Pilot interview prep from selection-board experience

V1Ready pilot interview coaching

Refine your resume, strengthen your application, and practice the interview conversations that matter before you walk into the room.

30+ Years with Southwest Airlines
Chief Pilot Phoenix leadership experience
Selection Boards New Hire Pilot and Destination 225
Retired 2024 Still mentoring the next generation

Meet your mentor

Bob brings airline hiring experience into your prep.

Bob in pilot uniform at an airport gate with a Southwest aircraft behind him.
Bob O'Neil Retired Southwest Airlines Chief Pilot
Selection board experience Destination 225 insight US Air Force veteran

My passion is helping set up the next generation of commercial pilots for success. Whether it is refining an application/resume or preparing for an interview, it is my sincere desire to help you succeed.

I bring more than three decades of airline experience to my coaching, having spent over 30 years with Southwest Airlines, including serving as Chief Pilot in Phoenix for over half of that time. As Chief Pilot, I sat in on virtually every Southwest Airlines New Hire Pilot and Destination 225 selection board. This gave me a clear, practical understanding of what major commercial airlines are truly looking for in their pilots.

Since retiring in 2024, I have continued doing what I enjoy most: helping pilots succeed. I worked as a Liaison for the Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program, and I currently serve in that role with CAE Oxford.

I hold a Master's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and have served on the Industry Advisory Boards for both Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Arizona State University. I also taught as an Adjunct Professor for Arizona State University Polytechnic.

Prior to Southwest Airlines, I proudly served in the United States Air Force.

Prep options

Focused help for the moments airlines evaluate closely.

01

Resume & Application Review

I offer a detailed Resume & Pilot Application Review designed to help you present your qualifications with clarity, professionalism, and precision. After reviewing your materials, I will provide a revised version with my suggested edits so you can clearly see how to strengthen your content, formatting, and overall presentation.

We will then meet for a 15-minute call to walk through the changes together, ensuring you understand the reasoning behind each recommendation and how to apply them moving forward. I also focus on aligning your application with what airline recruiters are actively looking for, helping you avoid common pitfalls and stand out in a competitive hiring pool.

How the prep works

Practical, direct, and built around airline expectations.

01

Send the materials

Share your resume, application details, or interview target so the session has context.

02

Practice with intent

Work through airline-style questions, decision scenarios, and professional storytelling.

03

Leave with direction

Get direct feedback that helps you tighten your message and avoid common hiring pitfalls.

Start your prep

Get ready before the interview call comes.

Email Bob directly with the service you need, your timeline, target airline, and any application or interview details you want him to know.

Direct email

Send Bob a note to start your prep.

Include whether you are interested in the resume/application review, interview prep, or both.

Email Bob bob@v1ready.com