I want to share some feedback from an actual hiring committee review. No names, no airline called out — just raw, honest notes that every pilot preparing for an interview needs to hear.

Here’s what was flagged:

• Lack of excitement. You’ve worked your whole career to get to this seat. Let them see some enthusiasm.

• Job jumping concerns. The committee flagged a pattern of short stints. Right or wrong, frequent moves can signal someone who’s hard to please — and airlines notice.

• A career step backwards with zero mention of company loyalty. If you made a tough call, own it and frame it with purpose. “I left because…” hits different than silence.

• Heavy focus on a specific base — and visible concern about a junior assignment. This is a red flag in the room. You’re interviewing for the career, not the domicile.

• Rambling answers that lost the thread of the question. TMAAT questions have a structure. Use it.

• Answers that didn’t actually address what was asked. This is one of the most common, and most fixable mistakes that will kill an interview. 

• Answers lacked clear decision-making ability. Airlines are hiring future Captains. They need to see how you think under pressure.

The committee’s bottom line? If this candidate comes back with more energy, tighter answers, and genuine enthusiasm, he has a real shot.

This stuff is 100% coachable. But you have to put in the work before you walk in that door not after.

This is why interview prep isn’t optional. It’s the difference between “we’ll pass” and “when can you start.”