British Airways Future Pilot Programme.
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North West
Posts: 24
Nothing official announced today. They're deciding which route to go down for "FPP 2" as the guy put it. Theyre considering whether they want to do an atpl, some form of apprenticeship or MPL etc.
He said the next round of cadet recruitment will probably be announced mid to late 2017.
He said the next round of cadet recruitment will probably be announced mid to late 2017.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 94
When the scheme does the-open, don't be surprised if it is ala CTC/EasyJet flexicrew style. A two year temporary contract, followed by the chance of a permanent contract at the end. This is directly from someone who has a large influence on the FPP scheme.
Last edited by SkyRocket10; 8th Nov 2016 at 16:24. Reason: .
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: London
Age: 23
Posts: 5
Afternoon Ladies & Gents,
I've been looking through this thread on & off for the last few years! With the dream to become a pilot but a contract ending in late 2017, I haven't had the opportunity to apply to either BA or any other cadetships so far. With the possible release of an "FPP2" as I believe it was called, i'm quite interested to ask a couple of thread veterans some questions!
-First Q was about some grade requirements:
Do you think the application boundaries will drop from the A/Ls BBC to GCSEs only? & what are the advantages/disadvantages for an airline if they changed these application requirements?
The qualifications i'm gaining through my apprenticeship will equate to 3 A Levels, but I cant be certain that BA accepts the type of qualification that i'll receive, whether it be equivalent or not. Of course Virgin have a 5 GCSE minimum but I was under the impression BA only used A Levels to chop down application volume.
-Second Q was about previous flying experience:
Does the prior amount of air-time you have affect an airline/flight school's view on you?
I'm practically a lesson away from completing my PPL & I don't really have the intention to stop flying afterwards as i'm enjoying it so much! Looking into doing a night and tail rating too. The reason I ask this is after questioning both BA pilots (from recruitment) and ground-based BA pilot recruiters & CTC recruitment staff, they both had different answers.
Replies in brief below, obviously both did say don't do ATPL Exams
BA Pilot: No more than 90-100 hours PIC. Try to stay away from instrumentation (IMC ect...)
Non-Pilot Recruiters & CTC Staff: Do as much flying as possible.
I know the post is a tad on the long-side, but i'd appreciate any reply.
Cheers!
I've been looking through this thread on & off for the last few years! With the dream to become a pilot but a contract ending in late 2017, I haven't had the opportunity to apply to either BA or any other cadetships so far. With the possible release of an "FPP2" as I believe it was called, i'm quite interested to ask a couple of thread veterans some questions!
-First Q was about some grade requirements:
Do you think the application boundaries will drop from the A/Ls BBC to GCSEs only? & what are the advantages/disadvantages for an airline if they changed these application requirements?
The qualifications i'm gaining through my apprenticeship will equate to 3 A Levels, but I cant be certain that BA accepts the type of qualification that i'll receive, whether it be equivalent or not. Of course Virgin have a 5 GCSE minimum but I was under the impression BA only used A Levels to chop down application volume.
-Second Q was about previous flying experience:
Does the prior amount of air-time you have affect an airline/flight school's view on you?
I'm practically a lesson away from completing my PPL & I don't really have the intention to stop flying afterwards as i'm enjoying it so much! Looking into doing a night and tail rating too. The reason I ask this is after questioning both BA pilots (from recruitment) and ground-based BA pilot recruiters & CTC recruitment staff, they both had different answers.
Replies in brief below, obviously both did say don't do ATPL Exams
BA Pilot: No more than 90-100 hours PIC. Try to stay away from instrumentation (IMC ect...)
Non-Pilot Recruiters & CTC Staff: Do as much flying as possible.
I know the post is a tad on the long-side, but i'd appreciate any reply.
Cheers!
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Regarding flying hours I'd say 90-100 hours should be your maximum. Only basing this on a couple of conversations and my own gut feeling but I think any more than this and you're getting into the 'perhaps they have picked up some bad habits' territory.
I think 90-100 hours perfectly demonstrates your interest and commitment to flying. There would be no real added value in flying more than this amount in terms of supporting your application - in fact it may actually reduce your attractiveness as a candidate.
I think 90-100 hours perfectly demonstrates your interest and commitment to flying. There would be no real added value in flying more than this amount in terms of supporting your application - in fact it may actually reduce your attractiveness as a candidate.
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: six micro tesla zone
Age: 28
Posts: 392
Originally Posted by SpeedBird2233
Afternoon Ladies & Gents,
I've been looking through this thread on & off for the last few years! With the dream to become a pilot but a contract ending in late 2017, I haven't had the opportunity to apply to either BA or any other cadetships so far. With the possible release of an "FPP2" as I believe it was called, i'm quite interested to ask a couple of thread veterans some questions!
-First Q was about some grade requirements:
Do you think the application boundaries will drop from the A/Ls BBC to GCSEs only? & what are the advantages/disadvantages for an airline if they changed these application requirements?
The qualifications i'm gaining through my apprenticeship will equate to 3 A Levels, but I cant be certain that BA accepts the type of qualification that i'll receive, whether it be equivalent or not. Of course Virgin have a 5 GCSE minimum but I was under the impression BA only used A Levels to chop down application volume.
-Second Q was about previous flying experience:
Does the prior amount of air-time you have affect an airline/flight school's view on you?
