BA / Virgin new recruits

[ALV2500]

Would anyone recently hired by BA or Virgin be good enough to give some details like their age, qualifications / type ratings held and flight experience at time of interview.
If anyone knows the age limits for new hires this would also help.

Thanks, AL

[fast cruiser]

Joined Virgin Atlantic last year, spent 6 months in the pool before that phone call.

31yrs young, 3800hrs when I joined of which 3400hrs were on the Fokker 100.

Now on the B747-400 and love it. (simple as that!!!!!)

Don't know how well it compares to BA but who cares.

best of luck

cheers

fc

[Artificial Horizon]

Joined B.A. this year:

27 years old, 2300 hours, 1000 turboprop, 1000 instructional.

[Riker]

Hey Fast Cruiser,

Great job on the 744 position! That is exactly what I would have chosen. Were you given the choice between 744 and A340?

[angelorange]

Artificial Horizon

what turboprops were you flying?

Having trouble with BA site - says:

"If you do not hold a type rating on a British Airways Aircraft type: To be considered for shorthaul the minimum requirements are: ATPL(F) with 500 hours or 100 sectors recent experience on a turbojet/turboprop transport category aeroplane with a MTOM greater that 10 tonnes or an approved passenger seating configuration of not less than 20 passengers."

Have over 700 hours and been to 60+ airports round europe - Trouble is the King Air B200 (flown Multi Crew) is 5,700 kg and to quote Raytheon: "has a comfortable and roomy "squared-oval" pressurised cabin. The air-conditioned cabin can be fitted with seven or nine seats."

Any ideas?

[Artificial Horizon]

I was flying turboprops that were 29ish tonnes at all up wieght so more than satisfied the requirements.

[fast cruiser]

No I did'nt get a choice, I would have flown either type without any prejudice but I have to admit getting the B744 was very satisfying and also it's probably fair to say that most guys a VS on the B744 may well end up flying the A340 eventually anyway. or maybe the A380!!!!!

[JetSitter4]

3800hrs when I joined of which 3400hrs were on the Fokker 100.
Hey, fast cruiser:
How many of the 3400 were PIC/Left seat?

Great job you landed, congrats :ok:

[wobble2plank]

37 Young, 3700 hours heavy, multi engined, multi crew helicopters!!!( 3000 PIC)

Fed up waiting for my eyeballs to stop shaking after 2 days into a rest period :p

Jumped ship to the airlines, better pay and a comfier seat!

[flyA380]

I start my course next month at BA.

Age: 29 (started at 20 as FO)

At time of interview:
5000+ hrs total of which:
4000+ on jets (B737 and A320) and 750 hrs on F50 (turboprop).
1000 hrs as captain on A320 (my current aircraft.)

I asked and received the B777 as my start type in BA.

I had people of over 40 in my assessment group, do not know if they passed though...

[AFA]

Started with Virgin at 26 after 12 months in the hold pool.
4100 hours of which 2900 were on the A320/330. I asked for the A340 but don`t think i actually had any chance of the -400 with my type ratings.

[320operator]

6000 hrs jet time
1000 hrs PIC A319/320
JAA licence but not a UK licence (as is required, at least according their website)

I am not British

What are my actual chances of getting into Virgin? Anybody can help me out on this?

Cheers,

320op

[ALV2500]

Wobble,

Did you get on with BA or Virgin aged 37 and if so, do you know if that is common ?

I'm in the left seat of a CRJ 200 in the USA but getting homesick.

Thanks, AL

[wobble2plank]

ALV2500,

I don't think age is really a factor with BA/Virgin. If you have the required experience and fit into one of the companies molds ;-) then they will take you.

One problem facing us 'oldies' is the time to captaincy. Obviously with up to 20 years to LHS I will be pushing retirement age by then! However, after 15 years of decision making as captain behind me, I don't personally see that as a great problem. As I say, that's my personal opinion, there are those that absolutley have to have that LHS power ;).

Have a look for both companies on PPJN.COM and you will see that the FO scale far outweighs the captaincy scale for most budget operators, so the money issue is not there.

