Speedbird Pilot Academy - Funded
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Sorry to hear that, I know what it feels like but especially frustrating having gone so far. I hope you get feedback, those of us cut at the last stage were promised feedback but have received none. What do you think let you down this time? Keep on trying!
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Anyone else think this??
I didn't make it past the video interview, but I've been keeping up with the application process on here. I’m sure there are a tonne of deserving applicants, but it seems like some chosen candidates benefited from obvious nepotism. Two kids of a BA training captain got in, and it turns out they both went to private schools which cost upwards of £10k per term. In another case, someone was already enrolled on an integrated course with a large ATO. BA claimed the Speedbird Pilot Academy would break down cost barriers, but it feels like a mockery for someone like me who can't afford it. The academy had potential, but nepotism limited its impact to just a few. Private school education or having parents at BA seemed to be the golden ticket for this opportunity.
Last edited by Shamrock_flyer123; 20th Dec 2023 at 10:51. Reason: Updated information
I didn't make it past the video interview, but I've been keeping up with the application process on here. I’m sure there are a tonne of deserving applicants, but it seems like some chosen candidates benefited from obvious nepotism. Two kids of a BA training captain got in, and it turns out they both went to private schools which cost upwards of £10k per term. In another case, someone was already enrolled on an integrated course with a large ATO. BA claimed the Speedbird Pilot Academy would break down cost barriers, but it feels like a mockery for someone like me who can't afford it. The academy had potential, but nepotism limited its impact to just a few. Private school education or having parents at BA seemed to be the golden ticket for this opportunity.
I didn't make it past the video interview, but I've been keeping up with the application process on here. I’m sure there are a tonne of deserving applicants, but it seems like some chosen candidates benefited from obvious nepotism. Two kids of a BA training captain got in, and it turns out they both went to private schools which cost upwards of £10k per term. In another case, someone was already enrolled on an integrated course with a large ATO. BA claimed the Speedbird Pilot Academy would break down cost barriers, but it feels like a mockery for someone like me who can't afford it. The academy had potential, but nepotism limited its impact to just a few. Private school education or having parents at BA seemed to be the golden ticket for this opportunity.
The interviews and assessment will have been against set criteria, BA is way too big to get a cheeky CV in through the back door.
Would the kids have benefited from their parent working for BA just by the nature of that? How would they not, you can’t expect them to forget everything they’ve picked up about BA via osmosis over the last 20 years just for the application. Have you considered perhaps that they may also have just been very strong candidates?
The cost barrier is removed, that doesn’t mean it’s means-tested, that would in and of itself be discriminatory.
I’d focus less on what others around you are doing and more on what you can to make yourself the best candidate you possibly can be for next time round. Your current attitude may be what caused your application to fail this time round.
Celebrate it for what it is, a fantastic scheme, one that hopefully gets copycat schemes from other airlines.
I’d be staggered if nepotism had anything to do with it. Unless there is a question saying ‘do you have a BA training captain as a parent’ how could it help? Everyone applied through a part automated and part humanised application tracking system. Computer’s don’t discriminate based on surnames or school ties.
The interviews and assessment will have been against set criteria, BA is way too big to get a cheeky CV in through the back door.
Would the kids have benefited from their parent working for BA just by the nature of that? How would they not, you can’t expect them to forget everything they’ve picked up about BA via osmosis over the last 20 years just for the application. Have you considered perhaps that they may also have just been very strong candidates?
The cost barrier is removed, that doesn’t mean it’s means-tested, that would in and of itself be discriminatory.
I’d focus less on what others around you are doing and more on what you can to make yourself the best candidate you possibly can be for next time round. Your current attitude may be what caused your application to fail this time round.
Celebrate it for what it is, a fantastic scheme, one that hopefully gets copycat schemes from other airlines.
The interviews and assessment will have been against set criteria, BA is way too big to get a cheeky CV in through the back door.
Would the kids have benefited from their parent working for BA just by the nature of that? How would they not, you can’t expect them to forget everything they’ve picked up about BA via osmosis over the last 20 years just for the application. Have you considered perhaps that they may also have just been very strong candidates?
