BA Future Pilot Programme (FPP)(Merged)
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Slipper one - What about your essay questions & short personality test? Perhaps these were your downfall, either in standard (unlikely based on the style of your posts) or the content of the answer wasnt what they were looking for?
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Possible, of course, but I didn't think they proved to be particularly problematic, especially since the personality test was almost identical to the one I took a few months ago and got through without any dramas.
Anyway, will talk to some friends in the industry and try to make some sense of it in the next few days, give my head a wobble and then figure out the next move. Cheers, boys and girls.
Anyway, will talk to some friends in the industry and try to make some sense of it in the next few days, give my head a wobble and then figure out the next move. Cheers, boys and girls.
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Slipper One,
Glad you've highlighted that about the email reply you've received: I also received the very same 'short and sweet' rejection email from OAA yesterday afternoon that you also seem to have got from them. Having just made a quick comparison with another reply - you seem absolutely bob on old chap (I know, less of the 'old' eh ha ha)!
regarding the two types of reply that seem to have been sent out to people...
...I've just compared what I received with that of say, FlyingEagle21 at the bottom of page 32 of this thread; you can immediately see that he's received the one where he's been actively encouraged to pursue other routes through OAA. Well, the email I've received - like yours - mentions no such thing.
On this basis we can only presume (as I initially suspected when applying) that given likes of FlyingEagle21's age (19 - b0ll0cks tonight, my eldest nephew is that age lol!),
that they've been binning-off and also then implicitly discouraging any of us who are over a certain age (basically anyone over the age of 30 I reckon). I know, I know before anyone says it: I can also see through this thread that they've also binned-off others who are only in their late teens / early twenties as well! 
It just annoys me slightly now to think how much time and effort I put into that application, only to know I was doomed before I even started on the basis of age alone most probably;
I mean, what's the point in having this age limit of 55 when they know dammed well that they've absolutely not intention whatsoever of shortlisting anyone who's over about 30 most probably? 
Well anyway - so much for this anti-age discrimination policy then eh lol! I mean, they didn't actively ask for you to state your age (not allowed to with current legislation?) - but clearly, they can gauge it implicitly from when you completed your education and from a glance through your work history etc; no age discrimination? Yeah right! MY A25E!
Hmmm...I don't know - maybe OAA think that they're obviously so solvent as a business, that they can actively turn away otherwise good candidates (who've been through and passed their selection tests and personality profiling in the past I might add, together with those of other FTO's selection procedures) lol?
Or is it again a case of them possibly gleaning from your application, that if it's been lack of financial resources that's held you back up to now, then what's the point in encouraging you to pursue things with them further? (Like others here, I don't really believe for a second that they could have possibly REALLY, actively reviewed EVERY, SINGLE application they've received 'IN GREAT DETAIL'! Again: MY A25E! Honestly, they really must think we've all just arrived in Dover last week with our heads sticking out of a crate with that one lol!) SO - how could they truly know anyway? Nope - I personally reckon they've just looked at when we've completed our education etc, and then binned anyone off who they've gleaned is over a certain age with a lot of us - who knows? Anyway - b@lls to 'em. 
Glad you've highlighted that about the email reply you've received: I also received the very same 'short and sweet' rejection email from OAA yesterday afternoon that you also seem to have got from them. Having just made a quick comparison with another reply - you seem absolutely bob on old chap (I know, less of the 'old' eh ha ha)!
regarding the two types of reply that seem to have been sent out to people......I've just compared what I received with that of say, FlyingEagle21 at the bottom of page 32 of this thread; you can immediately see that he's received the one where he's been actively encouraged to pursue other routes through OAA. Well, the email I've received - like yours - mentions no such thing.