There were three mid thirty pilots taken from the twelve in my interview. The others, not taken, ranged from early 20's to mid 40's. Read in to that what you will.

Hope that helps

:ok:

[AFA]

320operator

You just need the right to live and work in the UK as with all (most) UK airlines.
We have plenty of non-British pilots.

Good Luck

[ALV2500]

Thanks Wobble,

Flying the RJ here in the US isn't bad but the industry is pretty much on it's knees here. I am looking at all options and would return home to the right seat of a Boeing or Airbus with the right Airline.

regards, AL

[wobble2plank]

Al,

After being in the states last month and chatting to a couple of people from Embry Riddle about the state of State side aviation I can only say 'Go East' and come home. In comparison to the US market the aviation industry over here is positivily bouyant, IF you meet the minimum criteria.
With a large amount of low cost and charter airlines picking up and nobody swimming in the BA or Virgin pools now is a good time for employment.

p.s. BA are really pushing the 777 hard at the moment as the rostering is extremely busy. If you have the experience then expect ZFT on the 777.

[320operator]

Thanks AFA!

320op

[ALV2500]

Thanks Wobble,

I need to get info on BA or Virgin. I need to know about the number of pilots retiring and how many pilots are to be hired over the next few years.
I still have to convert my FAA ATP to a UK ATPL but I am confident I can do that in a matter of months.

I have 6000hrs total time.
1000 is in cessnas.
200 is in a TP and 4800 is in a Canadair regional Jet ( 1700 as pic )
I'm 37 so I guess it's now or never and nothing to lose.

Are you in the 777 now and if so how is it ?

Regards , AL

[wobble2plank]

Al,

I'm not eligible yet for ZFT as an ex wobblehead so its A320's for me!

There is an excellent thread on the BA interview process in the Wannabees section.

To qualify for ZFT I think (not certain!!!) the aircraft needs a max take off weight in excess of 17 tonnes (please don't quote me!)

The interviewing and recruitment is rumoured (it is a rumour network !) to continue well into next year.

If you want a good place to convert your FAA licence I can recommend airways flight training at Exeter, excellent instructors, all ex-airline guys and also the ex Rolls Royce chief test pilot!!!!

Good luck

[ALV2500]

The RJ I'm in is just over 25 tonnes so I need to do a little extra work. I will check out Exeter.

Thanks, AL

[arewenearlythereyet?]

I heard that Capt. PPrune just got in with Virgin and he must be pushing 50! I think he got the 747 cos all my mates say he has a permanent tan these days. (747 is known as the beach fleet due to number of caribbean and florida destinations). :ooh:

[flyA380]

A JAR license and being a European citizen is enough to have a chance at BA. (It worked for me).

The more experienced pilots (even if type rated on A320) - say over 3000 hrs - will mostly get B777 at BA.

[expedite_climb]

Capt. PPrune just got in with Virgin and he must be pushing 50!

Oh dear! Danny will not be flattered!!!

[Danny]

Not flattered at what? :confused:

[PPRuNe Pop]

50!!!!!! How dare you! ;)

[CaptainProp]

You are talking about BA recruiting....Is their site open for applications?? I tried to find it but failed....Maybe that was part of the selection??!!:p :p :p

/CP

[320push-n-puller]

BA / Virgin new recruits,

-age 29
-Continental European
-UK residential
-3500h
-Captain on regioanl Jet

starting soon @ BA

[flyA380]

click ba jobs site (http://www.britishairwaysjobs.com/baweb1/)
Then current vacancies.
Then type pilots in the bottom text search box
Et voilà: the DEP entry scheme. Still open till august 31st.
(and after that, a new one will open most likely).

[CaptainProp]

flyA380 - Many thanks!

[Sector 7G]

Age 26

European Citizen

JAA ATPL (non CAA)

Total Time 2600

B737 2300

Starting on 777 next month:D

[federico]

31 years old
not british
4500 hrs tt
4000 hrs md80


starting on the b777 in october.

[Blue system]

Anyone know if there are someone below 2000 hours who got in?
And do you need alot of PIC to get in?

