British Airways Future Pilot Programme.
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@Jumpseat
Do you mean for the final stages of BA or? If so then the Crown Plaza Heathrow is about a 10 minute taxi ride away. I do believe there are buses and BA will give you information on the schedules nearer the time should you be successful in reaching the final stages.
@Warp
Based on BA's website, you can expect numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and some aptitude testing at the first BA stage and then just a final stage interview. The reason for BA splitting the final stage into two this year is because it makes sense from a HR point of view as lots of candidates in the previous years were not meeting the required level in either the verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning or aptitude tests. This year HR will only be interviewing the candidates that have passed all these tests and thus it will save a lot of HR's time and resources.
Do you mean for the final stages of BA or? If so then the Crown Plaza Heathrow is about a 10 minute taxi ride away. I do believe there are buses and BA will give you information on the schedules nearer the time should you be successful in reaching the final stages.
@Warp
Based on BA's website, you can expect numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and some aptitude testing at the first BA stage and then just a final stage interview. The reason for BA splitting the final stage into two this year is because it makes sense from a HR point of view as lots of candidates in the previous years were not meeting the required level in either the verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning or aptitude tests. This year HR will only be interviewing the candidates that have passed all these tests and thus it will save a lot of HR's time and resources.
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Hi to everybody and thanks a lot for all the information I have been silently getting from this thread during these long days of hopeful waiting.
Apparently today FTE sent a lot of PFOs and I received one of them. I applied on the 28th, evidently not being answered in the first few days really seems to be a bad sign but who knows... Fingers crossed for those who are still waiting!!
This was my first application to the FPP and I would like to ask you since when the programme exists and if it has been done regularly each year since then.
Does someone know the chances of BA opening the programme next year too?
It would really help relieving my disappointment right now, knowing that there will be another FPP soon. Maybe Virgin is opening their FFP this next fall.
Thanks again and lots of luck to all that passed this stage.
Apparently today FTE sent a lot of PFOs and I received one of them. I applied on the 28th, evidently not being answered in the first few days really seems to be a bad sign but who knows... Fingers crossed for those who are still waiting!!
This was my first application to the FPP and I would like to ask you since when the programme exists and if it has been done regularly each year since then.
Does someone know the chances of BA opening the programme next year too?
It would really help relieving my disappointment right now, knowing that there will be another FPP soon. Maybe Virgin is opening their FFP this next fall.
Thanks again and lots of luck to all that passed this stage.
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@Volunteerpilot,
I'm sorry to hear that you have been unsuccessful. However, judging by your comments, I think you really need to consider in great detail your motivation towards becoming an airline pilot.
Best of luck in the future.
I'm sorry to hear that you have been unsuccessful. However, judging by your comments, I think you really need to consider in great detail your motivation towards becoming an airline pilot.
Best of luck in the future.
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Volunteerpilot, I may be completely wrong however I can't help but get the impression that you really wanted this, though since you haven't been successful you are being somewhat bitter about the whole thing. I'm sure many of us here have tried numerous times before at a number of schemes and still have nothing (I definitely have !). That doesn't mean anything other than you won't be becoming a pilot with this particular scheme this time around, nothing more.
I find that the best thing to do is go back through your application. Analyse it objectively and see where you may have fallen short in the eyes of the assessors with regards matching the competencies they want. I genuinely am not trying to be funny but it will go a whole lot further than pretending you didn't want it and posting bitter comments about the whole thing as it appears to me that it's something you would have loved to do.
I find that the best thing to do is go back through your application. Analyse it objectively and see where you may have fallen short in the eyes of the assessors with regards matching the competencies they want. I genuinely am not trying to be funny but it will go a whole lot further than pretending you didn't want it and posting bitter comments about the whole thing as it appears to me that it's something you would have loved to do.
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For all of those that have received bad news recently, I suggest taking on the advice about looking for other roles within BA. They want those that can fit in with the BA brand as well as those that can handle being a commercial pilot. Not only is it great experience but it also shows a commitment to BA for future applications. Good luck!
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There is something that is confusing me regarding FTE's statement on using previous assessments for FPP. They say that, if you have already passed the FTE assessments, then you don't need to retake them for your FPP assessment. This may be a stupid question, but does that mean it's just a pass/fail scenario for the tests and most of the weight is put on the group exercise and the interview?
