Ive just joined 👍

Just got the invite for the maths test!

What’s the title of this sub forum mentioned above?


cheers

The threads were merged so it's all under this thread now.

Hi could I be added as well, I can't pm yet, thank youu

Hi there, I would love to join. Unable to join due to no posts. Thanks

I'd love to be added please.

Anyone know how long it takes between finishing the situational test and the maths test?

Has anyone had a checking test invite yet? Good luck everyone

Speedbird vs. Self-Funded

Hey all,

I have some more technical questions about the merits of Speedbird vs doing the Self-Funded route. If the pay scales on Pilot Jobs Network are to be believed, Speedbird graduate cadets have a lower salary over their bonded period of six years (makes sense, as you're reimbursing the company for your training costs). But if you were to self-fund, go through FTEJerez, and end up on the BA Pathway, would you still be paid the lower initial salary of Speedbird graduates, or would you immediately find yourself on the mainline first officer pay scales?

Obviously I understand the merits of Speedbird - it removes the highest barrier to entry for aspiring pilots. But I'm wondering that if I have the funds saved or available, would it make more sense to just self-sponsor, join FTEJerez (or another school associated with BA), and then hopefully land an FO job out of flight school?

Thanks!

It will even itself out in the end as if you have 60-70k to spend on modular you can just use that to supplement your wage over those years.

The great thing with speedbird is you are guaranteed a job at the end of it. You can do a full modular and still end up with no job at the end of it.
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There is a difference in pay which reflects the repayment of the training. The money you might save, by paying for your own training and getting into BA as a self-sponsored pilot, is not worth the risk of forking out the cash and then finding you cannot get a job once qualified.

Speedbird over self-funded.

Pay: Your gross salary will be less coming through SPA, rather than self sponsored where you'd be straight to mainline pay scales. In reality this means that it's probably easiest to think about the SPA route as an interest free loan repaid through salary rather than a totally free training package.
However, at this time I haven't seen the bond agreement but I believe it is for 5 years and might actually be less than the self funded cost anyway [but that is based on third hand info so don't take my word for it]. Regardless, even if you end up paying the full amount back through a lower salary I think this effectively paid pre-income tax (gross), whereas self funded any money you have will be post-income tax (net). This could mean you're effectively paying between 20 to 40% less via the SPA route.
Also, on the self funded routes I don't believe you end up with a type rating. I know BA offer type ratings for self sponsored pilots but I think these are bonded regardless so you are again paying for it anyway.
Note: The pay scaled on PJN don't reflect the SPA pay. At a minimum this is listed in the SPA FAQ as £34k for year 1 but I believe is now higher, closer to £40k. I have no idea what the pay progression is.

Job Security: As others have pointed out, going in to the whole process knowing you have a guaranteed job at the end (assuming you pass and meet the requirements) is by far the biggest value of the SPA route. You don't have to browse these forums for long to see people struggling to find their first job. Also, in the event of a downturn in the industry then I'd be happier coming to the end of my training knowing BA has already invested £100k in me, and will therefore want to employ me to recoup that, rather than being in a similar position but the only person in debt is myself!

Several people have used the words ‘‘straight to mainline pay scales’. I am not sure what is meant by this, but self sponsored pay scales are lower than direct entry payscales (if that is what you are trying to refer to).

I didn't realise that although it makes sense!

Does anyone know when in the process we have to provide documentation, particularly examination certificates? Is this during the initial application, or do we just self-certify at that stage?

I am hoping to apply this year and meet all the requirements. My GSCEs were some time ago, and I need to re-order certificate proof, which will take time. I can provide a degree certificate in Mathematics, but I know thet will want the GCSEs too.

There was discussion on here about how wrong it was that a training Captain’s son was one of the first year’s intake. The argument was that his father surely had the money to put him through flying school himself. The fact is, he knew that the value of the cadet scheme was far more than just covering the cost of the course fees.

Does anyone know if everyone gets invited to all three tests: SJT, Maths and Checking and then the top of these are invited to the PA stage; or is it that you only get to the next stage once you pass the previous. E.g. Checking invite only comes after passing the SJT and Maths tests?

Hopefully that makes sense, thank you.

I know it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things as we react to emails we get, but curious like most on here I'm sure. TIA

Realistically speaking, anyone, regardless of background can eventually come up with the funds for an ATPL. Yes perhaps it won't happen until closer to 30, but the sums involved are not galactic in terms of if you save a bit year on year/go modular, it all adds up. It will boil down to who has the hunger to go through all that of course. Even in poorer areas of the UK, people still have means to secure decent paying jobs. Combine with living with parents etc etc

With that in mind, I see no reason why said LTC's son shouldn't have joined in. Otherwise they'd have to start means testing everyone, thus narrowing the pool. Ironic given the intended purpose of funding it in the first place!