Did you know that ExpressJet Airlines offers internships for students interested in a career in flight operations? An internship at ExpressJet provides you with the opportunity to gain an inside look at the aviation industry from a regional airline’s perspective.

Interns are able to see the daily functions and career possibilities in aviation, and work in the fast-paced environment managing one of the best and biggest regional airlines in the country. You’ll gain valuable professional experience that you will be able to apply to various aspects of your potential career.

Program Overview
This is an opportunity to learn from our engaged pilot recruiting team members, make valuable and lasting contributions to ExpressJet, and gain a network of mentors who are invested in helping you develop both personally and professionally.

Compensation
This is a competitive, paid internship opportunity. Interns will earn $9.25/hour for 28/hours per week, and will also receive personal flight privileges (free and reduced fare travel) for the duration of the internship. The curriculum of our internship program allows for it to be counted toward college credit at many colleges and universities across the county.

Daily Responsibilities
We tailor each internship the individual. If you’re interested in a particular subject or project, we’ll make sure you get an opportunity to pursue that. While no two days are the same at ExpressJet, here are some of the items you can expect to participate in:

• Assist in the coordination and execution of pilot recruiting events
• Provide supplementary support to EPIC Ambassadors
• Conduct guided facility tours
• Contribute in electronically disseminating information to Airline Pathway Program members
• Attend on-site activities (career fairs, industry events, etc.) as needed
• Support various office administrative duties

Qualifications

• Must be a college student/recent graduate with an interest in an aviation-related career
• Solid organizational and project management abilities
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint with a general understanding of data analysis techniques
• Ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team as well as acting autonomously as appropriate
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must hold a commercial engine rating

Applications for our fall semester interns are due by May 31. Remember, you will arrive as an intern but leave as member of the ExpressJet family.

Frequently, in the recruiting conversation, the term “work rules” is repeated consistently. However, do you really know what these work rules are and how they benefit you? Do you really know how these work rules apply to your job as a future pilot? With more than a dozen work rules for each airline it can become overwhelming to remember it all. There’s a lot to think about when you’re making your decision on where to begin your commercial aviation career. We aim to help you make the smart choice for your future by giving you the information you need to make an informed decision. Below you can find some of our work rules, and information to help you make the right decision for you.

Per Diem: Term to describe the method used by flight crewmembers to account for their meals and incidental expenses paid by the company while they are on the road

At ExpressJet we offer a per diem rate of $1.85/hr. effective on the date we signed our new contract extension and an increase to $1.90/hr. effective 18 months after your date of signing. That currently adds up to $44.40 per 24 hour day away from home.

Pay Protection: Guaranteed pay

Crewmembers receive full pay protection for cancelled or reassigned flights at ExpressJet. If your flights/trip becomes cancelled, you are still paid at the same rate as if you were still flying a trip.

Deadhead Pay: From time to time the airline needs to reposition crewmembers to another city to fly their next flight. They fly as passengers in the back with the passengers, and here at ExpressJet our crewmembers are paid their full hourly rate to do so.

We provide 100% deadhead pay when crewmembers are repositioning for work.

Duty/Trip Rig Pay: Trip rig pay is based on time away from base. Duty rig pay is the amount of time based on the duration of time spent on duty.

At ExpressJet we offer duty/trip rig pay on top of pay for time in the air.

Our ERJ trip rigs are:
4 day trip = Minimum 15 hours of pay
3.75 hours of min day pay for an off day pick up
3 hours of min day pay for a calendar day layover on a trip
2 hours of min day pay for a flying day during a trip

Our CRJ duty rigs are:
Paid 1 minute for every 2 minutes of work up to 12 hours (1:2)
Paid 1 minute for every 1 minute of work after 12 hours (1:1)
3.87 hours of min day pay

Profit Sharing: A benefit where employees are able to receive a direct share of the profits made.

ExpressJet’s Scoreboard Rewards program rewards our people for company performance. All employees receive equal monetary rewards based on meeting our performance goals, paid out quarterly. In addition, we offer a profit-sharing program that shares our company’s profits with all team members. Our pilots will receive a minimum guaranteed profit-sharing payout for 2016 ($1,000) and 2017 ($1,500). Total value of profit sharing payments shall be equal to 6% of the net profit of ExpressJet Airlines, distributed equally among all eligible pilots, or the minimum guarantees, whichever is higher.

We want to help you make the smart choice for your future by providing you with the information you need to know. If you have any questions about our industry leading work rules, visit flysmartchoice.com or contact pilotrecruiting@expressjet.com.

This summer we’re inviting flight students to get creative to earn $1,000 for their organization or school with our #AP3SummerFun Video Challenge. Gather your flight team, aviation student organization (OBAP, WAI, Alpha Eta Rho chapter, etc.) or flight school friends to create a video about why you love aviation, your school and AP3. To enter, post your video on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #AP3SummerFun between June 1 and July 13.