Regards,

Blue sys.

[Flying Dispatcher]

1400 TT
UK National

Flying the A320 for BA.....so yes, people with less than 2000 hrs do get in!

[Blue system]

Thanks Flying Dispather.
Thats nice to hear. I am in that area aswell as you probably understand.
May I ask how much PIC you had?

Regards,

Blue sys.

[Megaton]

800 TT
400 PIC
UK National

Flying the A320 for BA.....so yes, people with less than 1000 hrs do get in!

[Blue system]

Ok!

Congratulations to you then!

How long between you got called for testing to the actual date for testing?

And does anyone know how the rostering for BA shorthaul is these days?

Regards,

Blue sys.

[Blue system]

Ok, I am bumping this one up and hoping there is some BA shorthauler watching.......;)

Regards,

Bluesys.

[CaptainProp]

Anyone in the know of "To be considered for long-haul.....min 1000 jet......etc" Is this written in stone?? I´m mainly interested in long-haul....but a few 100 hours short of that but with plenty of total time...

/CP

[Carnage Matey!]

I suspect thats written in stone as you have to be capable of zero flight time conversion for the CAA. If you don't have the hours for ZFT you won't get long haul as they won't be doing base training on a 777.

[iqit]

i hear you people talking about virgin atlantic recruiting ,but there is nothing "official" on their website .....anyone care to share some info ?should i just send my c.v. ,even though they are not looking for pilots?

[BLEKE]

iqit ,

you can't have been looking very hard, I just looked at their website yesterday and it's all there.

Virgin Atlantic are currently recruiting pilots .....

good luck

[iqit]

BLEKE ,
i checked there website again today and there is nothing about pilot vacancies....
www.virgin-atlantic.com......is there any other website for virgin that i missed?

[Khaosai]

Hi iqit, look at left side, select "all about us," stay left side then select "working for us". Finally select pilot recruitment. It's all there. Good luck, great company, enjoyed my time there. Rgds.

[coded_messages]

Currently waiting for a course with Virgin. Cant wait to join :) Great company, conditions, routes and pay :)

[iqit]

it seems i was in the wrong webpage......

does anyone know if you can choose which plane to fly ?
thx

[coded_messages]

The impression I got was that you go on whatever course is available at the time. From what I gathered most of the courses are on the the Airbus. One would imagine that if both Airbus and Boeing courses were available at the same time then I dont see why you could not be given an offer.

I think this is something for Scroggs!

[scroggs]

With (currently) 19 A340s on strength and a further 15 to come (plus options), as opposed to 14 B744s with none further to come, it will not surprise you to learn that the vast majority of Virgin's recruiting is for the A340. There is some movement on the B744 as people move from that to the Airbus on command promotion, but it's not a lot. You will not be given a choice; you will be told what aircraft you are going to (if you are successful).

As for hours, you will find that most pilots accepted in the current recruiting drive (which has been going on 15 months or so) have in excess of 4000 hours, and most of that on jets of 25 tonnes or greater. While the company's minimum stipulations aren't so demanding, the competition is strong, and the company can pick and choose from a very experienced, high-quality group of well-motivated applicants. In other words, a lot of very good people don't get in even though they have lots of hours. Them's the breaks.

Scroggs

[iqit]

thanks for the info
last question (till next question mark , pops up in my head?)...
340s fly east and 747s west....as a general rule?

[Khaosai]

Boeing goes to the states, carribean and jo burg, very occasionally hong kong. Airbus does everything including china, japan australia and india. No carribean tho. Best for commuting, airbus, best for time off, airbus, best for partying, airbus, best rating, airbus. Best aircraft from a pilots point of view, well i will leave that for someone else to stew over. Rgds.

[iqit]

it all sounds good ......all i need now is actually get the job!
thanks again people

[scroggs]

The B744 has not been to Hong Kong for some years, and there are no plans to send it back there. The Boeing fleet is gradually moving to Gatwick and Manchester to concentrate on the beach routes - Caribbean and Orlando - though it will continue to operate some New Yorks, Los Angeles and San Francisco until the A380 arrives. The A340 operates everything else, plus some New Yorks and the late LA. Jo'burg has been shared between the Airbus and Boeing for the past few months, but that arrangement is unlikely to last too much longer with 7 new A346s arriving in 2006.

