British Airways Future Pilot Programme.
Join Date: Nov 2013
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Hello everyone,
Gosh it's a long time since I posted on here but I thought it might be a good time to do before heading up to Leeds tomorrow for Pilot Careers Live.
So, always interesting to hear the various rumours and ideas on PPRuNe, and to see that phrase 'the horse's mouth'. One of my colleagues has been quoted on here, pretty much verbatim, so I thought I could add some context to what's been said.
We've just managed, in the last month or so, to draw some breath from what has been the most intense period of pilot recruitment in BA's history. Over the period 2015-16 BA will take on over 700 new pilots - a record as far as we know in our history. We've been totally immersed in making that happen, and that's involved a huge number of interviews, simulator checks, tests, roadshows and visits to meet pilots based in the Middle East and Hong Kong. We're really pleased to now be ahead of the curve, for want of a better phrase, and to have fully filled all our vacancies up until the end of October. We have more offers going out for November and December and we have FPP graduates and DEP hold poolers to cover all those vacancies.
So, we now have the time to devote energy to FPP (although 2017 will be upon us before we know it so we're keeping a very close eye on our DEP numbers as well!) but our workload means we won't be launching FPP in the near future. We do want to re-open, but after 5 years of the scheme we're looking carefully at a number of things before re-launching. As such, I'd use the aviation phrase 'delay undetermined'. Don't panic if you're way in August - the opening there was only a rumour. I cannot commit to quite when we'll have news, but if you can make it to Leeds I will be there with three of my colleagues - two of whom are FPP graduates who now fly the line with us on the A320 fleet. We'd all love to meet you and to talk about your aspirations to fly, and to offer whatever advice we can. Do stop by if you can. Leeds will be my last PCL show, as it's time for my recruitment wings to take a break! After 1000 pilots recruited I'm handing over to a new manager at the end of this month, so she'll be looking after things from thereon in.
There has never been a recruitment environment like this for as long as I can remember, so it's very interesting times. I hope that it's bearing fruit for people finding first flying jobs, and for those thinking about entering cadet/mentored programmes with other airlines also.
Gosh it's a long time since I posted on here but I thought it might be a good time to do before heading up to Leeds tomorrow for Pilot Careers Live.
So, always interesting to hear the various rumours and ideas on PPRuNe, and to see that phrase 'the horse's mouth'. One of my colleagues has been quoted on here, pretty much verbatim, so I thought I could add some context to what's been said.
We've just managed, in the last month or so, to draw some breath from what has been the most intense period of pilot recruitment in BA's history. Over the period 2015-16 BA will take on over 700 new pilots - a record as far as we know in our history. We've been totally immersed in making that happen, and that's involved a huge number of interviews, simulator checks, tests, roadshows and visits to meet pilots based in the Middle East and Hong Kong. We're really pleased to now be ahead of the curve, for want of a better phrase, and to have fully filled all our vacancies up until the end of October. We have more offers going out for November and December and we have FPP graduates and DEP hold poolers to cover all those vacancies.
So, we now have the time to devote energy to FPP (although 2017 will be upon us before we know it so we're keeping a very close eye on our DEP numbers as well!) but our workload means we won't be launching FPP in the near future. We do want to re-open, but after 5 years of the scheme we're looking carefully at a number of things before re-launching. As such, I'd use the aviation phrase 'delay undetermined'. Don't panic if you're way in August - the opening there was only a rumour. I cannot commit to quite when we'll have news, but if you can make it to Leeds I will be there with three of my colleagues - two of whom are FPP graduates who now fly the line with us on the A320 fleet. We'd all love to meet you and to talk about your aspirations to fly, and to offer whatever advice we can. Do stop by if you can. Leeds will be my last PCL show, as it's time for my recruitment wings to take a break! After 1000 pilots recruited I'm handing over to a new manager at the end of this month, so she'll be looking after things from thereon in.
There has never been a recruitment environment like this for as long as I can remember, so it's very interesting times. I hope that it's bearing fruit for people finding first flying jobs, and for those thinking about entering cadet/mentored programmes with other airlines also.
Join Date: Jun 2016
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Jswift Please read at least BA FPP site and FAQs there before posting on forum.Yes PPL is allowed.
