British Airways Future Pilot Programme.
Join Date: Jun 2015
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Age: 42
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Hi Richard - the medical was pretty nerve-wracking: there seemed to be a lot riding on it, which is why I wanted to get it out of the way as early as possible. I was diagnosed with asthma as a child, and even though I haven't taken any medication for years, there was still a doubt at the back of my mind as to whether I'd be pronounced fit! There's a great write up of the medical experience here - http://www.pprune.org/medical-health...ip-report.html
I went to Gatwick for the medical and I was whizzed round the tests - height, weight, urine sample, blood test, ECG, hearing test, (the dreaded) spirograph, peripheral vision test - every test was done in a different room and the nurse was brilliantly enthusiastic about EVERYTHING - it was a bit like being on the crystal maze as we rushed from room to room! All that was done in about half an hour, and I thought I'd be out in no time - no such luck...
I had about a 10 minute wait for the opthamologist before having the most thorough eye test of my life - not just reading through the colour blindness test book and reading the rows of letters from about 50ft, but reading tiny text from a book at arm's length with one eye covered, balancing long poles on my nose and trying to read things stuck on the end of the pole, and testing how quickly my eyes crossed as things got pushed closer towards my face. I think the eye test took about 40 minutes - but the ophthalmologist and I did spend about half of that talking about the Le Mans 24hr race...
After that, a 20 minute wait before seeing the doctor, who looked in my eyes and ears, listened to my heart and lungs with a stethoscope, tested my reflexes and did the 'cough' test
. He seemed happy and printed out my medical certificate - and just before signing it I heard the horrible words "Oh no, just a minute, this needs looking at...
....no, no we can't have this....
....
...your surname's come out all in capital letters!"
Syntax fixed, certificate signed and I was on cloud nine! The whole thing took about three and a half hours from start to finish, though at times it felt much longer. £344 well spent... Best of luck with your medical!
Thanks for offering to get me on the Facebook group - I'll drop you a note if I can work out the pprune messaging function...
I went to Gatwick for the medical and I was whizzed round the tests - height, weight, urine sample, blood test, ECG, hearing test, (the dreaded) spirograph, peripheral vision test - every test was done in a different room and the nurse was brilliantly enthusiastic about EVERYTHING - it was a bit like being on the crystal maze as we rushed from room to room! All that was done in about half an hour, and I thought I'd be out in no time - no such luck...
I had about a 10 minute wait for the opthamologist before having the most thorough eye test of my life - not just reading through the colour blindness test book and reading the rows of letters from about 50ft, but reading tiny text from a book at arm's length with one eye covered, balancing long poles on my nose and trying to read things stuck on the end of the pole, and testing how quickly my eyes crossed as things got pushed closer towards my face. I think the eye test took about 40 minutes - but the ophthalmologist and I did spend about half of that talking about the Le Mans 24hr race...
After that, a 20 minute wait before seeing the doctor, who looked in my eyes and ears, listened to my heart and lungs with a stethoscope, tested my reflexes and did the 'cough' test
. He seemed happy and printed out my medical certificate - and just before signing it I heard the horrible words "Oh no, just a minute, this needs looking at.......no, no we can't have this...........your surname's come out all in capital letters!"
Syntax fixed, certificate signed and I was on cloud nine! The whole thing took about three and a half hours from start to finish, though at times it felt much longer. £344 well spent... Best of luck with your medical!
Thanks for offering to get me on the Facebook group - I'll drop you a note if I can work out the pprune messaging function...
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Manchester
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Hi BBB - great to see another OAA cadet, we are still relatively few in number on the FB group! I see (not that it matters a great deal!) that we are the same age as well.
I'm on the 9th November course, so (all being well) I'll be there to greet you at OAA when you start in February.
Glad that your medical went well and that someone read my little novella on the experience - and agreed, the eye tests just go on and on! Fortunately the renewal process is much less involved.
Not sure if you have had the paperwork through yet, but I'd recommend getting in touch with BAHS about the cadet medical now that you have your Class 1 - not sure what to expect here as I haven't been down to see them yet myself...
