BA Future Pilot Programme (FPP)(Merged)
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Successful here as well: very tough day and thought I had blown it, so over the moon that it worked out in the end. It wasn't easy, and anyone who claims it was easy is fibbing.
Am also early-30s, having been waiting an awfully long time for some form of cadet scheme to re-open at BA - have been registered on the BA jobs site since it was first live 10 or so years ago waiting for just this! Also at OAA along with a few of the people above. Was the oldest on my day at Cranebank and the oldest by a country mile at the OAA selection day.
Quite a variety of backgrounds and flying experience, so I would not say to anyone unsuccessful that you should be "moulding" yourself to any one profile whatsoever. The sage, old advice that starts with choosing the A-Levels you are best at, rather than focussing on Maths and Physics to the detriment of results is obviously very true in this case, and continues to careers post-university as well. Good luck to the inevitably large number who will be re-applying (with wisdom gained from this year).
Thanks Robin, Lindsay and Philip for designing a robust process, though I may send you the bill for the hair dye I now use to hide the grey hairs gained since August. I know you, most of the flight crew (current and retired), and the training school teams have all been reading this thread (and having a good chuckle at some of the plonkers), and appreciate the hard work that the "other side" has put into restarting this process as well.
Now off to assist IAG revenues by booking a holiday before the hard work begins...
Am also early-30s, having been waiting an awfully long time for some form of cadet scheme to re-open at BA - have been registered on the BA jobs site since it was first live 10 or so years ago waiting for just this! Also at OAA along with a few of the people above. Was the oldest on my day at Cranebank and the oldest by a country mile at the OAA selection day.
Quite a variety of backgrounds and flying experience, so I would not say to anyone unsuccessful that you should be "moulding" yourself to any one profile whatsoever. The sage, old advice that starts with choosing the A-Levels you are best at, rather than focussing on Maths and Physics to the detriment of results is obviously very true in this case, and continues to careers post-university as well. Good luck to the inevitably large number who will be re-applying (with wisdom gained from this year).
Thanks Robin, Lindsay and Philip for designing a robust process, though I may send you the bill for the hair dye I now use to hide the grey hairs gained since August. I know you, most of the flight crew (current and retired), and the training school teams have all been reading this thread (and having a good chuckle at some of the plonkers), and appreciate the hard work that the "other side" has put into restarting this process as well.
Now off to assist IAG revenues by booking a holiday before the hard work begins...
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: round the corner..
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Congratulations to everyone who made it through, fantastic!
To those who did not, there are many positives which can be taken from your efforts and be sure to use this set back to your advantage for next year. BA will be very interested in what you do between now and next year, should you reapply.
Well done.
To those who did not, there are many positives which can be taken from your efforts and be sure to use this set back to your advantage for next year. BA will be very interested in what you do between now and next year, should you reapply.
Well done.
Join Date: Apr 2006
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Another lucky one
I'm also fortunate enough to have been selected (via OAA). For what it's worth, I'm 27, previously worked in the IT consulting industry.
For those of you who were at Cranebank on 21 Nov, I really hope there are more of you who got selected, as I thought you were all great people and I would not have liked to have been the person who had to choose the winners. Maybe we can set up a mailing list.
As a hint for those who had trouble during the interviews at the FTOs / BA, there is a nice selection of competency-based questions between the BA DEP thread on PPRuNe and the Kent University careers website (here). I personally built up a 10 page document of questions and my own notes on how I could answer them based on my experiences. Practising is not cheating, as long as what you answer is honest and not rehearsed. Just my 2p.
For those of you who were at Cranebank on 21 Nov, I really hope there are more of you who got selected, as I thought you were all great people and I would not have liked to have been the person who had to choose the winners. Maybe we can set up a mailing list.
As a hint for those who had trouble during the interviews at the FTOs / BA, there is a nice selection of competency-based questions between the BA DEP thread on PPRuNe and the Kent University careers website (here). I personally built up a 10 page document of questions and my own notes on how I could answer them based on my experiences. Practising is not cheating, as long as what you answer is honest and not rehearsed. Just my 2p.
Last edited by JetPil0t; 29th Aug 2012 at 21:50.
Join Date: Dec 2008
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I was also selected. I am 23 and I graduated university in the summer with a Bsc in Air transport Management. I spent three years on the UAS, gaining 50 hours in the tutor. This was the source of a lot of the examples I used in the competency based interviews, although I also drew on other employment, travel and sport.
I feel absolutely thrilled, and extremely fortunate, to have been selected. My commiserations to those who were not. I met a lot of cool people during the days at Kidlington and Cranebank, and I could sense the level of competition being so high.
I'd also like to thank the kind lady who was working at the Gatehouse at Cranebank for such sterling entertainment at both the beginning and the end of the day! I can't remember her name - wither "Precious" or "The Oracle"
I feel absolutely thrilled, and extremely fortunate, to have been selected. My commiserations to those who were not. I met a lot of cool people during the days at Kidlington and Cranebank, and I could sense the level of competition being so high.
