BA Future Pilot Programme (FPP)(Merged)
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Personally, If commercial flying is what you want to do, then I would advise you to stick to your guns and get involved. Crack on with OAA and see where it takes you. I have little doubt that you will get a job at the end of it, just a gamble with which airline I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2009
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chins up
First of all, congratulations to the chosen, but this post isn't really addressed to you.
This is mostly for BerksFlyer, future captain, and all my fellow rejects. I sincerely do hope it will make you guys feel better, maybe help you a little bit with getting over not being chosen. And I guess it'll be a sort of katharsis for me as well
As the process is now over, no danger in spilling the beans a little, so here's my background.
I come from Poland, and am 26 years old now. Masters degree in IT and Econometrics gained after a 5-year Uni course (spread over 6,5 because of the gap year I took). First summer job back in 2003 (and in those days it was really hard to get, with the unemployment levels - that was pre-EU mind you). Voluntary work on my 2nd year, representing and advertising my university on education fairs and the like. Socrates/Erasmus exchange to Coventry University on my 3rd year, combined with part time job as a barman to cover living expenses. Between 3rd and 4th year, 'working holiday' trip to Norway. Ended up earning enough to begin flying (gliders) after spending a little on a 10 day road trip back to Poland via the North Cape. On 4th year, 3-month internship in a multinational in finance/outsourcing. Started flying gliders between 4th and final year, and decided to pursue a career in aviation. Took a gap year, went to Norway again - worked odd jobs here and there, and then the crisis hit. Spent almost three months desperately looking for work, but refused to give up - in the end landed a job that took me all the way over the Arctic Circle. Saved up enough to continue gliding as well as finance PPL. Got back, got PPL, began final year at Uni, as well as an intensive Norwegian language course, in order to increase chances of getting a proper job, which would allow me to spare enough cash to get to CPL. Wrote my thesis and completed the course at Uni with top grade in January. With a fresh Masters degree came to Norway yet again to work cleaning hotels. (To put things in perspective - in Poland, the best paying job I could hope for with my education would be Deloitte/PWC-sort, pays around 830 GBP/month, before tax. Norway, hotel gig paid 13,5 GBP per hour.)
All the time I was looking for something more aviation-related and managed to land a Rampie job at Oslo/Gardermoen in June.
So, there I was when the news of the FPP came along. I probably do not need to describe the excitement along the lines "hey, this programme is made for ME!", because I assume the majority of you felt the same way.
I put a great deal of effort into my application, had it read by 2 friends to weed out the errors, applied for the letter of comparability from UK NARIC before the application window closed.
I had the pleasure of speaking to some very friendly BA crew at OSL, and asked for any advice they could give me. What they said basically came down to that BA will mostly want to see dedication to flying. I thought, having learned a whole new language just to pursue my goal would show dedication. I thought I really had a shot with my background.
I never made it past the first stage. Got a generic rejection after the online application, never went to any sort of assessment.
The first couple of days it was sure hard to get over it. Especially coming back again and again to this very thread, reading posts written in barely-legible English (not that mine is that good ), without punctuation, the kind FullTanks writes about, from folks boasting they'll be taking their assessments then and then. It does sound low, and I am not proud of it, but the fact is, I did feel a sting of envy.
But after just a couple of days, it was all gone. How did I get over it?
By continuing on the path I set upon a couple of years ago. I'll just stick to my previous plan - work my behind off, taking as much overtime as possible, saving every single krone I earn, fly every now and then to keep in shape and build up hours, and if all goes well in a year from now I'll get to CPL, without needing to think of loan repayments.
What happens then? Who knows. One thing I am sure of - as long as I don't give up, I will end up flying. Maybe 2 years from now, maybe 5. Not necessarily for BA, not necessarily a jet, but I will be flying. And I wish the same to all of you.
Don't give up.
This is mostly for BerksFlyer, future captain, and all my fellow rejects. I sincerely do hope it will make you guys feel better, maybe help you a little bit with getting over not being chosen. And I guess it'll be a sort of katharsis for me as well
As the process is now over, no danger in spilling the beans a little, so here's my background.
