EasyJet time to Command and bases
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
EasyJet time to Command and bases
Can anyone tell me about the time and process for getting a Command at Easy-in the UK for experienced typerated FOs. Specifically what the demand is now and what steps you have to go through.
Is the process well sorted and clear, or is there a high failure rate at assessment time?
If I tried to join this year in the uk what bases are likely? I’ve heard MAN is a long wait, as is BRS.
Any help welcome, might be a lot of movement soon.
Feel free to email or PM with more info too.
Is the process well sorted and clear, or is there a high failure rate at assessment time?
If I tried to join this year in the uk what bases are likely? I’ve heard MAN is a long wait, as is BRS.
Any help welcome, might be a lot of movement soon.
Feel free to email or PM with more info too.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK
Age: 41
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
easyJet has a pretty thorough and clearly documented command process. Minimum entry to the command process is 2000 factored hours, a good training record and a base captain recommendation. The command course itself has a pretty low failure rate as there is a robust selection procedure. Of course there are failures at the various stages; be it the command sim assessment, at the initial base captain interview or with the psychologist interview. The 'seniority' for a command place at eJ is based on when you first apply - so joining with the requisite hours just puts you at the very start of the process. Base choice is also important in how quickly you will progress; copilots in the command process nominate a base and then wait on the Captains base transfer list. So, for bases with long lists like MXP, BRS or MAN you would expect quite a wait for a command position there. LGW, LTN or Portugal, however, are less popular so you will probably get a command position much sooner if you are willing to accept such a base. Failure at any stage, or poor sim reports will also stall progress. It's a very fair process with oversight from quite a few different people, however, you are pretty much left alone to study and complete all the development required- there is no spoon feeding or hand-holding!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi thanks Uberpilot.
what are ‘factored’ hours? Are these hours within the company, or simply on joining? Coming in with high jet hours, I guess would meet the factorisation and allow one to start applying straight away? I’ve heard it’s a two year process, is this correct as well?
what are ‘factored’ hours? Are these hours within the company, or simply on joining? Coming in with high jet hours, I guess would meet the factorisation and allow one to start applying straight away? I’ve heard it’s a two year process, is this correct as well?
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK
Age: 41
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Factored hours are what the company deem equivalent hours. Short haul co-pilot is 0.8, so you need a minimum of 2500 'other' hours to get 2000 factored eJ hours. Obviously hours flown for eJ are factored at 1.
You can't apply until you've been in the company 6 months and passed your probationary period. You also need 1 recurrent sim I believe. 2 years is possible if you are happy to go to a base with no waiting list and you have no issues at any point in the process. Timing is also key. Every March an NTC is released with the number of expected internal upgrades, base possibilities and hours requirements. However, it is not uncommon for people to have the odd issue here or there which can delay, or keep delaying the whole process.
You can't apply until you've been in the company 6 months and passed your probationary period. You also need 1 recurrent sim I believe. 2 years is possible if you are happy to go to a base with no waiting list and you have no issues at any point in the process. Timing is also key. Every March an NTC is released with the number of expected internal upgrades, base possibilities and hours requirements. However, it is not uncommon for people to have the odd issue here or there which can delay, or keep delaying the whole process.
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Not At Home
Posts: 2,448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
UberPilots summary is very good.
As said, the process is very thorough and rightly so. The biggest failure point is the Command Assessment Sim / Interview but these are usually conducted fairly and they are not out to trick you but rather check you’re at the standard they want to see.
Of course, everyone can have a bad day so you get a couple of goes at the process.
I’d just add though that you should join EJ because you want to work for EJ rather than just using it as somewhere to get a quick command.
easyJet is very focused on promoting the right people with the right attitude and mindset. Don’t expect to see them filling the LHS as quick as possible with anyone they can or just because their number comes up. A place has to be earnt and that will involve hard work, but it is worth it.
Good luck. It’s a good place to be.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: I wouldn't know.
Posts: 4,499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you have the hours, the much easier route is to get a command elsewhere and then apply as a DEC. That is a lot easier to do than the internal upgrade process which can take quite a few years and is ultimately in key moments completely dependent on the likes, dislikes and sometimes flawed understanding of company procedures. Especially the base captain, who does not need to be a trainer, has a very important role to play, without any real oversight at all, basically, he determines the fate of every first officer and is the ultimate power in his base.
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Ontario
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you have the hours, the much easier route is to get a command elsewhere and then apply as a DEC. That is a lot easier to do than the internal upgrade process which can take quite a few years and is ultimately in key moments completely dependent on the likes, dislikes and sometimes flawed understanding of company procedures. Especially the base captain, who does not need to be a trainer, has a very important role to play, without any real oversight at all, basically, he determines the fate of every first officer and is the ultimate power in his base.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Europe
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you have the hours, the much easier route is to get a command elsewhere and then apply as a DEC. That is a lot easier to do than the internal upgrade process which can take quite a few years and is ultimately in key moments completely dependent on the likes, dislikes and sometimes flawed understanding of company procedures. Especially the base captain, who does not need to be a trainer, has a very important role to play, without any real oversight at all, basically, he determines the fate of every first officer and is the ultimate power in his base.
