BA Direct Entry Pilot.
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 0
From: Planet Moo Moo
Picking up every poorly constructed blind line going!
Personally I think, for the Junior Captain, that Carmen is far, far better at balancing work/leave than the seniority 'fest' that is Bid Line. Junior skippers at LHR get screwed every time with the 'it'll be your turn soon' mentality when we have a stagnant upper echelon workforce.
The pay point capping is a relic from the past that needs to be addressed but you've got no chance of that with the ivory tower 'everybody must meet their individual cuts' mentality.
I like operating out of Gatwick, shame the management have screwed the crews though.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: UK
Commuting from Scotland can be made to work, though it can be hard work when junior. Many commute from both GLA and EDI for SH but you will spend a fair amount of time in hotels etc down in London while on reserve or for an early start etc. Remember that there is no staff travel for the first 6 months as well. Many pilots rent somewhere local for the first year or so to settle in and see how it could work for them.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: in geosynchronous orbit
hi guys, any rumours doing the rounds if the current intake will extend beyond december 1st ? I know the closing for now is Nov 1st but historically they generally extend...any info anyone ?
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: England
SIM Assessments
Hello all, is anyone aware of what's happening behind the scenes with regards to SIM assessments? I passed Day 2 back in September and was told to keep an eye on the website for SIM assessment availability but despite checking everyday there has been nothing apart from a couple of cancellations which I was beaten to. When I contacted recruitment (end Sep) I was told Nov slots would be released imminently.
Would I be right in guessing the remainder of us in purgatory will be SIM checked along with the guys and girls going through the latest DEP recruitment campaign?
Any info would be appreciated - the wait is killing me !!
Would I be right in guessing the remainder of us in purgatory will be SIM checked along with the guys and girls going through the latest DEP recruitment campaign?
Any info would be appreciated - the wait is killing me !!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: UK
Slots were released end of September for November. They went very quickly! I have mine end of November. I'd call the pilot recruitment team and ask for an update, that's what I did! They are very helpful.
Last edited by VeroFlyer; 5th November 2015 at 15:30.
Joined: Sep 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 940
Likes: 57
From: Scotland
Any more inside information on what is going on? We were told by recruitment that allocation of non-rated DEP courses would have started by this week.
Are issues with internal bids holding things up? Any rumours for hold poolers to feed off gratefully received!
Are issues with internal bids holding things up? Any rumours for hold poolers to feed off gratefully received!
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
Are issues with internal bids holding things up?
Possibility of a problem because of a shortfall of internal bidders for short haul commands....(that's a strong rumour)
Any rumours for hold poolers to feed off gratefully received!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 739
Likes: 6
From: York
There are certainly issues with internal bids. Or more accurately the system (Crystal) that allocates courses to bidders. Many variables need to be input, such as the network plan, and training capacity, to name but two. Assumptions also need to be made such as rates of sickness, which are not easily predictable as they have grown rapidly recently. EASA rostering!? Retirements 'should' recommence in less than 12 months. Other factors such as part time availability/take up need to be considered. Finally, both type and engagement freezes are currently being waived as there are insufficient internal bidders for certain positions. Some of those positions may surprise you?
It's a pretty complex and fluid picture at the moment, that will definitely mean that in a few years time we will have another pilot surplus.
It's a pretty complex and fluid picture at the moment, that will definitely mean that in a few years time we will have another pilot surplus.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 13
From: Somewhere
Date of entry and also suitability (hours and/or type ratings) bearing in mind quite a few of the hold poolers won't have the hours for long haul. No idea if the rumour is true but funnily enough it was something that was recounted to me also at Gatwick today.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
From: UK
I wouldn't get too excited about any rumours floating around at the moment. The Crystal output is due soon and it is at this stage that rumours breed like rabbits. Many are fuelled by desire and mischief rather than anything solid. Wait and see but don't pin your hopes on rumours.
The latest thing to emerge from a semi-reliable source (BALPA PnP reps) is that DECs or a supplementary bid for SH Command now looks unlikely. In the light of my previous paragraph make of that what you will!
The latest thing to emerge from a semi-reliable source (BALPA PnP reps) is that DECs or a supplementary bid for SH Command now looks unlikely. In the light of my previous paragraph make of that what you will!
Joined: Sep 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 940
Likes: 57
From: Scotland
The latest on the rumour front is they are now starting to plan the 2016 DEP courses and getting in touch with a few people to check their hours and eligibility for Long Haul.
Fingers crossed the phonecalls with offers of courses won't be too far behind
toplux - at the roadshows they said you would be picked out of the hold pool based solely on date of joining and eligibility for the slot they are looking to recruit for - so for 777 say, they pick the person longest in the hold pool with LH min hours. Similar obviously for those with appropriate type ratings.
Fingers crossed the phonecalls with offers of courses won't be too far behind
toplux - at the roadshows they said you would be picked out of the hold pool based solely on date of joining and eligibility for the slot they are looking to recruit for - so for 777 say, they pick the person longest in the hold pool with LH min hours. Similar obviously for those with appropriate type ratings.