BA Holding Pool
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BA Holding Pool
Hi everyone!
Assuming forthcoming interview & sim success, has anyone got any estimates on how many are currently in the BA holding pool and/or how long the average swim is? Similarly, how far into next year has anyone been offered a course?
Cheers...
Assuming forthcoming interview & sim success, has anyone got any estimates on how many are currently in the BA holding pool and/or how long the average swim is? Similarly, how far into next year has anyone been offered a course?
Cheers...
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Emirates Living - The Meadows
Age: 79
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Last edited by Vortex Thing; 5th Dec 2006 at 22:49. Reason: typo for a change at this time in the morning
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Windsor
Age: 42
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Holding Pool
I joined about 2 months ago, just doing my line-training at the moment. Speaking from personal experience, the whole process from interview to starting the JOC course took about 6 months. However, I spoke to a guy recently who said that he had the selection and sim ride in the same week and started his JOC course about 4 weeks after that. I don’t think there is a hold pool as such, and on our fleet (A320) there’s between 4 and 8 new FO’s being trained each month. I’m sure it’s about the same on the 737 at Gatwick.
I think that there sometimes is a bit of a delay in the system as the guys who do the recruitment process and sim checks also fly on the line and so are very busy and sometimes don’t get enough time to get the paperwork done, so everything gets put back a bit. Also, once you get the OK you’ll have to get security clearance which sometimes can take a while to come through.
When I did my selection and sim ride, all the people in charge of the process where really great, and made a real effort to make you feel at ease during what is quite a stressful period. Hope this helps a bit, good luck for the selection.
I think that there sometimes is a bit of a delay in the system as the guys who do the recruitment process and sim checks also fly on the line and so are very busy and sometimes don’t get enough time to get the paperwork done, so everything gets put back a bit. Also, once you get the OK you’ll have to get security clearance which sometimes can take a while to come through.
When I did my selection and sim ride, all the people in charge of the process where really great, and made a real effort to make you feel at ease during what is quite a stressful period. Hope this helps a bit, good luck for the selection.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Surrey, UK
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hi stunter&bunter,
Are you being interviewed as a Direct Entry Pilot (DEP)?
If so there is most definitely a hold pool, however the timescales in the pool are quite variable.
I passed my sim over a couple of months ago and have not had a course date yet. I also know of a couple of other people in a similar position and we are all currently rated on different aircraft.
You will enter the hold pool based on your original interview date. I think BA then try and take people from the pool in order. However, if for instance they had a 757 course and only No1 in the pool and No30 in the pool already had the rating, then it is likely they would get the call rather than just taking No1 and No2 (say Airbus rated).
As far as numbers I have no idea as BA do not usually pass on that information.
A friend of mine passed his sim about 6 months before me and was in the pool for only 1 week, so really it is just luck on the day.
Hope this helps and good luck for the interview and sim.
Are you being interviewed as a Direct Entry Pilot (DEP)?
If so there is most definitely a hold pool, however the timescales in the pool are quite variable.
I passed my sim over a couple of months ago and have not had a course date yet. I also know of a couple of other people in a similar position and we are all currently rated on different aircraft.
You will enter the hold pool based on your original interview date. I think BA then try and take people from the pool in order. However, if for instance they had a 757 course and only No1 in the pool and No30 in the pool already had the rating, then it is likely they would get the call rather than just taking No1 and No2 (say Airbus rated).
As far as numbers I have no idea as BA do not usually pass on that information.
A friend of mine passed his sim about 6 months before me and was in the pool for only 1 week, so really it is just luck on the day.
Hope this helps and good luck for the interview and sim.
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Middle East / UK
Age: 45
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GE
Given that you hate it so much, perhaps a change of career would be better for you? Life outside BA is certainly not much easier, they all have their pros and cons.
Given that you hate it so much, perhaps a change of career would be better for you? Life outside BA is certainly not much easier, they all have their pros and cons.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Given that you hate it so much, perhaps a change of career would be better for you?
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Jerez
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eff Oh
Maybe GE knows what's she is talking about. She is rather turned on... I mean switched on.
