Question:
I was recently "terminated" from a training program as a street captain with a regional airline. Due to, "lack of progression in pilot training". My background is all Part 91/135 co-pilot experience. I also recieved an "unsat" on the oral and what was otherwise a perfect training record. (I was told this will be on a PRIA report.) As of today I recieved an interview opportunity with [another airline] and a Part 135 company. (great news)

My question is...how do I present this to a potential employer? I have no violations or suspensions. My driving record is clear.

This regional airline made it sound like my career is over. Is it? Looking forward to hearing from you

Answer:
Of course your career is not over! If I had a nickel for every pilot I know that has failed training and continued on with a successful career I would be a rich woman!
You aren’t the first to fail training, nor will you be the last. Sure, it’s a blow to the ego…but certainly not a career buster.

Having said that, there is an appropriate way to approach the issue with your interviewers. Take responsibility and be accountable – it is after all YOUR bust. That bust resulted in termination of employment. The term “lack of progression” is a common catch-phrase for the cause of termination. It can also be an indicator that the employee poses a potential problem with skill level (particularly if it is associated with sim training.) In your case it appears – from what you have illustrated – that your bust occurred at the oral stage. Therefore my inclination is that the term was used as the typical “catch-all.”

So, when explaining the situation to an interviewer stick to the facts of what happened. You will want to illustrate what you have learned and most importantly - what you are doing to be sure this doesn’t repeat in the future. Quite simply, the interviewers want to know they aren't going to waste their training dollars on you for repeating the same mistakes. Be prepared – they are going to ask if you were afforded the opportunity of a re-take.

Yes, it will appear on your PRIA (Pilot Records Improvement Act.) If you were employed by an airline you must disclose where you worked. The new airline is required by law to request your training record from all places where you were employed as a pilot (PRIA.) You are also entitled to a copy of your training records - so at the same time you sign the release of those records to the new company also request a copy be sent directly to you. If you want to see your records before signing a release form and waiting for someone else to submit it you can visit the company and ask to review your training file. Your record is your record and you are entitled to view it. You may also call and request a copy be sent to you. They may charge you for this request, but it is worth it to know what exactly was written about you in your training file.

Good luck with your interviews!

Regards,
Lori Clark