British Airways Future Pilot Programme.
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skyfox: Lots of people here are very experienced about programmes like this. Some of the guys here have been successful getting onto the BA FPP over the last two years. There's also a lot of valuable information on the BA FPP website that everyone who is applying should read and ensure they understand. 
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I just would like to know more practical infos about program (how are selections, how is interview and so on). The website is clear but there aren't the information i'm looking for...
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Not sure on an exact average, but it seems most who make it are in their mid twenties. There have - however - been examples of older and younger guys (and girls) making the cut.
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skyfox: Visit the three FTOs websites as well. They have more information on their selection processes on their own websites. However, nobody can reveal the actual specifics of the selection processes (i.e. the exact questions asked in interview or group exercises undertaken), because those things are supposed to be kept confidential in order to keep the playing field as fair as possible.
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No i don't want to know the questions database. I know it is impossible.
For example i read interview is about personal experience and not so tecnical questions. Is it true? That's the point.
For example i read interview is about personal experience and not so tecnical questions. Is it true? That's the point.
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Yes, that is true. The interviews won't be particularly technical (although I wouldn't be surprised if they asked for a basic rundown on a jet engine or lift etc). But on the whole the questions asked will be in line with the candidates' experience levels. And considering candidates with zero flying experience can apply, they won't expect you to know a huge amount of technical stuff.
The interviews are competency based interviews. That means they will ask you questions regarding times in your life when you faced x, y, z. Now they're not asking you that just because they want to hear a nice wee story. They want to know how you handled the situation, what you did, how you learned from it etc. There's a tonne of reading you can do via Google etc on this type of interview.
The interviews are competency based interviews. That means they will ask you questions regarding times in your life when you faced x, y, z. Now they're not asking you that just because they want to hear a nice wee story. They want to know how you handled the situation, what you did, how you learned from it etc. There's a tonne of reading you can do via Google etc on this type of interview.
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"I find it vaguely astonishing that people are quibbling over the salary from this scheme! "
Libertino there was no complaining about the salary. Had you read it properly you would see that there was merely a discussion on what it would be. And even if there was "quibbling", everyone is in a different boat.
747craze, if you also read the posts you will see there was a misunderstanding on someone else's behalf and I think everyone did previously know the facts from the ba website. Reading your post you could swear you were head recruiter for ba pilots. I don't know who you think you are trying to knock others over nothing. I myself can't see why ba would want to employ someone who thinks so highly of himself and makes such a sweeping statements about others. So you're a cut above the "'potentials '" then are you ? Bloody arrogant !
G-F0RC3,
"Anyone who questions its worth are either a) very inexperienced in what the aviation industry is like today, or b) not passionate enough about becoming a pilot to recognise that there is far more to it than merely earning money"
I totally disagree with you. I don't know who you had in mind with part b, but it takes some idiot to choose piloting in order to make money above other far better paid professions. I think I speak for most people on here by saying that being a pilot is all i have ever and will want to do. Now I hope to one day fly for ba. However if qatar were to come calling, I would choose them simply for the worker benefits (such as free accomodation, medical care etc.), vast route range (places ill never see on the ba network), the starting salary (far exceeding BA for a cadet position) and lastly, the most important for me is that qatar's career progression is immensely faster than ba. The average time on the a320 atm is just under 3 years. This means within 3-5 years you may very well be flying fo long haul on a 777 due to the massive aircraft orders and confurmed pilot shortages at qatar. Without deviating too much, I know a BA pilot who has been there for 11 years and is STILL on the 320 as an f/o (By which time you may be a 777 captain with qatar and probably considering a move back to the UK to fly for ba). I can presume this as I have spoken to a qatar A346 captain who was only there 9 years.
