At Balpa Conference Now - Your Views
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: London
Age: 47
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what happened to the days when pilots wore jeans and leather jackets ?
And spelling doesn't come as naturally to some people as it does to others.. never affected anyone's ability as a pilot.
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
These employment conferences are always f limited value. Wannabes, fine. They are more aimed at the 'experienced' guy. i.e. those with 1-2000 hours and type rating. The wannabes in my opinion make up the numbers, sorry I mean cash, for each year. I know as I certainly contributed.
Certainly worth a visit, once maybe, just to enjoy the hot stuffy room.
Certainly worth a visit, once maybe, just to enjoy the hot stuffy room.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: East Midlands
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought it was better than expected. If there are actually more than 700 positions being advertised, as was commented on during the day, this has to be good news - 700 is much better than none.
Even if some of the requirements are for more than 4000 hours total time, doesn't that mean that someone with 4000 hours might apply, then their job will be opened up to, say, someone with more than 3000 hours....and so on until at the bottom of the food chain there's some openings for folks without thousands of hours experience.
Maybe this is just rampant naivety getting the better of me, but it works for me.
Even if some of the requirements are for more than 4000 hours total time, doesn't that mean that someone with 4000 hours might apply, then their job will be opened up to, say, someone with more than 3000 hours....and so on until at the bottom of the food chain there's some openings for folks without thousands of hours experience.
Maybe this is just rampant naivety getting the better of me, but it works for me.
Rampant naivety may not be too bad a description! There weren't anything like 700 jobs on offer. The few real jobs that were discussed were either for young, integrated or experienced high hour pilots with ratings. Given that there were nearly 400 BALPA members in the room and that the majority of unempoyed/in-training pilots almost certainly didn't attend there's an awful lot of competition out there for very few jobs. If you've borrowed £60K and you're "lucky" enough to land a F/O TP job you'll be paying the loan back for the rest of your life. Don't wish to be too pessimistic but if you're looking for your first job you better hope you're integrated, under 30 with first time passes in your IR (and preferably exams too). I know there are always exceptions and you could, of course, buy a type rating but how much debt can one man stand. I think some of the schools are irresponsible in taking money from people who have little real chance of getting a job (perhaps including me 
). We're all doooomed!
). We're all doooomed!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: uk
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just want to point out that the value of the conference is greater than simply an airline saying they want pilots. Seeing as the industry is run on personal contacts and recomendations it represents an incredible opportunity. You are able to catch up with people that you have worked with or trained with or knew in a past life and the people they know and so on.... As they succeed so they may well remember and recommend you when they move on, and hence that is your 'in'.
Join Date: May 2004
Location: somewhere in the middle
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ChocksAwayUK,
You must be next after sky goose on the airlines most wanted employee list. Am I upsetting you pulling your boyfriend up on his spelling? Ask anyone who checks cover letters or CVs to find out what the number one reason is that they end up in the bin, spelling.
I've checked your previous posts and see that you're a nosey little wannabe, sticking your snout in left right and center. Leave the more complex topics up to us big boys please.
Regarding your previous post. I never said that spelling has anything to do with your pilot ability. Do you have an inferiority complex?
Good luck with the ATPLs....prat
You must be next after sky goose on the airlines most wanted employee list. Am I upsetting you pulling your boyfriend up on his spelling? Ask anyone who checks cover letters or CVs to find out what the number one reason is that they end up in the bin, spelling.
I've checked your previous posts and see that you're a nosey little wannabe, sticking your snout in left right and center. Leave the more complex topics up to us big boys please.
Regarding your previous post. I never said that spelling has anything to do with your pilot ability. Do you have an inferiority complex?
Good luck with the ATPLs....prat
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: London
Age: 47
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, i'm sorry. I really didn't mean to upset you. I was only joking. It just seemed a bit rich to criticize someone else's spelling when you can't spell yourself, that's all. 
I'm sorry if it's wrong for a lowly wannabe to be showing an interest in the interview/jobs etc forum.. i just find it useful.
I think it's quite clear that the person you were having a go at suffers from dyslexia hence my "spelling doesn't come as naturally to some as to others" comment. I'm sure when it comes to matters such as CVs etc then spelling can be checked, i presume that's what you'll have to do as well.
Again, sorry to upset you.
edit: I'm sure the bile that consumes you with 2/3 of all your posts stands you good stead to make a great pilot:
Prior Posts
Thank god for interviews and psychometric testing otherwise we might end up with people like you flying passenger aircraft. *phew*
I'm sorry if it's wrong for a lowly wannabe to be showing an interest in the interview/jobs etc forum.. i just find it useful.
I think it's quite clear that the person you were having a go at suffers from dyslexia hence my "spelling doesn't come as naturally to some as to others" comment. I'm sure when it comes to matters such as CVs etc then spelling can be checked, i presume that's what you'll have to do as well.
