Speedbird Pilot Academy - Funded

[Pilotguy85]

Originally Posted by Donut_Ring

Good morning all

A bit of a long shot but I was hoping to get peoples thoughts and hopefully some clarity about my application.

I received a rejection email this morning but I’m really puzzled as to why. I’m very confident I scored highly on the assessments, and in addition to that I have 2 degrees in engineering as well as 5 years experience in gas turbine design working on products that BA uses. However, to my surprise I have not been successful in the first stage.

None of the above entitles me to a job by any means, but I’m really not sure why I have been unsuccessful at such an early stage in the process, as I feel like I’ve ticked all of the boxes to at least go to interview.

The only thing was I didn’t upload my GCSE documents, as I didn’t have them to hand, but in place I uploaded my BEng and MSc diplomas. Do you think the system could have auto rejected given there were no GCSE evidence?

Again, I really don’t want this to come across as entitled, I just feel I performed very strongly on the assessment and have a good set of experience which is all they have seen at this stage - so I’m really confused why I have been unsuccessful at the first stage.

any thoughts on the situation would be really appreciated.

Almost certainly re: GCSE certificates. It was a requirement for application although it could be for a number of reasons (CV/answer to the Q).

[Anonymous747]

glad you feel like it went well.
did you have an actual interview with BA or was it the two recorded tasks you did?

[jaromir]

Rejected after passing the 3 assessments (which were pretty straightforward) which I suspect is due to not having GCSEs, as I grew up outside of UK.
Pity but I'll go back to my boring cubicle desk as someone called it earlier in this thread.

Fingers crossed for everyone in the next stage!

[chris_]

Originally Posted by Donut_Ring

Good morning all

A bit of a long shot but I was hoping to get peoples thoughts and hopefully some clarity about my application.

I received a rejection email this morning but I’m really puzzled as to why. I’m very confident I scored highly on the assessments, and in addition to that I have 2 degrees in engineering as well as 5 years experience in gas turbine design working on products that BA uses. However, to my surprise I have not been successful in the first stage.

None of the above entitles me to a job by any means, but I’m really not sure why I have been unsuccessful at such an early stage in the process, as I feel like I’ve ticked all of the boxes to at least go to interview.

The only thing was I didn’t upload my GCSE documents, as I didn’t have them to hand, but in place I uploaded my BEng and MSc diplomas. Do you think the system could have auto rejected given there were no GCSE evidence?

Again, I really don’t want this to come across as entitled, I just feel I performed very strongly on the assessment and have a good set of experience which is all they have seen at this stage - so I’m really confused why I have been unsuccessful at the first stage.

any thoughts on the situation would be really appreciated.

More likely it was to do with CV and/or your answer to the questions. They have screened applications before sending invites for video interviews.

[3seatmaniac]

Originally Posted by Donut_Ring

Good morning all

A bit of a long shot but I was hoping to get peoples thoughts and hopefully some clarity about my application.

I received a rejection email this morning but I’m really puzzled as to why. I’m very confident I scored highly on the assessments, and in addition to that I have 2 degrees in engineering as well as 5 years experience in gas turbine design working on products that BA uses. However, to my surprise I have not been successful in the first stage.

None of the above entitles me to a job by any means, but I’m really not sure why I have been unsuccessful at such an early stage in the process, as I feel like I’ve ticked all of the boxes to at least go to interview.

The only thing was I didn’t upload my GCSE documents, as I didn’t have them to hand, but in place I uploaded my BEng and MSc diplomas. Do you think the system could have auto rejected given there were no GCSE evidence?

Again, I really don’t want this to come across as entitled, I just feel I performed very strongly on the assessment and have a good set of experience which is all they have seen at this stage - so I’m really confused why I have been unsuccessful at the first stage.

any thoughts on the situation would be really appreciated.

Sorry to hear you didn't make it through to the video interview stage. I doubt the rejection will be because you didn't upload proof of educational achievements. Myself, I didn't upload any proof of educational achievements and got through the initial 3 tests and also got invited to the video interview stage. It is only once you get to the assessment centre at Heathrow that you need to provide educational certificates - my source for this is the video that BA released on the application process for the Academy.

[Jamestl]

Originally Posted by Donut_Ring

Good morning all

A bit of a long shot but I was hoping to get peoples thoughts and hopefully some clarity about my application.

I received a rejection email this morning but I’m really puzzled as to why. I’m very confident I scored highly on the assessments, and in addition to that I have 2 degrees in engineering as well as 5 years experience in gas turbine design working on products that BA uses. However, to my surprise I have not been successful in the first stage.

