British Airways Future Pilot Programme.

[EZY_FR]

I think they will do what they did last year and spread it out over an even longer period. Whether they choose to recruit that number I don't know, but the fact that they are looking to take on more than last year bodes well for our chances!

[MaydayMaydayMayday]

Originally Posted by EZY_FR

I think they will do what they did last year and spread it out over an even longer period. Whether they choose to recruit that number I don't know, but the fact that they are looking to take on more than last year bodes well for our chances!

It says a lot of good things that there's so much recruitment, absolutely.

What it gives is more opportunity for those who can make the standard required. Every year, extremely able people have come very close, which is backed up by the number of folk who've been successful on second or third attempts.

What it doesn't do is to indicate any reduction in the standards required to get through selection. If only 60 folk pass everything at the right level, that's how many will get in. If 220 pass everything, they've got a harder task on their hands!

[RedMachine]

Greetings everyone !
I'm curious about one thing, and maybe some of you could advise on this.
BA FPP specifically states the following :

5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English Language, Mathematics and a Science (single or double award), excluding General Studies.

This is the mandatory requirement as far as I've understood, besides any additional degree.
My question is, what if I have 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, and the 5th does not meet this criteria? I do however meet the other requirements, and do have a BSc. Am I ruled out instantly because of this or do they acknowledge that people can change after high-school? (Yes, I've been terribly lazy when I was in high-school, I got my act together when I actually attended college).

Thanks !

[Stocious]

Is it an honours degree? BSc(Hons)?

[RedMachine]

Hi Stocious,
Firstly, thank you for your reply.
Secondly, it is BSc(Hons) 2.2 equivalent I believe in the UK (grade 8 here in Romania). Didn't think of mentioning it but the grades I do have on my BSc degree are above C if that matters for any reason.
Cheers !

[EZY_FR]

BA are known to be very strict when it comes to academic requirements, so they tend not to make any exceptions I'm afraid. If I were you, I'd send BA pilot recruitment an email to find out directly from them. [email protected]
Best of luck!!

[RedMachine]

Thank you EZY_FR for your response. I will do just that ! Much appreciated

[GazG]

I am going to be applying when the applications open, I have 11 GCSEs grade A*-B and 3 A-Levels: A chemistry, B physics and C in maths. I am just about to graduate from university with a BEng(Hons) in Aerospace Engineering, predicted grade 2:1. I am currently debating if it is worth doing an MSc in Aerospace Engineering or if I should just work through the summer and rack up a few flying hours as I currently have 0.
Any advice would be much appreciated!

[TFFF]

While we are on the education topic, I read we need 5 GSCE at Grade C or above AND either 3 A Levels at grades BBC or an Honours Degree at 2:2 or a pass in an higher degree.

I have a Master's degree in Corporate Finance - it means that I still have to produce my 5 GSCE?

I wonder why BA finds relevant to ask proof of "lower" qualifications if the application actually has a higher degree.

thanks for the help folks!

[LandingConfig]

Neither are requirements, so it's up to you. I'd personally choose the flying.

[FLYINGPERCY]

GazG,

You have to decide what it is you want. I 'be been lazy and not seen if you've posted earlier, so excuse me if you've noted it somewhere in this thread.

It comes down to planning for the future as well as your immediate goals. Finances are I presume not infinite, therefore, which option puts you in the best position? I would say an MSC as with an engineering MSC your setting yourself up very nicely, whatever you decide to go on and do.

If you've thoroughly researched the industry, understand what it's like to be a commercial pilot and will accept the enormous sacrifices it will take to get there, then a few hours in a plane is neither here nor there (but of course would be fun). If its the FPP you've your eye on, then chat to people who've passed selection and get preparing now... everyone who has passed the FPP selection, I guarantee, worked theirs backsides off, so make no mistake you'll have to do just that to get through. If it does not work out this time, you'll get more chances, but that MSC might just come in handy in the meantime...

Good luck in whatever course of action you decide to take.

[FlyANA]

Hi Gaz,

I'd suggest going for the Masters, getting a few hours light aircraft in your spare time and going for the FPP while working through it. BA will be looking for a bit of maturity and experience as each MPL has a different type of person in mind. If you've got extra skills that have the potential to make you a specialist Pilot in future (Tech pilot/management Pilot/Safety Officer etc.) then that stands out as well. So many skilled people go for these positions, you need to bring more to the table than anyone else! A Msc would help there.

Also, if it doesn't work out then you have a solid fall back and career options to tide you over to the next intake and so on. Just make sure that you love what you're doing and best of luck!

[Chris4]

Hi,

I've been interested in flying and being a pilot since I was pretty young. I went flying a few times, once as a birthday present at the local airfield and once or twice with a friend, as well as maybe 3 times through the CCF RAF at school. When I was around 16 I decided to 'let go' of that dream and think about becoming a pilot later.

So I did my A-levels and went to uni, and haven't flown since I was 16 (apart from on EasyJet & Ryanair of course!). Now I'm finishing my degree and thinking of applying for this year's FPP. My question is would it be desirable for candidates to have recent flying experience, sort of as a proof that it really is something they are interested in doing?

Just because I'm on a tight budget at the moment until I find a job (and maybe after I find a job...), so managing to get flying experience may prove difficult.

Also if the rumours of late Summer for applications are true, would this mean start of training mid 2017?

[GazG]

Thank you all for the advice, I think I'm going to go for the MSc but still apply for BA FPP in Autumn which means I've got a little while to prepare. Ill probably do around 10 hours flying between now and applying just to get a little bit of flying experience.

[GazG]

Chris from what I've heard is that you don't need any flying experience, however I would say a good 10-20 hours just to show interest could be beneficial. My friend who was successful for last years intake told me that they are more interested in you as a person, they like to see how you interact with others as CRM is a crucial part of flying.

Taking into account everything I've been told on here, from friends, cabin crew and from professional pilots; I'm going to graduate this year, get a job over summer and gain as many flying hours as I can. It's going to be hard work, however considering that I won't have anything else to be studying for, I should have plenty of free time to practice mental maths and psychometrics.

As a backup plan I'm going to apply for an MSc in Aerospace Engineering at my university, if I don't get accepted into BA then I'll continue with the MSc and apply next year.

As for the rumours I'd love to know the truth about them myself. My friend applied in March last year and didn't start training until March this year. It would be great if autumn applicants start autumn 2017 as that will give me time to finish an MSc!

[TFFF]

hey folks,

Any ideas on my question above?
Cheers

[FlyANA]

For all the courses you will need to provide proof of all your qualifications. CTC and BA will want to understand your history and work out who you are as a person, so having all the results builds a picture of who you are. It's also best practice.

[DutchC]

Was there any indication whatsoever that the FPP could/will continue beyond 2016?

[Stocious]

yes it probably will

[TFFF]

Originally Posted by FlyANA

For all the courses you will need to provide proof of all your qualifications. CTC and BA will want to understand your history and work out who you are as a person, so having all the results builds a picture of who you are. It's also best practice.

Not too sure how marks on a paper helps them figure out who I am but fine.

Any books you guys could recommend to help prepare the interviews?
Especially on the numerical reasoning part...

It's a jungle out there.. If there are good books that you know of, shoot please!

Thanks a mil.