Thank you for calryfing the situation in BA recruitment team, Lindsay. It looks like we have to wait for another FPP. The question is for how long. I guess FPP will be re-opened no sooner than 2017. Maybe not the best info for some but on the other hand look how much more time we have to get prepared for next intake! I'm personally glad FPP is delayed because I would miss it this year due to GCSE in English which is the only criterion I don't meet and have to take the exam (lucky you English natives!
)
Thank you for calryfing the situation in BA recruitment team, Lindsay. It looks like we have to wait for another FPP. The question is for how long. I guess FPP will be re-opened no sooner than 2017. Maybe not the best info for some but on the other hand look how much more time we have to get prepared for next intake! I'm personally glad FPP is delayed because I would miss it this year due to GCSE in English which is the only criterion I don't meet and have to take the exam (lucky you English natives!
)
Last edited by PiterPSP; 12th Jul 2016 at 15:47.
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What a shame. As Lindsay says, rumours are but rumours. It was hard not to get excited when they said the FPP applications would be this summer.
But alas!
Hopefully the next FPP opening will not be too far off....
But alas!
Hopefully the next FPP opening will not be too far off....
Last edited by Chopper93; 26th Jul 2016 at 16:23.
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It would be great reading from you, successful BA FPP candidates over the years, on how things have moved on through training up until line training et cetera. Are you placed into the pool after your training? Are you enjoying the challenge? and briefly which part of the whole process thus far has been more demanding? Thank you.
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Thanks for asking. I've been flying the Airbus for BA for almost three months now.
Biggest challenge: For me was probably Line Training. Transitioning from the simulator into the real aircraft (and all the additional things that are involved with that) is pretty demanding to begin with.
Best bits: The views from the flight deck. Getting to explore places I'd never have visited.
Worst bits: Getting up at half three for early reports. It never gets easier (for me - at least), but with the way the bidding and swapping of trips etc all goes it's possible to avoid early reports on the whole. Some people prefer the earlies.
And that's about it. BA is great to work for, and I'm very much enjoying it.
Biggest challenge: For me was probably Line Training. Transitioning from the simulator into the real aircraft (and all the additional things that are involved with that) is pretty demanding to begin with.
Best bits: The views from the flight deck. Getting to explore places I'd never have visited.
Worst bits: Getting up at half three for early reports. It never gets easier (for me - at least), but with the way the bidding and swapping of trips etc all goes it's possible to avoid early reports on the whole. Some people prefer the earlies.
And that's about it. BA is great to work for, and I'm very much enjoying it.
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Thanks for asking. I've been flying the Airbus for BA for almost three months now.
Biggest challenge: For me was probably Line Training. Transitioning from the simulator into the real aircraft (and all the additional things that are involved with that) is pretty demanding to begin with.
Best bits: The views from the flight deck. Getting to explore places I'd never have visited.
Worst bits: Getting up at half three for early reports. It never gets easier (for me - at least), but with the way the bidding and swapping of trips etc all goes it's possible to avoid early reports on the whole. Some people prefer the earlies.
And that's about it. BA is great to work for, and I'm very much enjoying it.
Biggest challenge: For me was probably Line Training. Transitioning from the simulator into the real aircraft (and all the additional things that are involved with that) is pretty demanding to begin with.
Best bits: The views from the flight deck. Getting to explore places I'd never have visited.
Worst bits: Getting up at half three for early reports. It never gets easier (for me - at least), but with the way the bidding and swapping of trips etc all goes it's possible to avoid early reports on the whole. Some people prefer the earlies.
And that's about it. BA is great to work for, and I'm very much enjoying it.
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G-FORC3; Great hearing from you once again. I'm grateful to momo95 for guidance.
Well done for the challenges but I have to say reading that sounds like music, all so beautiful and satisfying. Did you have to swim in the holding pool?
Well done for the challenges but I have to say reading that sounds like music, all so beautiful and satisfying. Did you have to swim in the holding pool?
Join Date: Sep 2015
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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
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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 15:24. Reason: .
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SkyRocket10, have you been bribing senior BA Training managers again?
I told you to stop.
But on the serious side, if it reopens I'd still apply even if it in a different style.
I told you to stop.
But on the serious side, if it reopens I'd still apply even if it in a different style.