BA Direct Entry Pilot.

[Morris Ogg]

Start dates DEP

Hi all,

Any new start dates rolled out for 2020 for DEP’s?
I’ve been in the hold pool since June this year. Wonder when they’ll start the 2020 training!

[boeing89]

Originally Posted by Morris Ogg

Hi all,

Any new start dates rolled out for 2020 for DEP’s?
I’ve been in the hold pool since June this year. Wonder when they’ll start the 2020 training!

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!

[Jock Trapped]

Originally Posted by boeing89

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!

Same here, it’s all gone very quiet. Wondering if TCX, Brexit, IA all have a bearing on 2020 requirements?

[122.85]

Originally Posted by kookiesandkreme

Hi, I’m thinking about applying when they next open up, but am only fussed about long haul, is it unheard of for someone who isn’t able to unfreeze to go directly to long haul? Or is it 100% required to be able to unfreeze?

If you are talking about having an fATPL and looking to go long haul at BA then I beleive the answer is no, you need an ATPL for the long haul fleet.

[clvf88]

Originally Posted by kookiesandkreme

Hi, I’m thinking about applying when they next open up, but am only fussed about long haul, is it unheard of for someone who isn’t able to unfreeze to go directly to long haul? Or is it 100% required to be able to unfreeze?

ATPL required, due requirement for FOs to become acting PIC when in-flight rest facilities are in use.

[VinRouge]

Originally Posted by clvf88

ATPL required, due requirement for FOs to become acting PIC when in-flight rest facilities are in use.

unless you have the hours and just need the type rating to unlock the licence.

[corporaljones]

Given what’s happened recently and how the workforce has been treated im amazed anyone is still actually considering the move

[clvf88]

Originally Posted by VinRouge

unless you have the hours and just need the type rating to unlock the licence.

Very true. I know people who have done the ATPL check items as part of their initial LST and then applied for the licence. What I should have said is you need an ATPL, or have all required hours to apply for one.

[Jock Trapped]

Originally Posted by corporaljones

Given what’s happened recently and how the workforce has been treated im amazed anyone is still actually considering the move

I take your point, but for those of us having gone through the long process that is BA recruitment, presumably because what may be on offer is still better than where we are, it’d be nice to have some idea of what may be available instead of just treading water waiting to drown. Perhaps for some the future hinges on what fleet (SH/LH) is offered, but would be nice to know.

[corporaljones]

Originally Posted by Jock Trapped

I take your point, but for those of us having gone through the long process that is BA recruitment, presumably because what may be on offer is still better than where we are, it’d be nice to have some idea of what may be available instead of just treading water waiting to drown. Perhaps for some the future hinges on what fleet (SH/LH) is offered, but would be nice to know.

yeh fair enough, all the best and I genuinely hope it works for you 👍

[Phantom4]

Ten years ago the hold pool was drained due financial crisis knock on and swimmers had to reapply two years later if they felt the need.
i don’t think that will repeat and 2020 courses will be available and those in hold pool dovetailed in to courses where required.
Six 787 and further seven 350s to be delivered by end 2020.
Good luck

[Percula]

I've been swimming since April. Still expecting a Q1 2020 start.

[Biggles88]

Same, been swimming since March. Last told a start date Jan/Feb and would be told Sep/poss Oct. It’s all gone very quite recently. I think the T’cook situation is likely to have a big impact on our start dates.

[boeing89]

Originally Posted by Biggles88

Same, been swimming since March. Last told a start date Jan/Feb and would be told Sep/poss Oct. It’s all gone very quite recently. I think the T’cook situation is likely to have a big impact on our start dates.

Any idea whether BA have actually taken on guys/girls from Thomas Cook?

[wiggy]

Originally Posted by boeing89

Any idea whether BA have actually taken on guys/girls from Thomas Cook?

If you mean "taken on," as putting through interview/selection - don't know...if you mean "taken on" as in actually working for BA, I'd suggest very strongly that the answer is no.

Reason being in as some of you will find out BA very works very very much by "process" and personally, IMVHO, I can't see BA side stepping the whole current recruiting system and bypassing those in the DEP hold pool to get ex Thomas Cook pilots on-line...but that's just my take on it..

I think UK/world economic factors are going to have a much bigger effect on uptake from the hold pool than the demise of Thomas Cook.

[wiggy]

Thanks for the update.

[Phantom4]

TC Pilots are of particular attraction if they are A330/350 rated

[FoxChaRomeo]

Originally Posted by boeing89

Any idea whether BA have actually taken on guys/girls from Thomas Cook?

I was in the hood pool when Monarch went bust, and no one jumped the queue to the best of my knowledge.

As doubtless you know, seniority is king at BA, which essentially starts with your sim assessment date. That is the order in which start date offers are given (fleet/LH/SH specific of course, depending on requirements).

And so I’d expect BA to follow that script this time. They got a bit of stick for not doing what VS did, who made a big noise about offering opportunities to Monarch pilots, but as Wiggy says, the company are very process driven.
And the reality is that Virgin likely made a noise to generate some good PR, and the number of MON pilots they took on ahead of those they had already assessed was probably very very small...

FCR

[boeing89]

Thanks to wiggy, flying11red, phantom4 and FCR...all really interesting insights

[Heisenb3rg]

Also keep in mind that they surely want as much flexibility RE: fleet planning as they can get. Given most people have a 3 month notice period, it seems logical that they’d offer people start dates with 3 months and 1 day to go, with 1 day to respond to the offer.

All that to say: for start dates in Feb they don’t need to make the offer until the end of November at the latest.

H