I come from Poland, and am 26 years old now. Masters degree in IT and Econometrics gained after a 5-year Uni course (spread over 6,5 because of the gap year I took). First summer job back in 2003 (and in those days it was really hard to get, with the unemployment levels - that was pre-EU mind you). Voluntary work on my 2nd year, representing and advertising my university on education fairs and the like. Socrates/Erasmus exchange to Coventry University on my 3rd year, combined with part time job as a barman to cover living expenses. Between 3rd and 4th year, 'working holiday' trip to Norway. Ended up earning enough to begin flying (gliders) after spending a little on a 10 day road trip back to Poland via the North Cape. On 4th year, 3-month internship in a multinational in finance/outsourcing. Started flying gliders between 4th and final year, and decided to pursue a career in aviation. Took a gap year, went to Norway again - worked odd jobs here and there, and then the crisis hit. Spent almost three months desperately looking for work, but refused to give up - in the end landed a job that took me all the way over the Arctic Circle. Saved up enough to continue gliding as well as finance PPL. Got back, got PPL, began final year at Uni, as well as an intensive Norwegian language course, in order to increase chances of getting a proper job, which would allow me to spare enough cash to get to CPL. Wrote my thesis and completed the course at Uni with top grade in January. With a fresh Masters degree came to Norway yet again to work cleaning hotels. (To put things in perspective - in Poland, the best paying job I could hope for with my education would be Deloitte/PWC-sort, pays around 830 GBP/month, before tax. Norway, hotel gig paid 13,5 GBP per hour.)
All the time I was looking for something more aviation-related and managed to land a Rampie job at Oslo/Gardermoen in June.
So, there I was when the news of the FPP came along. I probably do not need to describe the excitement along the lines "hey, this programme is made for ME!", because I assume the majority of you felt the same way.
I put a great deal of effort into my application, had it read by 2 friends to weed out the errors, applied for the letter of comparability from UK NARIC before the application window closed.
I had the pleasure of speaking to some very friendly BA crew at OSL, and asked for any advice they could give me. What they said basically came down to that BA will mostly want to see dedication to flying. I thought, having learned a whole new language just to pursue my goal would show dedication. I thought I really had a shot with my background.
I never made it past the first stage. Got a generic rejection after the online application, never went to any sort of assessment.
The first couple of days it was sure hard to get over it. Especially coming back again and again to this very thread, reading posts written in barely-legible English (not that mine is that good
), without punctuation, the kind FullTanks writes about, from folks boasting they'll be taking their assessments then and then. It does sound low, and I am not proud of it, but the fact is, I did feel a sting of envy.But after just a couple of days, it was all gone. How did I get over it?
By continuing on the path I set upon a couple of years ago. I'll just stick to my previous plan - work my behind off, taking as much overtime as possible, saving every single krone I earn, fly every now and then to keep in shape and build up hours, and if all goes well in a year from now I'll get to CPL, without needing to think of loan repayments.
What happens then? Who knows. One thing I am sure of - as long as I don't give up, I will end up flying. Maybe 2 years from now, maybe 5. Not necessarily for BA, not necessarily a jet, but I will be flying. And I wish the same to all of you.
Don't give up.
Join Date: Dec 2010
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It is sad, but inevitable that there will be cases where people clearly have strong motivation, yet have fallen at one hurdle or another. I know that if I had not got the offer I Friday, I too would have been totally gutted, so I can empathise with your torture in having to wait another year. Hopefully that persistence and tenacious struggle will shine through and pay off.
Gliderrider - you are clearly not doing anything wrong to have got to the final day, but I assure you from my dealings with BA and IAG in a number of capacities that the business is entirely proper, upstanding and non-discriminatory on age and every other factor. The financial equation makes sense for them in the same way that it would for a ex-military DEP at your age as well, so don't be disheartened - try again.
I certainly made full use of the "scuttlebutt" method of gleaning anything and everything I could about the process and BA through any contact I could get my hands on - Michael - your are clearly going to get there someday (though I waited longer than you for this scheme to come about!)
There are obviously a wide range of people selected who are all "good guys and gals" whom the interviewers are prepared to sit next to for 12hrs+ each day, who have the prerequisite skill set. There will always be more than places available - at least you know what you are facing next year.
I particularly admire our fellow successful applicant who is now facing 46+ years in the flight deck at BA - more than half the present history of the company from its origins in the 1920s! Without being patronising, that deserves some congratulations, as I'm not sure many, and certainly not I, had sufficient maturity and skill sets at that age!