The cost barrier is removed, that doesn’t mean it’s means-tested, that would in and of itself be discriminatory.
I’d focus less on what others around you are doing and more on what you can to make yourself the best candidate you possibly can be for next time round. Your current attitude may be what caused your application to fail this time round.
Celebrate it for what it is, a fantastic scheme, one that hopefully gets copycat schemes from other airlines.
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If my kids really wanted it and I had the money, I'd send them on an integrated course, not snatch a full ride from those struggling to be noticed. It's clear that who you know and the school you went to impacts who makes the cut.
Sure, some got in through connections, but that doesn't make it right, or fair. The system's frustrating - in an airline preaching diversity, you'd think they'd level the playing field so nobody had an unfair advantage. Two siblings getting it out of 24,000 applicants just screams nepotism - I’m sure you can agree that it is far too much of a coincidence. Theres a 1 in 48,000 chance that they’d both be on it - so it defies the odds. It's all about "jobs for the lads." Just pointing out the obvious facts.
Sure, some got in through connections, but that doesn't make it right, or fair. The system's frustrating - in an airline preaching diversity, you'd think they'd level the playing field so nobody had an unfair advantage. Two siblings getting it out of 24,000 applicants just screams nepotism - I’m sure you can agree that it is far too much of a coincidence. Theres a 1 in 48,000 chance that they’d both be on it - so it defies the odds. It's all about "jobs for the lads." Just pointing out the obvious facts.
I think it’s slightly naive to think that nepotism wouldn’t play a part in some regard. TUI allocated 3 or so spots for Wings for Warriors. So those guys would have gone in through the back door. It isn’t unusual for people in an org to push their own people(employees, colleagues, family/friends) for these sorts of posts. I’d like to believe it was completely fair. But I’ll be naive to think BA didn’t have 2 or 3 people who got an extra push because they know someone. It happens everywhere. It’s not great when it’s against you, but I’ve benefited from it in life sometimes and it evens out. I blame my dad for not being born into a rich family! Lol
Or someone who simply signed up to the emails about recruitment.
What they won’t have had is any favouritism in the application process itself.
My mate works for Aer Lingus and said their past scholarships used to be full of captains kids who got pushed through. according to her it's getting better now. so i can defo see where this person is coming from in terms of nepotism. I'd like to believe it was a fair process. But if I were a BA captain, would I push my kids and flex my muscles to get them on? Yes I would. I'd be a fool not to! 
The great thing is you don't have to believe some random guy on the internets. do your own digging. In the coming weeks more and more people will announce their 'delight' and 'excitement' on LinkedIN. Just copy and paste this "speedbird pilot academy" OR "speedbird academy" into the LI search bar and you'll see who has announced it. Then do your own digging on their profile from there. Who do they know? Where do they work? Who have they already interacted with in the past, who happens to be part of the recruitment process. Now disclaimer: I'm not saying all the cadets are inside jobs, but if I'm high up at BA and my son/daughter/nephew/niece wants to be a pilot. I'm pulling all the strings I can to call in all the favors in the world to get them on the scheme. Because why not? Why work hard to get into a prestigious position if you can't use it to benefit those closest to you. that's life and good on them.
PS: Do the same search for the TUI scheme and see how many people had some sort of links to TUI in some way, shape or form. You'll be shocked. Like I said, it happens. Just don't be naive in thinking such coincidences happen.
The great thing is you don't have to believe some random guy on the internets. do your own digging. In the coming weeks more and more people will announce their 'delight' and 'excitement' on LinkedIN. Just copy and paste this "speedbird pilot academy" OR "speedbird academy" into the LI search bar and you'll see who has announced it. Then do your own digging on their profile from there. Who do they know? Where do they work? Who have they already interacted with in the past, who happens to be part of the recruitment process. Now disclaimer: I'm not saying all the cadets are inside jobs, but if I'm high up at BA and my son/daughter/nephew/niece wants to be a pilot. I'm pulling all the strings I can to call in all the favors in the world to get them on the scheme. Because why not? Why work hard to get into a prestigious position if you can't use it to benefit those closest to you. that's life and good on them.