Who can enter?
The contest is open to all Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3) members age 18 and older. Students are encouraged to participate as a group (think flight team, aviation student organization, Alpha Eta Rho chapter, etc.). Each team must designate one person as their representative to post the entry and to accept the prize on behalf of the team. This will be the person contacted if your video is deemed the winner.

How do I make the video?
Use any device to capture your video, and any style, format, theme and idea you’d like. The more creative the better! We do have a few guidelines:

• Do not use footage that was obtained by breaking FAA rules or any other laws (e.g. filming in the flight deck while in flight)
• Include why you love aviation, your school and AP3
• Bonus points for a shout-out to your EPIC Ambassador(s)
• If you need music for your video, we encourage you to create your own or use a legally purchased (or free!) track (here are two good websites for copyright-free music: freestockmusic.com, audiojungle.net)

How do I submit the video?
All videos must be posted on a personal or organization Facebook or Instagram page between June 1 and July 13 with the hashtag #AP3SummerFun. You may submit as many videos as you’d like during that timeframe to up your chances of earning $1,000 for your organization or school. Only videos posted to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #AP3SummerFun will be considered.

What are the prizes?
The first place team will win a $1,000 grant to their organization or school, ExpressJet-branded gear, free simulator sessions in Atlanta or Houston, and a dinner with ExpressJet. Runners up will receive ExpressJet-branded gear.

The $1,000 grand prize will be made out to the organization it was submitted under. For example, if John Doe submitted the winning video on behalf of the College Flight Team, the check will be made out to College Flight Team. If the winning video is submitted by an individual, non-affiliated group or an organization without a formal governing authority, the grant will be made out to the winners’ flight school.

Other prizes will be given to/coordinated with the person who submitted the winning submission. The selection committee will not be involved in dividing up the prize among teams or otherwise, nor will the committee be involved in any disputes among teams or collaborators.

What are the judging criteria?
A review committee of pilot recruiters will judge each video on the following criteria. Each criterion will be judged on a 1-5 point scale, and weighted as described below:

• Followed all guidelines – 20%
• Creativity – 50%
• Demonstrated a passion for aviation – 10%
• Showed school pride – 10%
• Included AP3 – 10%
• EPIC Ambassador Shout-out – Bonus 10%

How will winners be notified?
The selection committee will notify the winner using the social media platform the video was submitted through. We expect to name a winner on July 15, 2016. You must respond to this notification within three days. As a condition of receiving your prize, you (and members of your team, if applicable) must sign an affidavit confirming that you followed all rules and are otherwise eligible to receive the prize (including having secured all necessary permissions to incorporate third party content in your video).

 The Rules

• You must enter your submission online during the entry period by posting the video on your personal social media platforms with the designated hashtag. Submissions without the hashtag will not be considered or judged.
• Video must be less than three minutes in length (including opening and closing credits).
• Video must be narrated in the English language.
• Video must not infringe any third party copyright or trademark, or violate the rights of any person or entity, unless written consent is received. Only use content in your video that you are authorized to use, including, but not limited to music, images, film clips and other intellectual property.
• To be eligible for the prizes, you (and/or your team) must be the copyright owners of the video and all of its component parts, or you must have express permission via a license or otherwise to use and incorporate all material authored or owned by third parties into the video. Note that this provision is not intended to preclude you from incorporating public domain content into your video.
• Video may not contain images or likenesses of any individuals who have not provided their authorization to have their images or likenesses used for the purposes contemplated herein.
• Video may not contain material that is obscene, defamatory, libellous, threatening, pornographic, offensive, or encourages conduct that would be considered a criminal offense, gives rise to civil liability, or violates any law (including, without limitation, the privacy or publicity rights of any individual whose likeness appears in the video).

Privacy
By entering into this contest, you consent to the use of your name and other personal information submitted through your entry (including, but not limited to your social media handle and school affiliation) in promotions and other publications.

 Remember to use the #AP3SUMMERFUN hashtag when posting your videos online. Good luck!

For the second year, ExpressJet was proud to support Wings for Autism, an airport “rehearsal” program specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

The program, which takes places across the country in various airports, provides families the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security and boarding a plane. ExpressJet provided an aircraft and crew for 141 participants, including 45 children and their families. After checking in and going through the security checkpoint at Baton Rouge Metro Airport, the children boarded the plane for a quick ride down the runway.

Wings for Autism alleviates the stress many families experience when flying with a child with autism or intellectual/developmental disabilities. The event allows children and individuals to experience the new sights and sounds of flight in a structured learning environment at their own pace.

Thanks to our crew and team members who participated and helped to coordinate the special event.

