that your work was criticized? Throughout my career Ive received a lot of positive feedback from students whom Ive taught. I realize that Ive been criticized by student who havent grasped the weather concerns for helicopter pilots regarding my decisions to cancel flights, fortunately, Ive never been in a position where I was up in the sky wishing that I was back on the ground.

13. FATAL FLAW I realize my flying experience up to this point have been unconventional, however I can assure you that Ive conducted my own flight training to a professional and serious standard similar to that of a brick and

mortar school. I always check logbooks, perform thorough safety inspections, and create clear guidelines to students about what to expect and what may cause training to be canceled.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: What have previous employees done to succeed in this position? What do you enjoy most about working here? What are some challenges I may face in this position? Whats a typical work day like for this position?

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