BA Direct Entry Pilot.
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: somewhere between Miami and Havana
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 995
Likes: 103
From: Botswana
Toolonginthisjob stop trying to defend BA on this issue. Colgan Air for starters had virtually nothing to do with commuting, as an ex Dash 8 Pilot and having read the report it is pretty clear what happened. Two unfit pilots (both reported to work unfit through illness rather than fatigue - you can hear them coughing and spluttering on the CVR) and both less than competent aviators (not my opinion look at the training record of the Captain prior to the accident) managed to react completely inappropriately to a stall warning that was set at an artificially high speed. In addition to the captain pulling back on the stick in response to a stall warning (huh?) the First Officer inexplicably decided out of nowhere to dump the flaps at the same time as the nose high attitude.
Why the hell should a short commuting flight (by which I’m talking one of an hour or so) be included in the FTL’s for the duty in question? You’re a passenger and you’re not part of the operating crew, sitting there as pax is far less tiring than doing the equivalent time on a motorway as a driver which many people do every day. I fail to see the distinction here as to why one activity has to be factored into FTL’s but one doesn’t despite being scientifically more tiring.
Anyway we’re rehashing old ground. I just wanted to put the record straight as regards to Colgan because the commuting thing gets trotted out every time we talk about that accident but it wasn’t contributory.
Why the hell should a short commuting flight (by which I’m talking one of an hour or so) be included in the FTL’s for the duty in question? You’re a passenger and you’re not part of the operating crew, sitting there as pax is far less tiring than doing the equivalent time on a motorway as a driver which many people do every day. I fail to see the distinction here as to why one activity has to be factored into FTL’s but one doesn’t despite being scientifically more tiring.
Anyway we’re rehashing old ground. I just wanted to put the record straight as regards to Colgan because the commuting thing gets trotted out every time we talk about that accident but it wasn’t contributory.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
The important point still remains.
BA have made it clear they will monitor "commuting"
, and rest prior to duty in minute detail, and managers will chase individuals if they think they have spotted something that they (the manager) doesn't like..
It is something prospective joiners need to be fully aware of.
BA have made it clear they will monitor "commuting"
, and rest prior to duty in minute detail, and managers will chase individuals if they think they have spotted something that they (the manager) doesn't like.. It is something prospective joiners need to be fully aware of.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 812
Likes: 19
From: uk
NLP: you seem to miss the point. The commuter has to look at his/her travel plans and ask himself this - "could my company ask me to do this legally ie. position and then operate? " If the answer is NO then do not do it! References to people doing excessive drives to work are irrelevant.
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Onboard
Very sadly, a few BA pilots were taking the proverbial, when it came to commuting by air. This was often brought to BA’s attention by the operating crew of the miscreants commuting flight. BA have the ability to monitor the arrangements of people who’s travel BA themselves facilitate. Indeed, they may be deemed negligent if they do not. So on occasion (once?) BA have sampled a few colleagues’ arrangements. A mere phone call, if necessary, is the only result.
Rex Banner. I’m not defending BA. I’m ‘defending’ safety. Some of the stories of which I am aware, were blatant, arrogant and outrageous!
It’s often the case that a few, spoil things for the many. But here we are!
Rex Banner. I’m not defending BA. I’m ‘defending’ safety. Some of the stories of which I am aware, were blatant, arrogant and outrageous!
It’s often the case that a few, spoil things for the many. But here we are!
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 104
From: The Winchester
I think the sampling is now planned to be done at the very least on an annual basis, and TBH being risk averse I've assumed for a while now it's an ongoing process and arranged my travel accordingly.
As for your second point - I have been led to believe that for a small number of our colleagues the result was more than just a phone call.
Fundamentally anyone who flies into LGW/LHR prior to duty ( on the day or even the day before) shouldn't be surprised if their travel arrangements and their rest arrangements are scrutinised by the company.
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 3
From: Room 506
"Incidentally. I thought the rumour was that recruitment is being significantly scaled back for 2020, and potentially beyond. Make of that what you will."
Im not privy to much beyond flying with the occasional trainer or recruitment pilot, but I was recently told that we needed over 300 pilots next year. Our Manpower Planning Manager updated 2 weeks ago that there should be a decent amount of movement in 2020.
But things do change quickly in this game! Would be interested to know if this was from a reliable source or galley FM, as I have 2 friends stuck at various stages in the recruitment system at the moment.
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Above
Im not privy to much beyond flying with the occasional trainer or recruitment pilot, but I was recently told that we needed over 300 pilots next year. Our Manpower Planning Manager updated 2 weeks ago that there should be a decent amount of movement in 2020.
But things do change quickly in this game! Would be interested to know if this was from a reliable source or galley FM, as I have 2 friends stuck at various stages in the recruitment system at the moment.
But things do change quickly in this game! Would be interested to know if this was from a reliable source or galley FM, as I have 2 friends stuck at various stages in the recruitment system at the moment.
Last edited by Percula; 3rd October 2019 at 17:44.
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Above
A lot of people are waiting for SH start dates, hence the wait.
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: UK
I’m in the same boat as you Morris Ogg. Been in the hold pool since May...previously told to expect a start in Jan-Feb but not sure if that still holds true. Fingers crossed though!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: UK
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
From: UK
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 163
Likes: 18
From: London
ATPL required, due requirement for FOs to become acting PIC when in-flight rest facilities are in use.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
From: Germany