Former ExpressJet Flight Ops intern Marcel Graham (left) is serving as a CFI at AeroSim Flight Academy to earn his hours

Student pilots who pursue degrees typically graduate without having the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated 1500 hours of total flight time. Graduates average slightly higher than 300 hours of total time by the end of their senior year. This leads to students pursuing other avenues to build their time until they are ready to start their commercial aviation career. While there are many options to build your flight time, most pilots opt to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to build time.

As a CFI you will be responsible for instructing student pilots in flight procedures and techniques, preparing instructional lessons and monitoring student performances. This option is advantageous because you are building your flight time in a structured environment, being compensated for your instruction and impacting the life of another aspiring pilot simultaneously.

Some of the advantages of becoming a CFI include:

• Gaining familiarity with how to appropriately respond to unforeseen weather, aircraft trouble and air traffic
• Networking with individuals who have a like-minded passion for aviation
• Log Pilot-In-Command time while providing flight instruction

Everyone’s timeline to 1500 hours is different, depending on the variety of students you are able to teach (the more certificates you hold, the more diverse your students can be), the enrollment size of your flight school, the amount of flight instructors currently working at the school and the size of the fleet available.  Most instructors report that it takes about a year and a half to accumulate 1500 hours.

If you are a member of the Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3) you are required to be a Certified Flight Instructor to build your total time. We recommend serving as a CFI because of its structured learning environment and because you’re supporting the next generation of aviators, though we consider candidates who build their time through any route.

And remember, you’ll earn 40-80 hours toward your ATP/R-ATP in ExpressJet’s new hire training so we encourage you to apply when you’re within six months of earning your hours. We also provide the ATP CTP Course for free (always!) in-house as part of paid training. When you’re ready, complete your application at expressjet.com/apply or AirlineApps.

Good luck building your hours!

Our Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3) team and EPIC Ambassadors have been working insistently to provide our AP3 students with an engaging summer away from campus. During the summer, we have several opportunities available for our AP3 students to remain engaged with us. We want to make sure everyone is in-the-know on the latest AP3 happenings at ExpressJet.

Here’s an overview of everything going on:

 AP3 Breakdown

• 58 schools
• 896 students
• 201 conditional job offers (CJOs)
• 144 EPIC Ambassadors
• 59 AP3 grads at ExpressJet

 AP3 Summer Camp

• Camp is an extension of our commitment of educating, engaging, and empowering future aviators
• Tailored to senior level students and/or certified flight instructors
• Provides an opportunity for student pilots to explore, grow, develop new skills and form lasting relationships

#AP3SummerFun Video Contest

• Opportunity for flight students to get creative to earn $1,000 for their organization or school
• Video is required to highlight why you love aviation, your school and AP3
• To enter, post your video on Facebook or Instagram with hashtag #AP3SummerFun between June 1 and Jul 13

AP3 Facebook Group

• Group is exclusively for AP3 members
• Check for events coming to your school, AP3 news, CJO recipients and more

Facility Tours

• Behind-the-scenes tour of ExpressJet’s facilities including our airport crew lounge, Flight Ops training center, maintenance hangar and Operation Support Center (OSC)
• Pilot shadow experience

Pilot Recruiting Events

• Recruiters are still busy at work during the summer traveling to various recruiting events
• Students interested in AP3 can schedule an interview during these events
• ExpressJet’s Pilot Recruiting Facebook page, expressjet.com/careers and flysmartchoice.com have the latest information on upcoming events

Our AP3 team is committed to keeping you engaged during this summer and on the clear path from our partner schools to the right seat at ExpressJet. Feel free to contact Captain Joey Cook, joey.cook@expressjet.com, with any questions about AP3.

As an extension of our recent work rules vocabulary article, we’re bringing you a new installment in our Aviation Vocab 101 series. Check out the first story in our series: Aviation Vocab 101: Work Rules

At the core of every airline, regional and major, is a commitment to safety. ExpressJet has one of the strongest safety records in the airline industry thanks to our crews, mechanics and operations team members’ focus on safety in their every day actions.

There are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated safety programs that carriers must follow, and several programs that ExpressJet participates in voluntarily to be proactive in safety.  ExpressJet is committed to providing our crews and passengers with the safest environment possible. Highlighted below are only a few of the programs that we incorporate into our daily operations here at ExpressJet:

Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP): The purpose of ASAP is to identify and reduce safety concerns, minimize deviations from Federal Aviation Regulations, and implement corrective measures that manage the risks as part of Safety Systems at ExpressJet. ASAP provides our pilots, dispatchers, mechanics, and flight attendants at ExpressJet with a voluntary, cooperative, non-punitive environment for candid reporting.

Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA): FOQA is a safety program that provides insight into potential safety risks, procedural compliance, aircraft health, and operational efficiencies through routine analysis of Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) data. The program is completely voluntary and is operated under a joint agreement between ExpressJet Airlines, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and the FAA.

Irregular Operations Report (IOR): IORs are the primary reporting program and two-way communication system of all events, recommendations, incidents, accidents and safety concerns to the Company, FAA and NTSB. It also creates a method for data collection, analysis, and dissemination to ExpressJet leadership, and allows the reporting employee to be informed of changes implemented based on their report and.or recommendation.

Safety Management System (SMS):  ExpressJet was the first regional airline to voluntarily implement the Safety Management System (SMS) program prior to it being required. SMS is a systematic and comprehensive process for managing risk and ensuring that our risk control methods are effective.

Line Operation Safety Audit (LOSA): A collaborative safety audit that places trained observers on flight deck jumpseats to collect safety-related data on environmental conditions, operational complexity and flight crew performance. The data are controlled, reviewed, analyzed and reported on by the LOSA Collaborative. This safety initiative has been recognized as an industry best practice for flight deck safety. ExpressJet conducted its first LOSA in April 2010.

We want to help you make the smart choice for your future by providing you with the information you need to know. If you have any questions about our safety programs, visit http://www.expressjet.com/safety/

Check out the other articles in our Aviation Vocab 101 Series:

• Work Rules
• Safety Programs

Three times a year we open our doors to invite students from across the country to experience all that ExpressJet has to offer. Fortunately for us, we consistently have the privilege to host the best and brightest individuals who have a passion for aviation. During this summer session we have four new interns joining our team for the next few months.

Meet our new interns:

Meet Stacy Gonzalez, Flight Operations Safety

Stacy attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Psychology and Safety in May 2016. Immediately after graduating she joined the ExpressJet team as an intern. Thus far, her favorite part of the experience has been the flexibility she receives to work in various safety related departments allowing her a panoramic view of the daily functions of one of the largest departments at ExpressJet. Her goal for the internship is to continue to work alongside various safety groups and to establish a foundation of knowledge that will be beneficial toward her career goals.

Meet Terrence Braddock, Flight Operations Safety

Terrence is an involved senior-level student at Middle Tennessee State University where he is majoring in Aerospace with a Professional Pilot concentration and a Flight Dispatch add-on. The highlight of his experience thus far has been the welcoming personalities and gestures made by the ExpressJet team as a whole. Many of our employees mention how they feel welcomed and a part of the team on day one. He hopes to learn more about 121 operations and the airline industry in general. His goal is to one day become a check airman for a respected airline.

Meet Brian Reedy, Flight Operations

Brian attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona where he is a double major in Aviation Business Administration and Aeronautical Science. Similar to his peers, his favorite part of the internship experience has been the friendly and uplifting environment at ExpressJet. From this experience he hopes to learn how an airline develops company culture. Many professionals in the industry consider ExpressJet to be highly recognized and respected. At some point during his experience he hopes to see what different departments are doing to ensure that the culture is held to such a high standard and held constant when the company is spread out over the entire eastern half of the United States. Long term, it is Brian’s goal to end up in a management position at an airline after serving as a pilot for at least a decade.

Meet Ryan Adler, Flight Operations

Ryan Adler is a student at the University of North Dakota majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Management. Thus far, his program highlight has been the autonomy in fulfilling assignments and the workplace respect he has received from the pilot recruiters that he works alongside. Being immersed in the internal operations of an airline is a priceless experience that most people won’t receive until they are a full-time employee. There are so many opportunities to contribute within the airline other than being a pilot, and Ryan knows he wants to be more involved than flying the line one day as a full -time employee. Similar to most young aviators, he hopes to fly for a major airline one day. However at some point he hopes to transition into a management position at an airline.

You too can become an ExpressJet intern. For more information please visit, http://www.expressjet.com/intern/.

In the world of aviation, we define our flight crew as personnel who operate an aircraft while in flight. Typically, our flight crew is comprised of a captain, first officer, and 1-2 flight attendants. When you join the ExpressJet family, you will hear some crew life terms that you will need to familiarize yourself with. Below are a few of the terms you’ll hear at an aviation career:

Reserve: New-hire pilots typically begin on reserve, which means they do not have a set schedule for the month and instead fulfill an on-call role for the airline. Even though the pilot may not know exactly where he or she is flying, they know which days they are on-call and which days they are off. Our reserve pilots are guaranteed 75 hours of pay each month at $37-40/hr. regardless if they hold a line or not.

Junior Man: In a seniority based system, the most junior pilots are called first to cover trips. Crew Scheduling will call junior pilots and assign them trips to cover if they are available. ExpressJet also offers voluntary “call me first” options for pilots who wish to pick up additional trips.

