BA Direct Entry Pilot.
[old f*** warning]
I'm sensing there's a bit of a thought that (whatever their construction) Blindlines aren't really a problem (if indeed you perceive that they are) because you're not on them for very long.
Could I make the observation that BA is in a state of almost unheralded recruitment/pilot number expansion and many have rightly enjoyed their rapid rise up their status list in the last year, possible helped because many on Short Haul are currently stuck with engagement freezes.
At some point recruitment will slow down (hopefully not stop), and for sure engagement freezes will expire. In the past when that has happened it's not unknown for junior pilots on Long Haul fleets to drop back into Blindlines (senior internal transfers move in above them, most especially if the fleet is expanding), or simply not rise above Blindlines for the best part of a decade (as myself and a few others can testify).
I'm not saying don't join BA because of Blindlines, people do make them work, but I'd certainly be aware of how they work (post EASA), factor them into the pros and cons of joining, especially if you are a commuter. "TASS" (time assignability) is not simply a bit of padding on the line to make up credited hours up without going to work, you can get used. If you don't live locally to LHR you will need to have a plan for handling the likes of a 1759 UK time phone call out for a 0600 local report from TASS.
Above all I'd caution against the seemingly increasingly popular view that you will inevitably blow through Blindlines in a matter of months....because at some point people won't.
Wiggy
(>25 years in BA, > 8 on Blindlines...........see comments about juniority on expanding fleets.)
[/old f*** warning]
I'm sensing there's a bit of a thought that (whatever their construction) Blindlines aren't really a problem (if indeed you perceive that they are) because you're not on them for very long.
Could I make the observation that BA is in a state of almost unheralded recruitment/pilot number expansion and many have rightly enjoyed their rapid rise up their status list in the last year, possible helped because many on Short Haul are currently stuck with engagement freezes.
At some point recruitment will slow down (hopefully not stop), and for sure engagement freezes will expire. In the past when that has happened it's not unknown for junior pilots on Long Haul fleets to drop back into Blindlines (senior internal transfers move in above them, most especially if the fleet is expanding), or simply not rise above Blindlines for the best part of a decade (as myself and a few others can testify).
I'm not saying don't join BA because of Blindlines, people do make them work, but I'd certainly be aware of how they work (post EASA), factor them into the pros and cons of joining, especially if you are a commuter. "TASS" (time assignability) is not simply a bit of padding on the line to make up credited hours up without going to work, you can get used. If you don't live locally to LHR you will need to have a plan for handling the likes of a 1759 UK time phone call out for a 0600 local report from TASS.
Above all I'd caution against the seemingly increasingly popular view that you will inevitably blow through Blindlines in a matter of months....because at some point people won't.
Wiggy
(>25 years in BA, > 8 on Blindlines...........see comments about juniority on expanding fleets.)
[/old f*** warning]
Last edited by wiggy; 16th Dec 2015 at 10:22. Reason: Tass call out
Aaarggh...
oooh ....Thanks for the heads up. Should I expect a Pprune recognition of long and loyal service bottle of champagne to arrive in the post ......or is the long service stuff here a bit like at BA
?????
oooh ....Thanks for the heads up. Should I expect a Pprune recognition of long and loyal service bottle of champagne to arrive in the post ......or is the long service stuff here a bit like at BA
?????
Last edited by wiggy; 16th Dec 2015 at 10:12.
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi all,
I'm starting at BA soon, A320 LHR. I will be commuting from Amsterdam. Planning to stay in a hotel when I'm at LHR. Any advice with hotels or other housing options?
Thanks!
I'm starting at BA soon, A320 LHR. I will be commuting from Amsterdam. Planning to stay in a hotel when I'm at LHR. Any advice with hotels or other housing options?
Thanks!
NLP
A few of the Bath Road hotels, such as the Ibis, the Arora, the Premier Inns (both the "T5" one and the Bath Road one), and the Hilton Garden Inn at Hatton Cross (formerly known as Jurys Inn - handy for the Training Centre) frequently offer discount, also there are a handful of crew B&Bs near the crew car park again just off the Bath Road.
You might want to contact those hotels direct at this stage and see if they can offer anything ahead of your joining BA/before you get ID. I'd best not put any required log-ons here - once you're "in" you may be able to find out full discount details via in company intranet/BALPA forum.
A few of the Bath Road hotels, such as the Ibis, the Arora, the Premier Inns (both the "T5" one and the Bath Road one), and the Hilton Garden Inn at Hatton Cross (formerly known as Jurys Inn - handy for the Training Centre) frequently offer discount, also there are a handful of crew B&Bs near the crew car park again just off the Bath Road.
