BA / Virgin new recruits
Passes are done before lunch on the first day.
I am not sure if cheap, quiet and pleasant go together.
I found a cheap and pleasant place that wasn't quiet (although other people think that it is OK). So I have gone for expensive-ish, quiet and pleasant at a well known convenient hotel.
PM if you require phone numbers.
Going rate seems to be £90 a week for 'cheap' accom and there are a number of places owned by BA staff (not including those on the Cranebank list), who specialise in renting rooms to people under training.
I am not sure if cheap, quiet and pleasant go together.
I found a cheap and pleasant place that wasn't quiet (although other people think that it is OK). So I have gone for expensive-ish, quiet and pleasant at a well known convenient hotel.
PM if you require phone numbers.
Going rate seems to be £90 a week for 'cheap' accom and there are a number of places owned by BA staff (not including those on the Cranebank list), who specialise in renting rooms to people under training.
Join Date: Mar 2000
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Now is certainly a good time to join the B777 fleet. There will be 120 new joiners between June 05 and June 06. You'll start at the bottom of the seniority list but you won't stay there long.
Join Date: Jun 2000
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BA 777
Justing backing up LFW's words..... I joined 7 months ago and have shot up the list like a rocket. I get at least one full, (often more) plus a couple of half weekends every month, and some nice trips too. People around my seniority are starting to be senior enough to get the really nice trips like PEK and ANU.
One summer month gave me almost EVERY weekend off. (Perhaps a slight exception to the norm!)
One summer month gave me almost EVERY weekend off. (Perhaps a slight exception to the norm!)
Join Date: Apr 2001
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How long is the 777 recruitment going to continue for? I wont have the hours until February but I intend to apply by the closing date of October 31st.
Is there any chance if I wait till the next application time?
Is there any chance if I wait till the next application time?
Join Date: Aug 2002
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I'm in similar position to prob30, won't hav e 2000hrs for about another 6 months of low cost 73 flying.
If I were to go for assessment now is it possible to just hold out for the 777 until you have the hours?
If I were to go for assessment now is it possible to just hold out for the 777 until you have the hours?
Join Date: Apr 2001
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I have heared from a mate who wnet through selction that if you are interiews without the hours you will be on for the airbus. Only if you have 2000 hours by the sim assesment are you eligible for long haul.
Have also heared that the fleet choice is yours and you can sit in the pool.....
can anyone tell us more?
Have also heared that the fleet choice is yours and you can sit in the pool.....
can anyone tell us more?
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Those that I know within the company tell me that the B777 is probably the unhappiest fleet around. Is it really as green as everyone makes out. Those on short haul all seem to be bidding for the 744 and a few for the 757/767.
Join Date: Sep 1999
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Its the usual suspects moaning their arses off on the BALPA forum.
Most of them don't know they are born in BA and I would hazard a guess that you chaps on here that fancy joining will have the life of Riley on the 777.
That's if you can stand the moaning prima donna element of my collegues.
But don't worry too much, despite the fact they think they know it all and everyone shares their view, they are in the minority.
Good luck
NN
Most of them don't know they are born in BA and I would hazard a guess that you chaps on here that fancy joining will have the life of Riley on the 777.
That's if you can stand the moaning prima donna element of my collegues.
But don't worry too much, despite the fact they think they know it all and everyone shares their view, they are in the minority.
Good luck
NN
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Hello to all - a long time watcher but no posts until now.
About to leave the air force and have just been given a start date for the 757/767 with BA. A big and pleasant surprise since without heavy/widebody experience, I was assuming I would join the A320 fleet.
Therefore, can anyone shed more light on this fleet, rosters, satisfaction, destinations etc. I've heard good vibes but no hard facts. Either way...can't wait!
Thanks
SG
About to leave the air force and have just been given a start date for the 757/767 with BA. A big and pleasant surprise since without heavy/widebody experience, I was assuming I would join the A320 fleet.
Therefore, can anyone shed more light on this fleet, rosters, satisfaction, destinations etc. I've heard good vibes but no hard facts. Either way...can't wait!
Thanks
SG
Join Date: May 2000
Location: South East
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Ah, the Gentlemen's fleet at last to see some recruitment.
Almost everybody on the fleet seems content with their lot. At the moment it's a fantastic mix of sunny long haul destinations, mostly African, and a little east coast States/Caribbean as well as European and Domestic short haul.
Some of the short haul 76's are currently being converted to long haul which will increase the percentage of long haul work, however with the change will come a change in route structure and more east coast/Canadian destinations are being mentioned.
