BA DECs

[fullforward]

Rumour has it BA will need DECs in a not so distant future.
I don't believe, but...

[expedite_climb]

Wasn't the 1st april a few months back ????????

[Ghostflyer]

Fullforward, sign me up now! I knew the old Balpa membership would come in handy one day. Watch out for pigs falling from the sky.

Ghost

[Human Factor]

FF,

There are (more than) enough suitably qualified pilots within BA to take any commands which may become available, so wishful thinking I'm afraid.

[Ray D'Avecta]

Its true!!!!

I was standing right next to 'Fullforward' in Lord Lucans pub, watching a pig fly by, when Elvis told us about the BA DEC's.

[behind_the_second_midland]

fullforward

Clueless.

[expedite_climb]

I think all the the sun down in the gulf is making Fullforward daydream about getting out and back to the UK!

[Lost For Words]

I have heard that BA DEC's will be available to any current BA F/O with at least 15 years' seniority and the ability to pass a command course.

But that's just a rumour...

[Airbus Girl]

In a similar vein, what criteria do BA use for command selection? Is it purely on seniority (ie. does everyone get a chance at a course) or do FOs have various hoops to jump through first? Presumably if everyone has jumped through the hoops then its the most senior who gets first chance at a course rather than the one who jumped through the hoops first?

[NigelOnDraft]

In BA we bid for the seats / fleets we want annually. There are various freezes, which BA may waive at their discretion, but a freeze does not stop you bidding. There are also some "requirements" for certain fleets / seats (ATPL for LH, Command, hours, medical etc.)

For those eligible to bid, then courses are allocated by seniority. Of course, having got an a course, particularly a Command Course, it is no guarantee to pass.

There are couple of hoops and maybe some more coming, but essentially you are bidding purely by seniority.