Ok this is not a bashing thread, we all know the farce that is the BA pensions scheme, the looong time to command, and the general negative impression that BA seems to generate on here from time to time.
My question is this. Im thinking of applying as DE F/O...currently Im flying for a well known and respected UK charter operator on the 757/767.
What are the thoughts of those currently in the Boeing fleets? is the 777 a fun fleet (dont moan about never having weekends off..I fly charter so I havent had a weekend off for about 3 yrs ) as this is where I would prefer go.
What do the recruitment people think of experienced guys coming in having operated BA types?
Am I looking at this through rose coloured glasses?
I really want some honest opinion here, tell me what I should be looking for, or rather where I should read between the lines
Cheers
Over to you guys

cervix

You need to ask YOURSELF some questions, not other people.

If you've had enough of charter, and you fancy a shot at LH, then realistically what other choice is there? Virgin? - Yeah maybe, but what if you don't like LH? At least at BA, you can slide back to SH provided you don't mind living in the SE. EK or Cathay? Maybe, but there are significant pitfalls there too.

I think it would depend A LOT on your age, and prospects with your current employer. If you're within 5 years or so of a command, and you are over 30, for me it would be a no-brainer. Stay where you are.

If either of those things are true, it's down to personal choice.

If neither of those things are true, and you are still keen, then join BA with your eyes wide OPEN!

LH is undoubtedly an easier lifestyle, but it doesn't suit everyone, and there are now so many drawbacks to working for BA, I don't even think I want to begin listing them!

BA is now like 'nostalgia'! - It ain't what it used to be!

But then, it just might be the best of a bad bunch!

(Oh, and they do give you a rating without a bond - Catch my drift?)

If I were you i'd try and get in on the 75/76. The 777, when your junior will be constant 3 day trips to the E Coast and Middle East. Its the least "Fun" long haul aircraft until you can get some Gatwick trips, which tend to be senior. The 75/76 is doing increasing amounts of long haul, the Cabin Crews are smaller, more junior and more likely to come out and play on 5 day EBB/NBO etc. Also you get some of the better Short Haul nightstops with eurofleet crew for variety.

If you can get the 744, thats still the place to be for the moment.

If you believe the rumours, the 7576 fleet will become the 767 fleet within the next eighteen months. It will predominantly operate to the East Coast and Africa with a couple of hulls kept in shorthaul configuration.

Also, the 777 may very soon become the fleet to be on....

Go for it I say....A lot of people moan about BA, but I love it. Compared to previous company, my workload is less and my pay is more!! Not to say that I wouldn't change a few things! But in most cases a good company...

In answer to the above, coming from a relatively low hours TP background there is no other employer that can provide the same sort of opportunities at this stage in my career.

ps I've got a sim assessment coming up with BA and was wondering what sort of numerical questions get asked of the handling pilot to test capacity.

I have been on the 777 for 6 months

The 777, when your junior will be constant 3 day trips to the E Coast and Middle East. Its the least "Fun" long haul aircraft until you can get some Gatwick trips, which tend to be senior.

Not so, with Trip Lines I have manged only one E coast since Christmas and since joining the fleet I have been to the Middle East once. Caribbean trips are attainable as well a range of interseting Indian destinations. Chicago is nice too. When I last counted it was over 30 destinations with trips ranging from just over 4 hrs but more commonly 8 hrs to the long distance trips to China. I don't know how long they are as they are not yet junior trips.

Numerical Qs. With a ROC of Xfpm how long will it take to get to X 000ft?
FF is X, quantity is Y. When will you get to mins of Z/What is your endurance?

Anyway back to the 777. Its a nice aircraft to fly. Good kit apart from the bunks.