British Airways Future Pilot Programme.

[Depone]

Word is that there may have to be a further round of interviews for new candidates, as the number meeting the required standard has fallen drastically short. The maths & VR tests seemed to have caused the biggest problems.

Plenty of experienced pilots passed those very same tests (let's face it, they were very easy!) in 2011 when BA were planning on taking on 800 pilots, including a majority with experience flying for airlines...

Then the bean counters at BA saw P2F as the way ahead and joined the rush to the bottom.

A shame. However, I don't blame people for applying. It's got to be the best opportunity going.

[Hamsterminator]

Word is that there may have to be a further round of interviews for new candidates, as the number meeting the required standard has fallen drastically short. The maths & VR tests seemed to have caused the biggest problems.

That surprises me. I would have thought the Aptitude tests were where the biggest stumbling block was- anyone who attended will likely know what I am referring to...

[MaydayMaydayMayday]

Originally Posted by Hamsterminator

That surprises me. I would have thought the Aptitude tests were where the biggest stumbling block was- anyone who attended will likely know what I am referring to...

I certainly know which one I found the hardest!

Of course, that's not to say I didn't make a pig's ear of something else.

(Incidentally, I've only just worked out how to quote people. It's very exciting.)

[SkyRocket10]

Plenty of experienced pilots passed those very same tests (let's face it, they were very easy!) in 2011 when BA were planning on taking on 800 pilots, including a majority with experience flying for airlines...

The FPP tests are completely different, and from what I understand relatively new this year.

Its more than just those tests though, thats what I am pinning my hopes on!

You must pass each & every element of the final selection day.

[Hamsterminator]

You must pass each & every element of the final selection day.

Passing isn't designed to be overly hard though. That might sound like an odd thing to say- but minimum pass criteria are just that, minimums. You can potentially get the minimum score in one test yet do incredibly well in other elements and that can swing it in your favour.

I think this is what the previous post about pinning hopes was implying.

You are of course right that you need to pass each element. However it is sometimes possible to score below 50% in a test and still "pass".

[Depone]

The FPP tests are completely different, and from what I understand relatively new this year.

What makes you think that?

[DaveyG1023]

The FPP tests are completely different, and from what I understand relatively new this year.

What makes you think that?

They were no different to the ones the year before, both sets of selection were fairly identical, bar the new venue.

[SkyRocket10]

Quote:

Quote:
The FPP tests are completely different, and from what I understand relatively new this year.
What makes you think that?
They were no different to the ones the year before, both sets of selection were fairly identical, bar the new venue.

All I know is that they are definitely not the same tests used in the last round of DEP recruitment.

[Macho Grande]

Word is that there may have to be a further round of interviews for new candidates, as the number meeting the required standard has fallen drastically short. The maths & VR tests seemed to have caused the biggest problems.

SkyRocket10 - Are you Lindsay Craig or part of the selection team? How could you know this?

Plenty of experienced pilots passed those very same tests (let's face it, they were very easy!) in 2011 when BA were planning on taking on 800 pilots, including a majority with experience flying for airlines...

Depone - When I spoke to Lindsay on the day he told me that part of these tests were designed specifically for the FPP and had not been used before (FPP). In fact I had the same query as yourself, how had veteran pilots fared in the same tests? Were thay an accurate indicator? Answer was he didn't yet know as they hadn't sat them. Experts from the brain school at RAF selection Cranwell were responsible. They know their so I would have to err that know what they are doing.

You must pass each & every element of the final selection day.

Passing isn't designed to be overly hard though. That might sound like an odd thing to say- but minimum pass criteria are just that, minimums. You can potentially get the minimum score in one test yet do incredibly well in other elements and that can swing it in your favour.

Correct!! There are minimums to achieve but at the end of the day, you could have scored 90% across the boards... but if 2 out of 3 people scored 91% then you are at the bottom of the grade curve!! You can be the best of the best (sir!!) but if the other guys in the room on the day pip you at the post then that's tough luck. A rising tide lifts all ships and all that.

I for one know that I let myself down on a particular aspect of the selection and given the stiff competition for this prize I would say that I'm likely to pushed to one side. However... if a lot of other people slipped on the same hurdle, then potentially I could still be in the running.

You can beat yourself up and carve up the day 100 ways good and bad. You can't know 100% where you have fallen down if you don't make it as you weren't the one with the score sheet. Unless of course you sat mute through the interview - I would say that would likely be a stop light.

Best of luck to you all... unless you were in my group, in which I hope that they have shredded all your paper work.

[BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES]

I seriously doubt any further round of interviews will occur for this years intake. I would not be surprised if there was some truth to a large number of 'casualties' as a result or NR and VR test results. Standards across the UK in these two areas have been in decline for some time.
Glad to hear candidates are still having 'fun' with the PILAPT tests.

[Depone]

SkyRocket10 - Are you Lindsay Craig or part of the selection team? How could you know this?

And you seem to (think you) know a lot too, but I suspect you aren't part of the selection team either

If you look back through BA interview and aptitude test threads over the last 15 years on Pprune you will find that not much has changed. They were always likened to a watered-down version of RAF tests. Unsurprisingly, the aptitude tests and teamwork exercises at CTC were almost identical.

I suspect the tests for inexperienced pilots are indeed now slightly different, bearing in mind you're testing for aptitude rather than ability. It always seemed odd to test the aptitude of pilots with experience to see whether they've the 'right stuff', but that's BA recruitment for you.

Correct!! There are minimums to achieve but at the end of the day, you could have scored 90% across the boards... but if 2 out of 3 people scored 91% then you are at the bottom of the grade curve!!