You might want to contact those hotels direct at this stage and see if they can offer anything ahead of your joining BA/before you get ID. I'd best not put any required log-ons here - once you're "in" you may be able to find out full discount details via in company intranet/BALPA forum.
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Under the table
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Either you haven't a clue what you're talking about, or your terminology is very sloppy?
Which is it?
If you live close to LGW, it can work of course. (Though everyone at Easy is paid better and works less) If you don't live close to LGW, it's unsustainable whoever you work for.
Which is it?
If you live close to LGW, it can work of course. (Though everyone at Easy is paid better and works less) If you don't live close to LGW, it's unsustainable whoever you work for.
I'm not sure if the Easy guys do work less and get paid more to be honest. Ask the guys that are based at LGW that are ex-Easy (those giving up Commands as well) to see why they moved. I'm not sure why the comparison is made either - new joiners will be paid exactly the same as our own LHR colleagues. Have a look at a few recent months rosters to see how hard we're working.
It's unfair that LGW has the reputation that it seems to. My opinion only of course, having worked at LHR and LGW, and living almost midway between both it's a no-brainer for me.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Everywhere
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well this is very straightforward in the first instance - you can happily argue that there is no sensible starting package for an experienced pilot at easyJet. At least incomparable to the starting BA offer.
However I have to say from my personal experience that those who are happy at easyJet, living by the lake in the sunshine with part time fixed pattern rosters, simply have no interest in PPRUNE lifestyle debates and are certainly far too busy in their swimming pools to ever feel the need to justify their lifestyle choice.
Be careful the decisions you make based on a very limited and not necessarily complete survey group.
However I have to say from my personal experience that those who are happy at easyJet, living by the lake in the sunshine with part time fixed pattern rosters, simply have no interest in PPRUNE lifestyle debates and are certainly far too busy in their swimming pools to ever feel the need to justify their lifestyle choice.
Be careful the decisions you make based on a very limited and not necessarily complete survey group.
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: England
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So near yet so far !
Just fishing to see if any others are in a similar boat to myself, trying to make the last leap into the holdpool.
Aug, passed Day1. Sep, passed Day2. Since then I have been trying to get a SIM assessment slot but to no avail. I know an awful lot of hiring has taken place in this period but as a NTR ex mil mate without qualifying experience for the Long Haul slots I guess I'm pretty far down the list.
Last week my application was put on hold pending the next round of NTR recruitment, however no timescale given.
Rumours of huge recruitment are welcome, rumours of more NTR recruitment even more welcome.
Congratulations to all that have made it !!!
Aug, passed Day1. Sep, passed Day2. Since then I have been trying to get a SIM assessment slot but to no avail. I know an awful lot of hiring has taken place in this period but as a NTR ex mil mate without qualifying experience for the Long Haul slots I guess I'm pretty far down the list.
Last week my application was put on hold pending the next round of NTR recruitment, however no timescale given.
Rumours of huge recruitment are welcome, rumours of more NTR recruitment even more welcome.
Congratulations to all that have made it !!!
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Under the table
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
However I have to say from my personal experience that those who are happy at easyJet, living by the lake in the sunshine with part time fixed pattern rosters, simply have no interest in PPRUNE lifestyle debates and are certainly far too busy in their swimming pools to ever feel the need to justify their lifestyle choice.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: York
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stocious
Oh dear. Did it ever occur to you that many of "you LHR boys" actually used to be 'LGW boys'? (and girls??)
You know a little of BA. That's perfectly understandable. Many have been on the same path you are currently on. They moved on. As will you.
I don't expect you LHR boys will change mindsets easily.
You know a little of BA. That's perfectly understandable. Many have been on the same path you are currently on. They moved on. As will you.
you mention of good quality of life but I'd like to hear from LH people who've been in a few years.
As probably mentioned, lifestyle means different things to different people. My preference is flying East with the odd Caribbean and South American trip for variety. I rarely go to the US, maybe twice a year. I can achieve this easily and I am about 35% from the bottom of the list.
Swapping and sector swapping is very popular and with luck you can re-write your whole roster.
Blind lines only by bidding mistakes, I was wiped recently as I underbid and was given 3x5 day trips for the month.
Can always get leave in summer, but have not really tried for Christmas.
Have the seniority to achieve Airbus SH captaincy but would think about maybe 787 instead, just for a change, but equally happy on the 777.
When I last looked we had 50 different destinations and there is usually enough time to make the most of any place.
