CitiExpress Recruitment

[Will964]

British Airways CitiExpress have just opened up there online application form. Requirements for us wannabes are:

For non-type rated applicants they require in excess of 1000 hours flying experience or successful completion of a CAA or JAA full-time integrated or part-time modular flying course, and have a minimum of 50 hours flying experience in the last 12 months.

The web page is:

http://www.bacitiexpressjobs.com

Goodluck!

[v12merlin]

Just read this on the BACX site.

Section: 7. Actual Flying experience - Your total amount of flying experience in the past 12 months for all types of aircraft must be over 50 hours. If you have not passed a fully integrated JAA or CAA course (i.e. you have taken a modular course) you must have 1000 + hours total flying experience, 50 of which must be in the past 12 months.

What's all this bull about modular students needing 1000+!!!!!!!!!!!

Talk about prejudice, what's next, pilots who've not attended public school need not apply? If anyone can tell me the real difference between a intergrated and modular courses apart from the obvious financial one I'd be glad to hear it. I'm pretty sure we all take the same ground school exams and flights tests, so why discriminiate modular? This stinks.

Merlin.

[Jinkster]

I am absolutely appauled about the integrated/ modular prejudice.

I think its absolutely disgusting and I am appauled.

Why dont the airlines just write to the CAA and ask them to stamp the front cover of our licence MODULAR or INTEGRATED, what a joke! :mad:

[Delta Wun-Wun]

Just tried to fill in application, but it will not accept it as I do not have 1000 hrs and I trained the modular route. As I have a family to support I could not afford to take 12 to 18 months off to complete an intergrated course........I suppose I could have demonstrated my maturity to Citiexpress by selling my house from under my kids feet, starving them for 18 months and completing an Intergrated course:ouch: :mad: :ooh: :(

[eghi r20]

confirms what i saw last week before they took it off line again...
A guy i trained with got in with 300hrs modular about 9mths ago and was no training risk.

does sound like double standards though...

[TheFlyingDJ]

A guy i trained with got in with 300hrs modular about 9mths ago and was no training risk.

Sounds promising for guys like me :) Completing the form :P

[delbert wilkins]

Conversation on their flight deck will be interesting if they're only willing to recruit rich kids who can afford integrated - if only i'd dumped my wife and kids onto the streets to pay for Oxford. That would have shown the required amount of commitment then wouldn't it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh well - don't want to work for a company who would prefer recruit pilots based on financial ability (or daddy's financial ability) rather than ability/suitability/CRM skills etc.:*

[atyourcervix73]

Look guys..I know its tough (Ive been there)

But what they ask for..and what they get can be 2 entirely separate things..keep at it, you'll get there

:ok:

[Cutoff]

It is true, it seems that you cannot apply as modular with the min hours.
Still not going to give up, there is always more than one way to skin a cat.

[Blinkz]

The question I want answered is why are they doing this policy? My guess is that they actually aren't stupid and for some reason they think that an integrated course is better then a modular, whether this is true or not they must be basing their decision on something. They have more experience then we do at running an airline and so they must have had better results with integrated people then modular.

[flying paddy]

Has anyone asked the question as to if this is legal. The caa does not differentiate between licences, everything is the same in each blue book. This does smack of ageism. Somebody needs to look into this, this could just as easy be a black/ white thing.

[Cutoff]

I have e-mailed BA to get their take on it.

[Blinkz]

Well its not ageism, anyone can do an integrated course, you can argue the older people are the ones that can afford to fund an integrated course.

What it comes down to is how the airlines think the different courses prepare the applicant for airline employment, yes both courses give the same bit of paper but bacx obviously seem to think that integrated candidates are a safer option. Its strange since I remember at the flyer commercial flying show last November bacx expressly said that they didn't care about the different training methods :confused: maybe they've had a bad experience with some modular people :}

[bumpfich]

Blinkz:

Its strange since I remember at the flyer commercial flying show last November bacx expressly said that they didn't care about the different training methods maybe they've had a bad experience with some modular people

I think you'll find that comments such as this at the professional Flight Training Show were made by Capt Ian Cheese, who unless I am mistaken, now works for Flybe!

Interestingly, Capt. Cheese also made an interesting remark at the time reminding anyone completing the 12 page application form to take their time, answer the questions, spell correctly and uses capital letters appropriately. Apparently 80% of applications are rejected for failing on these criteria. So, it’s particularly interesting to see the number of spelling errors on their web-based application form!

<bumpfich adorns hard hat and takes cover from the spelling police>

[ROSCO328]

I MUST AGREE GUYS AND GALS THIS IS BANG OUT OF ORDER AND STICKS OF HORSE :mad: !!SOMEONE READING THESE POSTS MUST BE IN A POSITION TO SHED LIGHT ON THE GOLDEN QUESTION OF "WHY INTERGRATED OVER MODULAR?".IM A MOD GUY CURRENTLY ON EFIS TURBOPROP AND EVERYDAY I THANK MY LUCKY STARS MY EMPLOYER DID NOT HAVE THESE DISGUSTING DOUBLE STANDARDS WHEN HIRING ME!! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE I KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE!!:ok:

[Cutoff]

I have had a reply to my mail, it was a mistake and the site has now been corrected!! Modulars can apply without the 1000hrs!!!

Phew, if you do not ask you do not get, you all owe me!!!

[Superpilot]

I agree with earlier comments, BACX must be bordering on legality with their "preference" for integrated students. The preference for integrated students makes one wonder... If integrated students are better according to BACX and others then it's logical to say (from their point of view and that of FTO's) that the best means of getting a job is to go integrated. Whilst OATS clearly admit there is a preference for integrated students amongst the airlines the airlines are far too big cowards to admit it. So many worried wannabes are frightened by the chances of not finding employment within the first couple of years after a modular course that they sign up for integrated courses. The success of the Oxford APP and CTC schemes highlights this trend. It’s madness, a £60k HSBC loan (through Oxford and CTC) ends up being £90k with the evil interest that gets stacked on top of it. With a house, a wife and a kid this is hardly achievable.

Oxford and CTC manage to somehow convince these airlines that their integrated students are the creme-de-la-creme, the airlines believe them (hardly surprising seeing that a lot of FTOs have either current or ex airline staff working for them). FTOs offering integrated courses make their money and the airlines couldn't give a rats ass about the under-privileged who went modular.

If this is the new disturbing trend then the price of integrated courses needs to come down (economies of scale) and subtle allowances need to be made for those with families/mortgages/bills (facts of life). In my opinion both integrated courses and modular courses are at their own extreme ends of the scale. There needs to be a middle way. A middle price. But I can only dream :{

Edited to say, that after reading Cutoff's comment I suspect a bit more than a mistake. How about pressure? :ok:

[Will964]

That’s good news for modular! I'm still stuffed as I have the integrated training but not the 50 hours flying time in the last 12 months. 12 hours MEP, 60 hours on sim, 30 of which is multi crew full motion jet, but not 50 hours of stuffing around in a 152! Oh well, plenty of others out there to bombard with my CV.

[v12merlin]

Cutoff, your a top man!

Just checked you right.

Merlin.

[Chuffer Chadley]

Well done, Cutoff.

You are spot on- we all do owe you one!

[Fellow Aviator]

In the application form, what do performance groups and examination passes mean?

[Hansard]

Ref the online application form, is it possible to complete a section, save the form and return to it later to complete further sections before submitting it?

[Delta Wun-Wun]

Yes it is possible to save the completed sections and go back later, provided that you have not submitted the final page.
Performance exams are pre-jar. They are interested in Perf A which if you completed JAR ATPL exams is included.

[Fellow Aviator]

Performance exams are pre-jar.
Thank you Delta Wun-Wun.

Again ref the application, in the flight experience section, what are 'PuT' hours, pilot under training?

[Capt BK]

Yup, sure enough my application has been accepted where it was declined yesterday - Cutoff you're my God of the day:ok:

CBK

[monkeyboy]

Latest word on the street (ie inside) is that approx 100 guys are serving their notice.

Now looks like a good time to be taken on.

Good Luck to you all!

[jam123]

Sorry but i a bit confused. The following is quoted on their website:

"For non-type rated applicants we require in excess of 1000 hours flying experience or successful completion of a CAA or JAA full-time integrated or part-time modular flying course, and have a minimum of 50 hours flying experience in the last 12 months."

from my understanding of this, you either have to complete a full time integrated or a part time modular. As these are the only two option, when would one need to satisfy the 1000 hr requirement?

:confused:

[ROSCO328]

MONKEYBOY

With ref the 100 or so guys working notice, what fleet are they on or is it across the board??

