BA Future Pilot Programme (FPP)(Merged)
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Future
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Ok listen careful all of you stop this fighting!! Seriously you sort your difference via the inbox pm. It is not matters if you are pilot already or wannabe! Each one of us need to show respect and humility. All the "if you are like this, you wont make it in the industry" crap is absolute garbage. You could be sitting next to each other one day on the flight deck. I am made it to 2nd stages for both CX and BA, I am show hard work and humility, ok maybe you are do the same thing too! Ok good luck friends!
p.s before some of you pointed out my bad english, yes my english is poor but obviously i am made this far so i am dare someone tell me "if your spelling is this bad in application you will not make it in this industry".... grow up.
p.s before some of you pointed out my bad english, yes my english is poor but obviously i am made this far so i am dare someone tell me "if your spelling is this bad in application you will not make it in this industry".... grow up.
p.s before some of you pointed out my bad english, yes my english is poor but obviously i am made this far so i am dare someone tell me "if your spelling is this bad in application you will not make it in this industry".... grow up.
So, I am afraid, you are incorrect in your analysis.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Guildford
Age: 49
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I know - I am involved in readings hundreds of application forms a year
and I take written English very seriously
An example of Finagle's law, perhaps!
(sorry, couldn't resist it - Although FWIW, I agree with your point - I am constantly astounded by how many [non native English] speakers have awful spelling, grammar and sentence construction and don't see this as any form of issue...)
clanger, well spotted. You have passed the test!
However, the main problem is not non-native English speakers with "awful spelling, grammar and sentence construction" (that is understandable, to some extent). The problem is NATIVE English speakers with "awful spelling, grammar and sentence construction".
However, the main problem is not non-native English speakers with "awful spelling, grammar and sentence construction" (that is understandable, to some extent). The problem is NATIVE English speakers with "awful spelling, grammar and sentence construction".
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Guildford
Age: 49
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Groundloop
I think I've just suffered what's known in the trade as "being hoist by your own petard".
What I *MEANT* to say of course, was that I agree with your point about NATIVE English speakers. You're absolutely right that Non-native speakers have an excuse - although in fact it would seem many of them have better technical English than many native speakers.
However, in my haste to have a slight giggle at your expense, I have then of course stumbled straight into the same trap myself.
I'm off for a good laugh at myself now!!
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: sicily
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hi guys, just signed up this very moment to share some doubts and information with everyone, i've been reading a lot lately and decided i'd like to be part of the community. having said that, as many of you i believe, i've been trying to figure out numbers and this is what i came up with: i seem to have understood that BA's goal is to employ 400 ab-initio pilots within 2016..
ok so, OAA's full course is said to last 72 weeks, that's without type raiting.
Assuming the course would start.. say march 2012? it would be over by october 2013, add the type raiting training, ready for january 2014..
I say this because i remember reading in previous posts that the "obvious" numbers were 100 per year, but that doesn't add up..
if my numbers are correct, and i underline "IF", numbers should be higher than what i heard when i did the aptitude test ( they mentioned 30 per fto), any of you have a way to confirm or refute?
ok so, OAA's full course is said to last 72 weeks, that's without type raiting.
Assuming the course would start.. say march 2012? it would be over by october 2013, add the type raiting training, ready for january 2014..
I say this because i remember reading in previous posts that the "obvious" numbers were 100 per year, but that doesn't add up..
if my numbers are correct, and i underline "IF", numbers should be higher than what i heard when i did the aptitude test ( they mentioned 30 per fto), any of you have a way to confirm or refute?
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Kent
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Any Reply from CTC yet?
Hi to All who applied for CTC,
I submitted my application on 30th August. I have not had any replies.
As anyone got a reply either positive or negative from CTC yet?
Regards and good luck to all.
I submitted my application on 30th August. I have not had any replies.
As anyone got a reply either positive or negative from CTC yet?
Regards and good luck to all.
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Billericay
Age: 36
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Still nothing
I'm getting a little confused. I have not heard anything from CTC, but there are some on this forum who have heard positives and some who have heard negatives. Has anyone got any light to shed on this please?
Best of luck to those of you who have heard.
Best of luck to those of you who have heard.
CTC did say it would be some weeks before they would be able to reply, so there shouldn't be any panic yet. Perhaps in another month we would be within our rights to start making enquiries but I think its a little too soon to be worrying about it.
Ever the pessimist, I dont expect them to be sending out many invitations for the next phase based on what ive read here so far, so I for one am not holding my breath!
Ever the pessimist, I dont expect them to be sending out many invitations for the next phase based on what ive read here so far, so I for one am not holding my breath!
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Leeds
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Invited to 2nd phase
Hi
I've been invited to the second phase which involves COMPASS tests
Does anyone have any advice for this round. Does anyone know how many applicants might have made it this far?