PS: Do the same search for the TUI scheme and see how many people had some sort of links to TUI in some way, shape or form. You'll be shocked. Like I said, it happens. Just don't be naive in thinking such coincidences happen.
... but if I'm high up at BA and my son/daughter/nephew/niece wants to be a pilot. I'm pulling all the strings I can to call in all the favors in the world to get them on the scheme.
Some Sim practise maybe, and you'd expect somebody whose parent was a pilot at BA to be more clued up on the workings of the company than someone who only had the likes of the internet as a resource and so have an advantage at interview but I can't really see the opportunity for anything more sinister than that, not in this day and age...
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In the interest of balance I feel the need to reply regarding queries over the impartiality of the process.
I consider myself incredibly privileged and honoured to have been accepted onto the programme and while I cannot comment on other candidates I can provide some insight to my own background to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns.
I'm 36 years old, I have a professional degree and have had a successful career in my current industry for the last 13 years, an industry unrelated to aviation I might add but one from which a lot of transferable skills exist. I have no family or friend contacts within British Airways, or any other airline or sector of aviation for that matter.
A career as an airline pilot has been a lifelong held ambition for me that simply had never been an option to date, the financial barrier was just too great. At the end of last year when the TUI programme was announced I thought all my Christmas’ had come at once. I considered my chances relatively small due to the sheer volume of competition but it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I applied and made it through to the penultimate stage. While this was disappointing at the time, the entire process and experience only served to ignite my enthusiasm and determination even further. I took on board their feedback, sought out advice from friends of friends who work in the industry, and reaffirmed that this was what I really wanted to pursue.
Fast forward 7-months and I’m now sitting with a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy and with a conditional offer for a role with British Airways. (I still can’t believe his as I type).
This is by no means intended as a post to gloat or celebrate my success. I know how disappointed I was with TUI, and would be again this time around had I not been successful.
I simply want to highlight that while n=1 is certainly not sufficient evidence to silence the critics, there are candidates who are succeeding without these ‘magic contacts’. I would hate for someone to read these posts and feel they shouldn’t bother applying in future.
I consider myself incredibly privileged and honoured to have been accepted onto the programme and while I cannot comment on other candidates I can provide some insight to my own background to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns.
I'm 36 years old, I have a professional degree and have had a successful career in my current industry for the last 13 years, an industry unrelated to aviation I might add but one from which a lot of transferable skills exist. I have no family or friend contacts within British Airways, or any other airline or sector of aviation for that matter.
A career as an airline pilot has been a lifelong held ambition for me that simply had never been an option to date, the financial barrier was just too great. At the end of last year when the TUI programme was announced I thought all my Christmas’ had come at once. I considered my chances relatively small due to the sheer volume of competition but it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I applied and made it through to the penultimate stage. While this was disappointing at the time, the entire process and experience only served to ignite my enthusiasm and determination even further. I took on board their feedback, sought out advice from friends of friends who work in the industry, and reaffirmed that this was what I really wanted to pursue.
Fast forward 7-months and I’m now sitting with a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy and with a conditional offer for a role with British Airways. (I still can’t believe his as I type).
This is by no means intended as a post to gloat or celebrate my success. I know how disappointed I was with TUI, and would be again this time around had I not been successful.
I simply want to highlight that while n=1 is certainly not sufficient evidence to silence the critics, there are candidates who are succeeding without these ‘magic contacts’. I would hate for someone to read these posts and feel they shouldn’t bother applying in future.
In the interest of balance I feel the need to reply regarding queries over the impartiality of the process.
I consider myself incredibly privileged and honoured to have been accepted onto the programme and while I cannot comment on other candidates I can provide some insight to my own background to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns.
I'm 36 years old, I have a professional degree and have had a successful career in my current industry for the last 13 years, an industry unrelated to aviation I might add but one from which a lot of transferable skills exist. I have no family or friend contacts within British Airways, or any other airline or sector of aviation for that matter.
