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BA Connect (was City Express)

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Old 25th Oct 2006, 21:28
  #201 (permalink)  
 
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Thumperdown

Thanks for the tip: I thought my post was lost in the sea of qs about BACon...Don't wanna look too lazy but I think Han's numbers are lost somewhere I cannot locate them, so I make it easy and ask it directly:

Any age vs experience limit within BA (yeah, I know about the law, but...U got it)?
Int vs Mod training discrimination (Again: if I wante a CPL I had to make it happen in a cheap way but I worked out my a s s up to FI rating with not a single fail and took it damn seriously)?
Any cons in applying from overseas/being no-UK resident or citizen (still EU)?

I surely have more qs but I'll keep an eye on the website.I don't mind where to start from. Not mad for jets up to the point to turn down a TP job on DHC 8...

Shame FI job is so sh...ty here on the continental EU, at least if you have to do it on P/T basis...

Thanks in advance for the news.

PZ

PS: Is a FO's word (on BAe146) worth something within the pool? I have a nice friendship with her brother but I don't know the lady personaly, but I hope to meet her sooner or later. Don't worry, I know she's married and my heart belongs to someone else...
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Old 25th Oct 2006, 22:11
  #202 (permalink)  
 
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A few answers

Hi PZ
About 20 in TP pool
There is no age discrimination in BA Connect nor age v's experience requirement. The most suitable applicant will get the Job (put in the pool). Most recent late starter was 46 previous to that 52.
Modular will only be considered for TP pool. I was a modular chap - for the same reasons as you and a flying instructor as well - I know exactly what you mean. Abolutely no cons for overseas - the requirement is to hold a JAA FATPL and have the right to live and work in the UK &/or IOM. FI job is great! Does not pay too well but a great way to learn and teach the basic skills. Ex instructors are prime candidates for Training appointments further down the line. An experience which will stand you in good stead.
The answer to your last point re your 146 lady friend of a friend is categorically no. BA Connect operate under the wing of the BA fair employment policy and therefore 'who you know' has no bearing. I have a modular colleague who I would like to get started and I can't. I would suggest I probably have a little more influence in the recruiting department than your friend!!
Any more q's please feel free to ask. I know what it was like when I wanted a my first job and will attempt to answer any sensible q's as honestly and factualy as I can. Obviously there are areas which would be unreasonable for me to make comment in which case I will say so.
Regards
Thumper
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Old 25th Oct 2006, 22:41
  #203 (permalink)  
 
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The answer to your last point re your 146 lady friend of a friend is categorically no. BA Connect operate under the wing of the BA fair employment policy and therefore 'who you know' has no bearing.
I knew you were going to say so, but I like to play devil's advocate

As I said I don't know the girl personally and I was just wondering if, as a normal practice, when you name someone you know within the company that is used as part of the selection process.

Thanks for the aw's.

PZ
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Old 25th Oct 2006, 22:52
  #204 (permalink)  
 
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Hi PZ
Well to be a bit blunt!
"As I said I don't know the girl personally and I was just wondering if, as a normal practice, when you name someone you know within the company that is used as part of the selection process."
What use could that possibly be to your ability to do the job? I would suggest it is not normal practice. Once knew a guy who name dropped a bloke who was detested by the interviewer. He got the job - thats fair employment eh!
Regards
Thumper
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Old 26th Oct 2006, 11:42
  #205 (permalink)  
 
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What use could that possibly be to your ability to do the job? I would suggest it is not normal practice. Once knew a guy who name dropped a bloke who was detested by the interviewer.
Hope I haven't been misuderstood. I was just wondering what that qs on some application forms (Do you know anyone working for us? If YES please name him/her) is for. Regarding my friend's sister...well if I had the chance to meet her one day and after apply for a job in her company, I would name her. That's it. Surely nobody will expose his/herself for Mr. I-dont-know-this-chap, ain't? I wouldn't do it for sure.

Regards

PZ
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Old 26th Oct 2006, 14:47
  #206 (permalink)  
 
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FYI, Modular students can and do go straight on to the 145 at BA Connect.
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Old 26th Oct 2006, 15:34
  #207 (permalink)  
 
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Hi Cheesycol

There have been a few modular who are were in the hold pool but it is not the current policy to recruit future pilots, from a modular background, directly onto the jet or into the jet holding pool.
Of course things may change with the supply and demand thing!
PZ
Roger!

Regards
Thumper
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Old 26th Oct 2006, 17:12
  #208 (permalink)  
 
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I must have got lucky then!
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Old 27th Oct 2006, 11:59
  #209 (permalink)  
 
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I must say, being of a modular background myself, that I am not convinced of alll of the logics behind the policy - as you have proven. Its nice to have a bit of luck now and again - none of us would get too far without it!
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Old 27th Oct 2006, 23:00
  #210 (permalink)  
 
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Unhappy

Why get so excited chaps? one ability you will need to get during your professional careers is to work out how long an airline will be around.