Aircraft numbers mean rostering is rarely as severe as one or two of BA's other fleets. Most long haul trips require a 'heavy' crew which makes life far more comfortable, with the added bonus that long haul trips make it all the way to the bottom of the FO's seniority list. Short haul ranges from day trips to 4/5 day tours. As we do th e higher density flights we leave the very early starts to our friends on the Airbus.
All in all the majority on the fleet consider it to be the fleet to be on, and thus commands this year went very senior.
BA has recently invested a considerable sum of money in the cabins but believe me this doesn't stop the long haul crews moaning about them, on the upside the long haul cabin crews on the 76 are usually more junior are more sociable than some of the more 'senior' fleets.
Medium term Ba has stated that it will be the first fleet to be replaced, but with current lead in times I think we are safe for the moment.
Welcome and for the moment consider yourself a lucky man, things this good rarely last.
Almost everybody on the fleet seems content with their lot. At the moment it's a fantastic mix of sunny long haul destinations, mostly African, and a little east coast States/Caribbean as well as European and Domestic short haul.
Some of the short haul 76's are currently being converted to long haul which will increase the percentage of long haul work, however with the change will come a change in route structure and more east coast/Canadian destinations are being mentioned.
Aircraft numbers mean rostering is rarely as severe as one or two of BA's other fleets. Most long haul trips require a 'heavy' crew which makes life far more comfortable, with the added bonus that long haul trips make it all the way to the bottom of the FO's seniority list. Short haul ranges from day trips to 4/5 day tours. As we do th e higher density flights we leave the very early starts to our friends on the Airbus.
All in all the majority on the fleet consider it to be the fleet to be on, and thus commands this year went very senior.
BA has recently invested a considerable sum of money in the cabins but believe me this doesn't stop the long haul crews moaning about them, on the upside the long haul cabin crews on the 76 are usually more junior are more sociable than some of the more 'senior' fleets.
Medium term Ba has stated that it will be the first fleet to be replaced, but with current lead in times I think we are safe for the moment.
Welcome and for the moment consider yourself a lucky man, things this good rarely last.
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: rome
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Hello guys,
I am writing to ask to those of you working for BA about an estimate for the move to the left seat for a new joiner.( February 2006)
I know it is a very tough question but I have to base my decision of leaving my company,where i expect 8 years to command, based on this estimate.
I 'd love to join BA , but doing this i wouln't like to kill my career for ever.
I am 31 and already benn in a european major for 7 years.
Any suggestions from the very recently hired BA pilots?
Thanks.
I am writing to ask to those of you working for BA about an estimate for the move to the left seat for a new joiner.( February 2006)
I know it is a very tough question but I have to base my decision of leaving my company,where i expect 8 years to command, based on this estimate.
I 'd love to join BA , but doing this i wouln't like to kill my career for ever.
I am 31 and already benn in a european major for 7 years.
Any suggestions from the very recently hired BA pilots?
Thanks.
Join Date: Nov 1999
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SG
The 75/76 along with the -400 are the two most popular fleets in BA, and with good reason. Most are very happy with the mix of work, and the longhaul destinations are generally good fun and not too tiring, ie 4 or 5 day africa with a night flight out and a day flight home. At the present time the LH destinations are: Accra, Baltimore, Dar es Salaam, Detroit, Entebbe, Lagos, Lusaka, Nassau, Nairobi, New York (from MAN) and Tel Aviv. Rumours abound about the possible new routes but the expectation is east coast USA, Canada and/or Middle East.
SH routes are the major hubs, generally the rush hour business or popular tourist times. There are plenty of 'high credit' day trips for those who want to come into work as little as possible but still be home in the evening.
It's a relatively small fleet, in BA terms, with about 180 Fo's and you do get to know some of the guys and girls as you fly with them, or see them down route. LH cabin crew may complain because the routes are worth no money to them, and there are no bunks, but generally the places lend themselves to a few beers and a good meal, so fun is had by all!
The 75 may fall to Wllie's axe at some point but that will just mean it becomes more of a LH fleet, and hence a pay rise.
All in all a good fleet, fantastic aeroplanes performance wise and lots of interesting destinations. Spend a few years enjoying it before the general move to the -400 to do 'proper LH' until your number comes up for a command. Good luck.
The 75/76 along with the -400 are the two most popular fleets in BA, and with good reason. Most are very happy with the mix of work, and the longhaul destinations are generally good fun and not too tiring, ie 4 or 5 day africa with a night flight out and a day flight home. At the present time the LH destinations are: Accra, Baltimore, Dar es Salaam, Detroit, Entebbe, Lagos, Lusaka, Nassau, Nairobi, New York (from MAN) and Tel Aviv. Rumours abound about the possible new routes but the expectation is east coast USA, Canada and/or Middle East.