A career as an airline pilot has been a lifelong held ambition for me that simply had never been an option to date, the financial barrier was just too great. At the end of last year when the TUI programme was announced I thought all my Christmas’ had come at once. I considered my chances relatively small due to the sheer volume of competition but it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I applied and made it through to the penultimate stage. While this was disappointing at the time, the entire process and experience only served to ignite my enthusiasm and determination even further. I took on board their feedback, sought out advice from friends of friends who work in the industry, and reaffirmed that this was what I really wanted to pursue.
Fast forward 7-months and I’m now sitting with a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy and with a conditional offer for a role with British Airways. (I still can’t believe his as I type).
This is by no means intended as a post to gloat or celebrate my success. I know how disappointed I was with TUI, and would be again this time around had I not been successful.
I simply want to highlight that while n=1 is certainly not sufficient evidence to silence the critics, there are candidates who are succeeding without these ‘magic contacts’. I would hate for someone to read these posts and feel they shouldn’t bother applying in future.
I consider myself incredibly privileged and honoured to have been accepted onto the programme and while I cannot comment on other candidates I can provide some insight to my own background to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns.
I'm 36 years old, I have a professional degree and have had a successful career in my current industry for the last 13 years, an industry unrelated to aviation I might add but one from which a lot of transferable skills exist. I have no family or friend contacts within British Airways, or any other airline or sector of aviation for that matter.
A career as an airline pilot has been a lifelong held ambition for me that simply had never been an option to date, the financial barrier was just too great. At the end of last year when the TUI programme was announced I thought all my Christmas’ had come at once. I considered my chances relatively small due to the sheer volume of competition but it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I applied and made it through to the penultimate stage. While this was disappointing at the time, the entire process and experience only served to ignite my enthusiasm and determination even further. I took on board their feedback, sought out advice from friends of friends who work in the industry, and reaffirmed that this was what I really wanted to pursue.
Fast forward 7-months and I’m now sitting with a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy and with a conditional offer for a role with British Airways. (I still can’t believe his as I type).
This is by no means intended as a post to gloat or celebrate my success. I know how disappointed I was with TUI, and would be again this time around had I not been successful.
I simply want to highlight that while n=1 is certainly not sufficient evidence to silence the critics, there are candidates who are succeeding without these ‘magic contacts’. I would hate for someone to read these posts and feel they shouldn’t bother applying in future.
Don’t let the negativity detract from your achievement!
Some people will naturally want to blame something for what they perceive as their failure, and if blaming the system helps them deal with it, then so be it.
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In the interest of balance I feel the need to reply regarding queries over the impartiality of the process.
I consider myself incredibly privileged and honoured to have been accepted onto the programme and while I cannot comment on other candidates I can provide some insight to my own background to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns.
I'm 36 years old, I have a professional degree and have had a successful career in my current industry for the last 13 years, an industry unrelated to aviation I might add but one from which a lot of transferable skills exist. I have no family or friend contacts within British Airways, or any other airline or sector of aviation for that matter.
A career as an airline pilot has been a lifelong held ambition for me that simply had never been an option to date, the financial barrier was just too great. At the end of last year when the TUI programme was announced I thought all my Christmas’ had come at once. I considered my chances relatively small due to the sheer volume of competition but it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I applied and made it through to the penultimate stage. While this was disappointing at the time, the entire process and experience only served to ignite my enthusiasm and determination even further. I took on board their feedback, sought out advice from friends of friends who work in the industry, and reaffirmed that this was what I really wanted to pursue.
Fast forward 7-months and I’m now sitting with a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy and with a conditional offer for a role with British Airways. (I still can’t believe his as I type).
This is by no means intended as a post to gloat or celebrate my success. I know how disappointed I was with TUI, and would be again this time around had I not been successful.
I simply want to highlight that while n=1 is certainly not sufficient evidence to silence the critics, there are candidates who are succeeding without these ‘magic contacts’. I would hate for someone to read these posts and feel they shouldn’t bother applying in future.