On this basis we can only presume (as I initially suspected when applying) that given likes of FlyingEagle21's age (19 - b0ll0cks tonight, my eldest nephew is that age lol!),
that they've been binning-off and also then implicitly discouraging any of us who are over a certain age (basically anyone over the age of 30 I reckon). I know, I know before anyone says it: I can also see through this thread that they've also binned-off others who are only in their late teens / early twenties as well! It just annoys me slightly now to think how much time and effort I put into that application, only to know I was doomed before I even started on the basis of age alone most probably;
I mean, what's the point in having this age limit of 55 when they know dammed well that they've absolutely not intention whatsoever of shortlisting anyone who's over about 30 most probably? Well anyway - so much for this anti-age discrimination policy then eh lol! I mean, they didn't actively ask for you to state your age (not allowed to with current legislation?) - but clearly, they can gauge it implicitly from when you completed your education and from a glance through your work history etc; no age discrimination? Yeah right! MY A25E!
Hmmm...I don't know - maybe OAA think that they're obviously so solvent as a business, that they can actively turn away otherwise good candidates (who've been through and passed their selection tests and personality profiling in the past I might add, together with those of other FTO's selection procedures) lol?
Or is it again a case of them possibly gleaning from your application, that if it's been lack of financial resources that's held you back up to now, then what's the point in encouraging you to pursue things with them further? (Like others here, I don't really believe for a second that they could have possibly REALLY, actively reviewed EVERY, SINGLE application they've received 'IN GREAT DETAIL'! Again: MY A25E! Honestly, they really must think we've all just arrived in Dover last week with our heads sticking out of a crate with that one lol!) SO - how could they truly know anyway? Nope - I personally reckon they've just looked at when we've completed our education etc, and then binned anyone off who they've gleaned is over a certain age with a lot of us - who knows? Anyway - b@lls to 'em.
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Gedi, talk about sour grapes!! I think you have broken the record for use of "LOL" in a posting!
A friend of mine who attended OAA testing already said most in their group were low 20-somethings. but there were several who looked somewhat more senior (late 30's early 40's)There were candidates from several countries (Europe & further), some had PPL's, some had never had a lesson. Some were Anaraks, some acted like they had originated from Alan Sugars' "The Apprentice".
What was said however, is that all were very well presented and VERY well spoken. ALL had degrees or were in the late stages of completing them.
What I'm trying to say is that based on what I've heard, there was a diverse mix of candidates not only in background, but also in age. I therefore call a "Yeah right! MY A25E" to those throwing accusations of age discrimination.
A friend of mine who attended OAA testing already said most in their group were low 20-somethings. but there were several who looked somewhat more senior (late 30's early 40's)There were candidates from several countries (Europe & further), some had PPL's, some had never had a lesson. Some were Anaraks, some acted like they had originated from Alan Sugars' "The Apprentice".
What was said however, is that all were very well presented and VERY well spoken. ALL had degrees or were in the late stages of completing them.
What I'm trying to say is that based on what I've heard, there was a diverse mix of candidates not only in background, but also in age. I therefore call a "Yeah right! MY A25E" to those throwing accusations of age discrimination.
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High-higher,
Thanks for letting us know that at least there were a couple of 40 somethings at your selection day; that proves my theory above somewhat wrong afterall then lol!
It certainly re-establishes a little hope, too (not that I personally needed any to be honest lol)!
Think you're right you know: I reckon that in my case at least, I was bottom of the pile as I consciously (as I've always done in the past) left my application until the day before the closing date before submitting it, so I was probably binned on this basis - grave error on this occasion with so many applications!
Given the shear attention to detail I poured over that application - especially with regards my answers to the application questions - I just can't see that being my failing; I don't see how I could have given answers that could have been any better to be honest. Anyway yes, it seems like it was most probably all done on a first come, first served basis then.
Anyway - onwards and upwards!
Thanks for letting us know that at least there were a couple of 40 somethings at your selection day; that proves my theory above somewhat wrong afterall then lol!
