BA Connect (was City Express)
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: U.K
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28th Sept email
I spoke to the lady in HR about 2 weeks ago.
I told her that i received email in Sept etc... and just to let her know that my situation has changed I.E a FI now etc.... She was saying that when we re-open the online application again you can re-apply.
So I'm assuming that they have finished their recruitment for now and just gotta wait till they re-open!!
Crazy Gal x
I told her that i received email in Sept etc... and just to let her know that my situation has changed I.E a FI now etc.... She was saying that when we re-open the online application again you can re-apply.
So I'm assuming that they have finished their recruitment for now and just gotta wait till they re-open!!
Crazy Gal x
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: uk
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So how big is the BA Connect hold pool?!?!
Yay! I made it through the sim check and landed straight in the hold pool!! Very very happy! Makes all the preperation and hanging around worthwhile!!
Just goes to show it is possible. To all those looking for a job just keep banging away and eventually you will get through. Persistance, preperation and determination seem to be the keys!
I'm sure this has been covered before but couldn't find anything on a search. Does anyone have any idea how big the hold pool is and how long I can expect to be in it? Would be very interested to hear from anyone who has already done the hold pool thing and got in to see how long they waited, AND from anyone who is currently in the pool and what date they simmed? Would at least give some indication as to what to expect.
So until then I'm just gonna splash around in this big ol pool feeling just a teeny tiny bit smug!!!!
Just goes to show it is possible. To all those looking for a job just keep banging away and eventually you will get through. Persistance, preperation and determination seem to be the keys!
I'm sure this has been covered before but couldn't find anything on a search. Does anyone have any idea how big the hold pool is and how long I can expect to be in it? Would be very interested to hear from anyone who has already done the hold pool thing and got in to see how long they waited, AND from anyone who is currently in the pool and what date they simmed? Would at least give some indication as to what to expect.
So until then I'm just gonna splash around in this big ol pool feeling just a teeny tiny bit smug!!!!
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Bandit Country
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Dash 8-months
Well done mate, that 1-11 sim isn't the easiest thing to master!!! However, I wouldn't get your hopes up old boy. There are many of us here, some of whom have been drowning since Oct 2005!! Numerous Dash courses have been cancelled and there is talk of there only being 2 courses accomodating 8 F/O's MAX for the rest of the year. I simmed a several months ago and have been told i'm about 20ish, so lord knows what the score is.
On the flip side, a week is a looong time in aviation
On the flip side, a week is a looong time in aviation
Join Date: Aug 2003
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pool
Well done on getting in, there are many who were not successful. The pool is not that big but the problem is there are few vacancies arising just now. There is a steady trickle and friends of mine have been called to replace these, so we are all slowly moving up to the top.
Keep flying, you are required to keep your IR current(ME/IR is required for the issue of an MPL on a multi crew type) and you need to keep 50 hours in a rolling 12 months in the bank.
Others I know have had offers whilst in the pool with other airlines so this also helps to shorten the wait.
Like Toastal, I simmed in Dec 05 so we are both close to the top at this stage. Hard to say how many in the pool exactly.
I expect you are aware that jet courses are prioritised for dash FOs above integrated entrants, so if you are low houred modular it will be the dash first.
The waiting is a killer but speaking to those called in they all grin like cheshire cats so it must be worth it!!!
Keep flying, you are required to keep your IR current(ME/IR is required for the issue of an MPL on a multi crew type) and you need to keep 50 hours in a rolling 12 months in the bank.
Others I know have had offers whilst in the pool with other airlines so this also helps to shorten the wait.
Like Toastal, I simmed in Dec 05 so we are both close to the top at this stage. Hard to say how many in the pool exactly.
I expect you are aware that jet courses are prioritised for dash FOs above integrated entrants, so if you are low houred modular it will be the dash first.
The waiting is a killer but speaking to those called in they all grin like cheshire cats so it must be worth it!!!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oxon
Age: 47
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I know of 7 current dash f/o's starting EMB145 or 146 courses in the next couple of months. 1 course in May and the other in June.
New captains are being trained on the dash, so their f/o spaces from the jets are on offer to the more senior f/o's on the Dash. Senior being around 10-12 months.
New captains are being trained on the dash, so their f/o spaces from the jets are on offer to the more senior f/o's on the Dash. Senior being around 10-12 months.
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Rome
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I wouldn't worry about being in the hold pool for too long, we have pilots leaving everyday - and cannot replace them quickly enough. The only limitation is how quickly replacement can be trained.
At the same time don't sit on your laurels waiting for a call, keep plugging away with other companies - there are lots of jobs to be had at the moment.......
At the same time don't sit on your laurels waiting for a call, keep plugging away with other companies - there are lots of jobs to be had at the moment.......
Join Date: Aug 2001
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I've just been told not to expect to get on a course till next year and there are 25-30 people in the hold pool for the DHC8!!!! Blimey!!! I'm gonna be totally shrivelled and prune like by then!! Not to mention still very very very broke!