I consider myself incredibly privileged and honoured to have been accepted onto the programme and while I cannot comment on other candidates I can provide some insight to my own background to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns.
I'm 36 years old, I have a professional degree and have had a successful career in my current industry for the last 13 years, an industry unrelated to aviation I might add but one from which a lot of transferable skills exist. I have no family or friend contacts within British Airways, or any other airline or sector of aviation for that matter.
A career as an airline pilot has been a lifelong held ambition for me that simply had never been an option to date, the financial barrier was just too great. At the end of last year when the TUI programme was announced I thought all my Christmas’ had come at once. I considered my chances relatively small due to the sheer volume of competition but it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I applied and made it through to the penultimate stage. While this was disappointing at the time, the entire process and experience only served to ignite my enthusiasm and determination even further. I took on board their feedback, sought out advice from friends of friends who work in the industry, and reaffirmed that this was what I really wanted to pursue.
Fast forward 7-months and I’m now sitting with a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy and with a conditional offer for a role with British Airways. (I still can’t believe his as I type).
This is by no means intended as a post to gloat or celebrate my success. I know how disappointed I was with TUI, and would be again this time around had I not been successful.
I simply want to highlight that while n=1 is certainly not sufficient evidence to silence the critics, there are candidates who are succeeding without these ‘magic contacts’. I would hate for someone to read these posts and feel they shouldn’t bother applying in future.
Velo2023, many thanks for your post with great oversight. I would like to congratulate you on gaining a place on this wonderful opportunity. British Airways is a great place to be especially now with a lot going on and new aircrafts coming in.
I can only echo what Wiggy and yourself have stated that it doesn't matter much who or what you know or do here with regards to training as the process is automated. I know this because I work at BA, put an application in, went through the hoops, but unfortunately came short.
But then I know it's thoroughly an open and fair process, and will do it again.
And so, I'll DM you Velo2023 for advice and guidance.
Well done and all the best.
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I’d be staggered if nepotism had anything to do with it. Unless there is a question saying ‘do you have a BA training captain as a parent’ how could it help? Everyone applied through a part automated and part humanised application tracking system. Computer’s don’t discriminate based on surnames or school ties.
The interviews and assessment will have been against set criteria, BA is way too big to get a cheeky CV in through the back door.
Would the kids have benefited from their parent working for BA just by the nature of that? How would they not, you can’t expect them to forget everything they’ve picked up about BA via osmosis over the last 20 years just for the application. Have you considered perhaps that they may also have just been very strong candidates?
The cost barrier is removed, that doesn’t mean it’s means-tested, that would in and of itself be discriminatory.
I’d focus less on what others around you are doing and more on what you can to make yourself the best candidate you possibly can be for next time round. Your current attitude may be what caused your application to fail this time round.
Celebrate it for what it is, a fantastic scheme, one that hopefully gets copycat schemes from other airlines.
The interviews and assessment will have been against set criteria, BA is way too big to get a cheeky CV in through the back door.
Would the kids have benefited from their parent working for BA just by the nature of that? How would they not, you can’t expect them to forget everything they’ve picked up about BA via osmosis over the last 20 years just for the application. Have you considered perhaps that they may also have just been very strong candidates?
The cost barrier is removed, that doesn’t mean it’s means-tested, that would in and of itself be discriminatory.
I’d focus less on what others around you are doing and more on what you can to make yourself the best candidate you possibly can be for next time round. Your current attitude may be what caused your application to fail this time round.
Celebrate it for what it is, a fantastic scheme, one that hopefully gets copycat schemes from other airlines.
However, it is also clear that those who have been privately educated (at least 7 on LinkedIn) and/or have parents who are BA captains (at least 3) have also been selected. Whilst I’m sure these people were good candidates, their background indicates that they are more likely to have been in a position to pay for it themselves (not always the case, but generally true!).
Meanwhile, those who are from less advantaged backgrounds and who have been scraping together money for flying hours towards a career instead have to face getting a loan. These individuals may have volunteered cleaning aircraft in exchange for flying, or applied for scholarships to try and make their way in the industry.