I'd also like to thank the kind lady who was working at the Gatehouse at Cranebank for such sterling entertainment at both the beginning and the end of the day! I can't remember her name - wither "Precious" or "The Oracle"
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: the OFCR......and probably somewhere over China zzzzzzzz
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Congrats to all those successful in gaining a place on the course(s). As those who have already stated so well, the hard work starts now. For those with uni degrees in the field of aero eng etc, just be open minded during your ground studies. There will be elements of the subject material that go against the grain to what you have already encountered. You will now be learning how aircraft work from a pilot's perspective, not an engineer's. Likewise those with met degrees/geography. Some of what you have learnt will now be unlearnt and relearnt the EASA way! Have lots of post-its to hand! You will end up having them all over your Walls! Even the bathroom.
Yes you will bang your head against the brick wall when it all gets hard. However BA are in the process of selecting mentors to guide you back to the light when it all goes dark. We have all been there, and all at different times. You will be a team during your training, all with a common dream. Help each other out along the way and you will have a great time together. There will be highs and certainly lows!! Not everything in flying training goes according to plan. That's just aviation! Just put your best into everything and remember, work hard, but play hard when you get the chance!
Yes you will bang your head against the brick wall when it all gets hard. However BA are in the process of selecting mentors to guide you back to the light when it all goes dark. We have all been there, and all at different times. You will be a team during your training, all with a common dream. Help each other out along the way and you will have a great time together. There will be highs and certainly lows!! Not everything in flying training goes according to plan. That's just aviation! Just put your best into everything and remember, work hard, but play hard when you get the chance!
Join Date: Feb 2006
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The spread of experience of the chosen ones is impressive. Reading this thread (though it's almost a form of self-torture now) reaffirms my feeling that I wouldn't begrudge anyone I met during the last round going all the way. There was a very high standard and a lot of nice people.
Would anybody have any words of advice for me to improve for next time, if there is one?
I'm half-way through a Physics degree, which I really don't enjoy (though my results are fine). I've been toying with the idea of packing it in, though I imagine that would be looked upon as a retrograde step. What could be done to improve my credentials considering I'd still be just a student this time next year?
Would anybody have any words of advice for me to improve for next time, if there is one?
I'm half-way through a Physics degree, which I really don't enjoy (though my results are fine). I've been toying with the idea of packing it in, though I imagine that would be looked upon as a retrograde step. What could be done to improve my credentials considering I'd still be just a student this time next year?
Join Date: Aug 2004
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BerksFlyer
Glad I'm not the only one putting themselves through the self torture you mention by repeatedly coming here! I achieved ziltch at work today, I just kept thinking what if I did this not that, or said something differently, worked faster, been sharper....list is endless 
Its going to take a while before I get over this
Its going to take a while before I get over this
Join Date: Feb 2006
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future captain
I know exactly how you feel. I can't get it off my mind. So much effort and time (and money!) went in, all to fall at the final hurdle and recieve a generic rejection email with no feedback. It distracted me from my studies and still does. And as you say, if the smallest thing went different on the day I'd be on top of the world right now. Life's all about margins.
It's going to be hard to get over it. As tough as it is we've just got to pick ourselves up and hope for another opportunity!
I know exactly how you feel. I can't get it off my mind. So much effort and time (and money!) went in, all to fall at the final hurdle and recieve a generic rejection email with no feedback. It distracted me from my studies and still does. And as you say, if the smallest thing went different on the day I'd be on top of the world right now. Life's all about margins.
It's going to be hard to get over it. As tough as it is we've just got to pick ourselves up and hope for another opportunity!
Would anybody have any words of advice for me to improve for next time, if there is one?
From what the successful candidates have said here it looks like the older you the candidate was the broader the selectors expected your CV to be. Your options to do that whilst studying may be limited but if at University it wouldn't hurt to be involved in or better still even running one of the societies...if you're already doing that is there anything you can get involved with during vacations that might bulk your experience out?
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Well done to everyone who has been selected. It really is a good news story despite the obvious disappointment of those who didn't make it. It is a fantastic opportunity and I am sure it will be a welcome boost to the industry during this difficult time.
It was never an option for me as Hamble had closed by the time I was old enough and I was too old when Bae Prestwick opened ! I am however a 400h PPL, have a great flying hobby and still enjoy my career outside of aviation.
From my flying experience, the hard work starts now !
It was never an option for me as Hamble had closed by the time I was old enough and I was too old when Bae Prestwick opened ! I am however a 400h PPL, have a great flying hobby and still enjoy my career outside of aviation.
From my flying experience, the hard work starts now !
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In the early days of this and associated threads TalkPedlar and I posted some advice and guidance to prospective applicants regarding the seeming lack of care taken when posting; spelling, grammar, punctuation and avoidance of 'text speak' etc.