If you want to ask me any questions I'm happy to answer
I've been invited to the second phase which involves COMPASS tests
Does anyone have any advice for this round. Does anyone know how many applicants might have made it this far?
If you want to ask me any questions I'm happy to answer
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: In my own bubble
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Hi Mike_Ox,
Just to clarify, was that CTC?
Only advice I can give is to be relaxed, don't panic and read the instructions. It's not intellectually straining, just physically draining and your email invite should detail what is in the test. Otherwise get on Google my friend.
Please be careful what questions you decide to answer, both now (i.e. your application) and post COMPASS (knowing precissely what's in it). It would only be fair if everyone was on an equal footing when it comes to the test.
Congrats on getting past stage 1!
Just to clarify, was that CTC?
Only advice I can give is to be relaxed, don't panic and read the instructions. It's not intellectually straining, just physically draining and your email invite should detail what is in the test. Otherwise get on Google my friend.
Please be careful what questions you decide to answer, both now (i.e. your application) and post COMPASS (knowing precissely what's in it). It would only be fair if everyone was on an equal footing when it comes to the test.
Congrats on getting past stage 1!
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Manchester
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I know someone who went for the Oxford test. Told me that most of the people he spoke to had not even tried flying. How can people go along to this expressing their "passion" for flying, yet haven't even tried it or spent a penny on it. Truly irritates me.
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Leeds
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Oxford Aviation Academy
I've had a good look round Google and I've found a bunch of stuff to help.
I have so many questions about the life of an airline pilot and how others are funding the massive fees needed. I've Googled what I can.
I've had a good look round Google and I've found a bunch of stuff to help.
I have so many questions about the life of an airline pilot and how others are funding the massive fees needed. I've Googled what I can.
Join Date: Aug 2011
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Mike_Ox - I would remove your background information - it can be used to identify you. It was interesting to read it though, you sound very active!
More importantly, it's interesting you have just recieved an invite to the COMPASS testing as I thought that round had finished already - perhaps not enough people made the mark so they've had to invite more?? Best of luck to you though!! Moreover, I'm aware of 2 people who have already been invited to the 2nd part of phase 2 at OAA....I'm jealous for sure, but good luck to them!!
As for the funding, I think you'll find most (i.e. 90%) will rely on BBVA finance either as secured on a UK property or as BA acting as guarantor. There is a lot on Youtube (interviews, a day in the life of...etc) for the questions you have asked. From what I have gathered in this respect, it is very hard work, a lot of sacrifice and doesnt recieve the respect due; yet all have said they would make the same decision to become a pilot if they were to go back in time. This is enough to reassure me.
Camillefly99 - I am afraid im one of those people who "truly irritate" you. I went to boarding school in the middle of nowhere, then to University, then to a job working abroad with no GA.
All of which either didnt allow the time, the funding, or the access required to go flying. But let me assure you, I am just as passionate as the next person and I have always endevoured to remain as close to aviation as possible.
Camillefly99 - you mention "your friend", did you not make it to the 1st stage assesment then? Perhaps your passion was lacking?
More importantly, it's interesting you have just recieved an invite to the COMPASS testing as I thought that round had finished already - perhaps not enough people made the mark so they've had to invite more?? Best of luck to you though!! Moreover, I'm aware of 2 people who have already been invited to the 2nd part of phase 2 at OAA....I'm jealous for sure, but good luck to them!!
As for the funding, I think you'll find most (i.e. 90%) will rely on BBVA finance either as secured on a UK property or as BA acting as guarantor. There is a lot on Youtube (interviews, a day in the life of...etc) for the questions you have asked. From what I have gathered in this respect, it is very hard work, a lot of sacrifice and doesnt recieve the respect due; yet all have said they would make the same decision to become a pilot if they were to go back in time. This is enough to reassure me.
Camillefly99 - I am afraid im one of those people who "truly irritate" you. I went to boarding school in the middle of nowhere, then to University, then to a job working abroad with no GA.
All of which either didnt allow the time, the funding, or the access required to go flying. But let me assure you, I am just as passionate as the next person and I have always endevoured to remain as close to aviation as possible.
Camillefly99 - you mention "your friend", did you not make it to the 1st stage assesment then? Perhaps your passion was lacking?
Last edited by Roger-Wilco; 4th Oct 2011 at 08:03.
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: North West England
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All is not lost!
My passion may not yet be dead in the water thanks to a PM received from fellow PPRuNe contributor,Lucifer, who admits to having endured a phobia of flying since the tender age of fifteen and three quarters when the Kiel Kraft glider he and an imaginary friend had lovingly crafted, tumbled to earth and was smashed to smithereens on the sweeping shire below (actually it hit the pavement outside his three bedroom semi in Croydon but that sort of killed the alliteration). Inconsolable for months afterwards, the trauma had left the pubescent Lucifer indelibly marked, his anxieties most acute when leaving terra firma. So how on earth didn’t his malady hinder a flourishing aviation career?