ALSO TO EVERYONE DOES ANYONE KNOW WHICH TYPE THE CURRENT RECRUITMENT IS FOR??

[FliegerTiger]

Jam,

I guess the 1000+ hours is for people who haven't flown 50 hours in the last 12 months.

FT

[monkeyboy]

It's across the board.

Guys who have come in recently (ie the past 3 months) are being placed on all three types but don't get your hopes up.

[CanAV8R]

Heh all,

I have a mate flying 145's in the US. 500 hours on type 2500 total, JAR ATPL and lives in the UK (commutes).

Will they look at him? One would think so.....

Comments?

[Butter side-up]

Isn't it the right of an employer to state what they are looking for? I certainly would.

If you do not like it or do not fit the criteria - look elsewhere for a job. The market is a lot better than it was a couple of years ago - so BACX certainly is not the only chance that you will have.

My advice - don't pick fights that you cannot win!

BSU

[speedy688]

Anyone know from past selection at what point they require proof of your flying hours? I'm just short of 50hrs but will be ok in about a months time. Do you take your logbook to interview or what?

[Firestorm]

Is no one curios as to why around 100 guys are serving notice? Sounds like an awful ot at once from a sinking ship!

[jamestkirk]

I think it's more the reason why the conditions were there. Why would an integrated person with 50 hours in the last month be more competant than a modular with 700 hrs (not me by the way)

It seems a very strange request to me.

Also, the advert now says 1000 + hrs, or Integrated, or modular. So does that mean a PPL with 1000+ hours can apply (obviously not). Now the website has been re-hashed in a confusing and not very HR professional way way, it does not mean the policy has changed. They may still just take integrated guys/girls. It will be interesting to see if any modular people get a job with them.

An airline is a coroprate entity like any other and all sorts of behind closed door arrangements go on. Plus an old boys network. Plus all types of incentives. Who knows. It happens to with most other corporate industries and airline people I am sure are no different.

[Maude Charlee]

It will be interesting to see how many applications they receive and how quickly. Last time they ran a recruitment drive (at the start of the year I think), they had 1100 applications within the first week alone! If the quantity of applications has dropped, or it takes considerably longer to reach stupid levels, then I think it would be fair to assume this is a good indicator of how much healthier recruitment is at the moment.

BACX isn't the only regional likely to lose a considerable number of pilots at the end of the summer. Lot's of people ready to move on in a number of airlines as soon as the summer ends and the charters ramp up the recruitment ready for next year. Get busy with the CVs. :D

[Squawk 2650]

Anyone know when the closing date is?? Wanna take a while filling in the form but dont wanna miss the boat!

S
:cool:

[flyingmasai]

Closing date is on the 05th of October.

[jaarrgh]

Glad to see that the threat of revolution has passed. The company seem very happy to take all sorts. My course was average 35 yrs old, 3000-1100 hrs, instructors, air taxiers, tug pilots and all modular. Its a great place to start a career and everyone is very friendly. I do believe that they are keen to get diversity as it makes a better team. Best of luck to you all.

In response to our friend Delbert on page 1, the conversation is just fine thanks and I am neither rich nor a kid! I am, however, extremely posh, I did go to public school and my Dad is very rich........ I think you are holding on a little too tight, unclench at once!

[jam123]

As many of you have had a dig about their initial policy of only recruiting integrated on their latest recruitement drive, i think someone in HR realised "oh no, someone may try to sue us, lets just add on modular and we won't run that risk"

Not realising thaT by adding the word "modular" into their criteria they have only made their selection criteria even more confusing!!!

Have their policy changed? I DON'T THINK SO!

Have they covered their Ar$e? YES!


Jam

[CosmosSchwartz]

Sue for what exactly? If an airline decides they only want Oxford cadets because they like the training setup there than that is entirely the choice of the airline. (Or FTE, or cabair etc.)

It's all about training risk. The airlines want to hire people with the least chance of failing. As the type rating course is an intensive course over a fairly short period of time they want to know how you'll cope.

Integrated courses are designed to get you from 0 to (frozen) ATPL in 15 months, give or take a few weeks. Modular, whilst still allowing you to do the same thing in the same timeframe, also allows you to spread it over a longer period of time to allow you to carry on working and live at home with the family.

So when faced with two similar people, one with the 15 month integrated course and one modular, say 2 1/2 to 3 years, who presents the lower risk for a short term intensive course? i.e. Who has done it before? For a zero hours applicant, you'd have to say the integrated. After a few hundred hours, that difference is irrelevant, hence the original mod + hours requirement.

It's all about risk. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, I'm just trying to explain some of the possible reasoning behind the int v mod train of thought. As always there are many exceptions and variances in the quality of candidates from both sides. At the very end of the long day (and even longer winded thread!) it comes down to supply and demand. Right now, they need pilots. As the pool of available pilots reduces so does the importance of how or where you trained. The only thing guaranteed is that if you don't apply you won't get the job!

Just concentrate on your own exams and flights, get your cv bang on and you'll be fine.

[nick p]

it's probably me but is anyone else having trouble getting on the application page.

[Dan761]

I'm having problems too. It keeps mixing up the order of my employment history once i hit send.

[nick p]

i can't even get on it

[Lolo737]

Had the same prob as Dan with the order of the employment history so I wouldn't worry too much - I actually deleted it all and started it again as I thought it was me but it seems to decide which random order it wants them in all by itself! I intend to complete it and submit an email mentioning it to the name given at the start (Gavin Hill I think)

Fingers crossed.

[Permafrost_ATPL]

OK, i know someone partially answered this already, but i need a bit more info... What exactly do they want listed when the ask for "Please List you performance examination passes"? Is that the scores for both M&B and Performance (JAR exams)?

Also... Since the closing date is Oct 5th, do you think there is an advantage in finishing the application early? I won't be done with my MCC for another couple of weeks (and thus I have no license number). Should I delay completing the application until that's done and I get my license?

Thanks!

[FliegerTiger]

You don't need to have done your MCC to apply for your CPL/IR

[Capt BK]

Just to put all modular guys at rest I sent off my application earlier this week and got a call this morning inviting me for an interview - Modular 480hrs TT:D

CBK

[davecr]

I also got the call this afternoon!! Manchester, 3 weeks from now :ok:

Integrated, around 200hrs.

[Troy McClure]

Capt BK. Check your PM's.

Troy.

[sideloader]

To the lucky ones that have been selected to attend an interview,

Did you have flown 50 hrs in the last 12 months?

Thanks

[flat-tire]

Got the call!

600 hours in the last 12 months and current on type.

[Capt BK]

sideloader,

Yup, 250ish hours in the last 12 months - most of it instructing.

CBK

[Permafrost_ATPL]

Congrats guys! I guess it answers my questions about whether they wait until all applications are in before calling people for interviews!

I am still trying to figure out what the answer should be to ""Please List you performance examination passes"?

Thanks!

[Capt BK]

Cant remember exactly what i put but it was along the lines of "JAR ATPL Performance - ##%"

CBK

[sideloader]

Ok,
I am modular with over 2000 TT mostly instruction. But I did fly only 30hrs +20 full motion sim in the last 12 months.
Should I try it?

Thanks for your help and input.

[carbonfibre]

Is anyone having trouble with this, I cannot get this part of the application to get of the red cross so I can submit it, although ive completed over 50 hours in past 12 months, any ideas??

Ive e-mailed the address given but no response

Thanks in advance

Carbon:cool:

[GoldenMonkey]

I didn't have that trouble with that section. But did with the personal details. Couldn't work it out so ended up deleting all of it and entering again.
Maybe that will work on your section.

[buzzc152]

If the application refs are anything to go by, at least 600 people have applied as of this morning.

Good luck to all (but I hope I get it).

[Jinkster]

600 people :ugh:

:uhoh:

[Fellow Aviator]

Could someone please clarify what PuT hours mean. Thanks.

[Lolo737]

I completed the form this morning and my reference was 0129...?
Maybe the reference has no link to the number of applications received and relates to some of our personal details?

[flat-tire]

P U/T = Pilot Under Training

[speedy688]

I think the reference number may be assigned to you when you first register your email address - people who registered earlier this week have lower numbers. Just a thought.

[buzzc152]

That sounds more reasonable. I wonder how many of those 600+ who registered where eligible to apply ?

Buzz

[six-sixty]

To those of you called for interview, did you all have the "passed IR first time" box ticked??

[Maude Charlee]

Yup, things have definitely improved. Barely half the number of applicants compared to last time around. :D :ok:

[davecr]

Yep, IR on first try..

[trini]

Please someone clarify

"Have you successfully attended a fully integrated (NOT MODULAR) JAA or CAA approved flying course?"
For people that did a modular course, but in an approved CAA school should answer YES?!! If I understood correctly, they consider in the same boat a JAR integrate course and any CAA course.