I'm practically a lesson away from completing my PPL & I don't really have the intention to stop flying afterwards as i'm enjoying it so much! Looking into doing a night and tail rating too. The reason I ask this is after questioning both BA pilots (from recruitment) and ground-based BA pilot recruiters & CTC recruitment staff, they both had different answers.
Replies in brief below, obviously both did say don't do ATPL Exams
BA Pilot: No more than 90-100 hours PIC. Try to stay away from instrumentation (IMC ect...)
Non-Pilot Recruiters & CTC Staff: Do as much flying as possible.
I know the post is a tad on the long-side, but i'd appreciate any reply.
Cheers!
I've been looking through this thread on & off for the last few years! With the dream to become a pilot but a contract ending in late 2017, I haven't had the opportunity to apply to either BA or any other cadetships so far. With the possible release of an "FPP2" as I believe it was called, i'm quite interested to ask a couple of thread veterans some questions!
-First Q was about some grade requirements:
Do you think the application boundaries will drop from the A/Ls BBC to GCSEs only? & what are the advantages/disadvantages for an airline if they changed these application requirements?
The qualifications i'm gaining through my apprenticeship will equate to 3 A Levels, but I cant be certain that BA accepts the type of qualification that i'll receive, whether it be equivalent or not. Of course Virgin have a 5 GCSE minimum but I was under the impression BA only used A Levels to chop down application volume.
-Second Q was about previous flying experience:
Does the prior amount of air-time you have affect an airline/flight school's view on you?
I'm practically a lesson away from completing my PPL & I don't really have the intention to stop flying afterwards as i'm enjoying it so much! Looking into doing a night and tail rating too. The reason I ask this is after questioning both BA pilots (from recruitment) and ground-based BA pilot recruiters & CTC recruitment staff, they both had different answers.
Replies in brief below, obviously both did say don't do ATPL Exams
BA Pilot: No more than 90-100 hours PIC. Try to stay away from instrumentation (IMC ect...)
Non-Pilot Recruiters & CTC Staff: Do as much flying as possible.
I know the post is a tad on the long-side, but i'd appreciate any reply.
Cheers!
No point postponing your career in the hopes that BA will open the FFP in the near future and you might be lucky enough to get onto it.
IMHO
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Coventry
Posts: 27
Originally Posted by PressTheTit
I am still seeing a steady trickle of FPP cadets being offered A320 courses on LinkedIn. Does anyone know how many are left to come through from last year?
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: The Winchester
Posts: 5,392
SpeedBird2233
I would strongly second MaverickPs comment.
We are still waiting to see the implications of the new business plan and we have a CEO is who is intent on cost cutting. If you are really want to get into the industry don't make career plans based on there being a future FPP because there might not be one (that's just an IMHO, not an informed rumour).
Even if there a future FPP....you'll feel a bit sick if you deliberately stop training, sit on your hands, apply months/years down the road if FPP does reopen and then for some unknown reason like the vast majority of applicants get a PFO letter/e-mail when you could have been half way through an approved course or even working somewhere.
I would strongly second MaverickPs comment.
We are still waiting to see the implications of the new business plan and we have a CEO is who is intent on cost cutting. If you are really want to get into the industry don't make career plans based on there being a future FPP because there might not be one (that's just an IMHO, not an informed rumour).
Even if there a future FPP....you'll feel a bit sick if you deliberately stop training, sit on your hands, apply months/years down the road if FPP does reopen and then for some unknown reason like the vast majority of applicants get a PFO letter/e-mail when you could have been half way through an approved course or even working somewhere.
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: London
Age: 23
Posts: 5
Universe, Mav & Wiggy,
Thanks for the replies, I do understand where you're coming from and completely respect what you're trying to say.
If the FPP or equivalent isn't scheduled to open in late 2017 / early 2018 then I am going to strongly consider self-sponsored options & other airline schemes.
As I said in the original post, i'm contracted to end the training scheme i'm on currently in late 2017 anyway so there's no moving anywhere for me until then. With this in mind, I do fully intend to wait & listen to see if BA come up with something. If they don't, or the scheme they create doesn't suit me, I'll look elsewhere.
Thanks for the replies, I do understand where you're coming from and completely respect what you're trying to say.
If the FPP or equivalent isn't scheduled to open in late 2017 / early 2018 then I am going to strongly consider self-sponsored options & other airline schemes.
As I said in the original post, i'm contracted to end the training scheme i'm on currently in late 2017 anyway so there's no moving anywhere for me until then. With this in mind, I do fully intend to wait & listen to see if BA come up with something. If they don't, or the scheme they create doesn't suit me, I'll look elsewhere.
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Fleet/Gunnedah New South Wales, Australia
Posts: 124
Originally Posted by Inmric
Any update for this year?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Can't rule out 2017 but I wouldn't hold your breath for now. A rumour got people excited about A Level Results day 2016 and it turned into absolutely nothing. I'm sure this thread will start buzzing again when there's a new rumour/information.
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: egll
Posts: 323
Then I wonder what all this talk is about BA staff being spotted a few times around two FTOs in particular and having meetings with senior people. The rumours at those two schools indicate something is to launch at some stage in 2017.
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: egll
Posts: 323
That is true, however I was specifically told by people at the school that something was in the pipeline and that was the reason they were there. I heard this from more than one independent source. Just wait and see if anything happens I guess.