I rather suspect that few of those who may have fallen at the first post will still be reading here, but many of those who made it to their day at 'The Rivers' obviously are. My immediate impression is that recent posts by both those who were successful and by those who were not, is one of admiration for the quality of these messages. It is a pleasure to read such intelligent, insightful, helpful and carefully constructed comments.
Congratulations to the successful candidates and sincere commiserations to those who made it so far, but not quite far enough. Good luck in your future applications. To those who dismissed our comments as the thoughts of 'old f**ts', I think you will find that it did matter - and will matter in the future.
Flying for a living is a great career and BA, despite what you may read, is a fair and supportive employer with an unrivaled heritage, as you will see at the recently opened 'Speedbird Centre' in 'Waterside'. I was proud to serve for 35 years. Good luck to you all.
I rather suspect that few of those who may have fallen at the first post will still be reading here, but many of those who made it to their day at 'The Rivers' obviously are. My immediate impression is that recent posts by both those who were successful and by those who were not, is one of admiration for the quality of these messages. It is a pleasure to read such intelligent, insightful, helpful and carefully constructed comments.
Congratulations to the successful candidates and sincere commiserations to those who made it so far, but not quite far enough. Good luck in your future applications. To those who dismissed our comments as the thoughts of 'old f**ts', I think you will find that it did matter - and will matter in the future.
Flying for a living is a great career and BA, despite what you may read, is a fair and supportive employer with an unrivaled heritage, as you will see at the recently opened 'Speedbird Centre' in 'Waterside'. I was proud to serve for 35 years. Good luck to you all.
Last edited by FullTanks; 12th Dec 2011 at 22:07.
Join Date: Aug 2011
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Having not cleared the final hurdle at Cranebank I have now received the inevitable invitation to go back to OAA and consider the Self Sponsored Route. I am quite sure that if I was a fresh faced twenty something I would probably be jumping at the chance.
However as a 39 year old the risk/reward balance does seem to be stacked on the wrong side.
I successfully negotiated the early stage interviews/aptitude tests back when I was 26 years old and it was the full scholarship deal. BA were forced for one reason or another to change their age restriction from under 28 years old at the commencement of their course to 26, this left me out in the cold by 16 days! At that point I put a line in the sand and decided to pursue my current design career and get my flying fix from competitive gliding.
3000+ gliding hours, British Gliding team member and Director of two companies coupled with a broad spectrum of interests and experience, I still wanted to fly big jets for a living, some things just don't go away! For me the BA FPP was the golden solution. Great company and an all but guaranteed job after training with a BA secured bond. With continuing good health I would still have had time to reach long haul captain if I so chose. But despite what I thought was a really good final day at The Rivers it was a 'no', disappointing and I would still be tempted to try again if BA do continue with the planned FPP programme, but with no feedback it is difficult to gauge where I went wrong. Of course BA cannot say it, but if I am too old for them then pursuing another day at Cranebank next year would be a waste of time. I had thought my age could even be an advantage to BA as I would not be at the top of the pay scales for very long before retirement, but perhaps that is something the accountants think about more than those in recruitment!
I am probably asking for it but any thoughts or suggestions?
ps Really well done to those who made it though, and yes I am a tad envious!
However as a 39 year old the risk/reward balance does seem to be stacked on the wrong side.
I successfully negotiated the early stage interviews/aptitude tests back when I was 26 years old and it was the full scholarship deal. BA were forced for one reason or another to change their age restriction from under 28 years old at the commencement of their course to 26, this left me out in the cold by 16 days! At that point I put a line in the sand and decided to pursue my current design career and get my flying fix from competitive gliding.
3000+ gliding hours, British Gliding team member and Director of two companies coupled with a broad spectrum of interests and experience, I still wanted to fly big jets for a living, some things just don't go away! For me the BA FPP was the golden solution. Great company and an all but guaranteed job after training with a BA secured bond. With continuing good health I would still have had time to reach long haul captain if I so chose. But despite what I thought was a really good final day at The Rivers it was a 'no', disappointing and I would still be tempted to try again if BA do continue with the planned FPP programme, but with no feedback it is difficult to gauge where I went wrong. Of course BA cannot say it, but if I am too old for them then pursuing another day at Cranebank next year would be a waste of time. I had thought my age could even be an advantage to BA as I would not be at the top of the pay scales for very long before retirement, but perhaps that is something the accountants think about more than those in recruitment!
I am probably asking for it but any thoughts or suggestions?
ps Really well done to those who made it though, and yes I am a tad envious!
Join Date: Aug 2011
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As it's been made clear, everyone is now sitting around until they are offered a course date. Is anyone in the know swanning around on the forum, and could let the rest of us know when they think we will start hearing from BA/FTO's about when we will start?
Again Congratulations to all who got through!
Again Congratulations to all who got through!