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EZY_FR,
I believe you are right. You have to pass all of the tests and then rank in the top X people whom they can send to Waterside. (X being the number of places each school can send forward)
It is also a pass/fail test and a competition to have the highest score. You get a score for the interview and the group exercise as well, as far as my HR knowledge can tell.
I believe you are right. You have to pass all of the tests and then rank in the top X people whom they can send to Waterside. (X being the number of places each school can send forward)
It is also a pass/fail test and a competition to have the highest score. You get a score for the interview and the group exercise as well, as far as my HR knowledge can tell.
Jumpseat M
The Thistle, Premier Inn T5(note the emphasis) and the Arora Bath Road (note the spelling) are the closest to Waterside, there's also the T5 Travelodge. Failing those any hotel along the Bath Road gives good access to the bus network (which is free on most Transport for London buses as far as Harlington corner). Just east of Harlington corner there's the Bath Road Premier Inn. There's also a Travelodge about a km even further east on the Bath Road which is handy for Cranebank but can be an acquired taste, as indeed are some of the B&B's in Longford ......
Does anybody have any suggestions where to stay near LHR and BA HQ, I will be flying in the night before.
The Thistle, Premier Inn T5(note the emphasis) and the Arora Bath Road (note the spelling) are the closest to Waterside, there's also the T5 Travelodge. Failing those any hotel along the Bath Road gives good access to the bus network (which is free on most Transport for London buses as far as Harlington corner). Just east of Harlington corner there's the Bath Road Premier Inn. There's also a Travelodge about a km even further east on the Bath Road which is handy for Cranebank but can be an acquired taste, as indeed are some of the B&B's in Longford ......
Last edited by wiggy; 14th Mar 2015 at 21:40. Reason: Missing emphasis restored....
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This was my first application to the FPP and I would like to ask you since when the programme exists and if it has been done regularly each year since then.
Does someone know the chances of BA opening the programme next year too?
Does someone know the chances of BA opening the programme next year too?
You have to keep faith and belief that BA will keep this initiative going for the foreseeable future.
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After some waiting for my preferred week to open up, I'm now booked in with OAA on 27th March.
If anyone else will be there and wants to get in touch, I'd like that. I can't discuss specifics of the selection (we are asked not to) but can confirm that all activities are scored, all must be passed and an exceptional score in one or more activites will not carry inadequate scores in others - they are looking for well-rounded individuals.
Quite apart from the goal which we all hope to achieve, the assessment days can be a fun, educational and invigorating experience at which you can meet some interesting individuals and learn a lot about yourself. I consider the £250 cost to be rejected last year money well spent as it allowed me to grow as a person and gave me direction, in fact helping me to secure another job - though I was a lot less pragmatic about it at the time!
Good luck to all, try to enjoy it, and put extra effort into polishing those skills which you know are your weakest. Your natural talents will shine through (I went full-on technical last year - big mistake).
Those not selected - I am sorry. Read about BA/IAG, learn their values and goals as a company, and align yourself to them. You should want to be a BA pilot, not just a pilot in general, and should understand what that means. If you can get any flying at all done though, even just a trial lesson, that would help a lot.
I know it can be hard for those with fewer years of experience (particularly at work) on which to draw to build a CV and write inspirational answers, but just look at where you are in life, and think how you could be more (or just how you could express yourself better). Anything that moves you closer to your goal is a worthwhile step, but you must really want this and be prepared to work hard for it. That starts even before application.
I write this as a failed applicant last year, so do take it with a grain of salt. Still, I hope to do better this year, and if what I say helps one more person to do better as well, I am glad of that opportunity.
If anyone else will be there and wants to get in touch, I'd like that. I can't discuss specifics of the selection (we are asked not to) but can confirm that all activities are scored, all must be passed and an exceptional score in one or more activites will not carry inadequate scores in others - they are looking for well-rounded individuals.
Quite apart from the goal which we all hope to achieve, the assessment days can be a fun, educational and invigorating experience at which you can meet some interesting individuals and learn a lot about yourself. I consider the £250 cost to be rejected last year money well spent as it allowed me to grow as a person and gave me direction, in fact helping me to secure another job - though I was a lot less pragmatic about it at the time!
Good luck to all, try to enjoy it, and put extra effort into polishing those skills which you know are your weakest. Your natural talents will shine through (I went full-on technical last year - big mistake).
Those not selected - I am sorry. Read about BA/IAG, learn their values and goals as a company, and align yourself to them. You should want to be a BA pilot, not just a pilot in general, and should understand what that means. If you can get any flying at all done though, even just a trial lesson, that would help a lot.