Again, sorry to upset you.
edit: I'm sure the bile that consumes you with 2/3 of all your posts stands you good stead to make a great pilot:
Prior Posts
Thank god for interviews and psychometric testing otherwise we might end up with people like you flying passenger aircraft. *phew*
Last edited by ChocksAwayUK; 12th Oct 2004 at 14:37.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: 20 ADD 10 CPT
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CCATFANCLUB
Im really sorry about the spelling thing, I didnt realise that I would blow my chances of an airline job if I misspelled something on pprune, thank for the warning.
When it comes to CV's I do take more care (duh !!).
I hope thats put your mind at ease.
ps. I promise to buy a suit aswell, with the money I get from selling my leather jacket...big boy
pps: one thing not to forget about being a pilot is that after spelling, ability to wear a nice fitting suit and programming the FMC (to avoid Timbuktu) one also needs to get on with the bloke next to you, so ease up on the bashing.
You wouldn't want people to think you were an otherwise sort of chap, I would think that does alot more to harm your carrer than a misspelled word somewhere in the mountains of pre and post flight paperwork.
Just my 2pee worth.
cheers
When it comes to CV's I do take more care (duh !!).
I hope thats put your mind at ease.
ps. I promise to buy a suit aswell, with the money I get from selling my leather jacket...big boy
pps: one thing not to forget about being a pilot is that after spelling, ability to wear a nice fitting suit and programming the FMC (to avoid Timbuktu) one also needs to get on with the bloke next to you, so ease up on the bashing.
You wouldn't want people to think you were an otherwise sort of chap, I would think that does alot more to harm your carrer than a misspelled word somewhere in the mountains of pre and post flight paperwork.
Just my 2pee worth.
cheers
Join Date: May 2004
Location: somewhere in the middle
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry boys, you're both right.
Spelling, looking smart and programing the FMC aren't that important if youre a stand up chap!!
I'll make more of an effort from now on.
(bet you're busy PMing yourselves to death now with how much you love eachother.Meet at the balpa conference did you??)
Spelling, looking smart and programing the FMC aren't that important if youre a stand up chap!!
I'll make more of an effort from now on.
(bet you're busy PMing yourselves to death now with how much you love eachother.Meet at the balpa conference did you??)
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Zambia
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Right you lot.
This is not about who can spell and who can't.
All of you who are drowning in pessimism can go elsewhere. We pilots who are looking for a first job should be pulling together and sharing experiences and information.
I found the Con to be invaluable. It gives us a picture of what the airlines are looking for. Do we not need to know that? A lot of the reps said to me that qualifications and hours are not the B all and end all, but if your face fits, then there is a chance. Also, there was a wealth of information to be gleaned there, not just making contacts, but by talking to each other as well. The opportunities are out there guys, we need to look outwardly, be prepared to go the extra mile and be flexible.
And remember: Nobody owes us a living. That dream job will not fall into our laps. Spend at least 1 hour a day mailing CV's, getting on the blower and working towards your own future.
Good Luck To All! Remember what the man said: If you want it badly enough, it'll happen.
...but i do agree that Britannia bloke's joke was corny! Didn't stop an application going off yesterday though!
This is not about who can spell and who can't.
All of you who are drowning in pessimism can go elsewhere. We pilots who are looking for a first job should be pulling together and sharing experiences and information.
I found the Con to be invaluable. It gives us a picture of what the airlines are looking for. Do we not need to know that? A lot of the reps said to me that qualifications and hours are not the B all and end all, but if your face fits, then there is a chance. Also, there was a wealth of information to be gleaned there, not just making contacts, but by talking to each other as well. The opportunities are out there guys, we need to look outwardly, be prepared to go the extra mile and be flexible.
And remember: Nobody owes us a living. That dream job will not fall into our laps. Spend at least 1 hour a day mailing CV's, getting on the blower and working towards your own future.
Good Luck To All! Remember what the man said: If you want it badly enough, it'll happen.
...but i do agree that Britannia bloke's joke was corny! Didn't stop an application going off yesterday though!
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: north of barlu
Posts: 6,207
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sky Goose
Don't worry about the laggs on this website there is always some under brained public school boy who has been "educated" far past there ability by daddys money and all they can do is try to get "one up" on you for a spelling error or two, it makes them feel important you know !.
The small minded plum voiced pond life usualy fall by the wayside sooner or later , they did when I was a wannabe and I'm sure it's the same today.
As you can see I still can't spell but sitting in the left seat of a B737 I don't give a damm what these people might think or say.
The small minded plum voiced pond life usualy fall by the wayside sooner or later , they did when I was a wannabe and I'm sure it's the same today.
As you can see I still can't spell but sitting in the left seat of a B737 I don't give a damm what these people might think or say.
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Age: 53
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
attendee list
can anyone fill in the blanks for the airline representatives:
BA - John Monks
BACitiexpress - Ian Cheese
Thomas cook -
BMed - Mick Crosby
Dragonair - Tim Watts
Cathay Pacific - Clare Delaney
Channel Express - Nick Hayter
Excel Airways - Gerry Crumbie
Flightline -
BMIBaby -
Britannia - Leo Nugent (who was the other chap Nick ??)