It certainly re-establishes a little hope, too (not that I personally needed any to be honest lol)!Think you're right you know: I reckon that in my case at least, I was bottom of the pile as I consciously (as I've always done in the past) left my application until the day before the closing date before submitting it, so I was probably binned on this basis - grave error on this occasion with so many applications!
Given the shear attention to detail I poured over that application - especially with regards my answers to the application questions - I just can't see that being my failing; I don't see how I could have given answers that could have been any better to be honest. Anyway yes, it seems like it was most probably all done on a first come, first served basis then. Anyway - onwards and upwards!
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Gedi,
Sorry to pour water on your conspiracy theory but there are individuals, called forward to the FTO, who far exceed the age (and education) criteria that you believe are being used as an upper limit. I won't discuss details here but it may become clearer when some of the succesful candidates attend the FTO.
The older candidate in question has suffered numerous setbacks prior to this - for those unsuccesful youngsters amongst you evaluate your own situation and come back stronger next year!
Sorry to pour water on your conspiracy theory but there are individuals, called forward to the FTO, who far exceed the age (and education) criteria that you believe are being used as an upper limit. I won't discuss details here but it may become clearer when some of the succesful candidates attend the FTO.
The older candidate in question has suffered numerous setbacks prior to this - for those unsuccesful youngsters amongst you evaluate your own situation and come back stronger next year!
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Gedi, talk about sour grapes!! I think you have broken the record for use of "LOL" in a posting!
A friend of mine who attended OAA testing already said most in their group were low 20-somethings. but there were several who looked somewhat more senior (late 30's early 40's)There were candidates from several countries (Europe & further), some had PPL's, some had never had a lesson. Some were Anaraks, some acted like they had originated from Alan Sugars' "The Apprentice".
What was said however, is that all were very well presented and VERY well spoken. ALL had degrees or were in the late stages of completing them.
What I'm trying to say is that based on what I've heard, there was a diverse mix of candidates not only in background, but also in age. I therefore call a "Yeah right! MY A25E" to those throwing accusations of age discrimination.
A friend of mine who attended OAA testing already said most in their group were low 20-somethings. but there were several who looked somewhat more senior (late 30's early 40's)There were candidates from several countries (Europe & further), some had PPL's, some had never had a lesson. Some were Anaraks, some acted like they had originated from Alan Sugars' "The Apprentice".
What was said however, is that all were very well presented and VERY well spoken. ALL had degrees or were in the late stages of completing them.
What I'm trying to say is that based on what I've heard, there was a diverse mix of candidates not only in background, but also in age. I therefore call a "Yeah right! MY A25E" to those throwing accusations of age discrimination.
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Roger-Wilco,
No actually, not at all - I'm afraid it's not sour grapes at all actually (even though you've read it such and it may come across that way to some). I'm long enough in the tooth to have been through some REAL biggies and losses in life, believe me - so something like this, I can assure you, isn't exactly something that's going to bother me that much at all in comparison (and it hasn't - I'm even suprised myself to be honest!). All I was doing was just giving my two-bob's worth - like others have done here above me - and was merely trying to implicitly gauge possible reasons, given some of the feedback on here up to that point and the nature of the replies that have been sent out, that's all.
However, given the info that you and High-Higher have just given alone, then I was clearly wrong on the age thing.
(Given more information like you've submitted - and thanks to you also btw! - it can shed more light on things!)
So yes: MY A25E to my age discrimination theory afterall then ha ha! 
Oh and btw - what's so wrong with using some 'lols'? In this day and age, it's merely a way of expressing yourself informally - there's nothing wrong with it, so do yourself a favour there and try not to be so pedantic, it just doesn't matter - it's just petty to be frank. LOL.
Anyway thanks again for the intel.
Indictating Full,
Please read what I've stated above - as well as what I'd stated to High-higher immediatley above your posting; I've already stated that I was obviously wrong with regards to the age thing.