Well, according to Lucifer, the secret lies in never actually looking out of the windows of an aircraft and keeping one’s eyes closed as firmly as Pippa’s pert posterior throughout the flight. Apparently, the first is quite feasible as you can leave it to Mickey Mouse to shout out instructions of what to do and when e.g. “ Sicstdee nats………Eidee nats…….Veee Wan…….Row- tade” etc., but how does he manage the second without arousing the curiosities of crew and passengers alike? Well, the illusion lies in the use of a huge pair of sunglasses that mask the eyes, akin to those that graced the chiselled features of the glamorous film star, Sophia Loren. Lucifer assures me that nobody can tell whether your eyes are open or shut or even in which direction you’re looking. Cunning or what?
He adds there are other benefits to wearing a pair of sunglasses on board an airliner, however, I’m far too polite to repeat them in open forum. Lucifer, you little devil! My, how you’ve grown.
Oh, BTW Lucifer, please convey my thanks to Talk Pedlar for the invite to the Wannabes Christmas bash, however, Groundloop and I shall be indulging in yet another enjoyable day’s spotting at Gatwick. Rhcriad.
Well, according to Lucifer, the secret lies in never actually looking out of the windows of an aircraft and keeping one’s eyes closed as firmly as Pippa’s pert posterior throughout the flight. Apparently, the first is quite feasible as you can leave it to Mickey Mouse to shout out instructions of what to do and when e.g. “ Sicstdee nats………Eidee nats…….Veee Wan…….Row- tade” etc., but how does he manage the second without arousing the curiosities of crew and passengers alike? Well, the illusion lies in the use of a huge pair of sunglasses that mask the eyes, akin to those that graced the chiselled features of the glamorous film star, Sophia Loren. Lucifer assures me that nobody can tell whether your eyes are open or shut or even in which direction you’re looking. Cunning or what?
He adds there are other benefits to wearing a pair of sunglasses on board an airliner, however, I’m far too polite to repeat them in open forum. Lucifer, you little devil! My, how you’ve grown.
Oh, BTW Lucifer, please convey my thanks to Talk Pedlar for the invite to the Wannabes Christmas bash, however, Groundloop and I shall be indulging in yet another enjoyable day’s spotting at Gatwick. Rhcriad.
Join Date: Oct 2011
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Becoming an airline pilot is a big step. The future pilot programme locks you into BA for 7 years.
BA have been struggling to compete recently as other airlines lower costs and pay less. in 2009 BA was in a position of reducing pay.
There's no doubt BA is the best airline to work for at the moment but consideration should be taken into it's future.
What happens to your £86k if the airline goes bust? What if they lower pay or change their terms?
I've been reading about the low pay of smaller airlines and some of the gripes they have and hope it's not the future for all airlines.
These are some of my concerns at the moment. I'm really hoping someone with more knowledge than me and can reassure me that the future is bright.
BA have been struggling to compete recently as other airlines lower costs and pay less. in 2009 BA was in a position of reducing pay.
There's no doubt BA is the best airline to work for at the moment but consideration should be taken into it's future.
What happens to your £86k if the airline goes bust? What if they lower pay or change their terms?
I've been reading about the low pay of smaller airlines and some of the gripes they have and hope it's not the future for all airlines.
These are some of my concerns at the moment. I'm really hoping someone with more knowledge than me and can reassure me that the future is bright.
Join Date: Nov 1999
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The future pilot programme locks you into BA for 7 years.
The concept and intention, is that you are making a commitment to a career with British airways. This is viewed as a very desirable career within the industry generally, and the opportunity for cadets to embark on it is hopefully going to be viewed as a professional lifetime career commitment.
What happens to your £86k if the airline goes bust?
If you don't think the future is sufficiently guaranteed, or the scheme is too much of a risk, then simply don't apply to be considered for it.
Similar training can be sourced from the same schools in this scheme at similar cost, with other partner airlines, (who also will not provide any guarantees,) and may or may not repay the bond to you in staged payments depending on their own terms and conditions. Similarly you can do the training and find your own potential employers if you want.
Commercial pilot flight training isn't risk free. This scheme isn't risk free. It is a variation on a cadet scheme model that already exists with certain other airlines. Many view BA as a particularly attractive cadet employer. This is an opportunity to work for a First class airline, with good career prospects, and the possibility of financial help that might preclude a few applicants from similar schemes beyond the BA one.
I realise the hypocrisy of asking this after posting quite recently telling people not to worry... but has anybody heard much from CTC? Yes or Nos? I know they did say it would be several weeks before they could reply, but that was several weeks ago!
Likewise with the FTE applicants- I've not heard much from them either...
I guess I'm only asking here in case someone has called them up and has any information, before I have to!
Likewise with the FTE applicants- I've not heard much from them either...
I guess I'm only asking here in case someone has called them up and has any information, before I have to!