None of the above entitles me to a job by any means, but I’m really not sure why I have been unsuccessful at such an early stage in the process, as I feel like I’ve ticked all of the boxes to at least go to interview.

The only thing was I didn’t upload my GCSE documents, as I didn’t have them to hand, but in place I uploaded my BEng and MSc diplomas. Do you think the system could have auto rejected given there were no GCSE evidence?

Again, I really don’t want this to come across as entitled, I just feel I performed very strongly on the assessment and have a good set of experience which is all they have seen at this stage - so I’m really confused why I have been unsuccessful at the first stage.

any thoughts on the situation would be really appreciated.

Following instructions and procedure are key attributes in this line of work. You failed to do that so I assume that’s the reason for rejection.

BA are spoilt for choice in applicants, corner cutting or hoping for the best won’t get you there.

[3seatmaniac]

Re the questions on individual physical presentation, the video interviews - if anything like any other video interview stages for any other employer - won't be looked at by a human. The video interview stage will be automated and will use software to determine appropriate responses based on your speech, not your appearance. There is no harm in cleaning yourself up and dressing smartly, but I wouldn't overthink it and change a look you are comfortable with having and that makes you you at the video interview stage.

Logically, the resources simply are not there to dedicate even a small team of employees to look through thousands of recordings. With video interviews, it is a matter of confidence, clarity, and accuracy of speech, along with mentioning key words and phrases specific to the questions asked that the software will have been pre-programmed to listen out for that will determine success at this stage.

[antonani1]

Not going to moan about it, but I also got rejected today after waiting a few days after the checking test. That's life, will move on and try again next time. Like a lot of people here who also got rejected I thought the skills and qualifications I have would help mould me into the pilot-esque person BA was looking for. I have a 1.1 in Exp. Physics, have worked in CERN on the LHC, speak 2 languages, dual citizenship so 2 passports (brexit and all that hahah), have worked in different countries around the world, but unfortunately I must not have had the BA factor. As i've said thats life and unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. But my downfall is another persons lifelong dream becoming true so there's always positives to take from the negatives! Whether or not you got through to the next stage or not I wish everyone the best of luck in your future endeavours

[Donut_Ring]

Originally Posted by chris_

More likely it was to do with CV and/or your answer to the questions. They have screened applications before sending invites for video interviews.

I guess it must be, it would be nice to know the reason why to get some closure. I checked my CV and to me it looks quite strong considering they only want 5 GCSEs. I’m also confident I got 100% on the checking and numerical tests, hence my confusion, but maybe they just don’t like something about my application.

Best of luck to those who did get selected though.

[desertghost]

Originally Posted by antonani1

Not going to moan about it, but I also got rejected today after waiting a few days after the checking test. That's life, will move on and try again next time. Like a lot of people here who also got rejected I thought the skills and qualifications I have would help mould me into the pilot-esque person BA was looking for. I have a 1.1 in Exp. Physics, have worked in CERN on the LHC, speak 2 languages, dual citizenship so 2 passports (brexit and all that hahah), have worked in different countries around the world, but unfortunately I must not have had the BA factor. As i've said thats life and unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. But my downfall is another persons lifelong dream becoming true so there's always positives to take from the negatives! Whether or not you got through to the next stage or not I wish everyone the best of luck in your future endeavours

You may just be overqualified.

[FuturePilot_123]

Originally Posted by Donut_Ring

Good morning all

A bit of a long shot but I was hoping to get peoples thoughts and hopefully some clarity about my application.

I received a rejection email this morning but I’m really puzzled as to why. I’m very confident I scored highly on the assessments, and in addition to that I have 2 degrees in engineering as well as 5 years experience in gas turbine design working on products that BA uses. However, to my surprise I have not been successful in the first stage.

None of the above entitles me to a job by any means, but I’m really not sure why I have been unsuccessful at such an early stage in the process, as I feel like I’ve ticked all of the boxes to at least go to interview.

The only thing was I didn’t upload my GCSE documents, as I didn’t have them to hand, but in place I uploaded my BEng and MSc diplomas. Do you think the system could have auto rejected given there were no GCSE evidence?

Again, I really don’t want this to come across as entitled, I just feel I performed very strongly on the assessment and have a good set of experience which is all they have seen at this stage - so I’m really confused why I have been unsuccessful at the first stage.

any thoughts on the situation would be really appreciated.

I wouldn’t take it personally at all. And it doesn’t mean you are not capable of being a commercial pilot. Over the years I’ve realised these opportunities are more luck than anything. I am in a similar position to yourself, and I’ve never had a look in.

It’s just luck of the draw.

