I have read through all 13 pages so far and some of the postings are quite emotive. So if you are still here (must be about 14 by now) then I have some less inflammatory comments.
Firstly, whether or not you apply to BA is dependent on your current circumstances. You have to appreciate that a career in BA is entirely due to your seniority. This is affected by the demographics of the pilot workforce at the time you join, and the age at which you started.
The younger you are when you start then the better your career. By the time you are 35 then (assuming you are established elsewhere), it would be a less attractive proposition. With the current situation in BA (no further expansion, retirement at 55, and few leavers), then those 35 and over are not going to get a long haul command, although a short haul one is likely. Those over thirty might get a long haul command, eventually, those under 30 will, and those under 25 will do very nicely.
The biggest benefit BA can offer is the final salary pension scheme, it is very good, but is no longer available to new starts. So if you are considering joining then please make additional pension plans.
A lot of the comments made in other postings are perfectly valid. It just depends on your background and expectations.
BA does not recruit the "best" pilots, but the "best fit" for the organisation. The SOP's and FCO's are written so that the worst pilot in the organisation can operate safely. You do not have to be ace of the base, average is more likely to get you a job.
More important is your ability to fit into the BA culture (and it is very distinct). You have to be primarily a conformist who will apply the SOP's and FCO's rigidly, and be able to enforce these standards in yourself and others. Naked ambition will not help, you have to appreciate you will be doing a dull, repetitive job, without the chance for promotion, for a very long time. Stoicism and patience are handy virtues to have.
"Characters" need not apply as they seek "stable" personalities, anyone familiar with the work of Myers-Briggs will understand the personality profile required.
Your expectations of the company will also colour your subsequent impressions. Do not expect nirvana, it is a company like any other, with many problems. The glossy brochures and adverts are just marketing speak. The reality is very different.
Standards at BA are no different to those in the majority of UK owned/operated airlines.
Some people have a very good life, others less so, again, it is primarily down to your position in the seniority list. The further up it you go the more money, less work, more control, better standard of living you will have. How long it takes and your attitude will decide your outlook.
My suggestion is that you think carefully, research the company, speak to more than one BA pilot, and apply if its what you want.
Worst case, you get in, get a free rating (no bonding either), then take your qualifications elsewhere. Just don't give up a good position with an existing employer and expect overnight success within BA.
Its a long seniority list full of relatively young people. Nothing ventured , nothing gained.
Harry