Gliderrider - you are clearly not doing anything wrong to have got to the final day, but I assure you from my dealings with BA and IAG in a number of capacities that the business is entirely proper, upstanding and non-discriminatory on age and every other factor. The financial equation makes sense for them in the same way that it would for a ex-military DEP at your age as well, so don't be disheartened - try again.
I certainly made full use of the "scuttlebutt" method of gleaning anything and everything I could about the process and BA through any contact I could get my hands on - Michael - your are clearly going to get there someday (though I waited longer than you for this scheme to come about!)
There are obviously a wide range of people selected who are all "good guys and gals" whom the interviewers are prepared to sit next to for 12hrs+ each day, who have the prerequisite skill set. There will always be more than places available - at least you know what you are facing next year.
I particularly admire our fellow successful applicant who is now facing 46+ years in the flight deck at BA - more than half the present history of the company from its origins in the 1920s! Without being patronising, that deserves some congratulations, as I'm not sure many, and certainly not I, had sufficient maturity and skill sets at that age!
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Well done to all those that got through and to those that didn't - keep on digging.
Interesting replies from all those accepted, thank you for sharing some of your background.
I was particularly surprised to see the huge variation, e.g. people with PPL's to the young 18/19 years and all the way to 35+ age with no aviation experience.
As I completely missed applying for the scheme, I was never in the running. Though sharing your background has given me some insight and re-affirmed life experiences are still valued.
Interesting replies from all those accepted, thank you for sharing some of your background.
I was particularly surprised to see the huge variation, e.g. people with PPL's to the young 18/19 years and all the way to 35+ age with no aviation experience.
As I completely missed applying for the scheme, I was never in the running. Though sharing your background has given me some insight and re-affirmed life experiences are still valued.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Out of interest, how many of you successful guys/girls have a PPL?
MichaelPL,
Just goes to show how much of a lottery these things can be. The standard of some at my first FTO stage did leave a lot to be desired. One even asked if a Class 1 medical was included in the assessment fee.
Keep persevering and it'll happen some day, I'm sure. Your written English is fantastic by the way.
MichaelPL,
Just goes to show how much of a lottery these things can be. The standard of some at my first FTO stage did leave a lot to be desired. One even asked if a Class 1 medical was included in the assessment fee.
Keep persevering and it'll happen some day, I'm sure. Your written English is fantastic by the way.
Join Date: Mar 2011
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Just a quick question, but have BA changed their entry requirements? I'm not clear on the educational requirements, e.g you need a 2.1 minimum degree, but if you don't have the gcses or a levels and are a university graduate, no minimum degree class required...
Just a little bit confused, thanks in advance and apologies if this question has been answered previousl!
Just a little bit confused, thanks in advance and apologies if this question has been answered previousl!
Join Date: Mar 2011
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This question is answered a few times within the previous pages of the thread. However, to answer it:
If you have the GCSE and A-Level grades, there is NO minimum degree classification.
If you do not have the minimum GCSE/A-Level grades, a 2:1 classification WILL OVERRIDE the GCSEs/A-Levels and you meet their education requirements.
If you have the GCSE and A-Level grades, there is NO minimum degree classification.
If you do not have the minimum GCSE/A-Level grades, a 2:1 classification WILL OVERRIDE the GCSEs/A-Levels and you meet their education requirements.
Join Date: Sep 2011
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Well played to those who made it to the summit. Better luck next time to those who almost made it.
Apologies if this has already been asked, but I’ve been at Coba today and only get internet in the hotel lobby :-------
Is anyone willing to give the rest of us a brief overview of the Cranebank assessment please?
Something simple like the following is all we’re looking for. “After you’ve passed the computer based testing (hand eye co-ordination, arithmetic, physics, memory, capacity and instrument reading), there’s a group game, group discussions and an individual interview.” If the answer's no, or no one responds, then so be it - but I have to ask as I'm going to give the process at least one more go.
It’s a shame we don’t get feedback. I’ve guessed what I did wrong at the group game and interview, but like those who were unfortunate at Cranebank, it looks like I’ll never know.
On the plus side, being unsuccessful meant I got to hear Willie reducing 2012 recruitment from 800 to 400 on the BBC world service in Kauai. On the minus side, the BA flight out to Vancouver was the quietest I’ve seen in years, so being unsuccessful on this occasion may have been a blessing in disguise, especially as Willie still has a war chest for takeovers.
Presuming there's another FPP in 2012, and this year’s applicants are allowed to reapply, are people picking the same school again or do they plan on a second opinion?
