British Airways Future Pilot Programme.
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When does the application window for the Future Pilot Programme start this year? The BA website states:
"We can now advise that in line with British Airways’ future requirements for new cadet entry, we expect the next round of FPP to launch sometime in 2015. We will bring you news of any further announcements as soon as they become available."
Does it mean that there will be no application window in November 2014?
"We can now advise that in line with British Airways’ future requirements for new cadet entry, we expect the next round of FPP to launch sometime in 2015. We will bring you news of any further announcements as soon as they become available."
Does it mean that there will be no application window in November 2014?
Join Date: Jun 2013
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Application will open early next year as at the moment BA HR are focusing on the DEP as they are quite short. Most people wait years for an opportunity like this, I'm sure everyone else who is serious can wait a few more months.
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I find this interesting and indeed quite relevant to my particular situation (and perhaps those of others), because:
- Candidates are only allowed to apply three times anyway, so (having applied last year), two further opportunities would be all that I (and any previous applicant) would be allowed anyway.
- I chose to resit the team exercise and interview with OAA in June, after which I could not then take further resits or re-apply to OAA for 12 months. Happily this does not appear to apply to applications for the FPP.
- I am currently rather busy (studying for an OU degree), so I actually welcome the opportunity to defer until after the Christmas break, during which I (and others who may be busy with "life") can get the preparatory work for the application sorted in advance of applications actually opening. Think about why you want to fly, why with BA and what you can bring, as well as getting all of the fundamentals (employment history, qualifications etc.) in order.
- More time is always good! So far this year, in a bid to gain a greater understanding of BA as a a company and prospective employer, I've arranged a tour of the Heritage Collection and Waterside building, spent time observing BA operations and general movements at Gatwick and Heathrow, booked a flight on a BA 787 and visited five of the British Concordes (AA, AB, AC, ST, DN), as well as reading a great deal on BA, oneworld and their aircraft. Before attending selection for the next FPP I was hoping actually to take my 787 flight, and to visit London City and at least a further four Concordes (AD, AE, DG, FA - well aware I've passed the point of decreasing returns, but this has now become a genuine interest and a personal challenge to see them all), as well as having a go on BA's 737 simulator and the Concorde sim at Brooklands - I am grateful to have more time to organise these visits.
P.S. I'm well aware that there are other considerations, on which I am also working, but I will not be getting knocked back on a lack of BA-centric enthusiasm and/or knowledge again, that's for sure.
P.P.S. I have read back the above and am aware it may be taken as a little self-indulgent. Still, I hope it may help or give ideas to other potential candidates. Alternatively, it may be waffle, in which case I am sure I will be corrected if off down the wrong track and I am grateful for the feedback.
Looking for the silver lining
- Candidates are only allowed to apply three times anyway, so (having applied last year), two further opportunities would be all that I (and any previous applicant) would be allowed anyway.
- I chose to resit the team exercise and interview with OAA in June, after which I could not then take further resits or re-apply to OAA for 12 months. Happily this does not appear to apply to applications for the FPP.
- I am currently rather busy (studying for an OU degree), so I actually welcome the opportunity to defer until after the Christmas break, during which I (and others who may be busy with "life") can get the preparatory work for the application sorted in advance of applications actually opening. Think about why you want to fly, why with BA and what you can bring, as well as getting all of the fundamentals (employment history, qualifications etc.) in order.
- More time is always good! So far this year, in a bid to gain a greater understanding of BA as a a company and prospective employer, I've arranged a tour of the Heritage Collection and Waterside building, spent time observing BA operations and general movements at Gatwick and Heathrow, booked a flight on a BA 787 and visited five of the British Concordes (AA, AB, AC, ST, DN), as well as reading a great deal on BA, oneworld and their aircraft. Before attending selection for the next FPP I was hoping actually to take my 787 flight, and to visit London City and at least a further four Concordes (AD, AE, DG, FA - well aware I've passed the point of decreasing returns, but this has now become a genuine interest and a personal challenge to see them all), as well as having a go on BA's 737 simulator and the Concorde sim at Brooklands - I am grateful to have more time to organise these visits.
P.S. I'm well aware that there are other considerations, on which I am also working, but I will not be getting knocked back on a lack of BA-centric enthusiasm and/or knowledge again, that's for sure.
P.P.S. I have read back the above and am aware it may be taken as a little self-indulgent. Still, I hope it may help or give ideas to other potential candidates. Alternatively, it may be waffle, in which case I am sure I will be corrected if off down the wrong track and I am grateful for the feedback.
Looking for the silver lining
Last edited by JDA2012; 17th Apr 2015 at 15:51.
Join Date: Oct 2011
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Great, that probably means there will probably only be two more opportunities to get into FPP
Maybe it'll be scaled back, with fewer lucky people selected or run less frequently, but I don't see why it'd would stop completely.The delay to next year is quite good IMO. With the current uncertainty around BA SH and the business review, at least we might know what position/terms we're applying to by next year...