[Khaosai]

There you have it iqit, bus is the way to go. Interview really straight forward so no worries there. Rgds.

[Capt Sly]

Bluesys,
Ok, I am bumping this one up and hoping there is some BA shorthauler watching.......
If you were to join the A320 fleet at BA then you can expect to do approximately 750 hours a year, flights varying from 0:25 Manchester to 5:00 Larnaca. Some days are long, up to 12:00 planned duty, but there are union agreements so you have a good level of protection!

In an average month you can expect 270 hours away from home, 17 days at work, 135 duty hours and 75 hours flying. So as you can see there can be a lot of faffing around - two hours on duty per flying hour getting from aircraft to aircraft, terminal to terminal, etc. The 17 days at work will include around 9-10 nightstops in one of the many destinations we serve, and time there will vary from 12 hours to 55 hours, although most are around 15-16 hours.

Roster stability is great. Rarely will it change unless you want it to. The downside is that when you start you will be at the bottom of the seniority of the fleet - 312 copilots and counting. You will probably end up working most weekends, and doing a fair number of earlies - (0500-0700 starts). As you get more senior you'll have more of a choice with the bidding system, and you should be able to get the days off that you want. People say you'll get a reasonable choice once you are 10% off the bottom, but you'll find that out in due course.

One of the most annoying aspects of LHR is the delays. Usually you'll be taxiing for 20 minutes waiting to take off. Most days you will hold, often you will be waiting for a stand especially at T4. Frequently you'll be waiting for crew transport to take you home or to the next aircraft. All these factors and more will attempt to frustrate you!

So there you have it from a BA shorthauler....
Best of luck.
Sly.

[Lost For Words]

Interesting to see that BA are recruiting a large proportion of foreign pilots. Currently most are British so there is a change going on.

I wonder if they are not getting the home-grown talent through the door (poor T & C's?) or just genuinely trying to be 'European'.

Knowing how difficult the English test is/was I'm thinkng they must be making allowances for non-English 1st language candidates. No offence to Europeans but that comprehension was/is really a tester.

Any thoughts?

[Carnage Matey!]

BA couldn't give a stuff about being European, North Ameican, Asian or anything else. The only reason they are recruiting abroad is they can't get enough pilots from the UK to join. They're now advertising in the Gulf News and the Singapore Straits Times!

[mr ripley]

Interesting to see that BA are recruiting a large proportion of foreign pilots.

?

Over 90% of the pilots who started with me last month are Brits and the majority who have joined since seem to be Brits.

I think the verbal reasoning test probably contributes to this stat.

[BADEPS]

Folks,

How quickly do you get issued with your car park pass when you join BA? I'll be a commuter when I join in the coming months and need to park the heathrow runabout!

Thanks
BADEPS

[Blue system]

Capt Sly:

Thanks for the info. I applied yesterday and am now awaiting the reply.:ok:

I understand that i will be working whats left over in the first years.
How many off days in a row do you usally get?
I have also read that take home is approx. 3000-3500£/month.
Is that an accurate figure?

I know that the verbal reasoning will be tough but I have to have a go at it.....
At least it wasn`t any problems with the sample question;) .

Brgds,

Bluesys:)

[BADEPS]

All,

Does anyone have any particular recommendations on where to stay when you start the course, cheap quiet and pleasant?

I have booked into a B&B on the list BA send out for the induction period and a couple of weeks after, but to be honest it's hitting the pocket!

Those that have been and done the course, did you find other people in the same predicament looking for a temporary flatshare?

BTW I'm on the airbus

Thanks
BADEPS

[mr ripley]

Passes are done before lunch on the first day.

I am not sure if cheap, quiet and pleasant go together.

I found a cheap and pleasant place that wasn't quiet (although other people think that it is OK). So I have gone for expensive-ish, quiet and pleasant at a well known convenient hotel.

