Why you didn't get the job
Years ago a good friend told me that his son, who sincerely wanted a flying career, enrolled in a university aviation program. After his graduation, I recommended flight instructing so that he could acquire the hours necessary for an airline transport certificate (ATP) and commuter airline employment. That was the nonmilitary fast track to the commuter airlines and many corporate flying jobs.
I also said that the school he selected for flight instructor training might hire him as a flight instructor, because of his familiarity with their business, personnel, training philosophy, and operating procedures. And if that school had a multiengine airplane, he might be able to fly it at a reduced rate in order to acquire his multiengine and multiengine instructor ratings and his ATP certificate.
I flew with him on three occasions while he was training for his instructor certificate. Long sideburns, jeans, a T-shirt, and an unhappy facial expression were usually the order of the day. To the owners and managers of most flight schools in my area, this was a negative image, and consequently the schools did not hire him. Believe me, as a CFI and CFII student -- the instrument instructor credential is usually an employment requirement -- you are constantly evaluated by management with respect to future employment.
I recently interviewed two candidates for a flight instructor position. The first one, who graduated from a university flight training program, showed up wearing an earring and a long-sleeve shirt. The other one had a haircut that resembled a mop and several tattoos on his forearms. Both interviews were over in 10 minutes. Airplane sales is a large part of our business, and employee and facility appearance is critical.
I don't know what is condoned in other parts of the country, so don't be offended if this image is acceptable in your locale. In my area, however, those images will not lead to employment. Why not? Because of the competition. There are too many kids who want these jobs, look sharp, and have a friendly demeanor. They do not overdress, but their clothing and personal expressions convey a sharp, friendly image. To a customer-oriented business, that means more customers and more business.
Airlines have a similar problem. The pilots who cause the most problems as employees are easy to spot. They don't wear their hats; their hair is freakish; they may be wearing non-approved jackets or shoes. During their preemployment airline interview, however, they would have promised to wear spike-heel shoes, a purple leotard, and a pink tutu if that was the required uniform. The airlines spend millions to ensure that their pilots look professional. This creates a favorable image with their customers; that's a fact.
While chief instructor at another flight school, I was told by management that the son of a well-known celebrity and pilot would be calling me for a flight instructor interview and that I would hire him. You should have seen what showed up for the interview. The sloppy image was surrounded by an envelope of pure arrogance, because his famous father was closely involved with the company's owner. I had a few heated discussions with my boss, but that individual was not hired.
If you are the director of a university or community college aviation program, do your students a big favor. Make certain that the importance of the proper image and attitude is pounded into their heads. Your students' success reflects the quality of your school, and that success is based on much more than aviation knowledge and piloting skills.
Here's my advice for employment: If your appearance, attitude, and knowledge are above reproach, apply for the best jobs and include a photograph and recommendation letters with your r�sum�. The doors for advancement will open much faster. Above all, don't telephone a flight school and ask if they are hiring. That conveys laziness, so you can be certain that the answer you hear will be "no."
Ralph Butcher, a retired United Airlines captain, is the chief flight instructor at a California flight school. He has been flying since 1961 and has 25,000 hours in fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Visit his Web site.
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