British Airways Future Pilot Programme.
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Congratulations to the lucky few who have been accepted onto this years FPP course 
.
Is anybody who made it to the final stages but didn't make it onto the course still waiting for feedback from BA? Also, has anybody heard from their chosen FTO since receiving the bad news?
.Is anybody who made it to the final stages but didn't make it onto the course still waiting for feedback from BA? Also, has anybody heard from their chosen FTO since receiving the bad news?
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I'm thinking that maybe BA's HR teams are finding it difficult to track down and verify his/her references.
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While I'm online I figured it might be worth jotting down a few observations, tips, words of wisdom and general ramblings that I hope might help people next year.
1. Keep trying. I applied last year, made it well through the process but (sadly) didn't make the cut. I know why, and learnt from it. I seriously considered not applying this time round as I was left feeling absolutely crushed last year. Obviously I'm now very glad I did have a second crack. I know from experience how tough not getting in is but PLEASE don't let it get to you personally.
2. Make notes; lots of notes. More. You have no idea how invaluable it was having a list of observations from last year to help with my preparation. I'm not going to be drawn into specifics on the assessments but lots of small things caught me out last year. They didn't this year; if it weren't for the notes I'd have forgotten nearly all of it.
3. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Everybody makes them; the worst possible thing you can do after making a mistake in an interview, group exercise, maths test, etc. is to let it impact upon your performance for the rest of the session. Don't sweat it, move on straight away. You can review it after the day has finished.
4. Practice, practice, practice. In the month up to the interviews I was spending at least an hour a day on general maths / physics / BA knowledge preparation. On top of that most days I spend an hour practicing interview Q&As with my partner. The week before the interview I upped this to 3-4 hours of prep a day. With 100%, absolute certainty, this was what helped me the most. Never ever think you've prepared enough. There's always more to do.
5. Keep trying. This really is the most crucial one so it's worth re-stating. I haven't personally heard of anyone succeeding first time round (though I know a couple of Pprune members have managed it). Everyone I know who got in did it on either their second or third time applying. Many BA pilots I've spoken to took half a dozen attempts to get in. Make of this what you will.
1. Keep trying. I applied last year, made it well through the process but (sadly) didn't make the cut. I know why, and learnt from it. I seriously considered not applying this time round as I was left feeling absolutely crushed last year. Obviously I'm now very glad I did have a second crack. I know from experience how tough not getting in is but PLEASE don't let it get to you personally.
2. Make notes; lots of notes. More. You have no idea how invaluable it was having a list of observations from last year to help with my preparation. I'm not going to be drawn into specifics on the assessments but lots of small things caught me out last year. They didn't this year; if it weren't for the notes I'd have forgotten nearly all of it.
3. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Everybody makes them; the worst possible thing you can do after making a mistake in an interview, group exercise, maths test, etc. is to let it impact upon your performance for the rest of the session. Don't sweat it, move on straight away. You can review it after the day has finished.
4. Practice, practice, practice. In the month up to the interviews I was spending at least an hour a day on general maths / physics / BA knowledge preparation. On top of that most days I spend an hour practicing interview Q&As with my partner. The week before the interview I upped this to 3-4 hours of prep a day. With 100%, absolute certainty, this was what helped me the most. Never ever think you've prepared enough. There's always more to do.
5. Keep trying. This really is the most crucial one so it's worth re-stating. I haven't personally heard of anyone succeeding first time round (though I know a couple of Pprune members have managed it). Everyone I know who got in did it on either their second or third time applying. Many BA pilots I've spoken to took half a dozen attempts to get in. Make of this what you will.
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naturals
Thank you for this and more. Your post goes a very long way for people like myself and if I could please use this chance to congratulate both you and your partner for the achievement. Well done and good luck with your career at BA.
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Well said Naturals - couldn't agree more.... Especially with Point 4. I did a similar thing to you and it definitely made the difference for me. Its no secret on this forum that the Maths and Motivation elements are probably the areas most people need to work on.
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Thanks Speedbird_cadet, and how interesting it is in the background of preparation to that of naturals and you both beat the competition. I would take your advice seriously!