Crew Scheduling: The Crew Scheduling or Crew Support department is responsible for creating and revising schedules of pilots and flight attendants. They schedule the flight crew based on FAA regulations, labor work rules and company policy.

Operation Support Center (OSC): Commonly referred to as Operation Control Center (OCC) at other airlines, the OSC is a central coordination hub that supports our 1,800 flights each day through pre-planning, flight monitoring, crew scheduling and other essential tasks.

Overnight: The term used when our flight crew has to spend the night away from their home because of their flight obligations. ExpressJet has attractive overnight stays in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

We want to help you make the smart choice for your future by providing you with the information you need to know. If you have any questions about our crew life or work rules, visit flysmartchoice.com. In the upcoming weeks, we will be bringing you more aviation vocab terms.

Check out the other articles in our Aviation Vocab 101 Series:

• Work Rules
• Safety Programs
• Crew Life
• Performance

Superior performance is the key to success for any airline, both regional and major. It is an indicator of how well we are performing against our previous metrics, and measures how well we are meeting our business objectives. Within the airline community, we have several metrics that determine the success of our operation, including D:0, A:14, completion, controllable completion, delay code and first flight. Familiarize yourself with the following terms below:

D:0: On-time departure; doors closed and brake released within zero minutes of the scheduled departure time. At ExpressJet, this is recorded electronically via the ACARS system. It is essential that our flights depart on time in order to provide both our customers and major partners with an experience and service they can be proud of. A single late departure can cause negative consequences throughout the remainder of the day including delaying future flights, burning more fuel to make up for lost time, and possibly even causing customers to miss their connecting flights.

A:14: On-time arrival; main passenger or cargo door opened within 14 minutes of scheduled arrival time. The 14-minute “wiggle room” is because variances in the flight path (weather, rough air, etc.) make it difficult to pinpoint the exact time a flight should take. The Department of Transportation (DOT) uses this measure when reporting reliability of airlines.

Completion Factor (CF): Completion of scheduled flights – takeoff to landing. Flights cancel. It happens for a number of reasons – weather, Air Traffic Control (ATC), proactive reductions, maintenance, etc. An airline’s completion measures the percent of scheduled flights that are completed, and does not take into account the reason for flight cancellations.

Controllable Completion Factor (CCF): Completion of scheduled flights – takeoff to landing – but only taking into account those cancellations we have control over. For example, we can control if we have properly staffed a flight with a crew, but we can’t control a flight cancelled due to weather. The controllable completion percentage is always higher than or equal to the completion factor.

Delay code: When a flight doesn’t meet its D:0 or A:14 goals, there needs to be an explanation. Delay codes are input into the ACARS system explaining why a flight was late. Sometimes the gate agent holds the door for a late-arriving passenger, or perhaps catering arrived late. It might be that the flight was delayed on a previous leg and got to the gate late. All of these reasons are reviewed, and steps are taken to make improvements where possible.

First flight: The first flight of the day by an airline. Each airline define it differently (any flight before 6 am, any flight before 11 am that sat for 4 hours, etc.), but there is always a focus on the on-time departure of first flight.

We want to help you make the smart choice for your future by providing you with the information you need to know. If you have any questions about our performance metrics or work rules, visit flysmartchoice.com. In the upcoming weeks, we will be bringing you more aviation vocab terms.

Check out the other articles in our Aviation Vocab 101 Series:

• Work Rules
• Safety Programs
• Crew Life
• Performance

Pilot Recruiting set a New Year’s resolution to educate, engage, and empower aviators across the country. Several months later we are still committed to fulfilling our resolution. On Friday, July 22, ExpressJet launched a new program designed to benefit students learning to fly professionally – our Preferred School Program (PSP). With the launch of this program, we wanted to take a minute to share answers to a few common questions:

What is PSP?
ExpressJet’s Preferred School Program (PSP) is designed to give flight school students a clear path to ExpressJet upon earning their flight time and certifications. PSP is similar to AP3, but focused on part 61 and 141 flight schools. Students enrolled in the PSP are offered a competitive advantage with a guaranteed interview at ExpressJet early in their training which leads to a conditional job offer.

Which flight schools are included in this program?
We launched the program last week with our first partner school, Nashville Flight Training, and continue to add new, qualified partners. PSP is focused on part 61 and part 141 flight schools that meet our rigorous requirements, which include a comprehensive curriculum and at least 50 hours of flying per month for CFIs. Keep an eye on expressjet.com/psp for added schools; below are the first five in the program:

• Aviation Academy of America
• DCT Aviation
• Nashville Flight Training
• Skybound Aviation
• United Flight Systems

What are the benefits?
In addition to an early interview that leads to a conditional job offer (CJO) and guaranteed job after program completion, students have personal access to our recruiters who can help answer questions, offer advice and be a resource for the student.

