Do the BA pilots here think that somebody in my present position will have a chance of joining internaly if as people assume, they will have a job getting the right kind of people. I have been with the Airline for 15 years and although we all moan i happen to think its ok.
Always worth a try; although I know of none that have succeeded. In the past, they (BA) seemed to want people to 'earn their spurs' elsewhere, before being allowed near any of their nice (definitely not shiny) jets.
Good Luck!
Although, if you are passed 30, then I'd advise forgetting it. What doesn't seem to have come up in any of this thread is the fact that 2006 legislation or not- the retirement 'bulge' ends very soon. In a couple of years time the retirements will be running at just 30 or so a year - for a very long time, not the current rate of nearly 200 a year.
I was given the retirement figures projected forward until my own retirement in 15 (20?) years time. Despite being only 33 when I joined, my seniority (sic) number when I retire will be around 770. i.e. When I retire there will still be about 20% of the pilot workforce senior to me! To put this in perspective, I might - repeat might - be eligble for a long-haul command in around 10 years time - that will be 17 years in the right hand seat with this company alone!
And it gets better! Anyone joining today will be behind all of the 'youngsters' that came across from CityFlyer a few years back, not to mention the even younger 'youngsters' that were cadets. All of these people are in your way now - and will be in your way when you retire! Unless you too are a 'youngster'
Remember - in BA - seniority is EVERYTHING!
Just in case the message isn't clear.
SENIORITY IS EVERYTHING!!!
Right, I'm hoarse from the shouting, but I wish somebody had emphasised to me how important seniority is in BA before I took the plunge - I may still have jumped - but I certainly wouldn't do so now. (Remember, I was 33 when I joined, if you're a youngster you may be OK)
Cheers,
Underdog