I know it can be hard for those with fewer years of experience (particularly at work) on which to draw to build a CV and write inspirational answers, but just look at where you are in life, and think how you could be more (or just how you could express yourself better). Anything that moves you closer to your goal is a worthwhile step, but you must really want this and be prepared to work hard for it. That starts even before application.
I write this as a failed applicant last year, so do take it with a grain of salt. Still, I hope to do better this year, and if what I say helps one more person to do better as well, I am glad of that opportunity.
Last edited by JDA2012; 13th Nov 2015 at 21:10.
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After some waiting for my preferred week to open up, I'm now booked in with OAA on 27th March.
If anyone else will be there and wants to get in touch, I'd like that. I can't discuss specifics of the selection (we are asked not to) but can confirm that all activities are scored, all must be passed and an exceptional score in one or more activites will not carry inadequate scores in others - they are looking for well-rounded individuals.
Quite apart from the goal which we all hope to achieve, the assessment days can be a fun, educational and invigorating experience at which you can meet some interesting individuals and learn a lot about yourself. I consider the £250 cost to be rejected last year money well spent as it allowed me to grow as a person and gave me direction, in fact helping me to secure another job - though I was a lot less pragmatic about it at the time!
Good luck to all, try to enjoy it, and put extra effort into polishing those skills which you know are your weakest. Your natural talents will shine through (I went full-on technical last year - big mistake).
Those not selected - I am sorry. Read about BA/IAG, learn their values and goals as a company, and align yourself to them. You should want to be a BA pilot, not just a pilot in general, and should understand what that means.If you can get any flying at all done though, even just a trial lesson, that would help a lot.
I know it can be hard for those with fewer years of experience (particularly at work) on which to draw to build a CV and write inspirational answers, but just look at where you are in life, and think how you could be more (or just how you could express yourself better). Anything that moves you closer to your goal is a worthwhile step, but you must really want this and be prepared to work hard for it. That starts even before application.
I write this as a failed applicant last year, so do take it with a grain of salt. Still, I hope to do better this year, and if what I say helps one more person to do better as well, I am glad of that opportunity.
If anyone else will be there and wants to get in touch, I'd like that. I can't discuss specifics of the selection (we are asked not to) but can confirm that all activities are scored, all must be passed and an exceptional score in one or more activites will not carry inadequate scores in others - they are looking for well-rounded individuals.
Quite apart from the goal which we all hope to achieve, the assessment days can be a fun, educational and invigorating experience at which you can meet some interesting individuals and learn a lot about yourself. I consider the £250 cost to be rejected last year money well spent as it allowed me to grow as a person and gave me direction, in fact helping me to secure another job - though I was a lot less pragmatic about it at the time!
Good luck to all, try to enjoy it, and put extra effort into polishing those skills which you know are your weakest. Your natural talents will shine through (I went full-on technical last year - big mistake).
Those not selected - I am sorry. Read about BA/IAG, learn their values and goals as a company, and align yourself to them. You should want to be a BA pilot, not just a pilot in general, and should understand what that means.If you can get any flying at all done though, even just a trial lesson, that would help a lot.
I know it can be hard for those with fewer years of experience (particularly at work) on which to draw to build a CV and write inspirational answers, but just look at where you are in life, and think how you could be more (or just how you could express yourself better). Anything that moves you closer to your goal is a worthwhile step, but you must really want this and be prepared to work hard for it. That starts even before application.
I write this as a failed applicant last year, so do take it with a grain of salt. Still, I hope to do better this year, and if what I say helps one more person to do better as well, I am glad of that opportunity.
To those who have been unsuccessful at the initial application phase, then the reason for failure lies somewhere in your application (usually the essay answers). The best advice I can give is go through and scrutinize your application and try and identify why you were unsuccessful. The answer is there, you just need to find it.
Last edited by funkyt111; 15th Mar 2015 at 08:31.
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Great words JDA2012. I've been monitoring this net the last week or so as I am also still awaiting a response (from CTC). It's great to see people trying to break into this industry have a positive and helpful approach to things.
Best of luck lads.
Best of luck lads.
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Firstly, I am very disheartened by the amount of people who seem to 'disappear' off the Aviation 'scene' when unsuccessful in this selection process only to return again when it re-opens.
