BA Direct Entry Pilot.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
In the context of the ex-military guys (and to partly answer the question posed by skaterboi) that’s not always been the case on Longhaul. FWIW earlier this year I flew with one ex-Voyager, very very new DEP on the 777.
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: UK
Had the good news this week, I'm in the hold pool pending a phone call. Fingers crossed it isn't long.
During my sim assessment the TRE said that he has a box to tick that asks "suitable for longhaul?" The fleet you then get assigned is largely dependant on your performance during the sim assessment; as long haul is quite "dormant in hands on flying skills" those who don't demonstrate excellent handling skills will normally be assigned short haul. Don't shoot the messenger, that's just what he said.
During my sim assessment the TRE said that he has a box to tick that asks "suitable for longhaul?" The fleet you then get assigned is largely dependant on your performance during the sim assessment; as long haul is quite "dormant in hands on flying skills" those who don't demonstrate excellent handling skills will normally be assigned short haul. Don't shoot the messenger, that's just what he said.
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: U.K.
Nope, it’s true. Although I think it’s quite a new thing.
As it was explained to me at the sim, BA have had some people struggle with a new type and they think it’s partly down to the infrequent nature of LH flying.
So in the sim they will assess how quickly you adapt to an unfamiliar type, the speed at which you learn and take in information, spare capacity, accuracy of flying etc...
At the end end of the sim the instructor will tick a box on your report whether they think you’re suitable for long haul, or whether they think you’ll benefit from some time with more regular sectors.
Also there was the caveat that if you get sent short haul, it doesn’t mean you failed the longhaul assessment, probably just that they need short haul people at the minute!
Its clearly not about flying skills as I got LH!
Its all explained when they go through the power point before the sim. Don’t lose sleep over it!
As it was explained to me at the sim, BA have had some people struggle with a new type and they think it’s partly down to the infrequent nature of LH flying.
So in the sim they will assess how quickly you adapt to an unfamiliar type, the speed at which you learn and take in information, spare capacity, accuracy of flying etc...
At the end end of the sim the instructor will tick a box on your report whether they think you’re suitable for long haul, or whether they think you’ll benefit from some time with more regular sectors.
Also there was the caveat that if you get sent short haul, it doesn’t mean you failed the longhaul assessment, probably just that they need short haul people at the minute!
Its clearly not about flying skills as I got LH!
Its all explained when they go through the power point before the sim. Don’t lose sleep over it!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 35
From: Home
Wiggy is correct. Ex RAF Voyager Pilots recently DEP on to 777. And previously also direct to the A380.
Joined: Sep 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 940
Likes: 57
From: Scotland
I stand corrected.
The “suitable for long haul” policy has also been confirmed internally and has, to say the least, generated a bit of controversy. It was supposed to address a few training failures which are now being “solved” through selection rather than squeezing everyone through a minimum footprint course then immediately putting people under all sorts of extra pressure if 6 landings and 8 approaches with bonus jet lag (you probably haven’t mastered controlled rest yet either) isn’t enough for you to get to grips with your first heavy jet in the real world.
The “suitable for long haul” policy has also been confirmed internally and has, to say the least, generated a bit of controversy. It was supposed to address a few training failures which are now being “solved” through selection rather than squeezing everyone through a minimum footprint course then immediately putting people under all sorts of extra pressure if 6 landings and 8 approaches with bonus jet lag (you probably haven’t mastered controlled rest yet either) isn’t enough for you to get to grips with your first heavy jet in the real world.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Uk
Suitable for LH??!!!! I would have liked someone suitable for SH last week. Every approach back into LHR and some up north were all in and around the 25-30kt range gusting up to 39. It’s fine having a policy but if we are sending the weaker candidates to SH it’s not a great idea in my opinion. More junior commands, more junior FO’s. I don’t mind saying it but when it was gusting 35 across it was the most I had had to deal with until now.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere
Suitable for LH??!!!! I would have liked someone suitable for SH last week. Every approach back into LHR and some up north were all in and around the 25-30kt range gusting up to 39. It’s fine having a policy but if we are sending the weaker candidates to SH it’s not a great idea in my opinion. More junior commands, more junior FO’s. I don’t mind saying it but when it was gusting 35 across it was the most I had had to deal with until now.
Personally, I think this is not the real reason. It is just a very convenient way for BA to "force" people to go to SH. They must be fed up with people refusing their SH offer because they know they'll be offered LH if they wait.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere
The only thing I know for sure is it worked. People preferred losing a bit on seniority to start directly on LH. Some rumors say that BA is now by far more strict on that. They clearly say that a "no" will be final (no more offer).
Rumor to be confirmed though.
Rumor to be confirmed though.
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 42
From: UK
Consider it confirmed. You get one email with an offer and 24hrs to reply with a yes. Turn it down or don’t reply and you get kicked out the holding pool.
Getting a ‘recommended for LH’ definitely does not mean that’s what you’re going to get offered
Getting a ‘recommended for LH’ definitely does not mean that’s what you’re going to get offered
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: uk
Couple of things come out from the company recently, you can only go LH if you have an unfrozen ATPL (and fairly unlikely if no “jet time”) and if you turn down your first job offer you are out the pool, no bargaining anymore.
BA will send you where they want you and make offers depending on what positions need filling at that particular time.
Good luck to everyone swimming the quicker you join the less I work.
BA will send you where they want you and make offers depending on what positions need filling at that particular time.
Good luck to everyone swimming the quicker you join the less I work.
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Under the table
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Under the table