BA Direct Entry Pilot.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: London
Thanks for all the information on the thread.
I understand that it is impossible to answer accurately. But what is the usual timeframe for cmd at BA? Most of my colleagues are stating 18 years, but Ive also heard less than 10 for a LGW SH CMD.
Are the retirements going to make a discernible difference like they are predicting over the pond? Or is that just wishful thinking?
I am getting on a little in life now, and apart from wanting to satisfy the LHS itch, I also want to make sure I earn enough on the higher pay scales before retirement.
Also, has ALL the most recent recruitment been 320. I understand that is the current priority, but is there any realistic chance of a Boeing slot?
Thanks again for all the good info!
I understand that it is impossible to answer accurately. But what is the usual timeframe for cmd at BA? Most of my colleagues are stating 18 years, but Ive also heard less than 10 for a LGW SH CMD.
Are the retirements going to make a discernible difference like they are predicting over the pond? Or is that just wishful thinking?
I am getting on a little in life now, and apart from wanting to satisfy the LHS itch, I also want to make sure I earn enough on the higher pay scales before retirement.
Also, has ALL the most recent recruitment been 320. I understand that is the current priority, but is there any realistic chance of a Boeing slot?
Thanks again for all the good info!
! Movement is unprecedented at the moment, and it's a fantastic time to join! All IMHO!
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: 30 West
Quote:
LH command on 777 now down to nearly 1500.
Watch that one, those look to be slightly out of seniority due to the requirment for command courses on type (right to left).
Requires less training assets!!!
A few waifs to come from those one feels.
LH command on 777 now down to nearly 1500.
Watch that one, those look to be slightly out of seniority due to the requirment for command courses on type (right to left).
Requires less training assets!!!
A few waifs to come from those one feels.
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 361
Likes: 2
From: europe
Its all exciting for the moment, however this business is very cyclic and it will change! BA is a fantastic career opportunity, but do not expect the current bubble to last, TandC in legacy airlines are becoming less and less attractive with the seniority system, hence the need for road shows etc. With the current system unless you are under 35 you MAY end up with a frustrating career. All I am saying is go in with your eyes wide open 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 898
Likes: 73
From: UK
You've got to ask yourselves why are people getting short haul commands after just four years? The answer isn't because of unprecedented movement, or equipment freezes etc.. The fact that more senior FOs don't want the positions should tell you something.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: On the side of the pitch!
The PP16 thing may also have something to do with it, also for me a junior slot on long haul next year would mean blind lines for a few years. LGW is better for junior Captains than LHR with Carmen bidding. Six of one, half a dozen of another. I'm a quarter of the way up the MSL after 4 years. Expansion in numbers has been real, in that time I've moved up 100 places. Who knows, its right for me now! I'll let you know in 3 years!
No airline is perfect, BA is certainly not a nirvana, but I've worked elsewhere and this is the best gig I've had experience of! But it could be better of course.
No airline is perfect, BA is certainly not a nirvana, but I've worked elsewhere and this is the best gig I've had experience of! But it could be better of course.
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 114
From: UK
I'm going to swing by this open day tomorrow morning at LGW. Quick question on dress code. Sounds silly I know, but don't want to be smart casual when everyone is in shirt and tie, and don't want to turn up looking like I'm in an interview when everyone else is in relaxed wear.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 898
Likes: 73
From: UK
SinBin, don't get me wrong, my post was not directed at you. I couldn't be happier for you and I think you have made the right decision (not that it should matter to you what someone else thinks). As a junior FO already in short haul and unlikely to get the opportunity to move any time particularly soon, I'd say a short haul Command is a no brainer. There is just one place in BA that is worse than being a junior short haul Captain - being a junior short haul FO, so you are definitely taking a step up. My point though, is that BA short haul is not what it was and so senior FOs no longer want to take the earliest available command. It is nothing to do with any other factor than that.
The suggestion that most 5 year (and above) FOs think they'll get a long haul command within the next 5 years and so are unwilling to take the equipment freeze is totally false. Trust me, that ain't happening and we all know it. I'm 15 years in and don't anticipate a long haul command any time in the next five years - or ten years for that matter! Neither does anyone of my seniority or below who has ever spent five minutes looking at the demographics within the company.
The suggestion that most 5 year (and above) FOs think they'll get a long haul command within the next 5 years and so are unwilling to take the equipment freeze is totally false. Trust me, that ain't happening and we all know it. I'm 15 years in and don't anticipate a long haul command any time in the next five years - or ten years for that matter! Neither does anyone of my seniority or below who has ever spent five minutes looking at the demographics within the company.
