The BA system...
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The BA system...
Hi I am hearing recently talks of fleet changes and forced bids etc. can anyone explain how the seniority system works through the career of a BA pilot?
How long are you type frozen for when you join?
If everything is done on seniority can you bid for long haul then stay as an FO until long haul command comes around?
How does the bidding system work?
I am interested because I almost applied a few years ago but decided to stay for command in my current company, now I have worked my bond out and although my job is great I dont want to spend my whole career on a 20 tonne turboprop.
At some point in the future BA will recruit again (I know some people seem to think the end of the world is coming on here but let's be positive)
Obviously previous experience does not help to jump places in seniority but would say 4000hrs total multi crew with 2000 command turboprop effect anything? Type frozen for less time or short haul command sooner etc?
Thanks for the info.
Chris
How long are you type frozen for when you join?
If everything is done on seniority can you bid for long haul then stay as an FO until long haul command comes around?
How does the bidding system work?
I am interested because I almost applied a few years ago but decided to stay for command in my current company, now I have worked my bond out and although my job is great I dont want to spend my whole career on a 20 tonne turboprop.
At some point in the future BA will recruit again (I know some people seem to think the end of the world is coming on here but let's be positive)
Obviously previous experience does not help to jump places in seniority but would say 4000hrs total multi crew with 2000 command turboprop effect anything? Type frozen for less time or short haul command sooner etc?
Thanks for the info.
Chris
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Hi Chris,
Once you are through the assessment process you can state a preference and even say no to a fleet if they offer a course date (very brave/stupid) and be put back in the hold pool. The only exception to that rule is that you need a couple thousand hour jet to go direct entry onto long haul. Having said that it seems they change the new entry rules as they see fit.
From there on command hours, fast jet, rocket scientist, astronaut, don't make any difference. Everything is decided by your seniority number.
Initially you are fleet frozen for (I think) 5 years, but again if the company need you anywhere else or you want to go to another fleet you can always bid and try.
There are plenty guys and girls who like their current fleet and stay on it until a command comes around. If you're a jumbo f/o that might take while though..
The way the economy/some of its staff/volcanoes seem hell bend on braking the company it might be a somewhat hypothetical thread for the foreseeable future, but I made the jump from a jet command to BA not too long ago and have no regrets.
PS stand to be corrected by more knowledgable people
Once you are through the assessment process you can state a preference and even say no to a fleet if they offer a course date (very brave/stupid) and be put back in the hold pool. The only exception to that rule is that you need a couple thousand hour jet to go direct entry onto long haul. Having said that it seems they change the new entry rules as they see fit.
From there on command hours, fast jet, rocket scientist, astronaut, don't make any difference. Everything is decided by your seniority number.
Initially you are fleet frozen for (I think) 5 years, but again if the company need you anywhere else or you want to go to another fleet you can always bid and try.
There are plenty guys and girls who like their current fleet and stay on it until a command comes around. If you're a jumbo f/o that might take while though..
The way the economy/some of its staff/volcanoes seem hell bend on braking the company it might be a somewhat hypothetical thread for the foreseeable future, but I made the jump from a jet command to BA not too long ago and have no regrets.
PS stand to be corrected by more knowledgable people
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cheers
Thanks for the info, is nice to hear that a jet captain moving to BA still feels it was worth it.
As for the possible loss of money over a career, I am not fussed as I am only 27 and have really enjoyed the command and regional lifestyle, probably the best fun I will have in an airline.
Turbo prop salarys are not great but compared to most of my school friends, command salarys are good, even with a big loan.
Staying here was the best decision I've made so far, I felt so much better when I realised what's important. Some of my friends from training are on long haul already and earning twice as much but they do seem to be less content though.
We shall see how I feel in 10 years, I will probably want to return to the westcountry and the old Dash!
Do many people stay short haul in BA, I always get mixed opinions of life in longhaul.
As for the possible loss of money over a career, I am not fussed as I am only 27 and have really enjoyed the command and regional lifestyle, probably the best fun I will have in an airline.
Turbo prop salarys are not great but compared to most of my school friends, command salarys are good, even with a big loan.
Staying here was the best decision I've made so far, I felt so much better when I realised what's important. Some of my friends from training are on long haul already and earning twice as much but they do seem to be less content though.
We shall see how I feel in 10 years, I will probably want to return to the westcountry and the old Dash!
Do many people stay short haul in BA, I always get mixed opinions of life in longhaul.
Ringi
They're the high earners and as such will get clobbered under the new tax regime. I can't remember the numbers but the principle is:
1. They go part time, and so stay under the high earners threshold. Yes they'll take a hit in pay but on the other hand they get more time off, so in effect they're not working for the Tax man.