The Performance A result is only the Performance exam or is also Mass and Balance and Flight Planning?

In the flying experience tables, what is the difference between the actual Flying hours and your fixed wing and rotary experience? In the first one is also possible to differentiate fixed and rotary wing time.

Thanks

[CosmosSchwartz]

Trini - I read that sentence to mean
"Have you successfully attended a fully integrated (NOT MODULAR) flying course approved by the JAA or CAA "

i.e Did you go modular or integrated?

[davecr]

QUOTE

"Have you successfully attended a fully integrated (NOT MODULAR) JAA or CAA approved flying course?"
For people that did a modular course, but in an approved CAA school should answer YES?!! If I understood correctly, they consider in the same boat a JAR integrate course and any CAA course."

If you did an integrated JAR/CAA course, answer YES. If you're modular, answer NO.

Total hours is all your hours, and then you can split those up into fixed wing and rotary. In my case, I entered the same amount of hours in "total" as in "fixed wing", as i've never flown vertically
:ok:

[lobsterbisque]

sideloader - the application form asked for hours exculding sim time....but if you only need 20 hours - that's a week's flying, worth it for this kind of opportunity don't you think?

[six-sixty]

Anyone know from last time do they let you know if you're not going to get an interview?

[Cutoff]

It says on the application that only those selected for interview will get a reply.

There are some pretty fundamental questions being asked on this thread!

[six-sixty]

Hey cutoff - thanks for the answer - and sorry for being stupid - I guess it's good news for clever smug people that "competition" like me is so slow on the uptake.

[smith]

from the website

we require in excess of 1000 hours flying experience or successful completion of a CAA or JAA full-time integrated or part-time modular flying course,

Does this mean that if you did the modular course full time i.e. each module done one after the other you can not apply?

Sorry, I'm bored and just too much time on my hands :ugh:

[Superpilot]

For those that are interested in finding out a possible reason for some of the resignations, you might want to check out the following thread.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=189436

3rd comment down (by Dash Head). I think I've read it correctly, BACX are currently undergoing a lot of base changes.

[No names left]

Wow,
Just had a peek at the form.
Do they really want a list of all ground school exams?!? :eek:
Or have i misread Qualifications obtained?

[davecr]

Nope, you're right! So grab some food, get yourself some coffee, close all windows and doors, disconnect your telephone and have a nice evening completing the form! ;)

PS.. It's worth it!!

Dave :ok:

[wingbar]

That remains to be seen as yet....

Ps Integrated or Modular, just curious?

WB

[davecr]

Integrated, MCC 21 hrs FFS, +25 hrs commercial flying.

All flight checks passed on 1st try.
All groundschool exams passed on 1st try.
Average score about 93%.

Going to MAN in a few weeks! Who else received the call?

[wingbar]

Thanks for that Davecr, very useful.

WB

[Mr Blue Eyes]

I'm trying to find out how many modular guys have been selected for interview. So if you are modular mail in!
I'm not trying to tell BACitiX who to employ, but them seem to think that ONLY integrated students have demonstrated that they can handle high intensity training and all modular courses are part time.
I know of lots of full time modular guys who went to Cabair & Oxford and have achieved lots more than the integrated boys in the same space of time. They too have demonstrated a high level of uninterrupted application, commitment and discipline within a structured training program. So WAKE UP BA, take your blinkers off and stop living in the 1970's.
I understand from sources that BA Citiexpress have just about filled their allocations for interview.

[mark twain]

I have had the call for interview.

Mid-30's modular student - there is hope for all. The best thing is to work on putting in the best prepared application you can.

You have to concentrate on promoting the skills you have and not worry about the things you can not change - ie whether you are modular or integrated. The competition from others is irrelevent and you can not allow yourself to be distracted by the arguement regarding modular v's integrated. You have to concentrate on your skills and unique factors.

In the last round of recruitment I know of four guys all employed from modular backgrounds by BACX. All of them in their thirties.

The application form seems to allow everybody a fair chance to compete for an interview, the crucial thing seems to be the essay questions. Here is the area where you can swing the matter. I feel that being an 'older' modular person gives me more experience and opportunity to demonstrate real skills and situations via the essay questions, and the chance to make my application stand out.

The problem now is making sure I do not hash up the interview!

[lobsterbisque]

marktwain - when did you submit your application, getting a little nervous as submitted last week and nothing heard as yet

[Cutoff]

How are people being notified, is it over the phone, which I think it is, and where in the country are the calls coming from.

I have had a couple of missed calls on a phone that I barely use, only really for applications and wonder is it them? My missed calls are from Manchester 0161.

[davecr]

Hi Cutoff,

Like I said in my PM - Yes, they notify you by phone. Why don't you give them a call and ask if they tried to contact you? Nothing embarrassing about that.

Dave

[wingbar]

In the last round of recruitment I know of four guys all employed from modular backgrounds by BACX. All of them in their thirties.

Mark T, Were they all flying instructors as well then? -Just curious as to weather BAcitiexpress are really sticking to their originally published plans of; high houred modular guys, and low houred integrated, being the staple of the recruitment drive.

WB

[Mr Blue Eyes]

Excellent point! Its the low hours modular guys who appear not getting a look in! Therefore completion of the rest of the form is irrelevant, if not a waste of time!!

[davecr]

Actually, from the people I have spoken to, I seem to be the only one with less than 450 hrs.. :hmm:

[Mr Blue Eyes]

and you are integrated!!!!

[davecr]

I'm just trying to say that very few low-timers seem to be getting invitations. So the fact that there are no low-time modular guys here who were invited doesn't really say anything..

So far it seems to be 1 integrated, 0 mods. i.e. if one modular guy is invited now, it would be 50-50!! ;)

[Mr Blue Eyes]

It only confirms the previous point. That BA Citiexpress seem to be only sticking to their original idea, of low hours integrated and high hours modular, even though they now let low hours modular complete the form. Again........a waste of time!

[six-sixty]

I agree. Having spent the best part of every evening last week working on the form it would have been nice to know I stood no chance before even pressing the submit button. Still I guess they were worried there wouldn't be enough applicants. Ha!

[Cutoff]

A few weeks ago people were moaning that the form was closed and they could not apply, now they are moaning cos it is open and they can apply - if you qualify apply, that is my advice - you never know!

[northernbloke]

mid thirties, JAA modular, albeit 3 years ago, 1700tt inc 1450 multi turbine.................nope, no reply here form BACX.


S**t rolls down hill :hmm:

[wigwag]

northernbloke

You would think with that sort of experiance you'd be an ideal candidate. But we are forgetting the obvious though, your just the worng sex northernbloke... Aghhh well never mind


WW

:rolleyes:

[FatFlyer]

I remember hearing one of the recruitment chaps at the BALPA employment conference saying that, coming from a modular background, statistically, you have more chance of failing the training than from an integrated course and therefore more business risk to the company.
Whether or not you agree with this, it seems to be the opinion of their recruiters.
For the chap with 1400hrs multi-turbine, a colleague of mine recently went for interview with them with similar experience to you, but had applied nearly a year ago.

[bigjarv]

I sent off the appllication last Monday but have not recieved an "automatic reply" saying they have recieved it yet. Did anyone else recieve one of these automatic replies? Am thinking about trying to contact them to make sure they have recieved it!! Any ideas on how to contact them would be welcome?

[davecr]

I think nobody receives an auto-reply! I didn't.. but they called me three days later. So don't worry about it!

[JetAngel]

Has any one had a magic phone call this week about going for an interview yet ?.....

[andygregory]

nop! don't know any one else that has either!:ugh:

[avrodamo]

Sent mine on Monday and nothing.

[Mr Blue Eyes]

BA Citiexpress have been recruiting for a while, especially via Oxford and a few from Cabair. All Integrated below 200 hrs and daddies with big wallets! They then opened it up to the rest of the world on 29th Sept only to close it and re-open 5th Sept. They have had hundreds of replies, but by all accounts they have filled their interview allocations. I know a few low hours integrated guys who have been picked but not a single low-hour modular guy or gal (and I know quite a few). Its my opinion that they won't tell you that they have declined you at this stage, just in case all these integrated guys mess up and they need you to fall back on, but I imagine as soon as they get all their places full, a standard email might appear.
Interesting comments about more modular students failing, is this based on a percentage or actual numbers, because there are more modular students in training than integrated.
I have seen bad modular students and some appauling integrated students who should not be anywhere near a plane. I have also seen some competent integrated students and very competent modular guys. Just because the average mod guy may be lower than the average integrated guy, it does not mean that they all have to be excluded! Otherwise do away with the course instead of robbing people of their hard earned money!