SirFortune,
How in the hell at 27 would you be out on your ear? I, for one anyway, was talking about people who are over 30 at least (as were some other guys above) if you actually read what we'd stated - so someone of your age WASN'T a variable in that 'hypothesis', were they? (As far as I'm personally concerned, I reckon that you're actually at a pretty prime age for this still to be honest!) BTW: there will be tons of us who applied who no doubt have much more more than just A levels and a good degree as well as you, you know; it's a given that there will obviously have been plenty of us who also have maybe a Masters, plus other professional qualifications, AND plenty of character-building life experiences (and not to mention plenty of 'acheivements outside of academia'). This is why I for one anyway, initially implicitly assumed it could be down to age - but given some of the intel you guys have submitted since (candidates being shortlisted in their 30s and 40s), then I was wrong with regards to it being down to age, end of.
Now, could you all now do me little favour please? Psst! Again: I was wrong on the age thing OK? Message received and understood. Now could you please get over it and leave me alone please? Cheers!
No actually, not at all - I'm afraid it's not sour grapes at all actually (even though you've read it such and it may come across that way to some). I'm long enough in the tooth to have been through some REAL biggies and losses in life, believe me - so something like this, I can assure you, isn't exactly something that's going to bother me that much at all in comparison (and it hasn't - I'm even suprised myself to be honest!).
All I was doing was just giving my two-bob's worth - like others have done here above me - and was merely trying to implicitly gauge possible reasons, given some of the feedback on here up to that point and the nature of the replies that have been sent out, that's all.However, given the info that you and High-Higher have just given alone, then I was clearly wrong on the age thing.
(Given more information like you've submitted - and thanks to you also btw! - it can shed more light on things!) So yes: MY A25E to my age discrimination theory afterall then ha ha! Oh and btw - what's so wrong with using some 'lols'? In this day and age, it's merely a way of expressing yourself informally - there's nothing wrong with it, so do yourself a favour there and try not to be so pedantic, it just doesn't matter - it's just petty to be frank. LOL.
Anyway thanks again for the intel. Indictating Full,
Please read what I've stated above - as well as what I'd stated to High-higher immediatley above your posting; I've already stated that I was obviously wrong with regards to the age thing.
SirFortune,
How in the hell at 27 would you be out on your ear? I, for one anyway, was talking about people who are over 30 at least (as were some other guys above) if you actually read what we'd stated - so someone of your age WASN'T a variable in that 'hypothesis', were they?
(As far as I'm personally concerned, I reckon that you're actually at a pretty prime age for this still to be honest!) BTW: there will be tons of us who applied who no doubt have much more more than just A levels and a good degree as well as you, you know; it's a given that there will obviously have been plenty of us who also have maybe a Masters, plus other professional qualifications, AND plenty of character-building life experiences (and not to mention plenty of 'acheivements outside of academia'). This is why I for one anyway, initially implicitly assumed it could be down to age - but given some of the intel you guys have submitted since (candidates being shortlisted in their 30s and 40s), then I was wrong with regards to it being down to age, end of.Now, could you all now do me little favour please? Psst! Again: I was wrong on the age thing OK? Message received and understood. Now could you please get over it and leave me alone please? Cheers!
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Just done some digging via some sources. Apparently my application was first vetted by OAA, approved and then forwarded to the BA side for their approval: which it didn't receive for whatever reason.
As for the actual text of the email (which, for those who aren't following closely, didn't include an invitation to go up there and spend 100 grand of my own money) the unsubstantiated speculation amongst less well-placed sources (and I emphasise it is just that) is that BA might be displeased with the FTO using a BA email address to drum up private business and asked them to change the text of a pro-forma email.
Hope to find out more soon, as only this morning have I found out that a chap I knew in my days as a Spacey coming to grips with the mighty Grob Viking is now nose-bleed high at OAA. I might wait until the dust settles before I contact him for the first time in nearly 20 years.