Thanks for all the responses and advice etc. All very welcome! Must feel great to know you are getting near the front of the Q. I know you shouldn't wish your life away but if only I had a fast forward button...........
Thanks for all the responses and advice etc. All very welcome! Must feel great to know you are getting near the front of the Q. I know you shouldn't wish your life away but if only I had a fast forward button...........
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: herethereverywhere
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Heard the rumour that those in the holding pool are being told to apply to other airlines. So for those of you in the hold pool is this true ?
If it is then i think the on line application will not be opening any time soon.
If it is then i think the on line application will not be opening any time soon.
Join Date: Aug 2003
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Tee hee
grey, well I laughed....
1. Can you name the last Fully owned subsidiary of the mothership that was shut down? From personal experience, every part of BA is under constant threat of closure, but like all the other's, they havent gulped yet.
2. Dont upset us little fish in the pool, some of us would rather get to captain before were old enough to qualify for a cruise on a titanic, unlike most BA mainline SFO's
3. How long is a week in aviation...well anything has to be shorter than a week in the hold pool
1. Can you name the last Fully owned subsidiary of the mothership that was shut down? From personal experience, every part of BA is under constant threat of closure, but like all the other's, they havent gulped yet.
2. Dont upset us little fish in the pool, some of us would rather get to captain before were old enough to qualify for a cruise on a titanic, unlike most BA mainline SFO's
3. How long is a week in aviation...well anything has to be shorter than a week in the hold pool
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Dry bar
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Some of us out here are genuine pilots, we are trying our hardest to obtain a right seat position with an airline. We work hard, 250 hours or 1000 hours, all in the same boat!!
Sometimes you get the odd airline pilot who takes the
out of us wannabees! I am sure that you guys were there once.
Try and remember that chaps, we will be there with you one day.
A pilot waiting for an interview!
Sometimes you get the odd airline pilot who takes the
out of us wannabees! I am sure that you guys were there once.Try and remember that chaps, we will be there with you one day.
A pilot waiting for an interview!
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Dark,
I'm not being funny -do you think walsh is playing games ?
With cost savings of 400 million being looked at,do you really think he will continue to view yearly losses of 30 million quid in a favourable light ?
You can rebrand and offer some lower fares (nowhere near locos) but ultimately the cost base is too high,
All I am saying is great,you are in the pool, but keep looking !
I'm not being funny -do you think walsh is playing games ?
With cost savings of 400 million being looked at,do you really think he will continue to view yearly losses of 30 million quid in a favourable light ?
You can rebrand and offer some lower fares (nowhere near locos) but ultimately the cost base is too high,
All I am saying is great,you are in the pool, but keep looking !
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: uk
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In a company the size of BA, I reckon 30 million pounds can appear or dissapear in the swash of an accountants pen. Also hope that Bacon are making some effort to cut their costs and improve their sales. They do provide an excellent service that is in a different market to the lo co's. Just got to wait and see if it's a big enough and robust market for Bacon to make a success of. Willies comments are certainly a motivator for all in the airline to make an effort!
We will see but I refuse to feel down about having a job in the bank!! Agree thou! It would be prudent to continue looking elsewhere.
We will see but I refuse to feel down about having a job in the bank!! Agree thou! It would be prudent to continue looking elsewhere.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: UK
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Don't worry guys. Loads of people are leaving/have left BA Connect. As well as internal moves from Dash's to EMBs. So hang on in there. I'm sure a course isn't too far away. The bad news for the guy that wanted a command there.....they're like hen's teeth! Skippers are clinging on (quite rightly) to their final salary pension so they won't move on! Good luck guys. It's a fantastic first job.
Join Date: Jan 2001
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Most guys are leaving because the bouyant job market means there are lots of good opportunities opening up for guys with even the most basic commercial experience.
Over the last couple of years the fleets have continued to shrink , meaning fewer command opportunities - even F/O's who have 5/6 years seniority are starting to leave. With no openings likely for us lower down the seniority list, working more hours per year, pay increase deals not looking great and just the general managment attitude at the moment doesn't mean it's a long term option.
The company is turning into a training airline, with guys getting some experience and more on.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all doom and gloom - there's a good bunch of people to work with, the jungle jet (with all it's faults) is modern and challenging to fly !! varied route network at the bigger bases, bigger bases are pretty stable now, fantastic scheduling agreement, stacks of overtime (if that floats your boat!), good staff travel perks with mainlaine etc
- it's horses for courses
Over the last couple of years the fleets have continued to shrink , meaning fewer command opportunities - even F/O's who have 5/6 years seniority are starting to leave. With no openings likely for us lower down the seniority list, working more hours per year, pay increase deals not looking great and just the general managment attitude at the moment doesn't mean it's a long term option.
The company is turning into a training airline, with guys getting some experience and more on.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all doom and gloom - there's a good bunch of people to work with, the jungle jet (with all it's faults) is modern and challenging to fly !! varied route network at the bigger bases, bigger bases are pretty stable now, fantastic scheduling agreement, stacks of overtime (if that floats your boat!), good staff travel perks with mainlaine etc
- it's horses for courses