[Permafrost_ATPL]

Sent mine on Saturday, nothing so far....

[wingbar]

I agree Mr Blue...

I have heard nothing yet either ... And of course like everything else in aviation, expect that trend to continue, it's the least giving industry in the world. Training providers rob you of your cash and don't give a s***. - Unless of course, there's something in it for them...!

I really am gob smacked by how this industry has operated in this pre- historic manner for so long.


WB

[western bronco]

Mr Blue Eyes,

A little cynical aren't we? I agree you will find a few spoilt rich kids at the likes of Oxford, Jerez etc, but I can also say they are the minority. At the end of the day this is just another intergrated vs modular argument waiting to happen. Personally I believe BACX believe they are just taking the least risk with these guys as they are 'fresh' out of school.

I dont think theybelieve they will be better pilots, indeed there is a sim assessment to get in to the company, from which a lot are turned away from. Flying in an airline these days is not about being a "stick and rudder man", it is about being procedurally and technically sound. Unless you have been doing plenty of IR flying, or are some way immersed in the airline business those skills will start to fade.

I can assure you that whilst BACX is fair, they are not stupid and if somebody is not up to standard they will not get on to line. There is no visual preference , at the moment, in the crew room. In fact the majoirty of people that have come in over the past year have been in late 20's and early 30's, instructors, air taxi etc... Not the 200hr rich kids you refer to!

when i said fresh out of school, it was applying to modular and intergrated low hour pilots, in reference to the "200hrs".

I personally dont see a difference with integrated vs modular, but I do see it working against you if you have been out of training for a significant period without doing any suitable flying.

I was an instructor, and by the way, modular...........

[Mr Blue Eyes]

I agree with the Bronco that those that don't pass the test do not get in. But that is NOT the point. The point is that the good modular guys do not even get a look in. Was there a question on the citix app about IFR hours? No!
I know loads of mod guys with well over a hundred IFR & twin hours that have applied but not had a call ( excellent CVs, 1st time passes etc) who were full time and trained at integrated schools(same instructors & standards) and I also know a few integrated guys that have had the call. Please explain then Mr Broncoe.
It does not matter what your CV reads or how competent a pilot you are, if you are not being given a chance of a look in! THAT IS THE POINT!
Ignorance is ripe in aviation!

[western bronco]

OK,

I understand your point, I was just giving you a current insiders viewpoint from the crew room, which is not anti modular. As far as recuitment goes, I do not know there exact preferences.

The industry does have an out of date attitude towards recuitment, but I think you will see that change fairly rapidly as many companies become desperate for pilots. The UK regionals being a dead cert!

[Mr Blue Eyes]

Agree the standards are very high at the moment and if that persists they will have a shortage. Not that there is a shortage of good pilots! I do hope (& pray) things improve!

Putting on my cyincal hat; if the airlines go short, they just start sponsorship rather than recruit unemployed low hours! No wonder many airlines may a loss!
eg. Flybe spends £50K plus TR on its students when there are hundreds of competent indivuduals out there. Then they all eventually leave.
Did you say airlines were no stupid!

I look forward to having a good discussion with you in the crew room one day!

[Megaton]

Although the FlyBE cadets eventually leave they are bonded in addition to their typre rating so I'm not quite sure what you're getting at?

[Mr Blue Eyes]

Still the best part of £50k per student wasted!

[Megaton]

Many of them seem to stay for decent amount of time. Flown with quite a few captains who went through the scheme. Anyway, direct entrants seem to be leaving sharpish too so it doesn't matter how you recruit, if terms & conditions aren't good people will walk.

[Cutoff]

An excellent CV I trust does not just mean concentrating on the Flying skills of the person, what about their life skills, are they going to be good employees, are they professional, will they represent the airline in a positive manner, do they offer the airline someone who can grow into the cammand or training role, there are lots of other issues rather than the 'flying' element, in fact this is the one part that can be improved with currency.

[flying paddy]

hi.
500+ hour instructor, no call. Did not expect anything else to be honest. But what has been highlighted by this forum is that there is discrimination, and that it has to be dealt with, I can think of no other industry that could get away with such behaviour. Could you imagine what the papers would say if a company decided to only hire from one university that it had a finacial relationship with. Face the facts modular boys we have been had, They took our money at the big schools, and dont give a dam that they knew they had vested interests with the airlaines. No one told me at the time I trained that I would stand a better chance intergrated. Face it, it is them and us.

[Mr Blue Eyes]

The industry is a disgrace! It has the cheek to call itself professional!!
Balpa are a waste of time, they have no guts and should disband!

Name me another industry that does not have a clear career path!

£50,000 training
£6,000 Instructor rating
£20,000 Type rating
Now; £££ Time on type!

Where does it end? Who benefits? Its a farce!

[wingbar]

I really feel sorry for anybody starting out in this industry, especially those who have struggled with funding, because the outlook for us guys (modular) at the moment isn't a good one. Certain airlines are even pulling interviews at the last minute! Whatever next...

WB

[jaarrgh]

Well just a thought, but didn't we all know what we were getting before we went modular? I mean really, we all did our research didn't we? This debate is as old Joanna Lumley and so I certainly thought about it before I paid my money.

We chose modular because it is cheaper. It may or may not be cost effective as it is likely to remove you from the 200 hr jet jobs that oxford integrated graduates get. But I didnt want to pay 60 grand plus when I could do the same much cheaper. But do we expect really to have the same product for half the price?

Now dont get me wrong, we all have the same licence and qualifications, but the product we bought is different. So as myself and countless thousands of others did we find another ways to get that jet job. There are options out there for us (to get other jobs and hours), but its is clearly up to you to change the balance and improve the product you are selling to the airlines. After all we did save 20 grand!

Perhaps mr blue they just didn't like you? I don't.

[Maude Charlee]

Blue eyes

"Name me another industry that does not have a clear career path!

£50,000 training
£6,000 Instructor rating
£20,000 Type rating
Now; £££ Time on type!

Where does it end? Who benefits? Its a farce!"

Maybe so, but name me another industry where the applicants are stupid enough to knowingly walk into this situation and still accept it?

We get what we deserve if you ask me.
:rolleyes:

[Mr Blue Eyes]

1. Who says anything about accepting it
2. Who says that no research was done prior to entry
3. Who even says it saved mod guys £20,000
3. Jaaarrrrrrggggggghhhhhh, you do not know my experience, how much I spent, or even what I now do.

I agree the discusion about mod/int is old, perhaps that says something about the industry, that nobody has really addressed it!

[silverknapper]

What a negative post this is turning into. Don't despair, for every guy here who has been knocked back there is a guy who has recently got a job. I know 4 min hours modular guys in last month who all got a job. Keep the chin up and keep plugging away. This is one company, there are many more out there. Keep the CV's going. And most importantly write a good cover letter as to why you suit this company. I have seen a few cover letters recently and the standard is pretty poor - they look just like the mail merges that the majority of them are. Put a lot of thought into it.

Keep it up!!!

SK

[wingbar]

Again 100% with Mr Blue, seem's he and very few others are the only ones prepared to defend the status of modular students.

WB

And silverknapper, you evidently know a lot more folk than I do then.
ALL of my mates in flying are modular, and some have been finished a year, still no job, young guys,20's - 30's very switched on. Explain that one..because I, sure as eggs are eggs, can't!

[nomercy]

Has anyone over 35 been called for interview? There is a strong rumour that this company is guilty of discrimination.

[razzele]

I am very proud to say that i know 2 modular guys with minimum time who have jumped straight into the RHS of jets with a well known Irish low cost company..

for me modular Instructor 350hrs, no call from BA CE submitted on friday.

fingers crossed

:ok:

[silverknapper]

Wingbar

Of all the guys I trained with 5 out of 8 of us all with a min hour modular job. The rest are instructing and will no doubt soon have an even better job.. I also know a few mates who also have jobs. The key fact from them all is keep sending CVs.

[GFYA]

with respect to nomercy's question as to age discrimination... Whilst I'm sure that there is the standard 'experience commensurate with age' aspect being considered, I do know someone who is in his mid forties who has been contacted by BACX. In terms of experience he has approximately 2500hrs but no turbine time.