As for the actual text of the email (which, for those who aren't following closely, didn't include an invitation to go up there and spend 100 grand of my own money) the unsubstantiated speculation amongst less well-placed sources (and I emphasise it is just that) is that BA might be displeased with the FTO using a BA email address to drum up private business and asked them to change the text of a pro-forma email.
Hope to find out more soon, as only this morning have I found out that a chap I knew in my days as a Spacey coming to grips with the mighty Grob Viking is now nose-bleed high at OAA. I might wait until the dust settles before I contact him for the first time in nearly 20 years.
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Gedi - my apologies for misunderstanding your feelings. I fully understand the use of LOL, thank you for clarifying it further! I was just surprised at the extent you used them, that was all, it wasn't a belligerent attack on you! I think each sentence started with and ended in one!
Will knot - you should have applied either way, as they say "you have to be in it, to win it"! Perhaps your perspective on life has changed as you've grown older, but surely if you did apply, you could have said no at a later stage (if you made it)? If you didn’t make it, at least you could get rid of that "what if" feeling and put the dream back to sleep...
Slipper One- That is interesting information, does it suggest that all those succesful for stage 2 (regardless of FTO) have been vetted/approved by both the FTO and BA?
On another note: HAS ANYONE HEARD ANYTHING EITHER WAY FROM CTC YET?????
Will knot - you should have applied either way, as they say "you have to be in it, to win it"! Perhaps your perspective on life has changed as you've grown older, but surely if you did apply, you could have said no at a later stage (if you made it)? If you didn’t make it, at least you could get rid of that "what if" feeling and put the dream back to sleep...
Slipper One- That is interesting information, does it suggest that all those succesful for stage 2 (regardless of FTO) have been vetted/approved by both the FTO and BA?
On another note: HAS ANYONE HEARD ANYTHING EITHER WAY FROM CTC YET?????
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Gedi - my apologies I wasn't aiming my response at you specifically. I noticed someone say the following:
If being over educated was a factor, as someone with an existing career, Postgraduate and professional qualifications, I'd put myself in the "chopped at first stage" bin.
I realise there were/are candidates far better qualified than me - my point was more that, without insider knowledge, to question the reasoning behind success/failure is like ->. Likely to end up infuriating yourself!
Sorry to say but i think the rejections are based on age and over educated
I realise there were/are candidates far better qualified than me - my point was more that, without insider knowledge, to question the reasoning behind success/failure is like ->
. Likely to end up infuriating yourself!
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Roger-Wilco,
Nope - just looked I only used a 'lol' 4 times in total in that original post on page 35 (I'd hardly class that as excessive) he he!
No worries at all to you and SirFortune - don't worry: I didn't in any way take offence or take what you said to me as an 'attack' as such (believe me I've been through way too much crap in life to be offended by pretty much anything anymore, let alone people's responses to me on something like this he he).
Inspector Cluzo sorry, I mean Slipper One he he,
God, that's some wizzard intel there old chap, bang on lol! Seriously though - I know you're saying it's mainly speculation for the most part, but even I find it quite amazing that you've managed to get your mitts on some of this info (if true) - it's fantastic and helps clear some things up if it IS all true.
Anyway, thanks again guys (all of you)!
Nope - just looked I only used a 'lol' 4 times in total in that original post on page 35 (I'd hardly class that as excessive) he he!
No worries at all to you and SirFortune - don't worry: I didn't in any way take offence or take what you said to me as an 'attack' as such (believe me I've been through way too much crap in life to be offended by pretty much anything anymore, let alone people's responses to me on something like this he he).
Inspector Cluzo sorry, I mean Slipper One he he,
God, that's some wizzard intel there old chap, bang on lol!
Seriously though - I know you're saying it's mainly speculation for the most part, but even I find it quite amazing that you've managed to get your mitts on some of this info (if true) - it's fantastic and helps clear some things up if it IS all true. Anyway, thanks again guys (all of you)!
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Roger-Wilco
Apart from those who have already posted on here, I have heard of a few who have been offered dates to attend selection at ctc -one of those just today. So it looks like emails still going out.