First Choice -
Flybe -
Any info, greatly appreciated
BA - John Monks
BACitiexpress - Ian Cheese
Thomas cook -
BMed - Mick Crosby
Dragonair - Tim Watts
Cathay Pacific - Clare Delaney
Channel Express - Nick Hayter
Excel Airways - Gerry Crumbie
Flightline -
BMIBaby -
Britannia - Leo Nugent (who was the other chap Nick ??)
First Choice -
Flybe -
Any info, greatly appreciated
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Zambia
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jocks,
Thomas Cook: Adrian Richards
Flightline: Kevin "Bloody" Wilson
BmiBaby: Tim Berry
FirstChoice: John Murphy
FlyBe: Don Derby or Mike Wood
Hoping that helping!
Regards from the Kitchin (and before the spelling police jump, Kitchin is spelt that way for a reason. One that i shall not impart!)
Thomas Cook: Adrian Richards
Flightline: Kevin "Bloody" Wilson
BmiBaby: Tim Berry
FirstChoice: John Murphy
FlyBe: Don Derby or Mike Wood
Hoping that helping!
Regards from the Kitchin (and before the spelling police jump, Kitchin is spelt that way for a reason. One that i shall not impart!)
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: 20 ADD 10 CPT
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A and C and kitchin
Cheers A and C, I was starting to think I was a bit too casual for the modern airline industry.
Kitchin - dont know so much about the conference being that valuable but do agree that we must help each other and send CV's, somethings gotta give eventually...right?
cheers
Kitchin - dont know so much about the conference being that valuable but do agree that we must help each other and send CV's, somethings gotta give eventually...right?
cheers
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: LGW
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Guys and girls,
Critique re: my presentation dually noted, plums and all! £50 to listen to that drivel!
The reason for my post is to point out that Thomsonfly (Britannia Airways) will still take on Second Officers (modular or integrated) in the future. As to when we do depends on the the rate of expansion of our new bases in Bournemouth, Coventry and Robin Hood.
The job market in general is looking better and given what the other airlines had to say future prospects for job seekers seem excellent.
For those whom took the time to speak to Nick, Geoff and I after the presentations, thanks very much. Most of you I meet seemed to have the drive and determination to become successful airline pilots.
Best of Luck
Critique re: my presentation dually noted, plums and all! £50 to listen to that drivel!
The reason for my post is to point out that Thomsonfly (Britannia Airways) will still take on Second Officers (modular or integrated) in the future. As to when we do depends on the the rate of expansion of our new bases in Bournemouth, Coventry and Robin Hood.
The job market in general is looking better and given what the other airlines had to say future prospects for job seekers seem excellent.
For those whom took the time to speak to Nick, Geoff and I after the presentations, thanks very much. Most of you I meet seemed to have the drive and determination to become successful airline pilots.
Best of Luck
Last edited by Leo Nugent; 13th Oct 2004 at 12:54.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Zambia
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr Nugent,
I'm GUILTY! Yes, i did have a "pop" about the bad joke! Only because it is usually I who am criticized for bad jokes and it is better to have the comments "outgoing" and not "incoming" for a change! Sorry.
Anyway, I did talk to your colleage (I think it was Geoff?) and found him to be very frank. So duly, an application is on its way, and as told, i am expecting to have it rejected. But at least you'll have it on file and will know who i am when i phone you up every couple of months or so! I am hoping that you'll get tired of me enquiring and say: "Somebody interview this guy, at least to stop him calling us!"
Thanks again for the presentation. Do you have a military backround? (just asking, as a couple of us thought you were ex-airforce)
SkyGoose,
You would be suprised about airline types ability to remember your face. If you were to turn up at an FBO and bump into one of the chaps (or chap-esses) that you spoke to at the con, i bet they would remember you. That's why they call it "getting your face known". If you go to interview and it's a toss up between you and A. N. Other similarly qualified candidate, and the Chief Pilot saw your countenance at something like... ooh, off the top of my head, the Balpa Con- who will get the job?
Sorry, that doesn't mean to sound sarcastic- I'm just trying to get a point across. You see what i mean though?
recherche le kitchin
I'm GUILTY! Yes, i did have a "pop" about the bad joke! Only because it is usually I who am criticized for bad jokes and it is better to have the comments "outgoing" and not "incoming" for a change! Sorry.
Anyway, I did talk to your colleage (I think it was Geoff?) and found him to be very frank. So duly, an application is on its way, and as told, i am expecting to have it rejected. But at least you'll have it on file and will know who i am when i phone you up every couple of months or so! I am hoping that you'll get tired of me enquiring and say: "Somebody interview this guy, at least to stop him calling us!"
Thanks again for the presentation. Do you have a military backround? (just asking, as a couple of us thought you were ex-airforce)
SkyGoose,
You would be suprised about airline types ability to remember your face. If you were to turn up at an FBO and bump into one of the chaps (or chap-esses) that you spoke to at the con, i bet they would remember you. That's why they call it "getting your face known". If you go to interview and it's a toss up between you and A. N. Other similarly qualified candidate, and the Chief Pilot saw your countenance at something like... ooh, off the top of my head, the Balpa Con- who will get the job?
Sorry, that doesn't mean to sound sarcastic- I'm just trying to get a point across. You see what i mean though?
recherche le kitchin