If I join PSP, do I have to go to ExpressJet?
No – students are not required to sign a commitment to ExpressJet to join the program. We offer desirable bases, industry-leading training and pay, and great work rules, but sometimes ExpressJet isn’t the right fit. We understand that, and we’re here to help you make the best decision for YOU, even if it’s not us.

What does the PSP path look like?
Each school’s agreement is slightly different, but in general here’s the path you can expect:

1. Join PSP
2. Complete PSP testing (a version of our new hire pilot interview) after earning your instrument rating; if successful receive a conditional job offer (CJO)
3. Gain experience as a CFI to meet your ATP/R-ATP required hours (remember, you’ll gain 40+ hours in training, so it can actually be a bit less) and maintain a clean record
4. Complete an application at expressjet.com/apply when you’re within six months of reaching your ATP/R-ATP minimums
5. Select a date to start your ATP CTP class, paid for by ExpressJet, then start new hire training at ExpressJet (all training is paid)
6. Fly passengers as an ExpressJet first officer!

What is a CJO?
A CJO, or conditional job offer, means you’ve passed the PSP version of our new hire interview (congrats!). As long as you complete all the other requirements of the program, like keeping your nose clean, earning your hours and gaining experience as a CFI, you’re guaranteed a job at ExpressJet when you’re ready to start. And you don’t even have to complete another interview.

What’s the catch?
There is no catch! Our motto in recruiting is “educate, engage, empower” and PSP helps us fulfill those goals. It costs nothing to sign up, you’re not required to come to ExpressJet, and you get a leg up on your career.

Feel free to email Captain Joey Cook, joey.cook@expressjet.com, with any questions about PSP. Learn more here: http://www.expressjet.com/PSP/ .

Do you know what is consistently emphasized more than anything else in this industry, outside of safety? Through the title you might be able to guess – training. It serves as the foundation for your entire career. Every airline has their own new hire training program tailored to their aircraft types, culture and preference. Regardless of the airline you choose to fly for, you’ll need to know some basic terms related to training:

Recurrent: Once a year for four days pilots are required to undergo recurrent training to enhance their skills, learn any new or updated procedures, and refresh their knowledge on standards and requirements. It can include several different “lessons” including emergency procedures, learning new and/or revised procedures, and pilots can even request to review certain procedures based on their level of need.

Initial Operating Experience (IOE): We’re going to let you in on a secret – the first time you fly an actual CRJ or ERJ you’ll have real passengers in the back!  Your first flight in a CRJ or ERJ is in an operating aircraft with passengers on board – paying passengers who are expecting an experienced pilot to deliver them to their destination safely. This experience, called IOE, is a real-world test with an experienced instructor pilot intended to familiarize you with flying the line.

Full motion simulator: Also called a Level D Sim, the full motion simulator is an accurate replication of an aircraft flight deck and simulates the true movements, visuals and responses of the aircraft systems. It is used during flight training to simulate actual flight experiences that a pilot might encounter in a safe environment.

Line check pilot: This term is synonymous with line check airman. These individuals are senior captains with significant flight experience. It is a part 121 FAR requirement that pilots (both in training and out of training) must be observed by a line check pilot. While in the aircraft they are observing several different things including checklist usage, approach briefings, weather analysis and other operating procedures.

Type-Rating: Certification of a pilot to fly a certain aircraft type that requires additional training outside of the scope of initial pilot license and general training.

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): Certification that qualifies pilots to fly commercial, passenger-carrying aircraft.  The ATP certification training program (ATP CTP) became a requirement on Aug.1 2014. The CTP, which must be taken before a new pilot can take the ATP written test and obtain ATP certification, is usually completed independently by an aspiring pilot and can cost around $5,000. ExpressJet was the first passenger-carrying airline to receive FAA approval on an in-house ATP CTP course, which we offer for free to new hire pilots as part of our paid training.

Graphic Flight-Desk Simulation (GFS): Computer-based device that offers real-time simulation for the flight deck controls of an aircraft. Simulators are able to display realistic flight conditions and malfunctions.

There is a lot to learn when beginning your commercial aviation career, but ExpressJet is here to help you every step of the way. Our industry-leading training will equip you with the confidence to know how fly our aircraft safely, and grow in your career. All of our instructors are ExpressJet pilots, so they know our equipment, our values and our high standards. We have a 92% success rate and we are committed to making sure you are successful. ExpressJet doesn’t just train regional pilots, we train future major pilots.

We want to help you make the smart choice for your future by providing you with the information you need to know. If you have any questions about our training, visit flysmartchoice.com. In the upcoming weeks, we will be bringing you more aviation vocab terms.