Apologies if this has already been asked, but I’ve been at Coba today and only get internet in the hotel lobby :-------
Is anyone willing to give the rest of us a brief overview of the Cranebank assessment please?
Something simple like the following is all we’re looking for. “After you’ve passed the computer based testing (hand eye co-ordination, arithmetic, physics, memory, capacity and instrument reading), there’s a group game, group discussions and an individual interview.” If the answer's no, or no one responds, then so be it - but I have to ask as I'm going to give the process at least one more go.
It’s a shame we don’t get feedback. I’ve guessed what I did wrong at the group game and interview, but like those who were unfortunate at Cranebank, it looks like I’ll never know.
On the plus side, being unsuccessful meant I got to hear Willie reducing 2012 recruitment from 800 to 400 on the BBC world service in Kauai. On the minus side, the BA flight out to Vancouver was the quietest I’ve seen in years, so being unsuccessful on this occasion may have been a blessing in disguise, especially as Willie still has a war chest for takeovers.
Presuming there's another FPP in 2012, and this year’s applicants are allowed to reapply, are people picking the same school again or do they plan on a second opinion?
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Sorry, but nobody is going to give you a synopsis of the Cranebank day. A general overview is provided by BA in the invitation email, but all of us have had to do it blind, and BA have requested since the first application form that nobody reveal details of their application to anyone else.
I don't think anyone is prepared to jeopardise either their place or a shot again next year, so sorry, it's not going to happen. There is certainly enough material around PPRuNe and the internet to prepare if you use initiative to look for it.
On the plus side, the recruitment numbers referred to general total BA recruitment, and was linked to the APD media release - flight ops still need significant recruitment to sustain the current and planned operations even with bmi.
I don't think anyone is prepared to jeopardise either their place or a shot again next year, so sorry, it's not going to happen. There is certainly enough material around PPRuNe and the internet to prepare if you use initiative to look for it.
On the plus side, the recruitment numbers referred to general total BA recruitment, and was linked to the APD media release - flight ops still need significant recruitment to sustain the current and planned operations even with bmi.
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Just had an email from OAA saying "Congratulations on being offered a place on BA FPP, etc" but no mention of when we should hear from them/BA about next steps.
They also ended it with "Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year" so that might indicate we won't hear anything until the new year. Just speculation there though.
Have any of the other FTOs been in contact with their successful candidates or heard about the next steps?
They also ended it with "Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year" so that might indicate we won't hear anything until the new year. Just speculation there though.
Have any of the other FTOs been in contact with their successful candidates or heard about the next steps?
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Just a guess from my side, but the sequence of next steps is probably something like:
- Offer of course date(s)
- Provisional acceptance onto a course
- Required to pass medical
- Required to arrange financing / proof of available finances
- You sign the contracts (APL, your FTO, 'provisional' BA)
- BA does referencing
- BA does their 'extra' health screening
- BA signs the contracts
- Start
This is *just my educated guess*.
By the by, I hope BA doesn't go checking references until a bit later on (or until they have told us they are going to). I for one would like to tell my current boss personally. I'm sure I'm not the only person on here in a job where they might not take kindly to hearing the news 2nd hand and start to look at getting rid of you. Those extra months' salary could well come in handy over the next 2 years!
In summary (as others have already mentioned) it would be great if some more information is forthcoming before next year. Hopefully it will be.
- Offer of course date(s)
- Provisional acceptance onto a course
- Required to pass medical
- Required to arrange financing / proof of available finances
- You sign the contracts (APL, your FTO, 'provisional' BA)
- BA does referencing
- BA does their 'extra' health screening
- BA signs the contracts
- Start
This is *just my educated guess*.
By the by, I hope BA doesn't go checking references until a bit later on (or until they have told us they are going to). I for one would like to tell my current boss personally. I'm sure I'm not the only person on here in a job where they might not take kindly to hearing the news 2nd hand and start to look at getting rid of you. Those extra months' salary could well come in handy over the next 2 years!
In summary (as others have already mentioned) it would be great if some more information is forthcoming before next year. Hopefully it will be.
Last edited by JetPil0t; 15th Dec 2011 at 07:27. Reason: Removed suggestion re: medical based on information provided by mad_jock below
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Why wait for Class 1? You have to do it at some point and pay yourself, will probably need it before BA medical check, and there are limited spaces for initial Class 1s at Gatwick