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Anyone know if they've started obtaining references yet? If they have I'd better have a quiet word with my boss soon!!
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I already told my colleagues. They were going to find out soon enough anyway, so I figured I might as well give them the heads up to help them plan ahead at how they are going to replace me. I haven't officially handed in my notice yet though; and I reserve the right to hold off on that until everything is in place. 
I can particularly relate to your points 3 and 4 naturals. Number 3 because nobody is perfect. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and - while it's possible that some people performed amazingly well at everything - I haven't personally spoken to one successful candidate who did. And number 4; because without having invested a huge amount of time preparing I would not have made it.
I can particularly relate to your points 3 and 4 naturals. Number 3 because nobody is perfect. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and - while it's possible that some people performed amazingly well at everything - I haven't personally spoken to one successful candidate who did. And number 4; because without having invested a huge amount of time preparing I would not have made it.
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Thank you chaps, and particularly naturals - most illuminating. I have already resolved to return next year, and am dedicating 45 mins every day to learning about BA (and occasionally other topics such as jet engine technology), plus spending 3h+ per day on an OU BSc in Natural Sciences, which should cover off the maths/science elements.
I have also taken a new job based partially in Slough so that I am conveniently placed to visit Waterside, tour the Heritage Collection, become familiar with the Heathrow, Gatwick and London City operations, have a go on the 737 simulator etc. etc., as well as visiting my "local" Concorde at Manchester Airport whilst back home. I have seriously considered taking advantage of some of the cheap day fares just to get a feel for the BA "experience" and am looking for opportunities to get onboard a 787 (my preferred "target" aircraft).
I am also working on various more desirable personal traits (I have been described as abrasive
); in addition, I will be booking in for one of the OAA selection days to gain further experience of the process and see how I am progressing (though I appreciate their own criteria differ slightly). Finally, I'm planning on adding an Advanced PPL + Basic Aero rating (from Ultimate High) and another 50 hours to my licence this year, as despite having no issues with the technical assessment last time there is, as you say, always room for improvement, and I can't start CPL/ATPL exams without counting myself out of the FPP process.
Any other feedback gratefully taken on board, and perhaps this gives other hopefuls some ideas - will look good when I don't even get past stage 1, eh?
I have also taken a new job based partially in Slough so that I am conveniently placed to visit Waterside, tour the Heritage Collection, become familiar with the Heathrow, Gatwick and London City operations, have a go on the 737 simulator etc. etc., as well as visiting my "local" Concorde at Manchester Airport whilst back home. I have seriously considered taking advantage of some of the cheap day fares just to get a feel for the BA "experience" and am looking for opportunities to get onboard a 787 (my preferred "target" aircraft).
I am also working on various more desirable personal traits (I have been described as abrasive
); in addition, I will be booking in for one of the OAA selection days to gain further experience of the process and see how I am progressing (though I appreciate their own criteria differ slightly). Finally, I'm planning on adding an Advanced PPL + Basic Aero rating (from Ultimate High) and another 50 hours to my licence this year, as despite having no issues with the technical assessment last time there is, as you say, always room for improvement, and I can't start CPL/ATPL exams without counting myself out of the FPP process.Any other feedback gratefully taken on board, and perhaps this gives other hopefuls some ideas - will look good when I don't even get past stage 1, eh?
Last edited by JDA2012; 13th Nov 2015 at 21:08.
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I cannot agree more with naturals. I was successful this year having failed at last hurdle previously.
While the process was fresh in mind, I also documented everything from interview questions to aptitude testing. This helped immensely in my case and allowed me to concentrate on the important areas.
Out of interest to fellow cadets, any idea when we can expect more information from BA?
While the process was fresh in mind, I also documented everything from interview questions to aptitude testing. This helped immensely in my case and allowed me to concentrate on the important areas.
Out of interest to fellow cadets, any idea when we can expect more information from BA?
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JDA2012: Just one general comment - you seem to be focussing quite highly on the technical side of things.
Once thing you don't mention is interview skills. Nobody knows how BA assess the rounds (i.e. whether one assessment method is weighted more than others). My own impression is that the interview is probably the most important element to differentiate yourself from other applicants (after all, by the final round at BA I suspect the variation in maths and technical skills isn't going to be enormous).