So ask yourself, if money weren't an issue would you still act so hastily in only applying to BA and dismissing other opportunities ? If you've a brain you will look at the much bigger picture and realise that qatar will give you much more than BA in the long run. Qatar's benefits start right away. This makes up for the huge price tag, (no rent, medical care etc). The only downside is living outside the uk, but with the ratings you could potentially earn at qatar, you may even return to the UK and apply to BA already having longhaul hours.
Inexperienced in the current Pilot market I most certainly am not. Quite the opposite, only a very inexperienced person will turn down qatar for ba even though they were able to make qatar without financial stress.
So i hope now you can see we're not all in the same situation and despite a scheme being the best for you, it may not be the best for everyone !!!
It would be greatly appreciated if everyone can stop making ignorant judgments about one another without knowing all the facts !.
P.S: if you're wondering why I mentioned another programme so much, it's because some people have difficulty understanding that some of us are actually trying to compare schemes and seeing what is best for each person.
Libertino there was no complaining about the salary. Had you read it properly you would see that there was merely a discussion on what it would be. And even if there was "quibbling", everyone is in a different boat.
747craze, if you also read the posts you will see there was a misunderstanding on someone else's behalf and I think everyone did previously know the facts from the ba website. Reading your post you could swear you were head recruiter for ba pilots. I don't know who you think you are trying to knock others over nothing. I myself can't see why ba would want to employ someone who thinks so highly of himself and makes such a sweeping statements about others. So you're a cut above the "'potentials '" then are you ? Bloody arrogant !
G-F0RC3,
"Anyone who questions its worth are either a) very inexperienced in what the aviation industry is like today, or b) not passionate enough about becoming a pilot to recognise that there is far more to it than merely earning money"
I totally disagree with you. I don't know who you had in mind with part b, but it takes some idiot to choose piloting in order to make money above other far better paid professions. I think I speak for most people on here by saying that being a pilot is all i have ever and will want to do. Now I hope to one day fly for ba. However if qatar were to come calling, I would choose them simply for the worker benefits (such as free accomodation, medical care etc.), vast route range (places ill never see on the ba network), the starting salary (far exceeding BA for a cadet position) and lastly, the most important for me is that qatar's career progression is immensely faster than ba. The average time on the a320 atm is just under 3 years. This means within 3-5 years you may very well be flying fo long haul on a 777 due to the massive aircraft orders and confurmed pilot shortages at qatar. Without deviating too much, I know a BA pilot who has been there for 11 years and is STILL on the 320 as an f/o (By which time you may be a 777 captain with qatar and probably considering a move back to the UK to fly for ba). I can presume this as I have spoken to a qatar A346 captain who was only there 9 years.
So ask yourself, if money weren't an issue would you still act so hastily in only applying to BA and dismissing other opportunities ? If you've a brain you will look at the much bigger picture and realise that qatar will give you much more than BA in the long run. Qatar's benefits start right away. This makes up for the huge price tag, (no rent, medical care etc). The only downside is living outside the uk, but with the ratings you could potentially earn at qatar, you may even return to the UK and apply to BA already having longhaul hours.
Inexperienced in the current Pilot market I most certainly am not. Quite the opposite, only a very inexperienced person will turn down qatar for ba even though they were able to make qatar without financial stress.
So i hope now you can see we're not all in the same situation and despite a scheme being the best for you, it may not be the best for everyone !!!
It would be greatly appreciated if everyone can stop making ignorant judgments about one another without knowing all the facts !.
P.S: if you're wondering why I mentioned another programme so much, it's because some people have difficulty understanding that some of us are actually trying to compare schemes and seeing what is best for each person.
Last edited by momo95; 28th Oct 2013 at 21:06.