PM if you require phone numbers.

Going rate seems to be £90 a week for 'cheap' accom and there are a number of places owned by BA staff (not including those on the Cranebank list), who specialise in renting rooms to people under training.

[BADEPS]

Mr Ripley,

Sent you a PM.

Cheers
BADEPS

[lemon]

Blue system - sent u a PM

[Lost For Words]

Now is certainly a good time to join the B777 fleet. There will be 120 new joiners between June 05 and June 06. You'll start at the bottom of the seniority list but you won't stay there long.

[expedite_climb]

Justing backing up LFW's words..... I joined 7 months ago and have shot up the list like a rocket. I get at least one full, (often more) plus a couple of half weekends every month, and some nice trips too. People around my seniority are starting to be senior enough to get the really nice trips like PEK and ANU.

One summer month gave me almost EVERY weekend off. (Perhaps a slight exception to the norm!)

[prob30]

How long is the 777 recruitment going to continue for? I wont have the hours until February but I intend to apply by the closing date of October 31st.

Is there any chance if I wait till the next application time?

[mustang1]

I'm in similar position to prob30, won't hav e 2000hrs for about another 6 months of low cost 73 flying.

If I were to go for assessment now is it possible to just hold out for the 777 until you have the hours?

[prob30]

I have heared from a mate who wnet through selction that if you are interiews without the hours you will be on for the airbus. Only if you have 2000 hours by the sim assesment are you eligible for long haul.

Have also heared that the fleet choice is yours and you can sit in the pool.....

can anyone tell us more?

[SmolaTheMedevacGuy]

What about having 2000hrs, but no heavy jet (just a medium jet and a turboprop)? Any chance for the 777?

[Mr R Sole]

Those that I know within the company tell me that the B777 is probably the unhappiest fleet around. Is it really as green as everyone makes out. Those on short haul all seem to be bidding for the 744 and a few for the 757/767.

[normal_nigel]

Its the usual suspects moaning their arses off on the BALPA forum.

Most of them don't know they are born in BA and I would hazard a guess that you chaps on here that fancy joining will have the life of Riley on the 777.

That's if you can stand the moaning prima donna element of my collegues.

But don't worry too much, despite the fact they think they know it all and everyone shares their view, they are in the minority.

Good luck

NN

[Seeing Green]

Hello to all - a long time watcher but no posts until now.

About to leave the air force and have just been given a start date for the 757/767 with BA. A big and pleasant surprise since without heavy/widebody experience, I was assuming I would join the A320 fleet.

Therefore, can anyone shed more light on this fleet, rosters, satisfaction, destinations etc. I've heard good vibes but no hard facts. Either way...can't wait!

Thanks

SG

[Super Stall]

Ah, the Gentlemen's fleet at last to see some recruitment.

Almost everybody on the fleet seems content with their lot. At the moment it's a fantastic mix of sunny long haul destinations, mostly African, and a little east coast States/Caribbean as well as European and Domestic short haul.

Some of the short haul 76's are currently being converted to long haul which will increase the percentage of long haul work, however with the change will come a change in route structure and more east coast/Canadian destinations are being mentioned.

Aircraft numbers mean rostering is rarely as severe as one or two of BA's other fleets. Most long haul trips require a 'heavy' crew which makes life far more comfortable, with the added bonus that long haul trips make it all the way to the bottom of the FO's seniority list. Short haul ranges from day trips to 4/5 day tours. As we do th e higher density flights we leave the very early starts to our friends on the Airbus.

All in all the majority on the fleet consider it to be the fleet to be on, and thus commands this year went very senior.

BA has recently invested a considerable sum of money in the cabins but believe me this doesn't stop the long haul crews moaning about them, on the upside the long haul cabin crews on the 76 are usually more junior are more sociable than some of the more 'senior' fleets.

Medium term Ba has stated that it will be the first fleet to be replaced, but with current lead in times I think we are safe for the moment.