GE
How are you doing these days? Never you mind not long now 'till the bond is up then you can go become a Virgin, or lady of leasure.
Kabaka
Unless you know better, why do you assume all pilots are male. You know the girls are rather good at it and perhaps you need to realise it's not a mans domain. Maybe "he" is a she and is quite a honey
Maybe GE knows what's she is talking about. She is rather turned on... I mean switched on.
GE
How are you doing these days? Never you mind not long now 'till the bond is up then you can go become a Virgin, or lady of leasure.
Kabaka
Unless you know better, why do you assume all pilots are male. You know the girls are rather good at it and perhaps you need to realise it's not a mans domain. Maybe "he" is a she and is quite a honey
Registered User **
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Earth
Age: 59
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GE
May I respectfully suggest you sod off to somewhere else then, and leave BA to those of us who rather like it.
I suspect the problem is you are not up to the standard and therefore struggling and unhappy
May I respectfully suggest you sod off to somewhere else then, and leave BA to those of us who rather like it.
I suspect the problem is you are not up to the standard and therefore struggling and unhappy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fair enough angels, I have flown with some very capable girls, and have no problem with women in the flight deck. It was more of a generic "he" than an accusation!
Last edited by TheKabaka; 8th Dec 2006 at 17:29.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Jerez
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TheKabaka
Take the time to read GE's posts and you can fathom out for yourself where the gorgeous and I forgot to say, delightful, GE works.
Nigel
Nigel by name and Nigel by nature. Why give out and assume that if someone is unhappy with their conditions they are not up to the job. If GE wants to, then she can easily stick around and be number one on the seniority list for a number of years and the world within her airline will be her oyster. I know many a pilot who has left BA to Cathay, Emirates etc. and vice versa because the grass was/is a whole lot greener and the lifestyle choice suits them. Perhaps for some the dream wasn't all it turned out to be and for others like yourself the dream is fullfilled. Everyone deserves to find their niche where they can be content. Just unfortunatley bonding makes it harder for some to get out when the reality is different to what was advertised.
Take the time to read GE's posts and you can fathom out for yourself where the gorgeous and I forgot to say, delightful, GE works.
Nigel
Nigel by name and Nigel by nature. Why give out and assume that if someone is unhappy with their conditions they are not up to the job. If GE wants to, then she can easily stick around and be number one on the seniority list for a number of years and the world within her airline will be her oyster. I know many a pilot who has left BA to Cathay, Emirates etc. and vice versa because the grass was/is a whole lot greener and the lifestyle choice suits them. Perhaps for some the dream wasn't all it turned out to be and for others like yourself the dream is fullfilled. Everyone deserves to find their niche where they can be content. Just unfortunatley bonding makes it harder for some to get out when the reality is different to what was advertised.
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Middle East / UK
Age: 45
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Angels 1-5
I do know GE, and her situation. My "advice" was purely based on how she appears to feel about her job. As you have an obvious infatuation with her, presumably from her time in Jerez, perhaps your observations and judgement is a little clouded. In matters not how much of a "honey" any pilot is. Generally this industry is competancy and skill based, not based on looks! (Thankfully)
I do know GE, and her situation. My "advice" was purely based on how she appears to feel about her job. As you have an obvious infatuation with her, presumably from her time in Jerez, perhaps your observations and judgement is a little clouded. In matters not how much of a "honey" any pilot is. Generally this industry is competancy and skill based, not based on looks! (Thankfully)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: glasgow
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eff Oh,
I appreciate your input, however I don't believe that someone would have to be infatuated with me in order to see my point of view.. It's an unpopular view point outside of the company and especially with those who are trying to get in - but it's a common vibe within the company... notwithstanding the mandatory handful of true nigels who lack the personality or imagination to meet any view that may not comply with their own.
Look, quite frankly, the vibe within is that if the pensions go, many of us go too. And, in answer to the nigel who is concerned I may be struggling, Ive got an ATPL, loads of hours & cadet background so just like many many others around - I have options. Eyes open or eyes closed, we all make our choice about how we view reality. All I say is that if you have options, now would be the time to maybe consider looking at them with regards to this particular employer.