[oapilot]

Nomercy, suggest your rumour is wrong.
There has been a good mix of both age and background joining the company since recruitment began again last year.
The Dash course I was on was 75% modular and 25% over 35, and that seems pretty typical.
OK, some of the jet jobs have gone to folks coming straight out of the schools, but a lot have gone to guys and girls who have experience elsewhere, and at least BACX don't fleece those lucky enough to get a job for a type rating, and neither have they gone down the CTC "sorry sir, you're half way to seventy, now bugger off" route.
Sadly a lot of applications fall down on silly mistakes (spelling, grammar, etc.) and others on not actually answering the questions they are asking, so pay attention to detail and try to do the best you can, remember, you are competing with a lot of people.
Good luck to you all,
oap

[nomercy]

If a person falls down on the application owing to a spelling mistake it is very sad - a complete tw@t who does not make a mistake might get through instead.

Yes you need to be capable of written communication as a pilot , but concise is the way (that means brief and comprehensive) and not a two hundred word novel.

There are far more important things to be considered which they do not seem to care about.

ps how do you spell brief - is it ie or ei.

[wingbar]

I agree with Nomercy 100%

Spelling and grammr are nothing to do with this lark, that's proven.

Oh look I spelled gremmor wrong (and again just then.) A bit strange then, how I still have my CPL/IR in my flightbag? Maybe there should be an new ATPL subject called English for pilots? We could then dispose of BACX's little literacy game,and focus on more relevant and important aspects of the form.

This industry... honestly......

WB

ps I have A* at english language and literature. So, before anybody comments. I'll set that little stall up, and mark up my prices!

[Penworth]

Whether we like it or not written essay type answers on application forms have always been a way of filtering out those selected for interview/assessment. BA always used to do it for their CEP scheme, CTC do it, and so do various other airlines I've been applying to. Just like the way some schemes only want those with a particular number of A levels or a degree or a personal recommendation or whatever, its simply a way of reducing the numbers to a more reasonable level.

Personally I like applications like the BACX one because it gives me a chance to tell the airline more about myself and why I think I am the pilot they want ;). Compare that to, for example, the Ryanair application form at CAE, which consists of little more than the number of hours you've got. I feel I'll struggle to get anywhere with that simply because I've no way of making myself stand out in my application from all the other 250 hour people (other than increasing my hours, obviously).

Anyway, however airlines choose to recruit is up to them - I started my training fully aware that there was a possibility I would never get an airline job and on that basis I see airlines advertising for low hour FO's as a good thing, not something to moan about.

PW

PS. I'm low hour modular and haven't heard anything back from BACX.

[Crazy Fists]

Penworth

I joined BACX some time ago. At that time there was no real essay stlye questions to complete. They seem to have adopted that BA style of recruitment (maybe at the request of BA!). I do agree that this is a way of filtering candidates for interview but not necessarily a good one.
I wish you all the best in the job hunting scene; but do not get too hung up if you do not get the call. You will just have to trust me on this one. There is a significant number of our pilot workforce serving their notice right now. There is a very good reason for this.
The industry is very bouyant now in terms of pilot recruitment (even for low hour pilots). You can afford to be picky.
Regards
Crazy

[Scanwing]

does anyone knows if the website is down or if they don´t accept any more applications?

[Capt BK]

Had my interview yesterday and had a call this morning inviting me for a sim check - if you could only see the size of the smile on my face now - i'm over the moon:D :D :D

For those others yet to have an interview, there are no real suprises. Usual style questions "What do you know about....", "Tell us about a time....", "What would you do if......". I wouldn't go as far as to say it was informal but I wasn't uncomfortable. Interviewers were a line FO and a manager.

CBK:ok:

[FatFlyer]

They seem to like keeping applications on file, you may get a call in the future.
For those who have done well and passed the sim ride, how long
are you swimming in the holding pool before being offerd a job?

[moku]

I joined BACX this year and was in the pool for 8 months, along with most of the people in my class.

Once your application is submitted it gets screened to ensure you meet all minimum requirements. From what I understand it then goes to the next process, which is the essay questions. It is the answers to those questions that gets you an interview.

Over 30 and Modular, like 70% of the people who started the same day I did.

Best of luck to you all.

M.

[Troy McClure]

Anyone know what profile(s) they use for the sim check? Understand it's an MD-11 sim at Cranebank.

[moku]

The sim would be the BAC 1-11 in cranebank

[Aircart]

Just to let you know, my application number is 1027!!!! Quite high!!??
:(

[Fellow Aviator]

Just to let you know, my application number is 1027

Just out of curiousity how do you know this?

[V2andSOME]

October the 5TH is the closing date.

[Sven]

British Airways CitiExpress has now closed the on-line application facility. Those who are already registered are advised to complete their application forms no later than 30th September 2005. Thank you for your interest.

[Canada Goose]

Just curious. Has anybody been called for interview who submitted an application in the latter half of last week ? Those who were some of the first too submit their applications were called soon after; i.e. 2/3 days later !

We live in hope ! :) but as the days roll on it is beginning to fade !!

CG

[GoldenMonkey]

Gator32, I may be wrong. But, if memory serves me correctly, it doesn't ask when you did the MCC.
I think it is probably fair to say that if you are completing the course on the 9th October and you are submitting the application today, it is highly unlikely you would be called for interview, let alone be attending interview, before then.
I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest that you say you have as MCC.

[FliegerTiger]

Just to perk up the spirits of the low-houred modular guys who applied, I just received an email saying that I've been successful with my application & that they'll contact me in due course with an interview date.

Modular, 200+ hours, aged 34.

!!!!!!!!!!

FT

[V2andSOME]

Flieger Tiger check you PM's
V2

[lobsterbisque]

me to, got email today for interview - low houred modular, mid thirties.

[Aircart]

Fellow Aviator

It informs you of your application number when you submit it.

[CaptYanknBank]

Anyone able to provide any help/ideas/info/hints ref BACX interview, sim ride format? Aware it's a BAC111.

Just received email advising successful application, interview date to be confirmed.

:ok:

37yrs, modular, 800TT (500FI)

Good luck to anyone else.

[Addy]

just got (another) rejection email. 600 TT (400 FI) modular 22 year old first time pass on everything apparently is not good enough :roll:

[spitfire747]

27yrs old 950 hours (FI)

didn't hear a yes or a no

throw enough mud some will stick.. chin up all

[razzele]

Got the email today,

27yrs old 300hrs modular


i am really happy !

[darkbarly]

Passed the interview, modular with 300+ hours (and only 30+10 years old). Today I beat the odds!!

Sim check arranged. Does anyone have the Sim profile/s? Please PM me if so.

Best of luck to everyone else still trying.



:O

[FliegerTiger]

darkbarly, please check your PM's

Cheers,

FT

[737wannabee]

Got a email today saying i'll be called for interview. 2000+hrs, modular, FI, minimal multi experience. Excellent news, on the back of a messed up sim ride. I'll be buying sim time this time. Sent application 2 weeks ago, hope this helps.

[the aviator1977]

I received the email today advising me that my application has been successful and will be called for interview in due course.

Modular with 330 hours TT 28 yrs old.

Best of luck to everyone!!

The Aviator1977

[tom775257]

Hi y'all

I'm off to the interview, modular 260 hours. I don't know what got it for me over other pilots I know, they are very talented and many more qualified than I am; for that I feel sorry.

Good luck to all that attend.

Me: 24, First time on all exams, 97% ATPL ave.

Tom.

[winch launch]

Me: First time on all exams, 97% ATPL ave.

Do they ask for that kind of details on the application form for bacx? or for any other airlines?

Cheers

Winch

[ROSCO328]

Hello all,

Got email today aswell saying I will be called for interview.700hrs tt (500 efis turboprop).

Goodluck to everyone else:ok:

[Addy]

hhmmhh from the replies here from peepz who did get the interview it seems BACX doesn't want or foreigners, or youngsters :rolleyes: except for the 24 year old chap that is...
otherwise I just don't understand why I got rejected, my english is not that bad, and I don't think the essays I wrote are rubbish...
ah well...

[Stpaul]

cos it is BRITISH Airways Citiexpress. Its all in the name!

[Addy]

yes and it's the EUROPEAN union and JOINT aviation authorities. what's your point? enough pilots flying in other countries than their homeland..

[tom775257]

Hi winch launch!

Many applications want to know your ATPL results, especially on the performance exams. I guess this is only really important on your first job, because at the end of the day there is little to distinguish between a bunch of low houred wannabes.

Tom.

[woof]

Are BACX informing the unsuccessful ? Or is it no win no letter?

[trini]

I had problems in filling personal particulars section. Tried to fill it various times but can't get section as completed. Any sugestions from anybody with similar problems?

Any foreign people being called?


I wish you guys the best of luck


:ok:

[ROSCO328]

Bacx Crew


Does anyone know if there are positions available for an Edinburgh base??

Many thanks.