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I totally disagree with you. I don't know who you had in mind with part b, but it takes some idiot to choose piloting in order to make money above other far better paid professions. I think I speak for most people on here by saying that being a pilot is all i have ever and will want to do. Now I hope to one day fly for ba. However if qatar were to come calling, I would choose them simply for the worker benefits (such as free accomodation, medical care etc.), vast route range (places ill never see on the ba network), the starting salary (far exceeding BA for a cadet position) and lastly, the most important for me is that qatar's career progression is immensely faster than ba. The average time on the a320 atm is just under 3 years. This means within 3-5 years you may very well be flying fo long haul on a 777 due to the massive aircraft orders and confurmed pilot shortages at qatar. Without deviating too much, I know a BA pilot who has been there for 11 years and is STILL on the 320 as an f/o (By which time you may be a 777 captain with qatar and probably considering a move back to the UK to fly for ba). I can presume this as I have spoken to a qatar A346 captain who was only there 9 years.
So ask yourself, if money weren't an issue would you still act so hastily in only applying to BA and dismissing other opportunities ? If you've a brain you will look at the much bigger picture and realise that qatar will give you much more than BA in the long run. Qatar's benefits start right away. This makes up for the huge price tag, (no rent, medical care etc). The only downside is living outside the uk, but with the ratings you could potentially earn at qatar, you may even return to the UK and apply to BA already having longhaul hours.
Inexperienced in the current Pilot market I most certainly am not. Quite the opposite, only a very inexperienced person will turn down qatar for ba even though they were able to make qatar without financial stress.
So ask yourself, if money weren't an issue would you still act so hastily in only applying to BA and dismissing other opportunities ? If you've a brain you will look at the much bigger picture and realise that qatar will give you much more than BA in the long run. Qatar's benefits start right away. This makes up for the huge price tag, (no rent, medical care etc). The only downside is living outside the uk, but with the ratings you could potentially earn at qatar, you may even return to the UK and apply to BA already having longhaul hours.
Inexperienced in the current Pilot market I most certainly am not. Quite the opposite, only a very inexperienced person will turn down qatar for ba even though they were able to make qatar without financial stress.
You must have missed the Qatar cadets who have been qualified for a year, but still never got near an aircraft never mind a widebody. BA provide medical cover as well as loss of licence insurance. The only reason Qatar does is perhaps because the NHS doesn't quite stretch to the middle east and they have to provide something!
If your BA pilot has 11 years in and is still on short haul, that will almost certainly be by choice. He would have been able to bid for long haul years ago if he so desired.
I don't know why anyone would turn down BA, join another outfit to then join BA at a later date, right back at the bottom of the seniority list again!
Ultimately it's down to choice. If you want Qatar, go for it. British Airways is still the childhood dream for many, and this is the best chance many of us will ever have at this career. It isn't all about salary and benefits, though BA is hardly miserly in their pay scales. Some people will prefer to stay in the UK with their friends and family.
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WARNING
Id like to warned people against my mishap last year. I spendt every minute I had available reading the extremely valuable input of the PPRuNe community, so much so that I missed the application window. A very silly mistake which lead to a very dyre situation.
I am going to apply this year though so if anyone could help me that would be grate.
Thankyou very much. No Problem
I am going to apply this year though so if anyone could help me that would be grate.
Thankyou very much. No Problem
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Nelson15,
Its naive of you to think that doing anything in this business isn't without risk. It looks like you've missed the last batch of ba cadets not long ago who also took nearly just as long to actually start. I mentioned qatar's massive aircraft order which is already starting to materialise and so there is considerably less risk of that happening with qatar this time. Qatar have 175 aircaft on order compared to ba's 59, qatar will clearly have a larger pilot demand and so pose less risk, unless ba are having a mass exodus over the next 2 years. But as i said, there is this risk with ALL programmes. Following your logic we shouldn't join any programme then if that's your stance.
Also, i just said qatar have medical cover, i don't see how that translates as me saying that ba don't !!
"I don't know why anyone would turn down BA, join another outfit to then join BA at a later date, right back at the bottom of the seniority list again!"
I said "may return to the Uk" !!, I just mentioned it as a potential option, which it is. That ISN'T my plan.