A harsh reality for many anyway, but if I was going through this process I’d have been annoyed to see those from advantaged backgrounds being selected too. Definitely not bitter.
Don’t get me wrong, it is brilliant that BA is running this scheme, and like TUI are setting an example for others to follow. I just seriously hope that they are looking at both CVs and background to ensure that the scheme increases financial diversity as claimed in all their PR. It could certainly damage their reputation amongst many if not.
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In the interest of balance I feel the need to reply regarding queries over the impartiality of the process.
I consider myself incredibly privileged and honoured to have been accepted onto the programme and while I cannot comment on other candidates I can provide some insight to my own background to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns.
I'm 36 years old, I have a professional degree and have had a successful career in my current industry for the last 13 years, an industry unrelated to aviation I might add but one from which a lot of transferable skills exist. I have no family or friend contacts within British Airways, or any other airline or sector of aviation for that matter.
A career as an airline pilot has been a lifelong held ambition for me that simply had never been an option to date, the financial barrier was just too great. At the end of last year when the TUI programme was announced I thought all my Christmas’ had come at once. I considered my chances relatively small due to the sheer volume of competition but it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I applied and made it through to the penultimate stage. While this was disappointing at the time, the entire process and experience only served to ignite my enthusiasm and determination even further. I took on board their feedback, sought out advice from friends of friends who work in the industry, and reaffirmed that this was what I really wanted to pursue.
Fast forward 7-months and I’m now sitting with a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy and with a conditional offer for a role with British Airways. (I still can’t believe his as I type).
This is by no means intended as a post to gloat or celebrate my success. I know how disappointed I was with TUI, and would be again this time around had I not been successful.
I simply want to highlight that while n=1 is certainly not sufficient evidence to silence the critics, there are candidates who are succeeding without these ‘magic contacts’. I would hate for someone to read these posts and feel they shouldn’t bother applying in future.
I consider myself incredibly privileged and honoured to have been accepted onto the programme and while I cannot comment on other candidates I can provide some insight to my own background to hopefully alleviate some of these concerns.
I'm 36 years old, I have a professional degree and have had a successful career in my current industry for the last 13 years, an industry unrelated to aviation I might add but one from which a lot of transferable skills exist. I have no family or friend contacts within British Airways, or any other airline or sector of aviation for that matter.
A career as an airline pilot has been a lifelong held ambition for me that simply had never been an option to date, the financial barrier was just too great. At the end of last year when the TUI programme was announced I thought all my Christmas’ had come at once. I considered my chances relatively small due to the sheer volume of competition but it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I applied and made it through to the penultimate stage. While this was disappointing at the time, the entire process and experience only served to ignite my enthusiasm and determination even further. I took on board their feedback, sought out advice from friends of friends who work in the industry, and reaffirmed that this was what I really wanted to pursue.
Fast forward 7-months and I’m now sitting with a place on the Speedbird Pilot Academy and with a conditional offer for a role with British Airways. (I still can’t believe his as I type).
This is by no means intended as a post to gloat or celebrate my success. I know how disappointed I was with TUI, and would be again this time around had I not been successful.
I simply want to highlight that while n=1 is certainly not sufficient evidence to silence the critics, there are candidates who are succeeding without these ‘magic contacts’. I would hate for someone to read these posts and feel they shouldn’t bother applying in future.
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I liked the sound of Aj2017 I hope they made it.
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If my kids really wanted it and I had the money, I'd send them on an integrated course, not snatch a full ride from those struggling to be noticed. It's clear that who you know and the school you went to impacts who makes the cut.
Sure, some got in through connections, but that doesn't make it right, or fair. The system's frustrating - in an airline preaching diversity, you'd think they'd level the playing field so nobody had an unfair advantage. Two siblings getting it out of 24,000 applicants just screams nepotism - I’m sure you can agree that it is far too much of a coincidence. Theres a 1 in 48,000 chance that they’d both be on it - so it defies the odds. It's all about "jobs for the lads." Just pointing out the obvious facts.
