Question:
Hi Lori,
Sorry for the intrusion, but I wondered if you might share your perspective on overweight applicants for pilot jobs you may have encountered in the past. How likely is a substantially overweight applicant to be rejected for this? What has crossed your mind in the past when you've interviewed such applicants?
I appreciate your viewpoint.
Answer:
Certainly no intrusion.
It is important to note that an interviewer can recommend not hiring you simply because they don’t like the color of your eyes. Thankfully, most interviewers are more savvy than that and set aside their own personal opinions when evaluating a possible employee. They are simply more concerned with two things:
1. Will you represent the company with a professional, positive image?
2. Will you fly their airplane competently and safely?
Beyond that, the only concern would be regarding egress from the aircraft. You must be able to egress from all emergency exits (including the cockpit if there is an exit located there) and be able to hold a first class medical.
I am not a doctor and medical opinion regarding “overweight” is best left to the medical professionals. Denying someone employment solely based on perceived weight issues is not typical of the interview evaluation process. Although many airlines conduct independent medicals by a licensed medical practitioner as part of their process, during which your medical health may come into question.
I wish you the very best.
Regards,
Lori Clark
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2 comments:
Great question. Do you know of many/any instances where obesity was the basis for determining that a candidate did not present a "professional image"?
I've participated in hundreds of pilot interviews and only one instance comes to mind where the candidates physical stature was discussed.
The discussion was literally very brief about egress from the cockpit escape hatch.
Ultimately it was not an issue and the candidate did get the job. That is, of course, my personal experience. I can't speak for interviewers from other airlines however.
Would love to hear if this is a widespread concern and invite additional comments!
Thanks for posting flyin' ute!
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