Check out the other articles in our Aviation Vocab 101 Series:

• Work Rules
• Safety Programs
• Crew Life
• Performance

We are excited to announce that we are now offering our $1,000 post-tax pilot referral bonus to AP3 and PSP students! All students enrolled in our Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3) or our new Preferred School Program (PSP) who have completed testing and earned a conditional job offer (CJO) are eligible.

Here’s how it works:

• You (a CJO) recommend ExpressJet to a pilot
• That pilot lists you as their referrer in their interview and first day at ExpressJet
• Once the referred pilot successfully completes training, $1,000 is put into a “bank” under your name
• When you (the CJO) complete training at ExpressJet, you will receive all banked referral bonuses

There is no limit to the number of referrals a student can make, and all referral bonuses are worth $1,000 each with no additional tax taken out. That means that if you recommend 10 pilots who all successfully complete ExpressJet’s training, you’ll receive a check for $10,000 once you’re here! That’s it. There’s no catch!

What is a CJO?
A CJO is an AP3 or PSP student who has completed testing and has been given a conditional job offer (CJO) for a first officer position at ExpressJet. A CJO is an opportunity, not a commitment, to work for ExpressJet upon reaching ATP required hours (minus those you’ll earn in training!).

How can I get a CJO?
Students must be enrolled in AP3 or PSP at a partner school and have their instrument rating to complete AP3/PSP testing (our early interview). Upon successful completion of the testing, you’ll be offered a guaranteed position as a first officer at ExpressJet pending completion of all other requirements (including earning your hours, serving as a CFI and maintaining a clean record). To see if your school has an AP3/PSP partnership, visit expressjet.com/ap3 and expressjet.com/psp. Contact Captain Joey Cook (joey.cook@expressjet.com) with questions.

What do I have to do to recommend a pilot?
If you have a friend, family member, instructor or other pilot you’re close with and you recommend ExpressJet to them, we want to thank you with a $1,000 bonus. Once you’ve told that pilot about ExpressJet and they apply and interview, ask them to share your name at the interview as the referrer. The applicant will also have to share your name as the referrer during new hire orientation – their first day at ExpressJet.

When do I get the bonus?
All referral bonuses you earn will be put into a bank with your name for when you start at ExpressJet. Once you successfully complete training, you’ll be issued a check for every referral bonus you’ve earned. There is no limit on the number of referral bonuses you can earn! Refer 10 pilots, get $10,000.

Can I refer myself?
While we appreciate your ingenuity in trying to earn extra cash, no, you cannot refer yourself.

Can the person I refer then refer me?
Yep! That is one we do allow. If you refer John Doe while you’re still in school, you’ll earn a $1,000 bonus when you start for that referral. When you start at ExpressJet, John Doe can refer you and earn the bonus for himself!

What if I refer someone but don’t come to fly for ExpressJet?
If you choose not to fly for ExpressJet or you do not successfully complete training, you will forfeit any accumulated referral bonuses.

Our Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3) Camp has officially concluded today! The inaugural camp was developed as an effort to continue to educate, engage and empower future aviators across the country during the summer months when school is out of session. This aviation summer camp was tailored to students within our AP3 program that were senior level students or certified flight instructors.

Students applied by submitting an application, resume and letter of reference, and were chosen for a spot in the all-expenses-paid, three-day camp. AP3 Camp provided an opportunity for student pilots to explore, grow, develop new skills and form lasting relationships in a friendly, career-focused environment.

We hosted multiple sessions in both our Atlanta and Houston facilities in June, July and August. In total we had 42 students join us from 21 flight schools and universities across the country. Students attended from the following schools:

• Aerosim Flight Academy
• Auburn University
• Aviator College
• Bridgewater State University
• Central Washington University
• Delaware State University
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Falcon Aviation Academy
• Henderson State University
• Jacksonville University
• Kansas State University , Salina
• Kent State University
• Liberty University
• Louisiana Tech University
• Middle Georgia State University
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Oklahoma State University
• Utah Valley University
• University of Dubuque
• University of North Dakota
• Western Michigan University

Campers participated in a number of fun and nurturing activities. Here are a few of the camp activities they got to participate in:

• Behind-the-scenes tour of ExpressJet’s facilities including our airport crew lounge, Flight Ops training center, maintenance hangar and Operation Support Center (Atlanta)
• Tour of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Attend Delta Flight Museum (Atlanta) and 1940 Air Terminal Museum (Houston)
• Meet with ExpressJet leadership
• Sessions in our flight simulators
• Pilot shadow experience
• Professional development opportunities (headshots, mock interviews, resume critiques)
• Aviation Think Tank (campers present ideas to solve industry concerns)
• Bonding activities including Keemah Boardwalk, Painted Pin and Top Golf
• First officer interviews for eligible candidates

Check out some of the amazing moments from the camp below.

