BA Recruiting again

[ECAM Status]

Does anybody know whether the current BA recruitment in on the long haul or the short haul fleet, and how many pilots are they looking to recruit this time?

[Preppy]

A very brief response:

Yes/Yes/230 (in this "training year")

:ok:

[expedite_climb]

I assume you meant is not in.

Almost all to A320 and 777 (latter only if you are ZFT qualified ATPL holder)

[ECAM Status]

ZFT??????? stands for???

[Aslak]

ZFT = Zero Flight Time, something like this:

When you have enough experience you can do a ZFT training.

Meaning you can proceed to line flying direct from simulator without so called base flight in an actual aircraft.

Cheers!

[The Greaser]

Anyone any idea of the time scale involved in the application/assessment process? I applied online over the last weekend, apparently they will contact me in the next 10 days. How long has it taken others to be contacted, and how much notice given of interview. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[flaps to 60]

Greaser

I applied in the December round of recruitment (finished 3rd Dec if I remember correctly) and got the call early Jan.

Others I know have been called within a week so I dont think that there are any hard and fast rules.

If your succesful in the interview the call may well come by 6pm on the day. If it doesn't dont despair as some get the call by the following Friday

Good luck.

[Donkey Duke]

Flaps to 60,

What aircraft did you get? Where will you be based? Thanks so much. Cheers!

[Hudson Bay]

We need 120 pilots for the 777, 60 pilots for the 747-400 and another 60 pilots for the Airbus.

It's NOT the job it used to be though. Only 4 weeks holiday if based at LGW, slightly more at LHR.

If your a Captain with another Airline be prepared to take a wage cut and forget about seeing the wife and kids.

You will fly 900 hours in the year and if you want a command, forget it. 20 years you will wait on the 744. Quicker on an old 737, but who wants to fly that load of junk?

My advice is simple. Get a job with GB in airways colours, proper aircraft, fantastic conditions and 2 years to command.

[monkeyboy]

The Greaser, I sent mine in at the end of Feb and after not hearing anything after ten days I decided to give them a call. I was told by the nice lady at the end of the phone that the DEP app forms were 'pending', waiting for the HR dept to sift through them. Perhaps you'll be in the same position as me.

MB

[zero-lash valve lifter]

Sent my application in 1st March and was going to call them, perhaps I'll not bother now and see what happens.

Personally I would not mind flying an old 737.

zero

[maxy101]

BA is still a good company to work for, especially if you're a bus driver or cabin crew. As a pilot, expect to be frustrated and under valued. You will be astounded at the chaos/disaster area that reigns at LHR/BA. If you want a job where you input from the F/D is neither wanted or acted upon, then BA will be the ideal job for you. The secret is to take the money and not let it all get to you. Once you're away from LHR , the job starts being fun again....

[ElNino]

Flying the 146, an "old 737" seems like a very appealing prospect! Actually, flying anything else with jet engines seems that way.

[sidtheesexist]

flaps to 60, please check your pms - ta

[Hudson Bay]

A 146 is no different than a 737! In fact there is no difference between any jet aircraft apart from their looks and in my opinion a 146 looks a dam site better than a 737!

[flaps to 60]

Donkey Duke

I wish i was at that stage.

So far i have passed the interview and awaiting my sim ride in the next week or so.

A colleague of mine did the interview in early Jan and the sim the next day and was told within three weeks that they were getting LHR A320.

I hope that this is of some help and the very best of luck to you and all the others going for it.

I must say also that the advice of the current BA pilots adding to this and other realted threads is useful both the positive and negative stuff.

I only hope and pray that i and others get the opportunity to find out for ourselves the ins and outs of working for BA.

Once again GOOD LUCK ONE AND ALL

[Flying Fiona]

I agree Hudson Bay.

Any company is a good job for the new starters but for a Captain to leave for BA or any other company to take up a F/O's position must be mad.

With regards to the 737 v's 146, there is very little between them. They are both old, and dated machines.

For you new boys and gals take whatever job comes your way but remember THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A GOOD AIRLINE ANYMORE. And that applies to BA aswell.

[ECAM Status]

I am currently thinking of applying in BA but I have some second thoughts from what I read in this post. I am currently a FO with 2000hrs on the A320 and I would not be willing to leave my current employer for another A320 job. Would any of you boys think that I might have any chances of going on the long haul fleet if I apply and get through the selection process?

Thanks

[Human Factor]

ECAM,

Ideally they want type rated people for the 777 (or the -400 for one or two). Having said that, I don't think they're getting the numbers they want so as you're ZFT qualified, I think you'd have a fair chance.

However, you'd probably be told on the day you start where you're going, and what it says at the top of your contract doesn't automatically mean that's where you'll end up. Whenever any of us who are there already bid for a new fleet, it isn't guaranteed that you're on your new type until you actually fly the aeroplane!! I'm not joking.