BACON is dead in the water and is sinking below the waves - I know and understand that to many of you it is your first job, However do not make long term plans or move house to join BACON. It's throat is cut and it is bleeding to death- the wake is no more than a couple of years away- if that long. A good example of this is that the operating company at Birmingham Airport is actively talking to many operators to fill the terminal and stands in T2 when BACON is finally fryed up.

The good news is that much is going on in the UK industry because of progressive forward looking airlines and many jobs are available. Good luck. One day soon a book should be written about how this once group of decent airlines was turned into a awful fry up!
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Old 27th Oct 2006, 23:19
  #211 (permalink)  
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If BACON closes or goes under....

What will happen to the pilots
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Old 28th Oct 2006, 18:13
  #212 (permalink)  
 
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Ensure your cup is half full , not half empty! What happens if it becomes a great success story with new shiny toys?
Word on the grapevine is that a few of the 'new' low cost airlines are struggling and loosing a lot of money whereas BA Connect has shrunk and tightened the belt to survive the overcapacity in the market. It has been forced to lower its service standards to just above that of its competitors i in order to compete - shame really
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Old 28th Oct 2006, 22:29
  #213 (permalink)  
 
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not really.
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Old 30th Oct 2006, 19:14
  #214 (permalink)  
 
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Slicer no offence meant but I think your a litte out of touch with the average wanabees ability to gain employment. Your comments about not taking the job if you have long term plans or have to move are rubbish. As Thumperdown says things could go either way and if the company goes down the bog then you leave with a green book and type rating, that you didn't have to pay for! If it doesn't then you've a good job with good T&C's, there are many worse outfits to work for believe me. If you get the offer go for it it's no brainer!

Keep those cups half full.

Bez.
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Old 31st Oct 2006, 19:05
  #215 (permalink)  
 
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Thanks Bez
Regards
Thumper
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Old 1st Nov 2006, 19:42
  #216 (permalink)  
 
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Get Connected

Howdi all,

I agree, Thumperdown, what you have been posting is the most accurate, all this doom and gloom talk about Bacon sizzling out. They would not be doing courses if there was a dire problem. Connect amongst the public is popular, there are many angles to look at this but I try to keep with the positive.


rgds
V2
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Old 1st Nov 2006, 20:49
  #217 (permalink)  
 
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I really don't get the point...Is really the most of us in the position to turn down a TP job with a BA sister company just because competition is fierce and nobody knows if and how long they will last? Guys...They're still carrying BA name on the fuselages, aren't they? I won't even speculate on the logbook TR endorsment, bearing a CV line saying I was trained in a BA TRTO would make it worth...I don't mind writing "...F/O on...from...to"...

If anyone is not going do you mind to give me a bell before? Wish U good luck!

PZ
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Old 1st Nov 2006, 22:34
  #218 (permalink)  
 
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fish

V2+PZ
Thanks for your support. My postings are accurate because I am fortunate to be in a position to know. I remember what it was like when I was looking for my first job - for that reason alone, I try to post the most honest and accurate recruitment information that I can. Whilst it may not help you get a job it will at least alleviate some of the misinformation (nearly said something else there!) being put about. May I also say that I am 'more than qualified' to post in this area!
Whilst not every body would lower themselves to fly a TP or 'small jet' with BA Connect, others, like me are grateful. May well have some good news for the in the early part of next year - standby!
Regards
Thumper
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Old 2nd Nov 2006, 08:22
  #219 (permalink)  
 
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Thumperdown, please check you PM's
Well...sure you got mine few days ago, but no worries it was not asking for any kind of support but to get rid of all the s..t and misinformations that circulate on the web. As I said we should consider the position you are know and where you could be in a 5 yrs period after you joined BACON instead of looking for better T&C. Raise you hand you all that had the chance to choose their first job and impose their terms...Sorry, I am a short geeza so I don't see any hand right know...

Whilst not every body would lower themselves to fly a TP or 'small jet' with BA Connect, others, like me are grateful.
So am I

PZ
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Old 2nd Nov 2006, 08:31
  #220 (permalink)  
 
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I am currently a First Officer with BA Connect on the TP. What can I say about it - it is great training and experience, and I do not regret taking the job for one second.

The insecurity about the future is not good, and is the only downside. However I have BA on my CV, and multi-crew hours in my log book. Realisitically the company is not going to disappear, so my worst case is that I end up working for whoever buys it!

I am an 'older' modular pilot, and to be honest was thankful of the opportunity with BA Connect, it has got me started. Whilst it may not get me through to my pension it is a superb start. All this being said the business model can work, and we do offer a good service - there are lots of positives and a definate upside, however these do not make such good reading on a rumour network!!

I know who Thumperdown is, and I will say that he is the person who knows. He will give you no flannel or b*ll, and anything he tells you should be taken as true, he is certainly in a position to comment on fact rather than rumour.

Finally - there are many people, Thumperdown included, who fight for us, and the people in the hold pool. Regard him as a knowledgeable friend and allie.
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