American Gouge

Format: In Person (Dallas–Fort Worth / AA Training Center)

Sections: HR, CRM, Scenario-based

Dress: Dark suit, white shirt, conservative tie

Introductions

Candidates are greeted in the lobby and escorted through document check-in. Logbooks are reviewed early and must be complete, accurate, and well-organized. Originals are required; digital backups are acceptable as supplements.

After check-in, candidates watch a short company video in the museum before being escorted to the interview area near the DC-3. Interviews are conducted by two line pilots. The tone is professional, welcoming, and conversational, but structured.

Expect the interview to begin with light conversation and background questions to break the ice.

HR

The HR portion focuses heavily on behavioral-based questions. Expect in-depth follow-ups and scenario variations. Interviewers are looking for maturity, judgment, self-awareness, and how you interact with others—not perfection.

Common Themes & Questions:

• A time you were overwhelmed or under pressure

• A time emotions affected your performance

• A time you had conflict with another pilot or crewmember

• A time you disagreed with a decision or policy

• A time you made a mistake and what you learned

• A time you demonstrated leadership

• A time you had to change your communication style

• A time you had to give or receive difficult feedback

Tips:Use the START method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Takeaway).

Scenario Based

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Typical Setup:Short to medium-length flight (e.g., LAX–PHL, SFO–BOS, DEN–ATL).Aircraft type is usually implied.You’ll brief the flight, identify threats, and explain decisions as they evolve.

Common Topics:

• Takeoff and abort considerations

• Weather and alternate planning

• Fuel planning and diversion logic

• Automation use and mode awareness

• Abnormal and emergency scenarios

• CRM and communication with FO, FA, Dispatch, and ATC

Example Scenarios:

• Engine failure or pressurization issue enroute

• Weather deteriorating below minimums

• Tailwind or contaminated runway on arrival

• Medical emergency onboard

• Conflicting information from ATC, Dispatch, or FO

• Aircraft performance concerns (landing distance, braking action, icing)

CRM / Decision-Making Debrief

After each scenario, expect reflective questions such as:

• What went well?

• What would you do differently?

• What risks were you managing?

• What CRM principles were most important?

Wrap-Up

Final questions often include:

• Why American Airlines?

• What do you bring to AA?

• Any checkride failures or disciplinary history?

• Are you interviewing elsewhere?

• Do you have any questions for us?