[Mr Man]

DEVASTATED!
Spent every spare moment of the last week filling out the application,only a small amount left to do this morning,got up early on Sunday as I was told applications end on Oct 5th,have just logged on and..........."online applications now closed,thanks for your interest.....:{

[jaarrgh]

Rosco,
Unless you are put directly onto a jet (don't think they are taking jet fo's??) then all future dash crews are Manchester based.

[ROSCO328]

Thanks Jaarrgh,

Heard they are looking for all fleets.Ah well there is a question for the interview!

Cheers mate:ok:

[moku]

As far as I am aware there is a surplus of Jet FO's in EDI. It's Captains they are short of at the moment.

Moku.

[speedy688]

Does anyone know if CitiExpress accept telephone enquiries about applications?

[ROSCO328]

Do you mean call them to hurry up your interview date?or 2 find out if you have bin succesful or not?If it is the later you will prob get a frosty reception as it states on their web page that only people invited for interview will be contacted.Hope this helps and good luck.


:ok: :ok:

[razzele]

I am still waiting for the interview date. its been the longest 4 days of my life since i got the email !

Has any one been given a date yet?

Has anyone been to interview? If so what was the format ?

Do you know how many pilots are going to be hired and what plane / base ?

If you know, please spread the news!


cheers


:ok:

[Canada Goose]

It seems to have gone pretty quiet with people posting that they had received and e-mail calling them for interview compared to late last week. Can we assume that this is because such instances have now stopped or are people still being contacted via e-mail inviting them for interview. I can't help but feel that BACX have probably now reached a point where they have enough suitable candidates and there is little point in contacting more non-TR candidates at the moment. Hopefully, I'm wrong !!

[tom775257]

Hi,

I assume it isn't a test, when they say do not contact us, we will contact you to arrange the interview date; they mean it?

Tom.

[ROSCO328]

Hi guys and gals,

I would probably give it till the end of the week before everyone starts panic calling as im sure they will be in touch. Also just a quick point as the email i got just said "contact you in due course" which could be next year who knows??:ok:

[jangopilot]

I received a phonecall out of the blue inviting me for an interview. My online application had been sent 13 mths ago...

The interview was very informal...Q's about the company, fleet and bases- No technical Q's...Asked about what got me into flying and how i have dealt with situations regarding motivation, criticism,responsibility etc...lasted about 40 mins.

Awaiting result...said i should hear in 4-6wks...

JP

[License to Fly]

Applications were stopped after receiving over 1,300!!

As the web is the only way to apply, its all a game of luck - it only annoys BACX is you call them apparently.

good luck all
LTF

[ROSCO328]

LFT

Just curious to know how you got that figure of 1300..? Do you by any chance know how many positions are available? fleet? and base? This would be good info:ok:

[fast & fat]

I heard 1300 also.

Apparently if you put in an application you will get a reply yes or no but it takes alot of time to process 1300 applications.

I also found out that the only way a low hours modular or integrated pilot to get an interview is thru a recommendation from your FTO ( either OAT, Cabair & Jerez )

;)

info courtesy of Captain Carl Phelan

[davecr]

"I also found out that the only way a low hours modular or integrated pilot to get an interview is thru a recommendation from your FTO ( either OAT, Cabair & Jerez )"

Actually, you're wrong about that one ;) So even if you're not from those schools, give it a try!

[tom775257]

Hmmm, to interview, I trained in England, low hours modular and not from OAT/ Cabair/ Jerez etc.. infact my flight school doesn't even exist any more. No recommendations there as far as I know...

Good luck everyone!!

Tom.

[eghi r20]

HuM...could that have been one of the bournemouth ones that went pop....
I am in the same boat...(Ex SFT) applied anyway. My classmate got in with them last year on dash 8..

good luck guys

[Cutoff]

"I also found out that the only way a low hours modular or integrated pilot to get an interview is thru a recommendation from your FTO ( either OAT, Cabair & Jerez )"

What a load of tosh!!

[fast & fat]

Let me put it this way!

If you have recently finished or are about to finish your integrated or modular training at either OAT, Cabair or Jerez the only way to get an interview is thru a recommendation for your FTO.

:ok:

[Cutoff]

Agh I see what you are saying, there lies the risk with these respected outfits eh. They are all well and good if you the student are good and get recommendations. But the fact that an individual does not get a recommendation from them must by implication damn them to the scrapheap!! Worth considering before you invest in one of these schools then.

[fast & fat]

I think the FTO's are hoping that the fact that airlines are recruiting direct for them will far out way the possible negative aspects of not being recommended.

[ROSCO328]

INTERVIEW

Hi all. Anyone had a phone call since recieving email????

[Canada Goose]

.......... moreover, has anyone received an e-mail/phone call this past week informing them they have been selected for an interview !?

:(

[JetAngel]

Has any one got any ideas on what types of technical questions are asked at the interview stage ??

[Stpaul]

I think BACX should have given an indication of when the interviews are likely to be because people have commitments etc, and after all the efforts we go through to get to this stage we do not want to miss out.

I have a 2 week vacation abroad booked soon, I am now hesitant to go!

[ROSCO328]

STPAUL

Have 2 agree 100%!Got leave to take myself.Have you called them at all?

[razzele]

No call yet.

I am guessing that it will take around 3 weeks.

[carbonfibre]

Got the e-mail today saying got an interview, 400 flying hours, includes 50 multi, im an old fart at 38 and modular. The usual bits of MCC and shocked at getting a chance but damn excited about it.

All the best to everyone

;) :cool: :ok:

[sawotanao]

Same here 27yrs, 400hrs, fATPL, Modular & an aircraft engineer.:)

[Jinkster]

Still no call..or email.

22yrs old, 260hrs, modular - all current! :(

[eghi r20]

Hi peeps..

Ive also just got the email today about the interviews pending..

32yr old modular flight instructor 900hrs mainly SEP

anyone with interview info etc ?

good luck everyone !!!

[buzzc152]

I got the e-mail as well today. Not getting my hopes up as it as it seems loads of others have received same e-mail and heard nothing from BACX.

Nice timing though, as I've just been offered a cushy job flying twins on aerial survey/mapping.

Buzz

ps, 28 years old, modular, 550 hours, mostly SEP on aerial survey work.

pps, my application number was 00630 I think.

[andyg]

For those guys who got emails yesterday, just out of interest what number application were you? Just wondered how far through the 1300 they had got.

Thanks,

Andyg

[Northern Highflyer]

Also got the email today and am over the moon at getting my first interview offer.

35, modular, 250 hours. :E

[North County Pilot]

Got e-mail today saying my application was successful and look forward to the interview. Does anyone know which profile(s) they use for thier sim check? Would appreciate any info.

By the way I'm 34, 300hrs modular at various schools.

NCP

[MJR]

Has anyone been interviewed with a registration number higher than 135? Or has selection become alphabetical once again? Last question is everyone being assessed in the BAC 1-11, and are they passing?

cheers

[Stpaul]

Its good to see that half of you are running before you can walk!

I would like to add that I have found the whole BACitiexpress recruitment process to be conducted in a totally pathetic and unprofessional way.
I have been selected for interview.....great!......but when! Tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. the year after!
Bearing in mind that most of us of sweated blood, tears and many pound notes to get to this position, don't you think we are entitled to be treated in a professional manner.
BACitiexpress must have an idea when they are planning to interview, if so please give us an indication in order that many of us will be able to get the time off, be in the country or not be committed elsewhere. There is nothing I would not drop for the interview, along as I am in the uk.
Many were interviewed & sim checked prior to the application form becoming online. Many (mostly Integrated-read previous) were selected the first week and interviewed(notified by telephone) several weeks later, it appears the rest of us, and make no mistakes we are at the bottom of the pile are notified by an email with no indication as to when or where!

BACitiexpress, I do not know how many applications you had, but I can guess it was expected to be around 1500-2000, I do not know your selection criteria, but it appears everyone gets an interview, so I like it and I would rather know I had an interview than not know but please please starts acting like a professional business and let people know soon, preferably before I have to pay for our long awaited family holiday in November!

[ROSCO328]

GO ON STPAUL

Sounds like you have bin sitting swallowing a few cans of wife beater today!!lol...Dont you hold back now!!:ok:

[MJR]

St Paul, I think I can reliably say that most of what you say is rubbish.

[FatFlyer]

They like to keep you on file and will call you for interview when required.
You will recieve a call and be given a selection of dates on which they are interviewing, and invited to attend whichever is convenient. I see this as a professional way of doing things and fail to understand the dissatisfaction of a recent poster.
If successful, you are given the sim profile with power, pitch, speeds etc. The actual route is given on the day, but speaking to those who have attended recently, it seems to be a SID from MAN or BHX followed by a hold then procedural or vectored ILS

[ROSCO328]

Fatflyer

Just the kind of info im looking for! Thankyou for sharing:ok:

[Penworth]

You will recieve a call and be given a selection of dates on which they are interviewing, and invited to attend whichever is convenient.