I'm on the 9th November course, so (all being well) I'll be there to greet you at OAA when you start in February.
Glad that your medical went well and that someone read my little novella on the experience - and agreed, the eye tests just go on and on! Fortunately the renewal process is much less involved.
Not sure if you have had the paperwork through yet, but I'd recommend getting in touch with BAHS about the cadet medical now that you have your Class 1 - not sure what to expect here as I haven't been down to see them yet myself...
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: East Midlands
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Hi JDA, looking forward to meeting you at OAA...us oldies have got to stick together 
Your write up of the CAA medical was great, certainly helped me prepare (mentally) for the assessment.
I haven't had any paperwork yet at all - just a couple of emails form CTC. Is BAHS British Airways Health and Safety? I didn't know there was such a thing as a cadet medical...
If you've got any more information I'd appreciate it!
I can't work out the PPRuNe messaging function - maybe I'm not allowed to use it because I'm a newbie? A link to the FB group from anyone reading this would be fab, thanks!
Your write up of the CAA medical was great, certainly helped me prepare (mentally) for the assessment.I haven't had any paperwork yet at all - just a couple of emails form CTC. Is BAHS British Airways Health and Safety? I didn't know there was such a thing as a cadet medical...
If you've got any more information I'd appreciate it!I can't work out the PPRuNe messaging function - maybe I'm not allowed to use it because I'm a newbie? A link to the FB group from anyone reading this would be fab, thanks!
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: UK
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BAHS = British Airways Health Services
You'll need to go to Waterside for a cadet pilot medical some time after obtaining your Class 1. You can phone them to arrange. It's nothing to worry about though; if you can pass a Class 1 then you'll have no problem getting a BA medical.
I think private messages should be sent to claudiaupear for those of you who want to join the FB group that she has set up.
Hope it's helpful.
You'll need to go to Waterside for a cadet pilot medical some time after obtaining your Class 1. You can phone them to arrange. It's nothing to worry about though; if you can pass a Class 1 then you'll have no problem getting a BA medical.
I think private messages should be sent to claudiaupear for those of you who want to join the FB group that she has set up.
Hope it's helpful.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: sutton coldfield
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Does anyone know when the future flyers program is likely to re-open this year? I gather it is normally towards the end of the year. Apologies if this has been asked already.
Cheers
Cheers
Join Date: Apr 2014
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Any answer you see on this forum will only be speculation… In previous years it has always been towards the backend of the year. I don't believe that BA have announced officially that they will run it again yet (Though I stand to be corrected) That said its no secret BA have a big recruitment drive on at the moment which can only be a good thing for the industry.
Keep checking the website, and aviation press. Oh and without wishing to be sarcastic its the "Future Pilot Programme"… future Flyers was Virgin Atlantics cadet programme - if you're looking to apply you should probably get the name right
SBC
Keep checking the website, and aviation press. Oh and without wishing to be sarcastic its the "Future Pilot Programme"… future Flyers was Virgin Atlantics cadet programme - if you're looking to apply you should probably get the name right
SBC
Join Date: Jul 2014
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how long do i wait
Hello guys, i just applied for ab initio pilot program application for kQ.I was wondering how long it will take before they can contact us.Also is it true you have to have a degree nowdays for u to go through because i have finished but am yet to graduate.Guys who have been through the program please help.
Join Date: Mar 2015
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Hi @maithya
This is the thread for the British Airways FPP scheme, therefore I doubt many people will be able to help you, as every airline will run their schemes differently, with different phases and unique time frames between them. Not sure if this is much help, however with BA it can take up to just over a month to hear back after submitting the initial application. - Like I say though, every airline will vary, best of luck anyway.
P.s it wasn't essential to hold a degree for BA applications
This is the thread for the British Airways FPP scheme, therefore I doubt many people will be able to help you, as every airline will run their schemes differently, with different phases and unique time frames between them. Not sure if this is much help, however with BA it can take up to just over a month to hear back after submitting the initial application. - Like I say though, every airline will vary, best of luck anyway.