At ExpressJet, we understand that you may have flying or other obligations that prevent you from traveling to a traditional interview in Atlanta or Houston. We are committed to providing you with flexible availability that will allow you to interview with our chief pilots, who will serve as your advocates throughout your career, at any of our bases, at any time.

Here’s how it works:

1. Complete an application at expressjet.com/apply or via AirlineApps*
2. Choose a date and base to visit at tinyurl.com/XJTChiefPilots
3. ExpressJet recruiters – all pilots themselves – will contact you to confirm a date and time
4. Interview with a chief pilot, tour the base and – hopefully – leave with a conditional job offer (CJO)!

*Candidates must be within six months of earning ATP/R-ATP requirements

Why would I want to meet with a chief pilot?
Chief pilots are your support system at each base. Their role is multifaceted, focused on being an advocate and mentor for their pilots. They also oversee flight operations and performance in their base, and they’re the person you’d come to if you have questions about your schedule, have a family emergency or need career advice. It’s always good to get to know the “boss” before you start a new job, and this is your opportunity to see how great ExpressJet’s leaders are.

What is a chief pilot interview?
The chief pilot interviews are exactly like our regular pilot interviews in our Atlanta or Houston offices. You’ll meet with the chief pilot and a recruiter, complete a knowledge/skills test and an HR interview, and – hopefully – leave with a conditional job offer (CJO)! Besides not having to travel far if you’re local to a base, you’ll also get to tour your future digs, meet your future boss and get a taste of what your days will be like as an ExpressJet first officer.

Where can I interview?
You can interview at any of our crew domiciles: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston or Newark.

When can I interview?
Anytime. You tell us your availability and we will do everything we can to make that happen.

Where do I schedule my interview with my future chief pilot?
First, make sure you’ve completed a first officer application at expressjet.com/apply. Then, sign up for a base and date at tinyurl.com/XJTChiefPilots.

Once your information is received, a member of the ExpressJet Airlines Pilot Recruitment team will be in touch to set up your appointment. We’ll see you soon!

Immediately after completing training you will be propelled into the aviation world of “crew life”. As a new first officer you will be accompanied by a captain and flight attendants who might use crew jargon. We want you to be prepared to jump right into the conversation with them. Below are a few of the terms you’ll hear from your crew:

Nap: Occurs when a pilot leaves their designated hub late at night to arrive to their destination early in the morning. Upon arrival to their destination they have 3-4 hours at the hotel to rest and then immediately following fly back to their hub. CRJ pilots commonly refer this as a nap however ERJ pilots tend to call these “standups”.

Severe Weather Avoidance Plan (SWAP): When severe weather disrupts air traffic near a hub an airline will declare SWAP, which develops a strategy to manage the severe weather event while maintaining the daily operations of the airline. SWAP will hold the airline to a different set of rules when it comes to rescheduling, canceling flights, and other avenues of maintaining the safety of both passengers and crew during extreme weather conditions.

IROP (Irregular Operation): This occurs when a flight fails for any reason to operate on schedule is cancelled, or has a change of equipment which cannot accommodate all confirmed passengers boarded the aircraft during the check-in process.

Time-Out: Crews are limited to the amount of duty time they are legally able to complete each day due to FAA regulations and union contractual agreements. This period of time ensures that crews are able to get the mandatory rest they need in order to safely operate their next scheduled flight.

We want to help you make the smart choice for your future by providing you with the information you need to know. If you have any questions about our crew life or work rules, visit flysmartchoice.com. In the upcoming weeks, we will be bringing you more aviation vocab terms.

Check out Crew Life:Part 1:

• Crew Life

We are excited to announce that we are now offering an Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) scholarship to one student this semester. All students enrolled in our Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3) or our new Preferred School Program (PSP) who have completed testing and earned a conditional job offer (CJO) are eligible.

Who can enter?

Scholarship is open to all AP3 and PSP members

When is the deadline to apply?

October 21 is the deadline to submit all required materials, no exceptions

What materials need to be submitted?

• A brief essay explaining why this scholarship would benefit you

• An unofficial transcript

• Resume

Please submit all materials in one email to brittany.bunch@expressjet.com.

When will the scholarship be presented?

Scholarship will be presented on November 5 in Miami, Florida at the Second Annual Charity Golf Tournament presented by Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) South Florida Chapter. Student must provide their own transportation and lodging for this event.

Scholarship recipient must be able to receive the scholarship on November 5 in-person.

What are the judging criteria?

A review committee of pilot recruiters will score each submission on the following criteria. Each criterion will be judged on a 1-5 point scale.

• Scholastic achievement
• Extracurricular involvement
• Brief Essay
• Resume
• Private pilot with instrument privileges (minimum)

We look forward to reviewing your submissions.