Fatflyer, I'm sure what you are saying is generally true. Unfortunately for me they rang me up and invited me to interview but could only offer me one day, on which I happened to be out of the country :( Now I'm left wandering whether I'm going to be called again at some point or if I have blown it by turning down the one day they offered - I have tried ringing them but haven't managed to get a definitive answer.

PW

[Mr Blue Eyes]

I know of 3 people that were previously contacted by telephone and none of them were given an option of dates for either the interview or the sim check. They also did 3 separate routes on the sim.

I think it would have been better if Citiexpress had given an explanation of the process and an indication of likely timescales, but just my personal opinion.

[moku]

You people amaze me!! Pi$$ and moan about not getting interviews, get told you have been selected for interview and pi$$ and moan some more. Just call BACX and tell them that you
do not want the job. Because if you are all crying now I sure as hell do not want to work with you in a few months time!!
Love to know your real names!!

M

[V2andSOME]

Moku, check your PM's
RGDS
V2

[Stpaul]

I'm not sure that anyone is crying now just looking to be treated in a professional manner - is that so wrong!

Besides are you one of the pilots serving notice or one of the pilots that bitch about your employer/state of cockpit/rosters etc etc.

Most people are the same, cos we all want things improved, whether that be our working conditions or the recruitment process or whatever. Constructive criticism is how things get improved, or are you one of those that never raises issues so nothing ever gets improved!

I've also heard that the person in charge of the process is on holiday which is why we are not hearing anything! True/false?

[moku]

St Paul,

Off the mark on all!! Did not see anything constructive in the initial paragraphs of your post!
I am a person who enjoys my job at BACX and as for my roster it's been good so far, next month looks even better. Lots of two sector days with the odd night stop thrown in... 4 this month.

The people who call for interviews also handle all the paperwork, id checks etc for ALL new employees, so they are VERY busy at the moment. When you do get around to talking to them you will see how helpful they are.

M.

[carbonfibre]

Well they can give me whatever time they like, i've waited too long not to get a shot at it. I've only heard good things about rostering and the people there, just the stability of the company was in question on one thread.

Any how MOKU check your PM's

Good luck to all with the interviews

:cool:

[BugSpeed]

St Paul,

You really are going into the wrong occupation if you want my honest opinon.

With an attitude like that the base Capt of wherever you end up being posted to (god forbid you actually pass the interview and sim) will have you in the office for a 1 way, hats on, no coffee, no biscuits conversation. The line trainers will ASR your personality (this happened in Britannia) and you will be royaly shafted.

We have all sweated blood, tears, other people's money, years, relationships, well payed jobs and avgas getting to where we are and do not appreciate little scrot bags like you telling us our company does not recruit correctly, efficiently or that we treat people badly. There are plenty of my mates who would gladly be offered an interview; if only for practice!

Let me put it to you this way. 2 people have the task of siffting through up to 2000 applications and yes, the initial trawl is AIDED with a keyword search. The vast majority is done by hand and as a result we do get good guys from a vast background of age, experience and not just integrated courses. Its no wonder then that there is a slight delay between submitting your form and hearing about your interview - YOU ARE NOT THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD!

As for the interview boarding, if you don't like the way you are being treated, there are plenty of other airlines to apply to. As somebody so correctly pointed out, give the company a ring to find out whats going on! CRM is largely after all about COMMUNICATION (thats two way in case you hadn't worked it out otherwise it would just be talking)

No, the company does not interview everybody.........is this an effective use of resources? No. Again, not being practical, logical and pragmatic are real handicaps for you in the flight deck old chap.

If I was you I would really think carefully before bad mouthing ANY company or person in aviation; its too small an industry to get away with it. You obviously need to get a bit more industry experience - clearly not a born aviator or you wouldn't winge: you'd be grateful you had an opportunity to present yourself to a professional outfit whose training is totally geared up for sub 1000Hr first MPA pilots with no up front bond.

Anyway, St P, sort your life out or its pointless even bothering. The interview panel will typically be a line Capt from your fleet plus a senior management type. They aren't stupid. If you aren't really bothered they will chop you.

As for me, yes, I am a line pilot with BACX and yes, I am happy where I am, grateful and very glad to have a job in a stable airline (again threads here are misleading as the future is not quite as bleak for BACX as it has been).

Should you find yourself at BHX I'll watch out for your ego as it forces everyone out of the crew room.

Grow up.

BugSpeed

[Stpaul]

Bugspeed - read PMs!





:{

Since my post I would like to thank all the people who work at BACitiexpress in your various positions for your private messages, informing me that I am not allowed to have an opinion but more importantly telling me exactly what is going on inside BACX and what the current situation is.

Job well done!
Well I have to get the information from somewhere and there is nothing like ruffing up a few feathers to get people to repond!:E

[ROSCO328]

Bacx Interview

Had the call today from a really nice lady at Bacx and I was offered 5/6 days to choose from.

Goodluck everyone else.:O

[EGCC4284]

moku and BugSpeed

Couldn't agree more with your post and hope that I don't end up having to sit alongside half the @@@@heads that are posting on here.

I really feel sorry for the BACX Captains that might end up with these moaning pricks in the RH seat wearing sunglasses when it's dark.

I know many Captains at BACX and they will NOT put up with it.

I hope these clowns don't slip through the net at interview.

If I am lucky enough to get a job with BACX and I end up being paired with one of these moaners on the type rating course, they will get told very very politely to wind their neck in.

[stabout]

Could not agree more with the last post!

I got the email saying that I will be called for interview at some point back on the 28th Sept.

Still patiently waiting for the phone call.

830 hours modular 28 year old.

[mark twain]

Hopefully the following will help. To the same extent hopefully these points will be taken as my perception and views and I will not be shot down!

I submitted my application very early - I was lucky in that I had a day off and I sat and did the application until finished.

I then got a call for interview, passed that and went into the simulator. I then got a letter saying I had passed all aspects and was in the hold pool, but that all current planned courses were full.

From what I have seen the recruitment process from BACX's point of view is extremely streamlined and efficient. Basically they seem to be forward planning the courses and ensuring they have a hold pool to fill these courses, and a further 'pool' of candidates ready for interview to refill the hold pool. I admit that it would be nice to be better informed of timescales, but to the same extent they have been flooded with applications and their priority must be processing the successful. This must take a major time resource and therefore will limit the time they have to feedback.

However, how many airlines are able to provide feedback, or even let you know they have your details? Think about what the CAA put us through in getting to this stage! I think based on the industry benchmark, BACX are doing a good job.

My view of the situation is that I am likely to be called forward or advised of a course date towards the end of this year, with a start date early next year. As they do this they will start interviewing the next batch. Slowly we all move on. I do not know how they select the priorities, but I have been told by a senior person that there is no way to jump their priority order. I think it works on application date and sequence.

In terms of interview and selection, I found BACX superb to deal with. They were friendly and efficient, but most of all extremely professional in their handling of the interview and sim assessments. At each stage my desire to work for them has been further enhanced, and that they have treat me like an important person in which they have an interest in my success.

The hard thing is waiting, but my feeling is that it is going to be worth it.

[carbonfibre]

Come on everyone im keen to plug my wares so to speak, this is how you should look at it.

Im really looking forward to it, im even going to skive work to go :ooh:

Good luck everyone

[BugSpeed]

APOLOGY TO ST PAUL

Dear All,

I think I owe a partial apology to St Paul for being quite so personal.

Whilst what much of what I said was true it was perhaps wrong to vent the stress of my LPC so publically!!!!! (Those of you already rated will understand!)

Yours aye,

BugSpeed

[dashhead]

BugSpeed,

thought your post was spot on if not a little venemous and certainly doesn't require any apology.

I like you am a current Line Pilot with BACX and rate the Airline extremely highly. As a first job, its superb with a particularly strong training function totally geared to first MPA pilots.

St Pauls posts could be viewed by some in the company as quite offensive...for me they show how desperate people are to get that first job, which having been there 18 months ago i fully understand (it took me 9 years from starting my PPL to geting into BACX).

Having said that this thread has bemused me, as it must be the first time I've seen quite such anger towards a recruiting airline from people who are down to be interviewed by it and who don't really know anything about it. eg apparently we're ageist??? I'm 35, some FO's on the Dash are over 40. Apparently we favour Intergrated???....I'm a self improver, instructor etc so are many others on the Dash

Its a great Airline for those starting their career, please don't knock it guys cause its unjustified. Sure the more experienced guys are hacked off due to all the changes over the past 4 years but for the new starts this doesn't apply.