I appreciate your input, however I don't believe that someone would have to be infatuated with me in order to see my point of view.. It's an unpopular view point outside of the company and especially with those who are trying to get in - but it's a common vibe within the company... notwithstanding the mandatory handful of true nigels who lack the personality or imagination to meet any view that may not comply with their own.
Look, quite frankly, the vibe within is that if the pensions go, many of us go too. And, in answer to the nigel who is concerned I may be struggling, Ive got an ATPL, loads of hours & cadet background so just like many many others around - I have options. Eyes open or eyes closed, we all make our choice about how we view reality. All I say is that if you have options, now would be the time to maybe consider looking at them with regards to this particular employer.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Jerez
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eff Oh
I know you know her well so why not give her your 'advice' a bit more friendly like on the phone instead of being rude about it and as you know, GE is more than competent enough.
"Why does someone always have to be so nasty when anyone asks a question!!! ???"
I imagine it must be for those bonded to see Direct Entry FO's who perhaps were not able to get a Cadetship but did a year on a tuboprop jump into the same job as a DEP not TEP yet below on the seniority list but significantly better paid. After a few months that would grate after 5 years it could really get your goat.
I know you know her well so why not give her your 'advice' a bit more friendly like on the phone instead of being rude about it and as you know, GE is more than competent enough.
"Why does someone always have to be so nasty when anyone asks a question!!! ???"
I imagine it must be for those bonded to see Direct Entry FO's who perhaps were not able to get a Cadetship but did a year on a tuboprop jump into the same job as a DEP not TEP yet below on the seniority list but significantly better paid. After a few months that would grate after 5 years it could really get your goat.
Last edited by Angels One Fife; 8th Dec 2006 at 21:16.
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Middle East / UK
Age: 45
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The "infatuation" remark was ment to be tounge in cheek! 
GE
I agree about BA. I would never swap what I do for that. I have never wanted to, and never will! However, what I'm trying to say is, the job both inside and outside BA is the same. The difference is pehaps the company philosophy. Both will have good points, and both will have bad points. BA will, and does suit many, however it will not be everyone's cup of tea. It's not mine, and it appears that it's not yours. There is nothing wrong with that, and that is the beauty of what we do. We can fly turboprops round the Scottish islands or into dirt strips in Africa, or B747s into Hong Kong or JFK. Again both have their advantages and disadvantages.
You will always get boring numptys in any company!! Sad, but true. The idea is not to become one of them!!
To finish, if you truely enjoy the job but not the company, then for your career and sanity's sake leave! If it's not the company then a new career is the answer. Whatever it is, and whatever you do, good luck and I wish you all the best.
BTW I didn't know you BA Cadets were bonded. I thought that BA didn't bond? Or is that all a distant memory now??
GE
I agree about BA. I would never swap what I do for that. I have never wanted to, and never will! However, what I'm trying to say is, the job both inside and outside BA is the same. The difference is pehaps the company philosophy. Both will have good points, and both will have bad points. BA will, and does suit many, however it will not be everyone's cup of tea. It's not mine, and it appears that it's not yours. There is nothing wrong with that, and that is the beauty of what we do. We can fly turboprops round the Scottish islands or into dirt strips in Africa, or B747s into Hong Kong or JFK. Again both have their advantages and disadvantages.
You will always get boring numptys in any company!! Sad, but true. The idea is not to become one of them!!
To finish, if you truely enjoy the job but not the company, then for your career and sanity's sake leave! If it's not the company then a new career is the answer. Whatever it is, and whatever you do, good luck and I wish you all the best. BTW I didn't know you BA Cadets were bonded. I thought that BA didn't bond? Or is that all a distant memory now??
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did not know BA bonded its cadets either. DEP have no bond. If ge does move she may find that a different uniform does not make you any happier, and may well find things are worse.
I join BA in a few days as a DEP and if it is not a vast improvement on my current company I will pay my first years salery to great expectations.
I join BA in a few days as a DEP and if it is not a vast improvement on my current company I will pay my first years salery to great expectations.
Last edited by TheKabaka; 9th Dec 2006 at 10:38.