BA Direct Entry Pilot.
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: The Winchester
Posts: 5,913
Hot off the press for those getting the calls..
...BA makes a whopping £1.7 billion profits for the year, BA staff bonus is 1.4% of basic pay..Director of Flight Ops going, going, gone, ..nobody is owning up to why but there are v v strong rumours that of all synthetic training about to be outsourced ( anyone planning on joining and applying to be a trainer take note).......new rostering system (JSS) delayed 'cos only Bidline can cope with this summer's required level of work..increased restrictions on the ability of flying staff on duty having their teenage dependents accompany them as passengers when Mum or Dad is on a working trip..etc etc etc
Welcome aboard folks, you are joining at an in interesting time ..but do please bring your sense of humour and a thick skin, you'll need both....
...BA makes a whopping £1.7 billion profits for the year, BA staff bonus is 1.4% of basic pay..Director of Flight Ops going, going, gone, ..nobody is owning up to why but there are v v strong rumours that of all synthetic training about to be outsourced ( anyone planning on joining and applying to be a trainer take note).......new rostering system (JSS) delayed 'cos only Bidline can cope with this summer's required level of work..increased restrictions on the ability of flying staff on duty having their teenage dependents accompany them as passengers when Mum or Dad is on a working trip..etc etc etc
Welcome aboard folks, you are joining at an in interesting time ..but do please bring your sense of humour and a thick skin, you'll need both....
Last edited by wiggy; 23rd Feb 2018 at 08:23.
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 6
I know this has been done before, but with the continuing negative changes I am genuinely wondering if there is any point in continuing through the current selection process with BA, or whether to just stick with ezy where I am pretty happy. The trajectory BA seems to be on is a little worrying especially when moving there is playing the long game. Thoughts?
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London
Posts: 238
Originally Posted by wiggy
Hot off the press for those getting the calls..
...BA makes a whopping £1.7 billion profits for the year, BA staff bonus is 1.4% of basic pay..Director of Flight Ops going, going, gone, ..nobody is owning up to why but there are v v strong rumours that of all synthetic training about to be outsourced ( anyone planning on joining and applying to be a trainer take note).......new rostering system (JSS) delayed 'cos only Bidline can cope with this summer's required level of work..increased restrictions on the ability of flying staff on duty having their teenage dependents accompany them as passengers when Mum or Dad is on a working trip..etc etc etc
Welcome aboard folks, you are joining at an in interesting time ..but do please bring your sense of humour and a thick skin, you'll need both....
...BA makes a whopping £1.7 billion profits for the year, BA staff bonus is 1.4% of basic pay..Director of Flight Ops going, going, gone, ..nobody is owning up to why but there are v v strong rumours that of all synthetic training about to be outsourced ( anyone planning on joining and applying to be a trainer take note).......new rostering system (JSS) delayed 'cos only Bidline can cope with this summer's required level of work..increased restrictions on the ability of flying staff on duty having their teenage dependents accompany them as passengers when Mum or Dad is on a working trip..etc etc etc
Welcome aboard folks, you are joining at an in interesting time ..but do please bring your sense of humour and a thick skin, you'll need both....
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: The Winchester
Posts: 5,913
Originally Posted by Threethirty
Where did you read that? Can't see anything about a new uniform
I know many of those not yet cognisant in the current BA way will perhaps find it hard to understand why many inmates probably think either of the above is actually a possibility.
They will achieve great understanding and become wise beyond their years the first time they do battle with mission critical stuff like the company iPad and software. They might just perhaps find..maybe...it doesn't work as advertised (I know with BA being gold standard and all that they'll find even that hard to believe), ask for advice from a manager or an "executive" and get told "but you just follow the instructions" or " there's an ESS form for that online".....or the all time favourite "it's self help, self teach, you shouldn't need my assistance, all you need to know is on My Learning Academy...".
Last edited by wiggy; 23rd Feb 2018 at 12:21.
Join Date: May 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 715
It’s hidden in the email blurb, 2019, centenary year, new uniform. Designed by crew.
Personally I’m going to donate my “bonus” to the uniform design fund. I wonder if the A380 folks will ask for a gold pair of trousers?
Personally I’m going to donate my “bonus” to the uniform design fund. I wonder if the A380 folks will ask for a gold pair of trousers?
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Uk
Age: 39
Posts: 473
I know this has been done before, but with the continuing negative changes I am genuinely wondering if there is any point in continuing through the current selection process with BA, or whether to just stick with ezy where I am pretty happy. The trajectory BA seems to be on is a little worrying especially when moving there is playing the long game. Thoughts?
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Earth
Posts: 13
Hi guys,
Any idea what aptitude tests BA are currently using for day 1? I know a couple of years ago there were two tests:
- The Flight director test, with numbers counting down and coloured shapes etc.
- The test with a NAV display, TCAS, electrical display and fuel pumps etc.
