British Airways Future Pilot Programme
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British Airways Future Pilot Programme
Hello all! Apologies if this has been posted in the wrong section.
I am 14, turning 15 in January and in Year Ten. My dream is to become a pilot, and has been since the age of around six/seven.
In 2015, I attended the Pilot Careers Talk in London (November) and viewed several seminars there. I'd already had an idea of how I wanted to go about becoming a pilot, but that weekend was the making of me. From that point on, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
For my GCSE's I have picked Eng Lang, Eng Lit, Maths, Science (Double Award), RE, Geography, Spanish, and Music. With the new system I am aiming to achieve Level 8's (The old A Star) in all of my GCSE's, bar the exception of one or two like RE (Level 7), Englishes (Level 7) and maybe Maths (Level 7) or Music (Level 9). I know if I work extremely hard I am to gain those (which I will do of course).
I have achieved Bronze DofE and hope to gain Gold also (My school skips Silver to focus on GCSE's)
For A-Level I am to pick Maths, Physics and Spanish. I know Physics is extremely challenging but I love the subject.
From then, the British Airways Future Pilot Programme requires BBC - I can do better than that with hard work.
I would like to travel to Spain and undertake the FTE Jerez Training for British Airways. I know the chances are slim but all I can do for now is work hard.
Now, if you've read all that, thankyou!
My question: If I achieve the grades above, what are my chances of getting onto the course? I've been told by British Airways Pilots and FTE Jerez BA Cadets that my passion alone will be of advantage to me.
Thanks.
I am 14, turning 15 in January and in Year Ten. My dream is to become a pilot, and has been since the age of around six/seven.
In 2015, I attended the Pilot Careers Talk in London (November) and viewed several seminars there. I'd already had an idea of how I wanted to go about becoming a pilot, but that weekend was the making of me. From that point on, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
For my GCSE's I have picked Eng Lang, Eng Lit, Maths, Science (Double Award), RE, Geography, Spanish, and Music. With the new system I am aiming to achieve Level 8's (The old A Star) in all of my GCSE's, bar the exception of one or two like RE (Level 7), Englishes (Level 7) and maybe Maths (Level 7) or Music (Level 9). I know if I work extremely hard I am to gain those (which I will do of course).
I have achieved Bronze DofE and hope to gain Gold also (My school skips Silver to focus on GCSE's)
For A-Level I am to pick Maths, Physics and Spanish. I know Physics is extremely challenging but I love the subject.
From then, the British Airways Future Pilot Programme requires BBC - I can do better than that with hard work.
I would like to travel to Spain and undertake the FTE Jerez Training for British Airways. I know the chances are slim but all I can do for now is work hard.
Now, if you've read all that, thankyou!
My question: If I achieve the grades above, what are my chances of getting onto the course? I've been told by British Airways Pilots and FTE Jerez BA Cadets that my passion alone will be of advantage to me.
Thanks.
I don't know the answer. Or, if there even is a definitive answer. The opinions of pilots are a useful guide - but only a guide. All I can say is to keep up your efforts, do the best you can & try your best to impress people at every opportunity. That's what other pilots have done , & what has helped them to succeed. Certainly, it was what I , & many others in ATC , did. There is no substitute for determination, dedication, enthusiasm & hard work.
Good luck in your efforts. Keep it up & I am sure that you will give yourself the best possible chance.
Good luck in your efforts. Keep it up & I am sure that you will give yourself the best possible chance.
I'd just add by all means aim for the FPP if that is what you really want but be aware there are no guarantees that BA will run selection for the FPP every year, or that FPP will continue indefinitely. Recruitment schemes ( cadets/FPP/Direct entry, etc) come and go as the market changes and airlines change their plans.
In short just in case have at least some idea of a plan B, C, D, etc etc for getting into the industry.
Above all Good Luck.
In short just in case have at least some idea of a plan B, C, D, etc etc for getting into the industry.
Above all Good Luck.
If I can offer a few words of advice - I am not a pilot but know quite a few and have also been through the recruitment process (coming 22nd in a process where 21 were offered a place on a training scheme!)
I was very impressed reading your post. It seems you have a level of maturity of someone quite a few years older; you seem to know exactly what you want to achieve and give the impression of not being phased by the hard work needed to get there. The grades you are outlining should be enough to meet the academic requirements needed to get on a course.
Just a thought, but you might wish to consider a business-related A Level (such as Business Studies) as airlines, particularly BA are looking for pilots to take an interest in the business itself as well as the physical flying of the plane, and see how their actions outside of the flying can fit into that. If you were to use airlines as case studies in your coursework and brought that up at interview that would surely impress.
Secondly, I am sure you will, but get a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of flying, such as how a jet engine works and why, for example, it is more efficient at altitude. This is what tripped me up at interview.
