British Airways Hold Pool News
To confirm, potential recruits will need a current A320, B757/767 or B737 rating with at least 500 hours of flying on one of those types. Not good news for those in the hold pool (approx 120 total in the pool) who don't have those requirements ...... but apparently the company has written to all those who were in the pool and told them that?
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Abbey Road, just curious about the 120 people that were in the hold pool. Is that just DEP or was it SSP aswell. I was in the hold pool as an SSP but I am hoping to reapply as a DEP if I meet the requirements.
Many Thanks
Many Thanks
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Paying for a type rating doesn't seem so stupid now!! As far as I was aware, last time BA really struggled to find enough people, type rated or not to fill the pool. By limiting the requirements, are they limiting their choice?
I may be a touch bitter, 750 hrs 2 years ago was good enough, 2500hrs now falls along way short.
Jamin
I may be a touch bitter, 750 hrs 2 years ago was good enough, 2500hrs now falls along way short.
Jamin
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Rumour becomes Fact
Company email from a senior manager sent to all BA pilots:
Due to growth in our Summer 2011 flying programme, we anticipate a need to recruit pilots to ensure we have the correct pilot establishment to fly the programme.
A business case has been submitted and we have received approval to recruit 80 pilots in the financial year 2011 to 2012. Once more detail emerges about the planned flying programme for Winter 2011 a further review will take place, which may result in the need to submit a further business case for additional pilot recruitment.
Our campaign to recruit 80 pilots for next summer will open on 1 October 2010 and will initially be for pilots with a current type rating and at least 500 hours flying on the A320, B757/767 or B737. If and when we gain approval to recruit pilots beyond the initial 80 for Summer 2011, we may at some point widen the campaign to include SSPs and DEPs without a type rating on an aircraft type that we operate.
When we closed the last recruitment campaign in 2008 there were 118 pilots in our “hold pool”, made up of a combination of DEPs and SSPs. We have written to all 118 to advise them of the current situation and what options are available to them individually.
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More rumours - apparently there is some debate amongst senior management as to whether there will be enough TR'd applicants to meet BA's needs for the coming training year.
Also, rumours that there will be a further requirement for approx 200 pilots during the following 2 years, for which the TR requirement may be relaxed.
Good luck.
Due to growth in our Summer 2011 flying programme, we anticipate a need to recruit pilots to ensure we have the correct pilot establishment to fly the programme.
A business case has been submitted and we have received approval to recruit 80 pilots in the financial year 2011 to 2012. Once more detail emerges about the planned flying programme for Winter 2011 a further review will take place, which may result in the need to submit a further business case for additional pilot recruitment.
Our campaign to recruit 80 pilots for next summer will open on 1 October 2010 and will initially be for pilots with a current type rating and at least 500 hours flying on the A320, B757/767 or B737. If and when we gain approval to recruit pilots beyond the initial 80 for Summer 2011, we may at some point widen the campaign to include SSPs and DEPs without a type rating on an aircraft type that we operate.
When we closed the last recruitment campaign in 2008 there were 118 pilots in our “hold pool”, made up of a combination of DEPs and SSPs. We have written to all 118 to advise them of the current situation and what options are available to them individually.
--------------------------------------------------------------
More rumours - apparently there is some debate amongst senior management as to whether there will be enough TR'd applicants to meet BA's needs for the coming training year.
Also, rumours that there will be a further requirement for approx 200 pilots during the following 2 years, for which the TR requirement may be relaxed.
Good luck.
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So regarding people who were previously in the hold pool, obviously have to go through full selection again (if they get that far) but how much weight will be put on the fact you have passed before? Hear on this forum who for whatever reason passed the first time and then had to re apply but did not get through, ignorance on their part perhaps?
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I have 2500 hours on the 737 but my rating ran out in 2007. I currently fly the 330/340 for Cathay would that fit the BA requirement, I mean it's pretty similar to a 320.
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I can see the business case for requiring only TR pilots as put to the accountants. The Simulator course can be curtailed and there is no requirement for Base Training thus the costs and the chances of failed simulator courses are dramatically reduced.
The primary driver behind this decision could possibly be the current state of the employment market, i.e. depressed. Thus leading to the airline being able to pick and choose suitable type rated applicants. Do not expect that ability to last however.
The onset of the loss of persoanl allowance at £100,000 has prompted many within the company to seek part time to 'cap' earnings at that point. The retirement age restriction that came in 5 years ago is starting to end as pilots relise, at 60, that enough is enough and the medical failure rate starts to climb.
Hence I believe, IMHO, that this is the start of a prolonged recruitment phase to allow the smooth transition into the Iberia merger, the receipt of increased airframes into the long hauls structure and the increase of leisure LH flights out of LGW.
So, if you fit the bill for employment, but don't have the TR then watch this space.
See you on the line!
The primary driver behind this decision could possibly be the current state of the employment market, i.e. depressed. Thus leading to the airline being able to pick and choose suitable type rated applicants. Do not expect that ability to last however.
The onset of the loss of persoanl allowance at £100,000 has prompted many within the company to seek part time to 'cap' earnings at that point. The retirement age restriction that came in 5 years ago is starting to end as pilots relise, at 60, that enough is enough and the medical failure rate starts to climb.
Hence I believe, IMHO, that this is the start of a prolonged recruitment phase to allow the smooth transition into the Iberia merger, the receipt of increased airframes into the long hauls structure and the increase of leisure LH flights out of LGW.
So, if you fit the bill for employment, but don't have the TR then watch this space.
See you on the line!