P.s it wasn't essential to hold a degree for BA applications
Join Date: Aug 2015
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Hi
Hi
I am also looking for some info whether or not BA will run the programme again. Are you sure about that? I was about to apply and got the message that the scheme is now closed...
I am also looking for some info whether or not BA will run the programme again. Are you sure about that? I was about to apply and got the message that the scheme is now closed...
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Manchester
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Hi dexter7d,
An important distinction: the scheme is closed to new applicants at the moment.
The FPP has typically opened once a year for written applications, and (subject to passing this first round of selection) the entire process involves several selection days and takes several months to complete.
This year (2014-15), the opening of the programme to applications was delayed from its usual end of year "slot" due to intensive Direct Entry Pilot recruitment taking place within BA, and it instead opened on February 23rd.
As already noted, we can only speculate on if and when the FPP will open again. Based purely on BA's initial figures for desired pilot recruitment numbers, another year of the FPP could be justified, as the current total intake across four years of the FPP has been around 100 less than the plan (<300 vs 400). I would not expect any potential window to open until late Q4 of this year, perhaps early Q1 of the next - but do not take this as gospel!
Times and company policies may change of course, so I can only advise to keep an eye on the website, and on industry publications which may carry news of a further FPP application window (BA run print adverts at appropriate times). These are likely also to be excellent sources of information which may be relevant during the selection process - as indeed is this thread (read all of it - it will answer many questions).
Good luck!
An important distinction: the scheme is closed to new applicants at the moment.
The FPP has typically opened once a year for written applications, and (subject to passing this first round of selection) the entire process involves several selection days and takes several months to complete.
This year (2014-15), the opening of the programme to applications was delayed from its usual end of year "slot" due to intensive Direct Entry Pilot recruitment taking place within BA, and it instead opened on February 23rd.
As already noted, we can only speculate on if and when the FPP will open again. Based purely on BA's initial figures for desired pilot recruitment numbers, another year of the FPP could be justified, as the current total intake across four years of the FPP has been around 100 less than the plan (<300 vs 400). I would not expect any potential window to open until late Q4 of this year, perhaps early Q1 of the next - but do not take this as gospel!
Times and company policies may change of course, so I can only advise to keep an eye on the website, and on industry publications which may carry news of a further FPP application window (BA run print adverts at appropriate times). These are likely also to be excellent sources of information which may be relevant during the selection process - as indeed is this thread (read all of it - it will answer many questions).
Good luck!
Join Date: Oct 2011
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What JDA2012 said is correct. From what I've heard, the FPP will reopen barring any major global events, and it will probably open within the timeframe JDA specified. Just keep an eye on their website and you can't go wrong! 
Join Date: Jun 2015
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EZY_FR, as you're reasonably well informed, do you have any idea/inkling as to whether they may continue with a possible FPP, in one form or another, beyond '16? With expansion, success of the programme, retirements, economy picking up et al or will BA decide not to continue beyond next year feeling that they've squeezed all they can out of it?
(I have asked this before and received great help)
(I have asked this before and received great help)
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do you have any idea/inkling as to whether they may continue with a possible FPP, in one form or another, beyond '16?
I believe the FPP scheme as we know it was developed and costed to run 5 times, presumably with some sort of contract with the 3 FTO's (it's telling that the price has remained identical for all 4 runs so far). To re-run it a new contract would probably be developed, perhaps with different terms. If I was a betting man I'd say that FPP 2.0 will launch in late 2017/2018 but perhaps on a smaller scale and with a higher bond.
As I say though, this is just me guessing, I'd be intrigued (and surprised!) if anyone could offer something more concrete
Last edited by ManUtd1999; 22nd Aug 2015 at 23:07.
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JWS - from the FPP website:
and
No mention of ratings, so long as it's not a CPL.
If you have completed, or are planning to complete, any JAR-FCL Airline Transport Pilot ground school examinations (or EASA equivalents) then you should note that in order to be accepted onto the Future Pilot Programme you must not have already sat any of these exams at the point of commencing training under this programme.
you must not hold a Commercial Pilot’s Licence or higher, or have commenced an integrated course of flight training, if you wish to apply for the programme.