I would still love to work for BA though and it was also my childhood dream to do so. And again, staying in the uk is a massive attraction.
Though tbh it's highly unlikely many of us are gonna end up having a choice.
Its naive of you to think that doing anything in this business isn't without risk. It looks like you've missed the last batch of ba cadets not long ago who also took nearly just as long to actually start. I mentioned qatar's massive aircraft order which is already starting to materialise and so there is considerably less risk of that happening with qatar this time. Qatar have 175 aircaft on order compared to ba's 59, qatar will clearly have a larger pilot demand and so pose less risk, unless ba are having a mass exodus over the next 2 years. But as i said, there is this risk with ALL programmes. Following your logic we shouldn't join any programme then if that's your stance.
Also, i just said qatar have medical cover, i don't see how that translates as me saying that ba don't !!
"I don't know why anyone would turn down BA, join another outfit to then join BA at a later date, right back at the bottom of the seniority list again!"
I said "may return to the Uk" !!, I just mentioned it as a potential option, which it is. That ISN'T my plan.
I would still love to work for BA though and it was also my childhood dream to do so. And again, staying in the uk is a massive attraction.
Though tbh it's highly unlikely many of us are gonna end up having a choice.
Last edited by momo95; 28th Oct 2013 at 23:10.
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momo95: Perhaps you misunderstood what I was saying. I said "questions its worth", which meant "believed it not to be worthwhile." It didn't mean that I think it's stupid to consider your options carefully, as that's exactly what you should do. But it is quite clearly a worthwhile opportunity, and anyone who were to think otherwise doesn't understand the industry. I stand by that statement, because it's blatantly true. Notwithstanding - I must make it quite clear that none of my posts were directed at you. 
But anyway, I have no wish to argue and nor do I intend to. Perhaps everyone should calm down?
But anyway, I have no wish to argue and nor do I intend to. Perhaps everyone should calm down?
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I understood it first time.
Youre statement is most definitely true for the average guy who thought their dream was never gonna become reality cos of the horrible way training has gone. In that case you apply and give it your all like your life depends on it.
But, for the extremely lucky few who aren't financially restricted, there certainly are other options.
Thats my case in a nutshell.
Btw: i never went for an argument, it just frustrates me when you get ppl on here who cant understand that different aspects of a scheme weigh differently with each person. Whats unimportant to some may be important to others.
Youre statement is most definitely true for the average guy who thought their dream was never gonna become reality cos of the horrible way training has gone. In that case you apply and give it your all like your life depends on it.
But, for the extremely lucky few who aren't financially restricted, there certainly are other options.
Thats my case in a nutshell.
Btw: i never went for an argument, it just frustrates me when you get ppl on here who cant understand that different aspects of a scheme weigh differently with each person. Whats unimportant to some may be important to others.
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As I've become older, I've learned that willingness to seek argument itself demonstrates a lack of maturity, regardless of how correct you might be. In recent years, this has led me to read this website less and less, which used to be an excellent source of information for keen wannabes in the late 90s and early 2000s.
There is a simple recruitment criteria above all others - it's no secret and it cannot be faked. Would I sit next to this chap / lady for 12 hours, then go for a beer with them downroute.
All the answers you need are on the BA site, and the three FTO sites, refined by 2 years of questions directly to the recruitment team. You don't need to read / post to this website to get in and it certainly won't give you the final "edge".
Any competitive process can be as picky as it likes to reduce applicants to manageable numbers, but don't feel bitter about it - choose another route and aspire. Having said that, there is no requirement to have read aero engineering at uni, glided with the Air Cadets, or achieved the dazzling heights of AAAAs at A-Levels. Some lucky souls have those achievements in spades, but most UK pilots are normal with a passion for aviation. Don't be put off from applying if you have the minimum - that is the cutoff and nothing higher.
Finally, most "authoritative" sources in this thread are full of speculative guesswork. Get yourselves to a school visit and ask people in the know instead of on an anonymous forum.