Sure, some got in through connections, but that doesn't make it right, or fair. The system's frustrating - in an airline preaching diversity, you'd think they'd level the playing field so nobody had an unfair advantage. Two siblings getting it out of 24,000 applicants just screams nepotism - I’m sure you can agree that it is far too much of a coincidence. Theres a 1 in 48,000 chance that they’d both be on it - so it defies the odds. It's all about "jobs for the lads." Just pointing out the obvious facts.
Your second sentence shows you don’t fully appreciate what this scheme is. Most people can sort out a loan to put themselves, or a son or daughter through flight training, and likely would if there was a near guaranteed job at the end of it. The issue is getting that first flying job, and this is truly where the scheme’s value lies. If you’d pay £100k on the off chance that there was a job at the end of it, rather than apply for a scheme that has a conditional job offer attached, you are too much of a risk taker to be a good pilot.
Speedbird pilot Acadamy-Funded
Quick observation is that most of the 100 successful candidates didn't have Daddy as a BA Capt or went to privilaged schools. Those were in a minority.
I have long poked fun at nepotism. Absolutely rife and clearcut all over the place.It has it's place and very annoying for those of us not so favoured. Very little we can do.
Having failed Hamble selection, I poked serious fun, still do at nepotism and connections. Looking back, I think, competitively, others deserved a place more than me.
Dad was a Freemason. Very wealthy. Middle East earner. Cheque book Dad. Ex Army Colonel. With three kids, he decided he was not going to fork out for all three. So, funded none. We were all ex-pat brats, failed the 11 plus and went to Roman Catholic State Secondary Moderns in total but do in part..I asked him for 5K in order to go to OATS for CPL/IR and offered to repay the entire amount out of subsequent salary. He said NO !
I stuck with total focus to the sponsored route. Failed but improved at each set-back. BKS Air Transport advertised forr a top-up course and wanted TWO Cadets. 1000 applied. By then, I was within the age and education requirement. I offered Uk PPL, IMC, R/T, , 200 hours, five years working in Ops as Crewing Walla, Crewing Officer, Loader, Ops DO and six months Nav Course at Cass College.
I got one of the two places.
Fabbo news for the 100. Others, take the punch, get up, take a breath and NEVER stop trying. Some , but not as many as you think, will have been privilaged. Put it out of your mind. Of course it is not fair. What the hell is.. I was going to say Good luck. There is no luck in it and don't plan for such.
When you have fired up all four, tell co-jo to "Set Thrust". feel a punch in the back, level off at 430000ft and a pretty young thang says "Tea Captain ?"......................S M I L E .......................
I have long poked fun at nepotism. Absolutely rife and clearcut all over the place.It has it's place and very annoying for those of us not so favoured. Very little we can do.
Having failed Hamble selection, I poked serious fun, still do at nepotism and connections. Looking back, I think, competitively, others deserved a place more than me.
Dad was a Freemason. Very wealthy. Middle East earner. Cheque book Dad. Ex Army Colonel. With three kids, he decided he was not going to fork out for all three. So, funded none. We were all ex-pat brats, failed the 11 plus and went to Roman Catholic State Secondary Moderns in total but do in part..I asked him for 5K in order to go to OATS for CPL/IR and offered to repay the entire amount out of subsequent salary. He said NO !
I stuck with total focus to the sponsored route. Failed but improved at each set-back. BKS Air Transport advertised forr a top-up course and wanted TWO Cadets. 1000 applied. By then, I was within the age and education requirement. I offered Uk PPL, IMC, R/T, , 200 hours, five years working in Ops as Crewing Walla, Crewing Officer, Loader, Ops DO and six months Nav Course at Cass College.
I got one of the two places.
Fabbo news for the 100. Others, take the punch, get up, take a breath and NEVER stop trying. Some , but not as many as you think, will have been privilaged. Put it out of your mind. Of course it is not fair. What the hell is.. I was going to say Good luck. There is no luck in it and don't plan for such.
When you have fired up all four, tell co-jo to "Set Thrust". feel a punch in the back, level off at 430000ft and a pretty young thang says "Tea Captain ?"......................S M I L E .......................
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: London
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