2. Those that move abroad may be able reduce their exposure in part to UK Tax.
1. They go part time, and so stay under the high earners threshold. Yes they'll take a hit in pay but on the other hand they get more time off, so in effect they're not working for the Tax man.
2. Those that move abroad may be able reduce their exposure in part to UK Tax.
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Posted by Super Stall at http://www.pprune.org/interviews-job...y-lifting.html
I remember reading about this in the Sunday Times a few weeks ago. It said something along the lines of anyone earning over 130K will effectively be taxed at 8000% for any earnings over £130K for the first £10K or so. So you have an 8k pay rise over £130K but only earn £1.
Regards
Was going to add this post to the recruitment 2011 thread but thought it may warrant a new start.
There is a possibility, boys and girls, that there may indeed be more than just silver lining on the horizon!
I'm an experienced pilot of 10yrs fortunate to be employed during these tough times, but I still occasionally look in on these forums. I can tell you the situation at BA and therefore a lot of other airlines has the potential to change significantly.
Recent changes in the budget regarding tax relief thresholds and pension relief mean that many at BA will see significantly increased tax liabilities going forward. Anybody earning over £100k will get caught, but anybody earning over £130k, even by just 1p may as well not bother. This is about pp20 at BA and ensnares the top 700 Capts.
The detail is very complicated, runs to pages and pages on the BA Balpa forum, I couldn't begin to explain it (mostly because I don't understand it) but...... the important thing is for the top 700 you can take BA's 72% part time contract and keep 98% of your take home pay.
The important bit of this ramble is there is potential to see a rapid and significant increase in recruitment at BA (and others) going forward. The benefits to wannabes don't stop there either. Training pilots will need to keep earnings below the threshold as well, ergo more part time trainers, more line pilots recruited to become trainers= more recruitment of line pilots. Also many will try to avoid overtime at all costs to keep below the earnings threshold, this work will also need to be covered by....more recruitment.
BA and Balpa have started what have been described as urgent talks on how to sort out this mess (created by Darling and Brown). But there are benefits to both parties. BA manages to get a large number of its most expensive pilots to go part time and within the pilot ranks the seniority stagnation caused by retirement age legislation is mitigated and new commands/movement created. The losers are the people who work hard, achieve their goals, and have the temerity to be rewarded accordingly. The soft underbelly of middle England eh..
All the above is obviously subject to change in tax law/government/BA policy etc., but, ladies and gents, the country has a v large hole in its accounts that needs to be filled can't see it being repealed anytime soon.
I don't think I would start flying training on the back of this news, but it might be time to dust off the licence and get current!
There is a possibility, boys and girls, that there may indeed be more than just silver lining on the horizon!
I'm an experienced pilot of 10yrs fortunate to be employed during these tough times, but I still occasionally look in on these forums. I can tell you the situation at BA and therefore a lot of other airlines has the potential to change significantly.
Recent changes in the budget regarding tax relief thresholds and pension relief mean that many at BA will see significantly increased tax liabilities going forward. Anybody earning over £100k will get caught, but anybody earning over £130k, even by just 1p may as well not bother. This is about pp20 at BA and ensnares the top 700 Capts.
The detail is very complicated, runs to pages and pages on the BA Balpa forum, I couldn't begin to explain it (mostly because I don't understand it) but...... the important thing is for the top 700 you can take BA's 72% part time contract and keep 98% of your take home pay.
The important bit of this ramble is there is potential to see a rapid and significant increase in recruitment at BA (and others) going forward. The benefits to wannabes don't stop there either. Training pilots will need to keep earnings below the threshold as well, ergo more part time trainers, more line pilots recruited to become trainers= more recruitment of line pilots. Also many will try to avoid overtime at all costs to keep below the earnings threshold, this work will also need to be covered by....more recruitment.
BA and Balpa have started what have been described as urgent talks on how to sort out this mess (created by Darling and Brown). But there are benefits to both parties. BA manages to get a large number of its most expensive pilots to go part time and within the pilot ranks the seniority stagnation caused by retirement age legislation is mitigated and new commands/movement created. The losers are the people who work hard, achieve their goals, and have the temerity to be rewarded accordingly. The soft underbelly of middle England eh..
All the above is obviously subject to change in tax law/government/BA policy etc., but, ladies and gents, the country has a v large hole in its accounts that needs to be filled can't see it being repealed anytime soon.
I don't think I would start flying training on the back of this news, but it might be time to dust off the licence and get current!
Regards
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Well this looks like very good news
Well, this looks like very good news for us loco types as I have always dreamt of joining birdseed. At last something to thank Gordon Brown for - although clearly not if you're a BA senior pilot.
Desk-pilot
Desk-pilot