There are clearly some committed aviators here but unfortunately there also seems to be some present here who would probably be better off questioning their motivations for joining the business all together.
There really is a noticeable difference in attitudes of 'wannabe' pilots (integrated and modular girls and boys included). I suppose that's the case in all walks of life really. Let's try and close the gap anyway!
Secondly, please try not to get bitter if you don't make it. A) it's not very pleasant to read on this thread and B) it's a very uncomfortable feeling to have, so it's best to override it for your own sanity!
It is not the end of the line and there has already been some fantastic advice dished out here which should help moving forward.
As I've previously mentioned there are still many other routes into the RHS of a commercial airliner and I'm certain (if all you'll insist on applying for is this programme) there will be other FPPs to come.
As for those who aren't flying. Get yourself to your local club because everyday that you're not flying, you're seriously missing out.
There are clearly some committed aviators here but unfortunately there also seems to be some present here who would probably be better off questioning their motivations for joining the business all together.
There really is a noticeable difference in attitudes of 'wannabe' pilots (integrated and modular girls and boys included). I suppose that's the case in all walks of life really. Let's try and close the gap anyway!
Secondly, please try not to get bitter if you don't make it. A) it's not very pleasant to read on this thread and B) it's a very uncomfortable feeling to have, so it's best to override it for your own sanity!
It is not the end of the line and there has already been some fantastic advice dished out here which should help moving forward.
As I've previously mentioned there are still many other routes into the RHS of a commercial airliner and I'm certain (if all you'll insist on applying for is this programme) there will be other FPPs to come.
As for those who aren't flying. Get yourself to your local club because everyday that you're not flying, you're seriously missing out.
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Some good advice here. This was my first year applying as well, so I am very pleased that I have been invited to selection.
My advice would be to do some networking - see if there are some people who can help you out with your application. If they fly for BA then that's obviously a major bonus. Another thing - do your research! Everyone says it over and over, but it really could make the difference! Read over the job description, and make sure you have addressed each requirement, i.e what to include in the cover letter. If you really are passionate about this career then it should be fairly easy to put into words, that said you may spend a lot of time moving things around and changing words trying to make it perfect. The thing to remember is that it isn't going to be perfect.
Of course, this is only my advice on improving chances of being selected for assessment, but there's more to the process than that - it's only the first hurdle of many!
As others have mentioned, I can only feel that some people have the wrong attitude here if the FPP is seen as the only way to the RHS.
My advice would be to do some networking - see if there are some people who can help you out with your application. If they fly for BA then that's obviously a major bonus. Another thing - do your research! Everyone says it over and over, but it really could make the difference! Read over the job description, and make sure you have addressed each requirement, i.e what to include in the cover letter. If you really are passionate about this career then it should be fairly easy to put into words, that said you may spend a lot of time moving things around and changing words trying to make it perfect. The thing to remember is that it isn't going to be perfect.
Of course, this is only my advice on improving chances of being selected for assessment, but there's more to the process than that - it's only the first hurdle of many!
As others have mentioned, I can only feel that some people have the wrong attitude here if the FPP is seen as the only way to the RHS.
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As others have mentioned, I can only feel that some people have the wrong attitude here if the FPP is seen as the only way to the RHS.
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That's the position I'm in - BA is the only integrated scheme that realistically would work for me (didn't know VS had that option). Aer Lingus' is another I'm watching closely. My other option is modular.
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Hello fellow wannabes, I applied at the last minute to FTE and received an invite the following day. I have not booked yet as both available dates are tricky, but will sort something out and definitely attend assessment.
However..while it is my dream to be flying for a living, and from the sorts of questions and requirements in the application, BA seem to be quite well aligned with my own values, something about the nature of the job does concern me.
We all know that, under normal circumstances, computers can do our prospective job better than us. Indeed, for most of the time computers will be flying the plane and we will be monitoring things. Now this does not sound very interesting, and yet it is something that I am extremely keen on doing.
Anyone else experience this type of cognitive dissonance..or have any thoughts about it?
However..while it is my dream to be flying for a living, and from the sorts of questions and requirements in the application, BA seem to be quite well aligned with my own values, something about the nature of the job does concern me.
We all know that, under normal circumstances, computers can do our prospective job better than us. Indeed, for most of the time computers will be flying the plane and we will be monitoring things. Now this does not sound very interesting, and yet it is something that I am extremely keen on doing.
Anyone else experience this type of cognitive dissonance..or have any thoughts about it?