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Hello,
I have an FAA Commercial Pilot License and was wondering if I could still apply. It doesn't say so on BA's website, it just says you can't have taken the ATP exams. I know a JAA CPL is disqualifying, but I don't know about an FAA CPL.
My other concern is that I now have a little over 300 hours of flight time and will probably have around 500 by the time I apply in 2015 (I have a job flying small aeroplanes here in the US). I know this is a cadet programme and am aware that I'm not the ideal candidate (I've been through the entire selection process already) but would still like to know if anybody has heard of someone getting accepted with the same kind of flight experience.
Thank you very much.
I have an FAA Commercial Pilot License and was wondering if I could still apply. It doesn't say so on BA's website, it just says you can't have taken the ATP exams. I know a JAA CPL is disqualifying, but I don't know about an FAA CPL.
My other concern is that I now have a little over 300 hours of flight time and will probably have around 500 by the time I apply in 2015 (I have a job flying small aeroplanes here in the US). I know this is a cadet programme and am aware that I'm not the ideal candidate (I've been through the entire selection process already) but would still like to know if anybody has heard of someone getting accepted with the same kind of flight experience.
Thank you very much.
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benvickars
If you mean previous flying experience then you can't hold anything above a PPL but there are people with over a hundred hours and others with only a few to their name. As with most airline cadet schemes your number of flying hours is largely irrelevant. Your interpersonal skills are far more important.
Let the madness begin....
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British Airways Future Pilot Programme.
Just a quick question, had anybody on here been through the general 'Wings' programme? And has been fortunate enough to land a spot with BA without going through the FPP?
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Owu96, I think there were a handful who came in from CTC who'd been through the 'wings' course (6, perhaps?) last year, although after having then gone through the BA assessments. It's not something I would bank on, though, and may have been a bit of a one-off anomaly when there was a sudden need for a handful of extra cadets.
Particularly considering the number of cadets and DEPs coming in over the next couple of years, the two clear routes in are through the FPP or as a DEP after a good few hundred hours at another carrier. Whichever route, you still need to pass the same assessments. You'd also benefit from (potentially) a guaranteed loan if you required it, from the point of being accepted.
In short, while not impossible, it's improbable that the 'wings' course would lead to a quick entry into BA. Far more likely to end up elsewhere initially.
Good luck if you're applying.
Particularly considering the number of cadets and DEPs coming in over the next couple of years, the two clear routes in are through the FPP or as a DEP after a good few hundred hours at another carrier. Whichever route, you still need to pass the same assessments. You'd also benefit from (potentially) a guaranteed loan if you required it, from the point of being accepted.
In short, while not impossible, it's improbable that the 'wings' course would lead to a quick entry into BA. Far more likely to end up elsewhere initially.
Good luck if you're applying.
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Owu96
As Mayday says there were 5 lucky wings trainees who were employed by BA. I hate the way CTC use the word 'placed'. They weren't placed at all, BA asked for applicants from CTC, they applied and each got the job on their own merits.
This whole top-up to the FPP thing is used as a marketing tool by CTC to lure potential people into the wings programme who may be umming and arring about waiting for a tagged program. What I imagine has happened is due to the increase in number of tagged programmes, applicant numbers for their wings course is down so they pedal this
to get the punters in.
It's safe to assume that they only way into BA is through the FPP or as a DEP/ex-forces, anything else and you've got lucky.
This whole top-up to the FPP thing is used as a marketing tool by CTC to lure potential people into the wings programme who may be umming and arring about waiting for a tagged program. What I imagine has happened is due to the increase in number of tagged programmes, applicant numbers for their wings course is down so they pedal this
to get the punters in.It's safe to assume that they only way into BA is through the FPP or as a DEP/ex-forces, anything else and you've got lucky.
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Does anyone know how long the process takes ie. when does the application close, how long does the assessment stage last and when will the full time training begin for the lucky candidates who get through?
Thanks
Thanks
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Hi all,
I don't really know how to ask for advice without this being a fairly long post, so I apologize in advance if it gets lengthy. I also apologize if this is the wrong place to ask about such things.
Basically, I've changed career direction after gaining 'life experience' and finding out the career I was pursuing earlier, wasn't for me. I've always wanted to fly. However after taking this break and deciding what my options were along with research etc etc etc (PM me if you need more info, I'm trying to keep this relatively to-the-point) The BA FPP looks like possibly the best route into commercial aviation available.
From what I understand, you can apply three times and most candidates that were accepted, weren't accepted on their first 'go'. As in the posts above, the applications will open 23rd Feb. Here's my problem:
For me, it's bad timing. Just through luck, I've essentially got about a month to put together an application. I really am determined to put together a stellar application, but I feel I wouldn't be able to make the best application with only a month of prep. So basically, I'd love to apply to this amaing opportunity, but I don't want to 'waste' one of my three tries on what may be not the best-prepared application.
Should I apply, and use the experience to help my further applications if it opens again (not guaranteed at all, I know) or wait and submit my best work to the next one possibly 1-2 years down the line, if at all?