Welcome and for the moment consider yourself a lucky man, things this good rarely last. :ok: :bored:

[federico]

Hello guys,
I am writing to ask to those of you working for BA about an estimate for the move to the left seat for a new joiner.( February 2006)
I know it is a very tough question but I have to base my decision of leaving my company,where i expect 8 years to command, based on this estimate.
I 'd love to join BA , but doing this i wouln't like to kill my career for ever.
I am 31 and already benn in a european major for 7 years.
Any suggestions from the very recently hired BA pilots?
Thanks.

[fruitbat]

SG

The 75/76 along with the -400 are the two most popular fleets in BA, and with good reason. Most are very happy with the mix of work, and the longhaul destinations are generally good fun and not too tiring, ie 4 or 5 day africa with a night flight out and a day flight home. At the present time the LH destinations are: Accra, Baltimore, Dar es Salaam, Detroit, Entebbe, Lagos, Lusaka, Nassau, Nairobi, New York (from MAN) and Tel Aviv. Rumours abound about the possible new routes but the expectation is east coast USA, Canada and/or Middle East.

SH routes are the major hubs, generally the rush hour business or popular tourist times. There are plenty of 'high credit' day trips for those who want to come into work as little as possible but still be home in the evening.

It's a relatively small fleet, in BA terms, with about 180 Fo's and you do get to know some of the guys and girls as you fly with them, or see them down route. LH cabin crew may complain because the routes are worth no money to them, and there are no bunks, but generally the places lend themselves to a few beers and a good meal, so fun is had by all!

The 75 may fall to Wllie's axe at some point but that will just mean it becomes more of a LH fleet, and hence a pay rise.

All in all a good fleet, fantastic aeroplanes performance wise and lots of interesting destinations. Spend a few years enjoying it before the general move to the -400 to do 'proper LH' until your number comes up for a command. Good luck.

[Seeing Green]

Thanks for the replies. The variety sounds excellent. Final question - I assume there are certain criteria to meet/hours to obtain before progressing from the 757 to the 767. How long would that usually take and although I'm sure I should know - the criteria for ETOPS qual?

All in all those I've spoken to have had similar sentiments - a great place to be!

Ta,
SG

[Super Stall]

On day one at Cranebank you will get a training manual which lists a whole series of hours/experience tables which show when you'll be able to start 76 flying and then ETOPS flying.

But in reality its all rubbish. The Christmas before last they ran out of ETOP qualified FO's. It cost the company a fortune as thay had to pay expensive overtime rates to cover the trips while a third of the fleet were tucking into mince pies at home. Suddenly we all got ETOPs courses.

I think now (and don't quote me) you finish your line training and then do 20 sectors before your rostered a 76 trip (shorthaul). From memory its then about 2/3 months before your ETOPS training which has to be a transatlantic trip.

Enjoy

[JT8]

Super Stall - Check your pm's
:cool:

[trietwentie]

Fellas

Just wondering if anybody can comment on the waiting period after completing the medical questionnaire before hearing something back from BA ? Has anybody had to come in for a medical, any reason why?
I just got the word that I passed the selections and I am burning to hand in my notice before the end of this month ! :-)

Congrats to all you DEP's !!
And of course congrats to all of you with other major achievements !! (no discrimination here)

ehem...


Thanks

[Seeing Green]

Trietwentie,

Having recently been through the process and just come out of the pool - I had a similar experience with it all going a bit quiet after the med questionnaire etc.
I had already told BA when I would be available so made a couple of calls to the HR dept who were v helpful and informative in confirming that everything was ok etc and that yes - I was in the pool. As a result I received an informal email of confirmation.

I got the impression that nothing formal would happen until 3 months before a start date as that is when course allocation/planning is done.
In due course and true to their word - I got the job offer and cse date. Therefore in 'my experience' it seems that once you have confirmed an availability date, they work around you to fit you in where they can so you may well have to assume all is ok and take the plunge with your notice..?

Good Luck

SG

[behind_the_second_midland]

I'll stand corrected but my understanding is that you will now leave the sim with qualified on both.

ETOPS may well now be in line training as is a Hot/high destination.

BTSM