> Especially if the pilot is not type rated for the particular airplanes the other airline flies. E.g. the experienced pilot currently is rated for Airbus A320 but the airline he's applying only flies Boeing 747.
That makes sense then because they are applying for a slightly different job.
It would make sense for a Java programmer to spend time prepping for a Python interview as well.
Languages are not monoliths though - a Java programmer might spend ten years focusing on one area of development, invested in one particular library or framework, or specific to one particular device - and then might spend time prepping for something different, still solely using Java.
In short - unless you really are just moving to ‘same job different company,’ not just same title, but same actual work - you’re gonna need to brush up while you’re trying to find your next gig. It helps you stay engaged with your profession, anyway.
Replace language with framework. The analogy works just ask well.
In programming you can apply to the same type of job using the same language, the same teamwork, in the same domain with 20 years experience and you’d still be expected to spend time practicing for a test that has almost nothing to do with your day to day work.
I don’t know anyone who spends time prepping for the work they plan on doing at the job they are interviewing for. They just brush up on leet code, or language syntax if they are interviewing for a place that uses a different language or framework share than they normally use.