[Alanga1991]

It is what it is

Lads and ladies. It’s really as easy as this: BA would have received THOUSANDS of applications for a scheme that was only opened a week. I would even hazard to say minimum TENS of thousands! They can afford to be picky. You don’t submit your 6 GCSEs but submit a DEGREE instead? Cut! Why? Cos they can. But also, you CAN get a degree without having 6 GCSEs. So just cos you have one doesn’t mean you qualify. Don’t tailor your CV to the role/airline. Cut! Why? Cos they can. But also cos you clearly don’t want it enough. Uploading your CV which you last updated last year, regardless of experience doesn’t show preparedness for this role. That’s lazy, sorry. You don’t take time to write, edit and proof-read your 250-word motivation question? Cut! Why? Duh?! Do I need to say more? 🤣🤣 So yes you CAN smash the tests and still not make it just because they’re not only looking for someone who can do 25 Qs in 17mins and can spot a few errors. These are all tests assessing different pilot competencies and behaviours. So anyone unsure as to why they didn’t make it despite ‘smashing’ the tests, that could be why

[Chris the Robot]

Tailoring the CV is never easy, do you try and sell relevant experience or do you base it more around potential? It's similar with the essay question, do you base your answer around things you have done or more hypothetical stuff? I went with solid experience on both occasions and didn't make it through.

Yesterday there was a press release from another airline about their intake, it was all about diversity and the airline seemed to take pride in saying that many of the cadets hadn't been in a light aircraft cockpit till a flight assessment which was part of the recruitment process. I'm not saying BA are necessarily the same but that seems to be where the industry is heading.

[Alanga1991]

Originally Posted by Chris the Robot

Tailoring the CV is never easy, do you try and sell relevant experience or do you base it more around potential? It's similar with the essay question, do you base your answer around things you have done or more hypothetical stuff? I went with solid experience on both occasions and didn't make it through.

Yesterday there was a press release from another airline about their intake, it was all about diversity and the airline seemed to take pride in saying that many of the cadets hadn't been in a light aircraft cockpit till a flight assessment which was part of the recruitment process. I'm not saying BA are necessarily the same but that seems to be where the industry is heading.

which airline is this and where can we read their press release? If it’s TUI I can’t help but laugh. Have you looked at their line-up? If that’s diverse then God help us all.

[Chris the Robot]

https://www.pilotcareernews.com/tui-...of-new-cadets/

[PPRuNeUser0195]

Originally Posted by Alanga1991

Lads and ladies. It’s really as easy as this: BA would have received THOUSANDS of applications for a scheme that was only opened a week. I would even hazard to say minimum TENS of thousands! They can afford to be picky. You don’t submit your 6 GCSEs but submit a DEGREE instead? Cut! Why? Cos they can. But also, you CAN get a degree without having 6 GCSEs. So just cos you have one doesn’t mean you qualify. Don’t tailor your CV to the role/airline. Cut! Why? Cos they can. But also cos you clearly don’t want it enough. Uploading your CV which you last updated last year, regardless of experience doesn’t show preparedness for this role. That’s lazy, sorry. You don’t take time to write, edit and proof-read your 250-word motivation question? Cut! Why? Duh?! Do I need to say more? 🤣🤣 So yes you CAN smash the tests and still not make it just because they’re not only looking for someone who can do 25 Qs in 17mins and can spot a few errors. These are all tests assessing different pilot competencies and behaviours. So anyone unsure as to why they didn’t make it despite ‘smashing’ the tests, that could be why

Exactly. Nail on the head. People here are just making excuses because they didn’t put enough effort in. Tailoring a CV is absolute basics, you need to sell yourself at every opportunity and being generic isn’t good enough. Similarly answering why you want to be a pilot with “I’ve always wanted to be a pilot” isn’t good enough. So do the other 10,000 people applying.

[Carpflyer82]

Video Interview

Has anyone completed the video interview on a mobile device such as phone or iPad? Or is it better suited to a laptop/ desktop?

[PPRuNeUser0195]

Originally Posted by Donut_Ring

Hmmm potentially, I would feel very hard done by if that is the case. I had to apply whilst on holiday and one would like to think that if you have a masters degree this would automatically override GCSEs?

They said in their Q&As that it doesn’t, and it specifically said in the application form you must upload GCSE certificates.

[mattd75]

Originally Posted by Carpflyer82

Has anyone completed the video interview on a mobile device such as phone or iPad? Or is it better suited to a laptop/ desktop?

It wouldn’t even let me do it on a computer! Kept saying this is suited for a mobile device and wouldn’t let me move forward!

[pilotHS24]

Application timeline

Does anyone know the next steps, locations, dates etc after video interview if successful?