Finally, if as Stpaul states you guys want to find out from inside what the airline is really like then check out the detailed post i did on terms and endearment a few weeks back, which describes everything you need to know about life on the Dash. I think its under a post from FatFlyer? titled BACX conditions, or something similiar.

As for LPC stress! you BugSpeed, as professional an aviator as Lydd International Airport has ever seen!!......just don't rest your foot on the instrument panel when you're PF;)

[BugSpeed]

DH,

Wouldn't dream of it unless being assessed by the fleet tech pilot assessing a trainer assessing an LPC!

:cool:

BS

[JOR]

Does anyone know how many and why BACX is looking for pilots?

[woof]

Very well done to those who have been successful. I don’t think I have been and am trying to figure out where I went wrong.

One poss (of probably many) is that whilst within the 200 max word limit my answers were too long and too laborious for the poor couple checking the millions of applications.

Could anyone who passed, please help me out be stating roughly how long their answers were.

Thanks


And for those who have got in and still whinge – want to swap places you ungrateful monkeys?

[eghi r20]

i typed mine in MS word. it has a word count function (helpfull)
my biggest was 175 i think. now waiting for the interview phonecall..

good luck all

[Darlick]

Woof,

I don't think the length of your answers was the reason. I struggled to keep mine down to 200 words. After editing them and using the microsoft word count the shortest was 195 words! I got the e-mail saying i will be called for interview.

I agree with your comments about people sounding ungrateful - I'm incredibly grateful just to be given the oportunity to have an interview in the future. If they want to keep me hanging on then fine, it will make it even more satisfying when i do finally get the call. BA CitiExpress seem to be one of the few airlines happy to give older/modular/low hour pilots a chance to break into this industry and i feel they should be praised for that.

I'm led to believe that they open the website once a year and then use all the candidates from that for their recruiting for that coming year and therefore we may be waiting nearly a year for the call. In the meantime we can continue job hunting with the pleasant thought in mind that there will be an interview in the future (pending any horrible disasters like bird flu!!!!)

I'm sure some people are just using this forum to air frustrations and aren't really ungratefull at all, but it does sound like it and i for one think a lot of the moaning on this thread has been well out of order. I'm sure the recruitment staff are extremely busy trying to do a good job and probably get a hard enough time from their management without having to take it from us too!!!!!

Good luck to all who are waiting for the call. :ok:

[Capt BK]

Got the letter this morning telling me I'm In the hold pool:D :D :D I get the impression it may be for a while but at least I'm in. Good luck to all still going through the process, stick at it!

Anyone know how deep the pool is?

CBK

[BugSpeed]

Well done to all those of you who have been called forward / told you are in the hold pool.

THE FOLLOWING IS ONLY A GUIDE AND HAS NOT BEEN BACKED UP BY ANYTHING INTERNALLY WHATSOEVER

Hope thats clear enough: this is pure speculation and not from the training department

At present, it looks like all tech courses on all fleets are solidly booked until AT LEAST the end of Jan. Therefore, there maybe some courses starting in Feb or March.

As I said, this is pure speculation and subject to change either way at short notice but may be of some consolation to those of you wondering.

Yours aye,

BS

[Capt BK]

Many thanks BS, I suspected that it would be a fair few months. I better get that application off to ASDA for temp christmas work...

[eghi r20]

I've got the phone call today, about 4wks after getting the congrat's email.
The lady on the phone was very friendly and offered me a variety of dates for interview.

Looks like the process works like a well-oiled machine!!!

fingers crossed .. good luck all.....

[tunalic2]

HR chap at Balpa EOC on Sat said the filters of MCC completed and 50 hrs in last 12 months thinned the pile down from 1300 to 440 which I found surprising, but positive, so chins up.
Good Luck T2

[TurboJ]

Can anyone be more specific with type of interview questions / sim profile etc....

Be most grateful.

Cheers......TJ

[FatFlyer]

Standard interview questions, give career history, what do you know about company, why do want to work for us, CRM etc.
Sim ride on BAC1-11, assessor demonstrates t/off and climb to 3000, you take over , do a few turns etc follwed by vectors to ILS.
Then you do take off, fly SID( they vary this but often from BHX or MAN) back to hold then vectored or procedural ILS.
As most of us come from intructing or newly qualified, they encourage use of flight director which is new to us.
Old style flight director. the only pitch mode is in degrees -5 to +15, there is no alt hold, there is GS when it will fly the ILS.
Roll modes are HDG, VOR/LOC, GS(both roll + pitch) and off.
Two controls on the bottom of the ADI select roll mode and pitch angle. They brief you on use of FD very well before you go in.

[ROSCO328]

Hello all,

Sorry to sound depressing but has anyone had the PFO letter after attending interview??

[YYZ_Instructor]

Just got the e-mail! Successful in the first stage, please wait for the phone call for your interview date! :ok:

Converted licence 1000TT, not a UK citizen.....28yrs old:ok:

[speedy688]

Just wondering if anyone has been waiting a particularly long time to be called for interview after receiving the email.

I've heard of up to a month somewhere but was wondering if anyone had been waiting longer than this.

Cheers.

[V2andSOME]

Spedy 688 check your PM's

V2

[Cutoff]

Are there any updates on the Hold pool, how long to be in it etc, I appreciate that it says Feb on a couple of posts back.
Just wondered if anyone has any more news

[lobsterbisque]

i think its been about 6 weeks, still waiting for the phone call

[woof]

1 month and 10 days after sending the application I get the call forward for interview. Cries of scraping the barrel!

This is what 2nd paragraph of the email said ( I post it as it may answer the "when am I going to get called forward" questions):

As you can imagine our latest recruitment drive attracted quite a lot of attention. The next stage of the process will be to call you forward for an interview. We feel we must however advise that this could take several months due to the sheer volume of applications we have received. We ask for your patience during this time. Please do not contact the Recruitment Team with regard to interview dates.

Several Months! I'll never be ready in time:\

[no sponsor]

For those who have been waiting for many weeks, and who have not heard anything, do not despair!

NS has passed the first hurdle, and will be called for an interview.

The email does say, however, that it could be several months before I actually get an interview due to the backlog of applications.

Still, it's good news. Thankyou BACX!!

[eghi r20]

Hi Peeps
i am going up to interview at manchester on fri 25/11/05 on BA7731 from southampton.

Any one know if its the dash or Emb ?

good luck all

[Capt BK]

Re: Hold Pool,

Talked to Flight Ops today and was told that there were approx. 30 pilots currently in the pool yet to be put on courses. No plans as yet to run a course in Feb but everything may change at short notice. Places are given in order of the sim rides and got the impression that there were pilots from July whom were still waiting for courses so looks like those of us who were assessed in Sept/Oct may have to wait well past the Feb/march stated earlier:(

Chin up, there is light at the end of the tunnel even if it isn't getting any bigger.

CBK

[obsidianUK]

I applied to Citiexpress in May 2004 whilst doing my FI rating. Heard nothing until almost a year later. Interviewed and simmed March this year, started in the summer and not looked back since.
I was a modular student, as were all but one of my course mates.

Most of the info on here regarding the interview and sim is what i experienced - I don’t know if it has changed.

Great job, loving it at the moment, and fantastic bunch of people.

It has been the Dash that new entrants have been going onto. A few mates of mine at the very beginning of this year went onto the Emb, but was seen to be leapfrogging current employees on the dash, so all recruiting was changed to the dash only, which is understandable.

I have recently heard of a fresh graduate starting on the emb, but it may only be a Chinese whisper....

Best of luck to yall, regards

Obs

[leading edge!]

Again, It is very, very easy to become negative at the "despair" stories that have appeared on this thread. I am 37 with minimal hours (eg 268hrs) and received my 'successful for interview' email today. Please dont give up! Leading Edge!

[Troy McClure]

To answer the question of how long we'll be in the hold pool:

- 30 people waiting

- TR course takes 6 weeks.

There's just one bit of info missing, which hopefully someone can provide

How many people on a typical Dash 8 course? :confused:

Troy.

[monkeyboy]

Ranges from 4 to 6 per course.

Good Luck!

MB

[Troy McClure]

Which means (worse case) if someone's number 30, 4 per course and no drop-outs, even if courses are back to back they're looking at 45 weeks; that's next September.

Let's hope I'm not at the bottom and courses are run with 6 people to hurry things along.

And may I take this opportunity to wish others in the pool the very best of luck with any other applications that may be ongoing.

May they find jobs elsewhere and retire gracefully from the pool. :ok:

Troy.

[flat-tire]

Would one wear a suit to the BAC1-11 evaluation?

Thanks