BA Future Pilot Programme (FPP)(Merged)
Join Date: Feb 2011
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I personally don't think that anyone has published any relevant information about the application. We are just talking things we are worried about, just because we want to take this opportunity and do not want to miss it. Doesn't it show a real interest in flying? And in BA? Many of us were interested in both things even before this thread was open, even before we took part of this excellent forum. Perhaps we are showing a real interest in joining this program, and that's something BA is looking for.
It's just my opinion
It's just my opinion
Join Date: Aug 2011
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talkpedlar:
I think you've interpreted it differently to me:
Now, to me, that doesn't say don't tell anyone you've applied, it says not to discuss the details of it. Which, so far, no one has.
However, input appreciated.
The BA website says quite clearly that you should NOT tell anyone that you have applied and should NOT share any details of the interview/assessment process...all this, understandably, in the interests of fairness.
I think you've interpreted it differently to me:
Whilst we appreciate you may want to discuss your application with friends and family please do not share the details of your application and any subsequent assessments with others, especially those applying for the Programme. Sharing details may compromise the fairness and integrity of the entire selection process. Furthermore, it could advantage other applicants and potentially disadvantage you. It may even disqualify you from the selection process.
However, input appreciated.
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Have been reading about this scheme with interest.
The only thing that worries me a little bit is this paragraph
"That said, we, like many companies, are vulnerable to world and economic events that could cause our recruitment plans to change."
Coming at a time when we are seriously facing the possibility of such economic events to send us back into recession (we're nearly there) only this time it could be for much longer than 2008. Looking 4 or 5 years ahead.. yeah, no problem. But right now.. is it really the best time to take on loans/debt?
The markets have simulated a crash few weeks ago. When/if it happens for real, it will hurt. Many analysts believe 2008 was just a taster. The economy hasn't really recovered, QE2 only pumped cash into a sick system to extend the agony not to cure it.
Obviously I have faith in BA's global recruiting strategies. I am only a bit perplexed about the timing. There will be a recovery at some point. And they want to be ready for it, fair enough. But what happens if the proverbial hits the fan? What if the banks need re-bailed out with government money that isn't there, as the sovereign debt grows?
Any thoughts?
The only thing that worries me a little bit is this paragraph
"That said, we, like many companies, are vulnerable to world and economic events that could cause our recruitment plans to change."
Coming at a time when we are seriously facing the possibility of such economic events to send us back into recession (we're nearly there) only this time it could be for much longer than 2008. Looking 4 or 5 years ahead.. yeah, no problem. But right now.. is it really the best time to take on loans/debt?
The markets have simulated a crash few weeks ago. When/if it happens for real, it will hurt. Many analysts believe 2008 was just a taster. The economy hasn't really recovered, QE2 only pumped cash into a sick system to extend the agony not to cure it.
Obviously I have faith in BA's global recruiting strategies. I am only a bit perplexed about the timing. There will be a recovery at some point. And they want to be ready for it, fair enough. But what happens if the proverbial hits the fan? What if the banks need re-bailed out with government money that isn't there, as the sovereign debt grows?
Any thoughts?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Salary scales have now been provisionally agreed, and although not public knowledge, many internally will testify that they are marginally better than the current SSP scales. This is purely down to the tax free element, which offers a win win situation for both parties.
I have also heard that a significant number of the first batch will come from the military cadets who were recently made redundant. These are high calibre applicants with a proven record, all they need to do now is pass the selection. Good luck guys!
I have also heard that a significant number of the first batch will come from the military cadets who were recently made redundant. These are high calibre applicants with a proven record, all they need to do now is pass the selection. Good luck guys!
Join Date: Dec 2008
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When applying you are supposed to answer a few questions about why you want to become a pilot etc. I don´t understand if I am supposed to answer a, b and c at each question with 300 words or am I allowed to use 300 words for a.b and c thus making it 900 words for each question.
Anyone?!
Anyone?!
Join Date: Aug 2011
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Tax free element of FPP
I think the tax free element of the FPP scheme is slightly misleading.Rather I believe it is better thought of as training you for free or a refund of your training costs. After all , if you were to give me £84,000 on day 1, and I gave it all back to you over seven years, would you expect those seven year receipts of your own money back to be subjected to income tax?
However, free training or a complete refund of your training costs, for a job of your dreams, you cannot ask for more than that...
However, free training or a complete refund of your training costs, for a job of your dreams, you cannot ask for more than that...
Join Date: Apr 2010
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haha holy smokes.
I can read the website, and have done. Its called pushing your cv into any hole it will fit in. If they interviewed me at all Ide consider gritting my teeth and doing it all over again, because the way I see it is at the moment a frozen atpl may as well be "little or no flying experience"
I can read the website, and have done. Its called pushing your cv into any hole it will fit in. If they interviewed me at all Ide consider gritting my teeth and doing it all over again, because the way I see it is at the moment a frozen atpl may as well be "little or no flying experience"
Join Date: Apr 2001
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I have been reading this thread since the start and am shocked at the number of useless questions regarding eligibility criteria which are clearly provided on the FPP website.
td1.3, you are the most recent member of the I-cannot-follow-simple-instructions club. I understand your position must be frustrating but how more specific do BA need to be?
An internet connection and ability to read would negate ~1/3 of this thread which has been diluted by "I do not meet the eligibility criteria - am I eligible?" questions. Honestly, if these postings are indicative of the calibre of candidates applying, then we can all breathe a sigh of relief.
Please can people focus on more constructive questions about the application or useful knowledge about the process. Apologies in advance for the rant but lets keep this useful and focused.
td1.3, you are the most recent member of the I-cannot-follow-simple-instructions club. I understand your position must be frustrating but how more specific do BA need to be?