Obviously there are minimums but I am pretty certain they're low. As for those with the highest overall average getting through, no, I think that is too simplistic. I am sure that a candidate who gets average grades but does well at the personality interview and ok at the group exercises, will get the nod. It is not about being a genius. They are looking for the BA type - and they are not all Chuck Yaegers, believe me.

[BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES]

I suspect the tests for inexperienced pilots are indeed now slightly different, bearing in mind you're testing for aptitude rather than ability. It always seemed odd to test the aptitude of pilots with experience to see whether they've the 'right stuff', but that's BA recruitment for you.

The tests are the same. They are however 'reactive' and as no two people (experienced or otherwise) are the same, they will sit the same tests but have differing experiences. The program adapts to the user's input to give a true test of items such as 2D and 3D tracking, information processing, selective attention and task prioritisation and a couple of other bit and bobs too.

[Macho Grande]

Depone - I really don't mean to come across as a know it all, simply because I don't!! I was only trying to make the point that it almost doesn't matter how well you have done (within reason obviously) yourself. It's how you have fared against the others on the day.

I do however reluctantly agree with you. The tests were not MENSA level hard. They were challenging (to me) and I dare say that a human calculator would eat through them with some ease. Marrying that ability together with strong natural leadership and the personality that would not have your oppo in the flight deck reaching for the proverbial eject handle however is NOT common place. It is in this that I trust is where the BA spectrum of tests is focused.

It has been shown on more than one occasion that the individual who stands tall in the face of a challenge is not always the captain of the football team or the loud and brash - but instead Mr Average who has the ability to excel.

BA have to select those they feel will become the extraordinary without them having experience in the profession. Why make it so hard or elite that you limit your resource pool? It makes sense to allow the masses to apply and then cream off the best.

I might be misinterpreting but I get the feeling that some people think BA are dumbing down the selection or lowering standards. If the majority of the candidates on my days are anything to go by I can assure that's not the case.

You raise an interesting point about the BA tests being a watered down version of the RAF tests. The OASC process is remarkably similar to parts of the FPP. Aptitude tests (conducted by the school) tested the same abilities of aptitude. Yet there is a unique difference to selection in a commercial pilot to RAF pilot - often dubbed the 'right stuff'. RAF selection gets you in the front door, officer training, basic flying then streaming you and pushing for (cutting on the way) single seat fast jet. One in ten of pilots making it that far? Commercial selection over the last 20 years has moved away from the Top Gun gods to the team playing managers. A fundamental difference, ultimately showing the right stuff tends not be suited to the commercial seats. If you sat in your interview blowing off that you could fly a banana through the eye of a needle and didn't mention customers, then maybe commercial isn't for you.

I don't mean to come across preachy but I think it's something that is fundamemental now. It's not just pilot skills. You HAVE to be the commercial guy too!

- End rant

[Flow Wedge]

Interesting Macho Grande. On some days though, the customer couldn't give a stuff about the pilots 'service' skill. He just sits there, grips his armrests and hopes to his God that the motherf@cker up the front CAN fly a banana through the eye of a needle.

You're right though, modern flag carrier operations demands some super soft skills from it's cockpit control manipulators.

[iamaroman]

Hello fellow dreamers,
new to the forum - not sure this is the right place to post this, I'll give it a go anyway.

I am currently finishing a four year BBA degree and wish to become a pilot. I have two options:

1. Apply to OAA

2. Wait 1 year and risky applying for the next FPP

So, my question is, what is the risk of waiting an extra year and applying for BA FPP? Obviously no one here can tell me for sure, but I would have a degree (2:2, maybe 2:1) from a decent uni, I have some gliding experience (4hours), and I am familiar with the Airline industry (family).

If I choose to go directly into OAA, is it a possible to apply to the FPP in the middle of my APL training?

Do BA even recruit graduates who aren't on the FPP?

Thank you

[iSeven]

Hello everyone! Does anyone know if and when will a new British Airways Future Pilot Programme take place? I am almost graduating from high school so I was looking forward to apply, but I am a tad late for this one

Best regards!

[BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES]

@iamaroman

BA is currently only recruiting into the FPP scheme. Mid-course recruitment is not an option with FPP.
I would suggest you attend the Professional Flight Training Exhibition in the Sofitel T5 at LHR on the 20th April and meet the BA team at their stand.

2013 LONDON PROFESSIONAL FLIGHT TRAINING EXHIBITION

[1 2 Be A Pilot]

Please help on these questions you awesome guys...

Hi guys,
I have just joined after seeing all you helpful people on this website. Furthermore, I cannot explain how much I love and have a passion for becoming an Airline Pilot and really want to do the FPP. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone could help me with a few of my questions.
1) do you have to be really good at physics to train at CTC?

2) what are the chances of not getting employed after the completion of the FPP?

3)How many years do you think British Airways will run this program?

4)What GCSE's and A-Level's will be advantageous for this FPP?
(I really would like a good answer for this one if possible)

Thanks A LOT guys in advance? I will have more questions soon. Please reply.

[BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES]

Welcome 12 Be a pilot.

Please use the search function as all of these questions have been answered.


In short 1- No

2- depends entirely on the world and BA's requirements after you finish. Crystal ball stuff really.

3- crystal ball again

4- do what you enjoy and can do well in. Apart from the usual suspects (geography, physics, maths) have a look at getting involved in subjects such as drama, sports and others in which you need to be involved with others.

[DaveyG1023]

@iamaroman

Do BA even recruit graduates who aren't on the FPP

In theory yes, but the only cadet entry to BA would be through CTC (not OAA or any other FTO). Although, if I'm honest I feel that is a fairly long shot that they will pick up any extras outside the FPP. It's up to you whether you want to wait a year (no guarantees on the exact time frame though) and give the FPP a go, it can't hurt though as you sound like you could always do OAA as a backup.