See if you can make friends with someone in HR / personnel or even a small business owner who can give you some feedback on your interview skills. Someone who can give honest, impartial feedback here is invaluable.
I made the mistake last year of preparing way too hard for the PILAPT and maths elements, to the point of neglecting the interview skills. No prizes for guessing which round I felt I'd underperformed in last time.
Once thing you don't mention is interview skills. Nobody knows how BA assess the rounds (i.e. whether one assessment method is weighted more than others). My own impression is that the interview is probably the most important element to differentiate yourself from other applicants (after all, by the final round at BA I suspect the variation in maths and technical skills isn't going to be enormous).
See if you can make friends with someone in HR / personnel or even a small business owner who can give you some feedback on your interview skills. Someone who can give honest, impartial feedback here is invaluable.
I made the mistake last year of preparing way too hard for the PILAPT and maths elements, to the point of neglecting the interview skills. No prizes for guessing which round I felt I'd underperformed in last time.
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I agree with what naturals has said, I applied this year and was lucky enough to get the nod at my first attempt. What I would add is look for opportunities in your day to day life where you can demonstrate the qualities ba are looking for.
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Naturals, that is a quality post, and guys and gals who take on those points and learn from them will move forward in their flying career.
I remember having my last attempt at BA for a full sponsorship 17 years ago, to which I was unsuccessful. 2 Years ago I joined BA and its a good place to be!.
All the best guys.
I remember having my last attempt at BA for a full sponsorship 17 years ago, to which I was unsuccessful. 2 Years ago I joined BA and its a good place to be!
.All the best guys.
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Refresh? I was under the impression the next phase would involve something a little more tangible than an email? There's a lot of documents to look through and I presume it'll require a signature or two as well.
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Just checking in to say I got my feedback. The surprise was that I appeared to have passed the interview but as expected I failed the Group exercise. I learnt a valuable lesson in not to volunteer to be the accountant!
Catching up on this thread (and others) on what people did to prepare - well done. You really deserve it, I would say I spent about 8 hours prep for the whole program and I'm encouraged I failed on something I know I can change.
The only thing I would discourage in general is the people that buy the software that copy the aptitude tests. The two reasons I would say are: 1. They are supposed to measure your aptitude, if you spend hours on them practising to pass then who knows if you really have the aptitude? 2. By practising them your setting the pass mark higher for those with the natural aptitude, who might fail with your inflated scores.
From my point of view I'm still committed to a Career as a Pilot. I'm going for the easyJet MPL. Obviously there are pro's and con's between the airlines, but I would challenge anyone who is passionate about aviation to turn down a chance to fly a A320 just because it has an Orange tail vs red white and blue!
Thanks to British Airways too, particularly for the feedback. It has certainly given me confidence going forward.
Wouldn't it be interesting if the FPP applicants of 2014 met up in 10 years time to see what paths we took? I wonder who would be happiest.
Catching up on this thread (and others) on what people did to prepare - well done. You really deserve it, I would say I spent about 8 hours prep for the whole program and I'm encouraged I failed on something I know I can change.
The only thing I would discourage in general is the people that buy the software that copy the aptitude tests. The two reasons I would say are: 1. They are supposed to measure your aptitude, if you spend hours on them practising to pass then who knows if you really have the aptitude? 2. By practising them your setting the pass mark higher for those with the natural aptitude, who might fail with your inflated scores.
From my point of view I'm still committed to a Career as a Pilot. I'm going for the easyJet MPL. Obviously there are pro's and con's between the airlines, but I would challenge anyone who is passionate about aviation to turn down a chance to fly a A320 just because it has an Orange tail vs red white and blue!
Thanks to British Airways too, particularly for the feedback. It has certainly given me confidence going forward.
Wouldn't it be interesting if the FPP applicants of 2014 met up in 10 years time to see what paths we took? I wonder who would be happiest.
Don't get too carried away thinking the aptitude tests are good bell weathers for your ability as a pilot. I'm seen some very skilled aviators perform poorly on them and some very poor aviators perform well. They are a filtering mechanism, nothing more nothing less.