Agree absolutely as well about the role a BC can play(and I have seen some of them already destroying FO's careers here in RYR). All in all a lot of "if's".
I am happy that I did my upgrade over 20 years ago. Easier, more "normal" times back then for a pilot. There was still an appreciation for common sense and good airmanship over guys that are just good in knowing SOP's. Well - water down the river.
May I add a short question? Myself being a tiny bit(not really a lot as after RYR I really do not need another overegulated operator from one of the 2 islands) interested in Easyjet - BUT only on italian bases. I think there is Milan(which would be my #2 choice) and Venice(#1) - don't really know if they opened another in Italy. Seems impossible to get a direct DEC job in one of the 2 mentioned bases? Is that correct?
If so there is no need to attend any assessment because I do not fancy Berlin or Portugal(which seem to be the only places a newjoiner may go).
Thanks for any reply.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK
Age: 41
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you have the hours, the much easier route is to get a command elsewhere and then apply as a DEC. That is a lot easier to do than the internal upgrade process which can take quite a few years and is ultimately in key moments completely dependent on the likes, dislikes and sometimes flawed understanding of company procedures. Especially the base captain, who does not need to be a trainer, has a very important role to play, without any real oversight at all, basically, he determines the fate of every first officer and is the ultimate power in his base.
If you are not yet a Captain then a few years in eJ as a co-pilot gives you time to absorb the company procedures, see how eJ Captains perform in the sim and prepare yourself. The DEC recruitment and selection rate is pretty low; by numbers alone far more Co-pilots are recruited than DEC. I wouldn't suggest that it is easier to go to a 'quick upgrade' outfit and then expect to stroll in as a DEC at all - the good times are almost over and expansion looks like it's slowing down already. Remember, eJ only tend to take DEC if they cannot promote from within, bar a few base specific exceptions.
As regards Italy, MXP and VCE have longs lists as the contract and tax arrangements in Italy are very favourable. Don't expect DEC in Italy any time soon, or ever I would suggest.
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Not At Home
Posts: 2,448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The base captain is over seen by the HQ in Luton. All command interviews are follow a 'Standard' format now - if you study and put the expected effort in then you will encounter no problems or surprises. The whole process is well documented and if you seek feedback from your base you will know exactly what each phase entails. Yes, some will give you a bit more of a grilling, but I have yet to hear about someone who worked hard, was a god pilot and had a good attitude who was stopped in the process.
If you are not yet a Captain then a few years in eJ as a co-pilot gives you time to absorb the company procedures, see how eJ Captains perform in the sim and prepare yourself. The DEC recruitment and selection rate is pretty low; by numbers alone far more Co-pilots are recruited than DEC. I wouldn't suggest that it is easier to go to a 'quick upgrade' outfit and then expect to stroll in as a DEC at all - the good times are almost over and expansion looks like it's slowing down already. Remember, eJ only tend to take DEC if they cannot promote from within, bar a few base specific exceptions.
As regards Italy, MXP and VCE have longs lists as the contract and tax arrangements in Italy are very favourable. Don't expect DEC in Italy any time soon, or ever I would suggest.
If you are not yet a Captain then a few years in eJ as a co-pilot gives you time to absorb the company procedures, see how eJ Captains perform in the sim and prepare yourself. The DEC recruitment and selection rate is pretty low; by numbers alone far more Co-pilots are recruited than DEC. I wouldn't suggest that it is easier to go to a 'quick upgrade' outfit and then expect to stroll in as a DEC at all - the good times are almost over and expansion looks like it's slowing down already. Remember, eJ only tend to take DEC if they cannot promote from within, bar a few base specific exceptions.
As regards Italy, MXP and VCE have longs lists as the contract and tax arrangements in Italy are very favourable. Don't expect DEC in Italy any time soon, or ever I would suggest.
The company are no fools. You only get in as a DEC if you meet the standard, fit the mold and there is a (usually rare) space available for a DEC. Not many people pass DEC assessments.
BCs do have a say but it’s overseen by Luton and follows a standard procedure. It’s not easy but they expect you to put in the work. Don’t forget too that BCs will have listened to feedback from other line captains with regards to the applicant in question. They have a very good picture both officially and non-officially as to the standard, mind set and how ready an FO is for command overall.
It’s perhaps hoops to jump through but so there should. easyJet is not the place to come for a quick and easy command. You have to earn it.