SH routes are the major hubs, generally the rush hour business or popular tourist times. There are plenty of 'high credit' day trips for those who want to come into work as little as possible but still be home in the evening.
It's a relatively small fleet, in BA terms, with about 180 Fo's and you do get to know some of the guys and girls as you fly with them, or see them down route. LH cabin crew may complain because the routes are worth no money to them, and there are no bunks, but generally the places lend themselves to a few beers and a good meal, so fun is had by all!
The 75 may fall to Wllie's axe at some point but that will just mean it becomes more of a LH fleet, and hence a pay rise.
All in all a good fleet, fantastic aeroplanes performance wise and lots of interesting destinations. Spend a few years enjoying it before the general move to the -400 to do 'proper LH' until your number comes up for a command. Good luck.
Join Date: Dec 2004
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757/767
Thanks for the replies. The variety sounds excellent. Final question - I assume there are certain criteria to meet/hours to obtain before progressing from the 757 to the 767. How long would that usually take and although I'm sure I should know - the criteria for ETOPS qual?
All in all those I've spoken to have had similar sentiments - a great place to be!
Ta,
SG
All in all those I've spoken to have had similar sentiments - a great place to be!
Ta,
SG
Join Date: May 2000
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On day one at Cranebank you will get a training manual which lists a whole series of hours/experience tables which show when you'll be able to start 76 flying and then ETOPS flying.
But in reality its all rubbish. The Christmas before last they ran out of ETOP qualified FO's. It cost the company a fortune as thay had to pay expensive overtime rates to cover the trips while a third of the fleet were tucking into mince pies at home. Suddenly we all got ETOPs courses.
I think now (and don't quote me) you finish your line training and then do 20 sectors before your rostered a 76 trip (shorthaul). From memory its then about 2/3 months before your ETOPS training which has to be a transatlantic trip.
Enjoy
But in reality its all rubbish. The Christmas before last they ran out of ETOP qualified FO's. It cost the company a fortune as thay had to pay expensive overtime rates to cover the trips while a third of the fleet were tucking into mince pies at home. Suddenly we all got ETOPs courses.
I think now (and don't quote me) you finish your line training and then do 20 sectors before your rostered a 76 trip (shorthaul). From memory its then about 2/3 months before your ETOPS training which has to be a transatlantic trip.
Enjoy
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Fellas
Just wondering if anybody can comment on the waiting period after completing the medical questionnaire before hearing something back from BA ? Has anybody had to come in for a medical, any reason why?
I just got the word that I passed the selections and I am burning to hand in my notice before the end of this month ! :-)
Congrats to all you DEP's !!
And of course congrats to all of you with other major achievements !! (no discrimination here)
ehem...
Thanks
Just wondering if anybody can comment on the waiting period after completing the medical questionnaire before hearing something back from BA ? Has anybody had to come in for a medical, any reason why?
I just got the word that I passed the selections and I am burning to hand in my notice before the end of this month ! :-)
Congrats to all you DEP's !!
And of course congrats to all of you with other major achievements !! (no discrimination here)
ehem...
Thanks
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Trietwentie,
Having recently been through the process and just come out of the pool - I had a similar experience with it all going a bit quiet after the med questionnaire etc.
I had already told BA when I would be available so made a couple of calls to the HR dept who were v helpful and informative in confirming that everything was ok etc and that yes - I was in the pool. As a result I received an informal email of confirmation.
I got the impression that nothing formal would happen until 3 months before a start date as that is when course allocation/planning is done.
In due course and true to their word - I got the job offer and cse date. Therefore in 'my experience' it seems that once you have confirmed an availability date, they work around you to fit you in where they can so you may well have to assume all is ok and take the plunge with your notice..?
Good Luck
SG
Having recently been through the process and just come out of the pool - I had a similar experience with it all going a bit quiet after the med questionnaire etc.
I had already told BA when I would be available so made a couple of calls to the HR dept who were v helpful and informative in confirming that everything was ok etc and that yes - I was in the pool. As a result I received an informal email of confirmation.
I got the impression that nothing formal would happen until 3 months before a start date as that is when course allocation/planning is done.
In due course and true to their word - I got the job offer and cse date. Therefore in 'my experience' it seems that once you have confirmed an availability date, they work around you to fit you in where they can so you may well have to assume all is ok and take the plunge with your notice..?
Good Luck
SG