An internet connection and ability to read would negate ~1/3 of this thread which has been diluted by "I do not meet the eligibility criteria - am I eligible?" questions. Honestly, if these postings are indicative of the calibre of candidates applying, then we can all breathe a sigh of relief.
Please can people focus on more constructive questions about the application or useful knowledge about the process. Apologies in advance for the rant but lets keep this useful and focused.
By all means, discuss BA's Future Pilot plans, but stop embarrassing yourselves with the "I do not meet the eligibility criteria - am I eligible?" questions. There are seemingly a raft of Dumbos here that really cannot understand plain, simple instructions. If you don't meet the asked-for criteria, BA don't want or need you. Simple! 
Join Date: May 2009
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I may be wrong with this, but the usual pilot loan from BBVA appears to be the base rate + 2.5%, which is what I suspect this would be as well. Not bad if the base rate stays the same, but unfortunately it's sure to rise in the next 7 years!
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BBVA have been charging a typical margin of 2.5% over Bank of England base rate on their secured loans for pilot training. There are also set up fees and the security must be a property in the UK where there is no more than one existing charge (mortgage) already on the proposed asset (house). That charge and the proposed loan (second charge) shouldn't in total exceed 60% of the property value.
Once the contract is established the rate is at a fixed margin (currently 2.5%) over the floating (variable) base rate. In other words once the contract is in operation the margin will remain the same and any variation in the interest charged will only be as a result in changes to the Bank of England base rate. However there is nothing preventing the bank from varying the margin for any future contracts.
With this scheme, it is not clear, (possibly because it will vary from individual to individual,) what rate the commercial bank will charge for loans that are not asset based by a suitable property in the UK. In this case the airline (a limited company) is providing a guarantee (by whatever means they have agreed) to underwrite the loan in the event the borrower defaults. The bank may (or may not) consider the risk at a different level to that where it has an asset backed charge in its favour. The marginal interest rate charged might well be higher in this case. The clue is probably in the information on the BA FPP website.
This scheme is going to be useful for those succesful applicants who cannot (rather than will not) provide an asset backed security, but still need to borrow these very large sums of money. However it is still likely to require a squeaky clean credit history. I suspect the option is intended as a last resort, rather than an available, elective, and preferred choice of financing.
The rates charged for borrowing are probably going to be tailored to the individual, and not likely to be obvious until someone has gone through this process, and reported back.
Once the contract is established the rate is at a fixed margin (currently 2.5%) over the floating (variable) base rate. In other words once the contract is in operation the margin will remain the same and any variation in the interest charged will only be as a result in changes to the Bank of England base rate. However there is nothing preventing the bank from varying the margin for any future contracts.
With this scheme, it is not clear, (possibly because it will vary from individual to individual,) what rate the commercial bank will charge for loans that are not asset based by a suitable property in the UK. In this case the airline (a limited company) is providing a guarantee (by whatever means they have agreed) to underwrite the loan in the event the borrower defaults. The bank may (or may not) consider the risk at a different level to that where it has an asset backed charge in its favour. The marginal interest rate charged might well be higher in this case. The clue is probably in the information on the BA FPP website.
There are a number of ways you can raise the funds to deposit this security bond, for example from your own finances, borrowing from family, or securing a loan. If you’re not in a position to secure an asset-based loan then you could be eligible for our British Airways guaranteed loan scheme. If this is the case, our partner bank will run a thorough check of your credit history. Should this come back clear and you pass the Future Pilot Programme selection process, British Airways could act as your loan guarantor. You will then be able to borrow the money from our partner bank in order to deposit the required security bond with APL. On any loan there is obviously a percentage of interest charged by the lender, but the British Airways guaranteed loan scheme specifically offers a 24-month holiday period before any loan repayments commence. It should be noted however, that it might be cheaper to secure an asset-based loan either through our partner bank or another lender.
The rates charged for borrowing are probably going to be tailored to the individual, and not likely to be obvious until someone has gone through this process, and reported back.
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To those who are applying, when asked about salary sought, is the monthly or annual salary that you expect to receive?and should it include allowances or just the basic salary? I think in the U.K. they use annual salary, but i just want to be sure. Thanks
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I believe it is annual salary though nothing explicitly says that. I was also wondering whether it should include allowances or not - my guess is no but I put £30,000 as I was going to put N/A but it was only possible to input numbers.
Join Date: Aug 2011
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Anybody in their fifties applying in this first wave?
Just while it's quiet, folks, is anybody else in their middling years thinking of having a stab at this?
In light of the anxieties created by some of the dogma surrounding the application process, perhaps respondents might prefer to PM me?
BTW, to anyone approaching the maximum age limit, please don't be dissuaded from submitting an application. I've read that BA is determined to be seen as an Equal Opps. employer.
In light of the anxieties created by some of the dogma surrounding the application process, perhaps respondents might prefer to PM me?
BTW, to anyone approaching the maximum age limit, please don't be dissuaded from submitting an application. I've read that BA is determined to be seen as an Equal Opps. employer.
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Rhcriad, I am 49 and I meet all the requirements. I am going to give it a go, why not, they can only say no. Besides the process looks like a challenge and will be fun. If accepted, I can give them 10- 15 years service, and not many people stay with one employer for that long anymore,and I suspect successful 20+ year olds would think about leaving within that time frame anyway, so why not? BA are indeed a diverse employer 
and how cool would it look to them from a PR perspective to say to the world (and I mean the world) look, we have no problem with ageism at all, it's all about the best person for the job. Give it a go Sir Rhcriad!
and how cool would it look to them from a PR perspective to say to the world (and I mean the world) look, we have no problem with ageism at all, it's all about the best person for the job. Give it a go Sir Rhcriad!