BA A380
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BA A380
I spoke recently with a BA 380 Training Capt. During general conversation about this great aircraft he mentioned BA and the Training dept..would prefer only Airbus experienced pilots to convert, as Boeing pilots would find the conversion very difficult.
I believe the first two or three BA hulls will have only ex Airbus pilots, for faster training into service etc.
Many pilots have converted to the A320 for their Commands from Boeings and other airlines have ex 747 to A330 with no difficulty. The RAF are presently converting 2000hr. ex TriStar Capts to the A330.
Other then size, ( no jokes please) what's so difficult about flying the BA 380?
I believe the first two or three BA hulls will have only ex Airbus pilots, for faster training into service etc.
Many pilots have converted to the A320 for their Commands from Boeings and other airlines have ex 747 to A330 with no difficulty. The RAF are presently converting 2000hr. ex TriStar Capts to the A330.
Other then size, ( no jokes please) what's so difficult about flying the BA 380?
I'm not sure it's down perceived "difficulty".
The company has a pool of both Airbus and Boeing pilots, so to speak. Having flown one breed and jumpseated many times on the other to my aged brain there certainly seem to be "cultural" differences. I think it was considered easier and cheaper from the company's POV to at least initially, do a shortish type change for current/former Airbus pilots rather than both a type and Boeing to Airbus change.
LF
Some of the very early trainers who converted had a mix of experience but certainly for the first few courses for the line guys and girls there was a requirement to be current or ex-Airbus. I belive in the near future even that gate will be removed and even run in the mill Boeing pilots can apply.
The company has a pool of both Airbus and Boeing pilots, so to speak. Having flown one breed and jumpseated many times on the other to my aged brain there certainly seem to be "cultural" differences. I think it was considered easier and cheaper from the company's POV to at least initially, do a shortish type change for current/former Airbus pilots rather than both a type and Boeing to Airbus change.
LF
Not sure about that. One of the first 380 conversions was a 747 guy.
Last edited by wiggy; 13th Oct 2013 at 10:04.
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The main difference between the Boeing and the Airbus, is the use of two hands.
You can only fly the aircraft in the left seat using your left hand and the right seat with your right hand.
Boeing you would normally use both hands.
You can only fly the aircraft in the left seat using your left hand and the right seat with your right hand.
Boeing you would normally use both hands.
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If the article in the current edition if "The Log" is to believed, this aircraft is only for the MOST experienced pilots. Those without this experience won't be able cope. Also, because of the large number of cabin crew, "a clear lead has to be set" by the commander. ...and other such tosh! Or there again, you could take the Qantas F/O's line, another contributor to the same article, that this is just another big aircraft.
However, what I did get from the article was a "whiff of Walpole" therefore I'll not fly on one BA's in case I get the clown who wrote the article. The odds are not good enough.
However, what I did get from the article was a "whiff of Walpole" therefore I'll not fly on one BA's in case I get the clown who wrote the article. The odds are not good enough.
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I suppose it would come down to the CCQ (Cross crew qualification) issue. Airbus pride themselves on pilots being able to advance through the airbus fleet quickly, and relatively cheaply also. Saves costs, which may be a factor.
I believe you can go from a 320 to a 380 in about 13 working days, or at least, that's the figure given by Airbus themselves.
I believe you can go from a 320 to a 380 in about 13 working days, or at least, that's the figure given by Airbus themselves.
PM
I think there's always been a feeling a could be an "ego fleet" but I'm not so sure it's going to turn out that way, and at least one or two of the very early/senior trainers are very grounded and popular blokes. There are also signs that as more pilots from a variety of backgrounds successfully bid to move onto the 380 in the very near future (i.e. in the next 6-18 months) there'll be a bit of dilution of any contrary elements, if such is needed.
Ah, interesting you picked up on that phrase. I'd suggest that given the context it's a fair comment that tells you far more about crew and interdepartmental politics at BA than it does about the personality of the author.
I think there's always been a feeling a could be an "ego fleet" but I'm not so sure it's going to turn out that way, and at least one or two of the very early/senior trainers are very grounded and popular blokes. There are also signs that as more pilots from a variety of backgrounds successfully bid to move onto the 380 in the very near future (i.e. in the next 6-18 months) there'll be a bit of dilution of any contrary elements, if such is needed.
Also, because of the large number of cabin crew, "a clear lead has to be set" by the commander. ..and other such "tosh"
Last edited by wiggy; 15th Oct 2013 at 08:18. Reason: Removing contentious comment
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Wiggy - I have to say that every BA pilot I've met to date has appeared to be very pleasant and I imagine, easy to work with. Many are my friends. And I've also met quite a few BA cabin crew over the years too and they appear to be a useful bunch as well. Quite why they need to be led is beyond me. My experience is that they'll do their job and tell you in a timely fashion what you need to know. But I do take your point about the politics. Oh, and the article contains several other howlers as well.
