BA Direct Entry Pilot.

[RexBanner]

We were all told that we were borderline pass, only having to resit one thing or the other. Apparently you were only invited back under those circumstances, if you failed everything then no chance. I think that was mainly an A320 thing though when it happened. One of the gents from recruitment happened to tell me during lunch on day two that of the people who had been invited back, not that many had managed to pass second time around. Whether that's true or not who knows?

[Yorkshire_Pudding]

I heard of one pilot who went through selection 6 times before eventually passing. Not sure it's it's true or not.

12 months to reapply is reasonable. Some airlines will never allow you apply a second time. Others impose a 2 year wait, etc.

[CrazyEddy]

Having just entered the hold pool - (Wahey!!!) can anyone who has recently been given a start date give an idea of how long that takes??

Many thanks....

[Jwscud]

Congratulations. In late Jan the hold pool update said they were making Long Haul offers for start dates 4 months hence and A320 rated for around 6 months hence.

Given that they seem to be looking at non-rated people in the system for the 320 again, I suspect waits for an Airbus start date will be shorter than indicated in January.

[CrazyEddy]

Thanks JW.... any idea how long people are in the hold pool before hearing anything?

[Harry palmer]

How long between sim a s result Crazyed?

[CrazyEddy]

Harry - 4 days..

[Harry palmer]

Cheers Crazy sorry did you have a Monday slot? Cheers HP.

Congrats by the way.

[EMB-145LR]

Have you been in for another go, Harry? Best of luck if you have, I know how much you want it.

[MikeHoncho]

I just applied to DEP BA Longhaul and have my Day1 next week the 23rd. Is that enough to get prepared for it. I heard the aptitude tests are pretty difficult so I want to cheat a little by downloading the practice tests from Skytest.
Anybody has experience with this?

[2 Whites 2 Reds]

have my Day1 next week the 23rd. Is that enough to get prepared for it.

Depends how much work you put in between now and then.

I heard the aptitude tests are pretty difficult so I want to cheat a little by downloading the practice tests from Skytest.

They're tricky for sure. SkyTest is very useful, many people I know have used it with varying levels of success on the day. I used it and got it so can only sing its praises. It's certainly not cheating, it's preparing, which is exactly what BA expect you to do.

Best of luck, BA is certainly not perfect but despite the moaning and groaning after recent events, it's still the best gig in town IMHO.

[VJW]

I'd be very interested to know if the verbal test has now gone and been replaced by something else, as was mentioned possibly above...PM me if anyone has details on this- the verbal test keeps me from getting to day 2 each time I'm sure

[FullClimb]

Old verbal reasoning test has been replaced by a newer test which I believe is a fairer reflection on the candidates information processing and the best way to practice is the email BA send you.

[Hikmah]

With the new flight pay, for long haul flights with three and four Pilots, how is the flying pay calculated? Is it simply total block time, or is rest time deducted?

On a similar theme, how are the flying hours logged in the same scenarios.

Thanks

[wiggy]

Flying pay: it's the entire planned block time for everybody, regardless of role...(that is until somebody comes up with the next bright idea to ensure the company still allow us to have a pilot only bonus scheme.......cynical?..... moi?)

Flying Hours: To paraphrase the Ops manual - The nominated commander logs all the block time, everybody else only logs proportionate seat time ( FWIW that includes any relief captain) - for the purposes of the licence & company upgrades, etc..

However you do also need to have a record somewhere (perhaps a spare logbook column) of total achieved block time, regardless of role, because all hours flown, including bunk hours, count towards FTLs and scheduling limits...(that is until..... ).

Now stands by for inevitable comments from some in the short haul community, and perhaps from some headed there.....please remember do not shoot the messenger....

[Hikmah]

So Wiggy, regarding planned block time, in the case of a diversion and resulting disruption/possible extra sector - all of that is unpaid?

[wiggy]

TBH I'm going to waffle and say I can't give a definitive answer since the rules on that are buried away in Bidline appendices and flow charts (extra payments, if any, can depend on the why, how and where....) so I'd best leave an authorative answer to someone who has diverted more recently that I have.

I would point out that the days of picking up loads of extra dosh for extra sectors, or extended sectors (overrun payments) or even being really very late ( extra Box payments) have long gone. It's a nice suprise if you do see extra payments on the payslip but I certainly wouldn't rely on it as part of your income stream, especially as in Longhaul it doesn't happen that often. I reckon I've only diverted once in the last 4-5 years.

[Hikmah]

As always, thank you for your input Wiggy.

[Wirbelsturm]

regarding planned block time, in the case of a diversion and resulting disruption/possible extra sector - all of that is unpaid?

AFAIK any diversion/disruption which increases the duty time is automatically paid at standard rate. You need to keep a close eye on your pay statement st the end of the month as these extra hours can often 'fall through the cracks'.

[pudoc]

A current UK issued EASA ATPL(A) Flight Crew Licence with Class 1 medical or the ability to convert your licence to a UK issued EASA ATPL(A) before joining

The requirement for direct entry long haul state the above. Does this mean I can definitely apply with a CPL as I meet the requirements of an ATPL but can't do the skills test for a few months? Anyone been offered a position in this scenario?