Thirdly get a good understanding of how airlines' SOPs work as there will be questions along the lines of "What would you do if....." in the interview. Interviewers are not necessarily testing you on the intricacies of the SOPs but looking to see if you can make calm, rational decisions in the face of unusual situations. Understanding the SOPs will help you to understand the mindset.
Finally show that you are passionate about flying by getting some flying lessons under your belt. If you can show in the interview that you have, for example, worked weekends to earn money to pay for lessons, that will show a level of determination above and beyond some of the other candidates. Alternatively join the air cadets.
Above all else, echoing the advice of Wiggy, one of my mottos is "Always have a Plan C" and never ever give up on your dreams!
Good luck!
I was very impressed reading your post. It seems you have a level of maturity of someone quite a few years older; you seem to know exactly what you want to achieve and give the impression of not being phased by the hard work needed to get there. The grades you are outlining should be enough to meet the academic requirements needed to get on a course.
Just a thought, but you might wish to consider a business-related A Level (such as Business Studies) as airlines, particularly BA are looking for pilots to take an interest in the business itself as well as the physical flying of the plane, and see how their actions outside of the flying can fit into that. If you were to use airlines as case studies in your coursework and brought that up at interview that would surely impress.
Secondly, I am sure you will, but get a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of flying, such as how a jet engine works and why, for example, it is more efficient at altitude. This is what tripped me up at interview.
Thirdly get a good understanding of how airlines' SOPs work as there will be questions along the lines of "What would you do if....." in the interview. Interviewers are not necessarily testing you on the intricacies of the SOPs but looking to see if you can make calm, rational decisions in the face of unusual situations. Understanding the SOPs will help you to understand the mindset.
Finally show that you are passionate about flying by getting some flying lessons under your belt. If you can show in the interview that you have, for example, worked weekends to earn money to pay for lessons, that will show a level of determination above and beyond some of the other candidates. Alternatively join the air cadets.
Above all else, echoing the advice of Wiggy, one of my mottos is "Always have a Plan C" and never ever give up on your dreams!
Good luck!
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Echoing what others have said, hard work and determination can pay off. This was my plan initially, but life managed to get in the way and, as a result, I didn't complete A-Levels. Instead, I work a soul sucking job that has just paid for me to pass my PPL, and I'm working through the modular route. Yes it's expensive, and if you can get onto one of these courses, then amazing, but do have a plan B, C and D as you may need them. My current plan is I'm doing a part time university degree, which I'm hoping will help when it comes to it, but it's a long term plan.
However, if you are that passionate about the career, you will always find a way to make it work, even if it takes you longer than you'd hoped.
Best of luck with your dreams
However, if you are that passionate about the career, you will always find a way to make it work, even if it takes you longer than you'd hoped.
Best of luck with your dreams
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A look at LinkedIn would appear to show that BA would appear to recruit quite a diverse bunch onto the programme. Bear in mind that when you turn 18, you've got at least a 15 year, possibly a 20 year window in which to apply for these programmes. Some do get in at 18, though at BA it wouldn't appear to be particularly common.
I'd say Maths, Physics plus something else at A-Level, keep doing the DofE awards, potentially get involved at your local gluding club as a "cadet" member.
Lastly, remember that whilst BA have offered a very good programme, be aware of what else is out there too. Aer Lingus offer a programme that doesn't involve a loan, the airline pays everything. I came quite close to getting on it and I know a bloke who at 19 came close also.
Finance-wise, things would appear to be a bit better than in say, 2006. Airlines seem to have cottoned-on a little bit to the fact that not everyone has rich parents, so take a discerning view.
I'd say Maths, Physics plus something else at A-Level, keep doing the DofE awards, potentially get involved at your local gluding club as a "cadet" member.
Lastly, remember that whilst BA have offered a very good programme, be aware of what else is out there too. Aer Lingus offer a programme that doesn't involve a loan, the airline pays everything. I came quite close to getting on it and I know a bloke who at 19 came close also.
Finance-wise, things would appear to be a bit better than in say, 2006. Airlines seem to have cottoned-on a little bit to the fact that not everyone has rich parents, so take a discerning view.
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Roughly the chances are about 2% from past applications to cadet places. Someone has to fly these aircraft so why should it not be you? From my experience taking into account their experience levels the FPP's are very capable. As one of the youngest potential FPP's I would say make yourself stand out by doing something other than study and aviation. I know it's hard having broad experience when your young but having a passion outside of flying is a real positive. Final bit of advice would be take it one step at a time and you will achieve your goal. Often it's not as you plan it but take a easy going approach and you'll do just fine
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I would spend some time researching the recruitment process and how best you will tackle it. A good idea would be to start a word document and take a note of things you do in your life that could be used to demonstrate a certain "competency" that an airline looks for e.g teamwork. This is the general way of recruitment and it is possible to improve greatly at these interviews. I don't think they are a good thing at all but unfortunately often stands in the way between you and the job you want.
Good luck!
Good luck!