But a mate of mine who got in around a year ago didn't have to do the flight director test. Is this still the case?
Thanks a lot
Any idea what aptitude tests BA are currently using for day 1? I know a couple of years ago there were two tests:
- The Flight director test, with numbers counting down and coloured shapes etc.
- The test with a NAV display, TCAS, electrical display and fuel pumps etc.
But a mate of mine who got in around a year ago didn't have to do the flight director test. Is this still the case?
Thanks a lot
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Right of the Middle
Posts: 349
Originally Posted by oleostrutbasher
I know this has been done before, but with the continuing negative changes I am genuinely wondering if there is any point in continuing through the current selection process with BA, or whether to just stick with ezy where I am pretty happy. The trajectory BA seems to be on is a little worrying especially when moving there is playing the long game. Thoughts?
There are some strong voices on here, both for and against the company. Ignore them all, and make the decision based on your situation alone, not theirs.
And remember, the key to happiness is not just the dollars in the bank at the end of the month!
Good luck with your application.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: UK
Age: 45
Posts: 49
Generally agree, however, BA has changed soooo much in the 10+ yrs that I’ve been there, unfortunately not for the better good of the employee. If you feel it has more to offer than Easy, than join but do so with open eyes, take heed of all the advice on here and make a decision that suits your circumstances.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: pluto
Posts: 181
The bottom line is:
Is long haul your sole destiny and are you happy to be RHS for a very long time.
The rest is much of a muchness. BA is not the same compared to 5/10/20 years ago. Goodness knows what it will look like in the near future.
Is long haul your sole destiny and are you happy to be RHS for a very long time.
The rest is much of a muchness. BA is not the same compared to 5/10/20 years ago. Goodness knows what it will look like in the near future.
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: europe
Posts: 357
why on earth as an experienced pilot you would want to join the bottom of a very long list with race to the bottom TandC I do not know. BA used to be the aspiration for many, it is now just another airline competing in the marketplace for what is becoming a scarce commodity, if you are young with many years ahead of you maybe, to others there are far better deals out there.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: pluto
Posts: 181
bluepilot
As you know, it's whether LH is the be all and end all.
Otherwise, the grass isn't always greener.
Good luck to those that are 'blessed'; whilst their contemporaries may be fat, dumb, wealthier and happier.
As you know, it's whether LH is the be all and end all.
Otherwise, the grass isn't always greener.
Good luck to those that are 'blessed'; whilst their contemporaries may be fat, dumb, wealthier and happier.
Join Date: May 2009
Location: somewhere in the middle
Posts: 257
why on earth as an experienced pilot you would want to join the bottom of a very long list with race to the bottom TandC I do not know.
It’s not for everyone, I agree. If I was high houred FO or Captain at a regional base with a LoCo (particularly if that base was far from London) with no particular desire to go long haul, I’d probably stay where I am. But if Long Haul is the aspiration, or you buy into the prestige (yes, it’s easy to sniff at it, but it is our nations flag carrier, and that does count for something) then it’s a harder decision.
And it’s not like it’s a prison camp - I’m sure you can put in your notice and leave if it’s not for you, same as any other job.
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London
Posts: 124
Have to agree with the sentiments above. Clearly there are a few BA pilots who think only BA pilots are in the firing line.
The truth is the race to the bottom is well and truly on, everywhere. It’s not a BA problem specifically, it’s an industry problem. The latest rumours about design your own uniform or training being outsourced are just this weeks examples. And at the moment it’s all just rumours.
There will be new rumours every week between now and when you retire - none of which are likely to be morale inspiring in their content. Its been like that in all 3 companies I’ve worked for. Even in times of record profitability the next swing of the axe is (rumoured at least) to be just around the corner. If you can’t handle that I’m afraid you’re in the wrong industry. Our terms and conditions will always be under attack.
What I can say with certainty is that the grass isn’t always greener. We have our problems and other companies have their problems.
The truth is the race to the bottom is well and truly on, everywhere. It’s not a BA problem specifically, it’s an industry problem. The latest rumours about design your own uniform or training being outsourced are just this weeks examples. And at the moment it’s all just rumours.
There will be new rumours every week between now and when you retire - none of which are likely to be morale inspiring in their content. Its been like that in all 3 companies I’ve worked for. Even in times of record profitability the next swing of the axe is (rumoured at least) to be just around the corner. If you can’t handle that I’m afraid you’re in the wrong industry. Our terms and conditions will always be under attack.
What I can say with certainty is that the grass isn’t always greener. We have our problems and other companies have their problems.
Join Date: May 2009
Location: somewhere in the middle
Posts: 257
You'll earn significantly more at Easy as a Captain for 20 years as oppose to a BA FO.
As I originally said, if you’re a captain or Senior FO at a regional base, then BA may not be for you. For everyone else, I’d say it’s an option to consider.