Apart from those who have already posted on here, I have heard of a few who have been offered dates to attend selection at ctc -one of those just today. So it looks like emails still going out.
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Will Knot: Loan of simulator.
Why not build your own?
It's dead easy! All you need are a couple of coat hangers, some cereal boxes, a pair of careworn slippers.................and most important of all: a vivid imagination.
In fact, you're welcome to have mine. I've since discovered I'm terrified of flying. Rhcriad.
It's dead easy! All you need are a couple of coat hangers, some cereal boxes, a pair of careworn slippers.................and most important of all: a vivid imagination.
In fact, you're welcome to have mine. I've since discovered I'm terrified of flying. Rhcriad.
Richard- I do fear you may be stark raving bonkers
Back on topic vaguely- I've not heard anything back from my chosen FTO. Reading those dropped here i'm not getting my hopes up however, i'm already some way into the modular route to gaining an ATPL so i'll be staying on course with that while this washes over me!
A suggestion about those over qualified and over age. It may be that BA are looking for committed pilots who are unlikely to jump ship once on board (no pun intended). In the RAF at least, they scrutinise your career ambitions constantly when going through Officer Selection- any hint that you might not be intending to be in the military your entire life leads them to jump to the conclusion you are a training risk, and not worth the money of putting through the system.
If BA is putting alot of money into this scheme, they might see someone with high qualifications as having a lot of career opportunities: which in turn leads to a higher likelihood of changing job if you find you don't much like it.
These are only my random musings however, of course I know nothing about BA's actual recruiting system so I have no idea how they are really looking at it.
Back on topic vaguely- I've not heard anything back from my chosen FTO. Reading those dropped here i'm not getting my hopes up however, i'm already some way into the modular route to gaining an ATPL so i'll be staying on course with that while this washes over me!
A suggestion about those over qualified and over age. It may be that BA are looking for committed pilots who are unlikely to jump ship once on board (no pun intended). In the RAF at least, they scrutinise your career ambitions constantly when going through Officer Selection- any hint that you might not be intending to be in the military your entire life leads them to jump to the conclusion you are a training risk, and not worth the money of putting through the system.
If BA is putting alot of money into this scheme, they might see someone with high qualifications as having a lot of career opportunities: which in turn leads to a higher likelihood of changing job if you find you don't much like it.
These are only my random musings however, of course I know nothing about BA's actual recruiting system so I have no idea how they are really looking at it.
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I am far from convinced that over-qualification is a barrier to entry here. Of my intake cohort into BA some years ago, we had several Masters degrees, a PhD, and almost everyone was established in an alternative (and often more lucrative) career before giving it up to go flying. The age spread, as the qualifications and experience levels suggest, was also wide. There are lots of reasons why an application may not be successful but age or over-qualification are unlikely to be amongst them.
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According to OAA:
You can expect to undertake a series of tests lasting approximately 2 hours focusing on the following areas...
You can expect the process on Day 1 to last approximately 3-4 hours in total.
Where does the additional 1-2 hours go?
You can expect to undertake a series of tests lasting approximately 2 hours focusing on the following areas...
You can expect the process on Day 1 to last approximately 3-4 hours in total.
Where does the additional 1-2 hours go?
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Quote
"Indictating Full,
Please read what I've stated above - as well as what I'd stated to High-higher immediatley above your posting; I've already stated that I was obviously wrong with regards to the age thing."
Gedi,
Please check the time on our respective posts and you'll see there was probably no need for the sarcastic smiley - did you use as many (and LOLs) in your long answer questions?
"Indictating Full,
Please read what I've stated above - as well as what I'd stated to High-higher immediatley above your posting; I've already stated that I was obviously wrong with regards to the age thing."
Gedi,
Please check the time on our respective posts and you'll see there was probably no need for the sarcastic smiley - did you use as many (and LOLs) in your long answer questions?