If you apply, you may well get the 777, there is a significant requirement. However, be prepared to be offered anything else. The -400 is pretty unlikely, although not to be ruled out entirely so expect the A320 as the alternative.

Also, decide how badly you want a command. It will not happen at BA for a loooooonnnnnnnnngggg time. By the company's own admission, it's 17+ years for shorthaul. Maybe worth making the point to them that if you're offered the A320, you'd rather stay put. ;)

Caveat Emptor.

[Hot Wings]

ECAM status, 2000hrs on the Airbus will get you a 777 course.
Basically, 2000TT with 1000hrs on something over 50 tonnes qualifies you for a 777/744 course. Good luck!

[ElNino]

The 737 may be old as the 146, but thats only in age of airframes. In concept and execution it's light years ahead. It would be hard to imagine anyone could possibly design systems as dreadful as those on the Pollywaffle. As for the performance (or lack thereof)...

[zzz]

Hudson Bay,

just for the record it is six weeks leave per annum as per LHR.


cheers

zzz

[Da Dog]

Human factor, lets not forget the 6 years to command at LGW;)

[Flying Fiona]

ZZZ

You are wrong. For the first two years with BA you are entitled to 4 weeks per year and NO bank holidays. If you are based in LHR you get an extra blank week. That means they may call you in to work.

BA are not what they used to be, the conditions in many areas are worse than some uk airlines.

[ECAM Status]

Human Factor and Hot Wings thanks a lot for your replies. I understand both of you are BA guys. I would appreciate any information regarding the 777 roster, and the starting salary. Please PM me with any information.

Thanks

[Cuban_8]

Flying Fiona,

Don't quite know where your coming from with your facts. Leave is 42 days, which in my book is 6 weeks. Plus a duty free week in lieu of Bank holidays.

Regards,

Cuban_8

[expedite_climb]

RAFAT,

The recruiters are quite human and are flexible too; yes you can apply! Assuming your time is on turboprops >10 tonnes that is!

Last year when they were advertising a type rating on a BA mainline a/c as a requirement (737/757/767/A320/744/777) plently of people who only flew the 737-200 applied and some got in.........

[Hot Wings]

Flying Fiona - try 58 paid days off per year (including wraps).

2 x 7 days + 3 wraps = 20
2 x 8 days + 3 wraps = 22
2 x DFW + 1 NA = 16

Grand total = 58

On a LH fleet, with some smart bidding, you should be able to have almost 2 weeks off every second month.

The only snag is that we don't get much credit for a leave/DFW day, so you end up working like a dog for the rest of the month!

[RAFAT]

Thanks expedite_climb.:ok:

[Human Factor]

Da Dog,

Six years to an LGW command is a thing of the past. You need a seniority of 2000 ish (at the absolute lowest*) which will take a long time to achieve for anyone joining now.

*There are some ex Citiflyer skippers there who are significantly junior to this but they have a special deal.

[delux_Pilot]

Hudson Bay,
you obviously never sat inside a Emb 145 cockpit! The noise level of jet aircraft can be quite different, obliged to wear headsets with active NR in order not to be deaf after 2 years is not very comfortable!

How are the chances of getting on the 777 at BA with over 2500 TT and 1500 hrs on Emb 145 ( MTOM=22 t)??

[Human Factor]

delux,

How are the chances of getting on the 777 at BA with over 2500 TT and 1500 hrs on Emb 145 ( MTOM=22 t)??

Slim but you never know. Expect to be offered the A320.


ECAM Status,

Check your PMs.

[Da Dog]

Human Factor

Looks like 2287 to me just under six years, so what makes you such an expert on PP;)

[Flyrr100]

you obviously never sat inside a Emb 145 cockpit! The noise level of jet aircraft can be quite different, obliged to wear headsets with active NR in order not to be deaf after 2 years is not very comfortable!

I disagree... I've been flying the EMB145 since 1999 and use Telex 750s with ear plugs. Comfort and no headset hair!
I used to use 750s on the Saab340 also.
You should try it.

[Seabiscuit]

Out of interest, has anybody, recently (within the past 6 months) been offered B777 and on the day they start given something completely different like to 320, 737?

[expedite_climb]

Seabiscuit,

AFAIK no. BA are very short of crews on the B777 so very very unlikely too! Much easier to get DEP's who are qualified for A320 as they don't need to be ZFT qualified, for the 777 they do.

[Human Factor]

Da Dog,

There aren't many successful bids for LGW commands between 2000 and 2287 so if it remains true to form, quite a few of those at the bottom will drop off (sounds painful - sometimes can be!).

Me? Expert? Not really but I've dropped off the bottom of course lists myself in the past.... ;)

HF