Bon chance!
There is a simple recruitment criteria above all others - it's no secret and it cannot be faked. Would I sit next to this chap / lady for 12 hours, then go for a beer with them downroute.
All the answers you need are on the BA site, and the three FTO sites, refined by 2 years of questions directly to the recruitment team. You don't need to read / post to this website to get in and it certainly won't give you the final "edge".
Any competitive process can be as picky as it likes to reduce applicants to manageable numbers, but don't feel bitter about it - choose another route and aspire. Having said that, there is no requirement to have read aero engineering at uni, glided with the Air Cadets, or achieved the dazzling heights of AAAAs at A-Levels. Some lucky souls have those achievements in spades, but most UK pilots are normal with a passion for aviation. Don't be put off from applying if you have the minimum - that is the cutoff and nothing higher.
Finally, most "authoritative" sources in this thread are full of speculative guesswork. Get yourselves to a school visit and ask people in the know instead of on an anonymous forum.
Bon chance!
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My 2c
For what it's worth I'll put my 2c in. I applied last year via OAA. Very late 20s, private sector professional (management level) mid PPL, degree and relatively (although not recently) academic. I got to the 2nd stage but not to waterside and have decided against applying again this year, largely due to the long timeframe of the process, and uncertainty over when you would start training let alone flying. That is purely for personal reasons though as I now have my PPL and want to start commercial training now and also want to do some FI and light/TP aircraft flying before diving into a shiny jet.
I firmly believe that this is the best option out there for flight training and were circumstances very slightly different would be applying again with gusto. I truly hope that one day I end up flying at BA.
Salary should be very low on your factors to consider. The fact that you will have a job at all in this market, and that you will get back your investment (word chosen deliberately) in your training over 7 years is incomparable to any other schemes. If you want good money and travel go into an international sales job.
My advice for the process if you want it.
1 - read the FPP website....fully, then read it again. If you are asking if xyz grades are ok and the answers are on the website, you will struggle.
2 - take time with your application. Get friends family etc to help you and proof read before you hit submit.
3 - brush up on your maths and physics, particularly if like me it is a while since you last did any. Also try some online aptitude tests, especially if you have no idea what these are. They helped me immeasurably on the 1st day at Oxford.
4 - I think my failure was at the interview phase (as opposed to group task) but I could be wrong. My major failing I think was I simply didn't know enough about the industry. I was interested but hadn't done enough research. Read some magazines, websites other than Pprune, look at BAs corporate website and get as much info as possible starting now.
5 - finally be yourself - hopefully yourself is something they find interesting. They are looking not only for future captains but also need to imagine what it would be like to sit next to you for 12 hours in a small room and have a 4 day layover in a far flung corner of the world with only you (and of course the CC) for company.
Best of luck to everyone who applies. I'll follow here with interest and hope to join you one day.
I firmly believe that this is the best option out there for flight training and were circumstances very slightly different would be applying again with gusto. I truly hope that one day I end up flying at BA.
Salary should be very low on your factors to consider. The fact that you will have a job at all in this market, and that you will get back your investment (word chosen deliberately) in your training over 7 years is incomparable to any other schemes. If you want good money and travel go into an international sales job.
My advice for the process if you want it.
1 - read the FPP website....fully, then read it again. If you are asking if xyz grades are ok and the answers are on the website, you will struggle.
2 - take time with your application. Get friends family etc to help you and proof read before you hit submit.
3 - brush up on your maths and physics, particularly if like me it is a while since you last did any. Also try some online aptitude tests, especially if you have no idea what these are. They helped me immeasurably on the 1st day at Oxford.
4 - I think my failure was at the interview phase (as opposed to group task) but I could be wrong. My major failing I think was I simply didn't know enough about the industry. I was interested but hadn't done enough research. Read some magazines, websites other than Pprune, look at BAs corporate website and get as much info as possible starting now.