Thanks in advance, I've tried to keep it brief (and failed) if anyone has any pointers for me or would like to know more, PM me please. It probably comes across as something I've not considered totally or jumped on at a whim, but it isn't at all, I've just left lots of stuff out so to avoid an absolute wall of text
I don't really know how to ask for advice without this being a fairly long post, so I apologize in advance if it gets lengthy. I also apologize if this is the wrong place to ask about such things.
Basically, I've changed career direction after gaining 'life experience' and finding out the career I was pursuing earlier, wasn't for me. I've always wanted to fly. However after taking this break and deciding what my options were along with research etc etc etc (PM me if you need more info, I'm trying to keep this relatively to-the-point) The BA FPP looks like possibly the best route into commercial aviation available.
From what I understand, you can apply three times and most candidates that were accepted, weren't accepted on their first 'go'. As in the posts above, the applications will open 23rd Feb. Here's my problem:
For me, it's bad timing. Just through luck, I've essentially got about a month to put together an application. I really am determined to put together a stellar application, but I feel I wouldn't be able to make the best application with only a month of prep. So basically, I'd love to apply to this amaing opportunity, but I don't want to 'waste' one of my three tries on what may be not the best-prepared application.
Should I apply, and use the experience to help my further applications if it opens again (not guaranteed at all, I know) or wait and submit my best work to the next one possibly 1-2 years down the line, if at all?
Thanks in advance, I've tried to keep it brief (and failed) if anyone has any pointers for me or would like to know more, PM me please. It probably comes across as something I've not considered totally or jumped on at a whim, but it isn't at all, I've just left lots of stuff out so to avoid an absolute wall of text
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yeah one month - probably not long enough to get past the BA astronaught selection phase 1 !!
work 24/7 man for next 30 days and you may well do it!
at the end of the day, it's a bit of a lottery anyway - just go for it - don't over think it
you never know a 9/11 event could happen at anytime and this will be the last FPP
cease the day now - carpe diem and all that
I fell into the over thinking trap for this back in 2012 with BA and didn't get anywhere. Then more recently just went for it with the recent Virgin Programme without worrying about the outcome and got through to the next stage.
work 24/7 man for next 30 days and you may well do it!
at the end of the day, it's a bit of a lottery anyway - just go for it - don't over think it
you never know a 9/11 event could happen at anytime and this will be the last FPP
cease the day now - carpe diem and all that
I fell into the over thinking trap for this back in 2012 with BA and didn't get anywhere. Then more recently just went for it with the recent Virgin Programme without worrying about the outcome and got through to the next stage.
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Juniour jetset,
I don't really think this is the best advice. It certainly isn't a lottery as you suggest and the guys and girls that have been successful have all thoroughly deserved it.
Searching904,
With regards to your application, one month is more than long enough to prepare your application. The application window is only open for two weeks so you will have as much time as everyone else to prepare. Just make sure you spend a lot of time on the application and have it proof read by someone else before submitting it.
I don't really think this is the best advice. It certainly isn't a lottery as you suggest and the guys and girls that have been successful have all thoroughly deserved it.
Searching904,
With regards to your application, one month is more than long enough to prepare your application. The application window is only open for two weeks so you will have as much time as everyone else to prepare. Just make sure you spend a lot of time on the application and have it proof read by someone else before submitting it.
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Thanks for the advice both of you guys.
I've always wanted to fly and when I was in my last 'career path' so to speak one of the first things I wanted to do was save up and do my PPL. However it's only in the 2 weeks I've decided that I want to go for commercial aviation as my job 100%, after months and months of research into this and other aviation jobs.
Basically had the FPP not came up just now Id've visited heathrow, waterside, flyer exhibition in april, taken a BA flight amongst lots of other things and tried to gather a few more flying hours, then felt properly ready to bash out a good 'go' at the FPP.
Guess I just don't want to be that guy who's changed career choices recently and doesn't have adequate 'stuff' on my application to back up that I'm serious and have considered things well. I know I'm genuine, and not just going "aw here flying those jets looks half decent lets do that" but it's them I need to convince haha! just my luck its next month, I guess I'll just try to fit tons of stuff in and have the best go at it I can
I've always wanted to fly and when I was in my last 'career path' so to speak one of the first things I wanted to do was save up and do my PPL. However it's only in the 2 weeks I've decided that I want to go for commercial aviation as my job 100%, after months and months of research into this and other aviation jobs.
Basically had the FPP not came up just now Id've visited heathrow, waterside, flyer exhibition in april, taken a BA flight amongst lots of other things and tried to gather a few more flying hours, then felt properly ready to bash out a good 'go' at the FPP.
Guess I just don't want to be that guy who's changed career choices recently and doesn't have adequate 'stuff' on my application to back up that I'm serious and have considered things well. I know I'm genuine, and not just going "aw here flying those jets looks half decent lets do that" but it's them I need to convince haha! just my luck its next month, I guess I'll just try to fit tons of stuff in and have the best go at it I can