BA Direct Entry Pilot.
Not sure you'll find reference to that in today's intrablah announcement but there's been talk of a new uniform for a while..I haven't heard BMRR's verson of this is going to be done. The version I heard was it was going to be "make it yourself", with BA sending the design out to individuals via e-mail and then the individual building their fetching ensemble at home.
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...".
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 11:21.
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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?
Naah, more likely some on that fleet are lobbying for a uniform hat with built in GoPro.....
(Sorry, not helpful for the prospective DEPs so I’ll knock it off now) .
(Sorry, not helpful for the prospective DEPs so I’ll knock it off now) .
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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?
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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
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Just for information; I've recently left BA to take a command at Ryanair. Spent several years as a Longhaul DEP but it's going nowhere; BA went from a Legacy carrier to a Longhaul LoCo in the space of several years... And I figured if I'm going to work for a LoCo I might as well work for one that pays more than BA.
It's sad but there you have it.
All of the former reasons for joining are no longer there; bidline, pension, 24 point payscale, early shorthaul command, early retirement and working less than 850hrs per year... And Alex Cruz isn't done yet; not by a long shot. All that's left now is prestige, I tried paying for my groceries the other day with that, but they wouldn't take it.
Obviously make your own decison, but I've made mine; I'm out.
It's sad but there you have it.
All of the former reasons for joining are no longer there; bidline, pension, 24 point payscale, early shorthaul command, early retirement and working less than 850hrs per year... And Alex Cruz isn't done yet; not by a long shot. All that's left now is prestige, I tried paying for my groceries the other day with that, but they wouldn't take it.
Obviously make your own decison, but I've made mine; I'm out.
Last edited by Doppio; 24th Feb 2018 at 11:00.
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To echo Doppio above, I too rejoined Ryanair as a Capt last year having done a stint as a longhaul DEP at BA.
It’s not just about the money at all but I’m earning 60% more in net salary now I’m back at Ryanair, with only a v.small difference in company pension contributions. Time to command longhaul would have been 17 to 20 years. Bidline didn’t work for me as a pilot at the bottom of the seniority list and I hated night flying. I have more days at home per month now than I did at BA and my quality of life and bank balance is much healthier.
Many of those I joined BA with think along similar lines and I know of a couple of who have gone back to their previous employers.
Having said that, for some joining BA (longhaul) has been like winning the lottery. It’s still a good job but it all depends what your other options in life / career are. Be careful giving up an easy, well paid life elsewhere to have the ‘prestige’ of a British flag on the tail of your aircraft.
It’s not just about the money at all but I’m earning 60% more in net salary now I’m back at Ryanair, with only a v.small difference in company pension contributions. Time to command longhaul would have been 17 to 20 years. Bidline didn’t work for me as a pilot at the bottom of the seniority list and I hated night flying. I have more days at home per month now than I did at BA and my quality of life and bank balance is much healthier.
Many of those I joined BA with think along similar lines and I know of a couple of who have gone back to their previous employers.
Having said that, for some joining BA (longhaul) has been like winning the lottery. It’s still a good job but it all depends what your other options in life / career are. Be careful giving up an easy, well paid life elsewhere to have the ‘prestige’ of a British flag on the tail of your aircraft.
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I also left BA as a DEP to return to my former loco outfit. Should never have left in the first place. It taught me a valuable lesson not to give up a command chasing the apparent prestige of flying for one’s flag carrier.
Not that it’s a bad job at all. For some it’s fantastic I imagine, but most on my intake are hugely questioning whether to stay or go back.
Good luck to those in the pool though if that’s what you really want.
Not that it’s a bad job at all. For some it’s fantastic I imagine, but most on my intake are hugely questioning whether to stay or go back.
Good luck to those in the pool though if that’s what you really want.