5 - finally be yourself - hopefully yourself is something they find interesting. They are looking not only for future captains but also need to imagine what it would be like to sit next to you for 12 hours in a small room and have a 4 day layover in a far flung corner of the world with only you (and of course the CC) for company.
Best of luck to everyone who applies. I'll follow here with interest and hope to join you one day.
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Momo 95 - The post wasn't intended to put anyone down at all and I most certainly did not intend to be arrogant as interpreted. I also dont see myself as a cut above the rest, infact I see everyone as above me!
Apologies to anyone who took it this way, it wasnt intended like that but as momo 95 stated, its just frustrating when people have to reiterate info that is or has been posted, again please accept my apologies!
Apologies to anyone who took it this way, it wasnt intended like that but as momo 95 stated, its just frustrating when people have to reiterate info that is or has been posted, again please accept my apologies!
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At first I was elated when I saw the programme was reopening but after reading deeper, I can't apply..... again 
For the first time I've met the age requirement yet won't get my A Level results until next August. Whilst I understand BA need the assurance that academically applicants are capable for the demands of the training, i don't understand why they open the scheme to 18 year olds as no 18 year old will have A Level results at the time of applying. Now I've got to make the decision of risking not going to university and waiting (hoping) for the programme to reopen, when it may not!
It's annoying as my AS Level results mean I only need 60% on my final exams to meet the requirements which I should comfortably achieve.
For the first time I've met the age requirement yet won't get my A Level results until next August. Whilst I understand BA need the assurance that academically applicants are capable for the demands of the training, i don't understand why they open the scheme to 18 year olds as no 18 year old will have A Level results at the time of applying. Now I've got to make the decision of risking not going to university and waiting (hoping) for the programme to reopen, when it may not!
It's annoying as my AS Level results mean I only need 60% on my final exams to meet the requirements which I should comfortably achieve.
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pallan - there has to be a cut-off and there won't be a lack of able candidates. Think yourself luck that it's open to those within a 37 year range, and time is on your side to fine tune your application.
SU -
Long timeframe - it could take you ten years+ to get onto a shiny jet with your route!
Uncertainty with when start training let alone flying - going down your right, you've got the certainty of £50k+ but no certainty of a job.
It's completely right to not apply if that's what you want, but those reasons don't seem valid to me and they won't when you're applying for a FI/TP job and they ask why you did not reapply.
SU -
decided against applying again this year, largely due to the long timeframe of the process, and uncertainty over when you would start training let alone flying. That is purely for personal reasons though as I now have my PPL and want to start commercial training now and also want to do some FI and light/TP aircraft flying before diving into a shiny jet
Uncertainty with when start training let alone flying - going down your right, you've got the certainty of £50k+ but no certainty of a job.
It's completely right to not apply if that's what you want, but those reasons don't seem valid to me and they won't when you're applying for a FI/TP job and they ask why you did not reapply.
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Straighten Up & Always Learning posting 2 of the best replies I have seen on this forum. Hollistical approach seems to be the concensus to achiving in this process rather than focusing on where you may or may not meet the exact requirements. 
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pallan: BA not accepting predicted grades isn't a new thing. It has been like that the last two years as well, although they have gone out of their way to make it abundantly clear on their website this time around.
But some 18 year olds will have A-Levels at the time of applying. And remember, it's not only open to English candidates. In Scotland it's normal to get Higher results while 18-years-old and be perfectly in time to apply for the programme.
Besides, from BA's point of view there may well be legal implications if they tried to exclude 18-year-olds from their recruitment. It might be construed as age discrimination.
But some 18 year olds will have A-Levels at the time of applying. And remember, it's not only open to English candidates. In Scotland it's normal to get Higher results while 18-years-old and be perfectly in time to apply for the programme.
Besides, from BA's point of view there may well be legal implications if they tried to exclude 18-year-olds from their recruitment. It might be construed as age discrimination.