My choice to go East, others like going West or beach or golf or kite surf of time at home or weekends at home. Consequently used to the time change, can sleep down route and have no issues forgetting about work and relaxing in the UK.
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Under the table
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh dear. Did it ever occur to you that many of "you LHR boys" actually used to be 'LGW boys'? (and girls??)
You know a little of BA. That's perfectly understandable. Many have been on the same path you are currently on. They moved on. As will you.
You know a little of BA. That's perfectly understandable. Many have been on the same path you are currently on. They moved on. As will you.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: somewhere between Miami and Havana
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LGW...
Isn't that what they put next to that extra 5 tons of fuel they load? I've never actually known what that stood for.
I always thought it was like some kind of soccer chant. You know, like "Let's Go Worldwide", and here's lots of gas to do it...
BA: great for some, ****e for others. Kinda like everything else in life.
Best of luck to everyone trying to get in.
Cheers
Buter
Isn't that what they put next to that extra 5 tons of fuel they load? I've never actually known what that stood for.
I always thought it was like some kind of soccer chant. You know, like "Let's Go Worldwide", and here's lots of gas to do it...
BA: great for some, ****e for others. Kinda like everything else in life.
Best of luck to everyone trying to get in.
Cheers
Buter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: N.I
Age: 33
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Drowning in the holdpool
Hi all,
I've been in the holdpool since before the summer 767 rated, unfrozen but havnt quite got the hours for long haul. I doubt I will make the hours up by the time I'm due to drop out. Can anyone shed any light on whether short haul recruitment may kick off again for non rated people?
Cheers
I've been in the holdpool since before the summer 767 rated, unfrozen but havnt quite got the hours for long haul. I doubt I will make the hours up by the time I'm due to drop out. Can anyone shed any light on whether short haul recruitment may kick off again for non rated people?
Cheers
Join Date: May 2007
Location: france
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Guy's
I am french, mid 30's and A380 F/O with Ek, expecting left seat within the next year.
Looks like that BA is coming to DXB for roadshows to find type rated 380 FO.
I am seriously considering trying to join, even if it means a big pay cut and a long time on the right seat.
Couple of questions if someone has the answers that would be cool.
-Is there a lot of guys commuting to france or south of Europe?
-Salaray when joining is around 54000 £ what about after 4-5 years. Cannot find the pay scale anywhere.
-Upgrade on the 380 or LH, 10-12-15years?
Ek is good to me so far, but I don't see myself and familly staying here more than another 5 years.
I am french, mid 30's and A380 F/O with Ek, expecting left seat within the next year.
Looks like that BA is coming to DXB for roadshows to find type rated 380 FO.
I am seriously considering trying to join, even if it means a big pay cut and a long time on the right seat.
Couple of questions if someone has the answers that would be cool.
-Is there a lot of guys commuting to france or south of Europe?
-Salaray when joining is around 54000 £ what about after 4-5 years. Cannot find the pay scale anywhere.
-Upgrade on the 380 or LH, 10-12-15years?
Ek is good to me so far, but I don't see myself and familly staying here more than another 5 years.
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: The Home of the Gnomes
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
Hi Guy's
I am french, mid 30's and A380 F/O with Ek, expecting left seat within the next year.
Looks like that BA is coming to DXB for roadshows to find type rated 380 FO.
I am seriously considering trying to join, even if it means a big pay cut and a long time on the right seat.
Couple of questions if someone has the answers that would be cool.
-Is there a lot of guys commuting to france or south of Europe?
-Salaray when joining is around 54000 £ what about after 4-5 years. Cannot find the pay scale anywhere.
-Upgrade on the 380 or LH, 10-12-15years?
Ek is good to me so far, but I don't see myself and familly staying here more than another 5 years.
I am french, mid 30's and A380 F/O with Ek, expecting left seat within the next year.
Looks like that BA is coming to DXB for roadshows to find type rated 380 FO.
I am seriously considering trying to join, even if it means a big pay cut and a long time on the right seat.
Couple of questions if someone has the answers that would be cool.
-Is there a lot of guys commuting to france or south of Europe?
-Salaray when joining is around 54000 £ what about after 4-5 years. Cannot find the pay scale anywhere.
-Upgrade on the 380 or LH, 10-12-15years?
Ek is good to me so far, but I don't see myself and familly staying here more than another 5 years.
French commuters? Dozens, probably hundreds. If you include cabin crew, possibly more.
Left seat A380. Plan on twenty. It's a smallish fleet and those skippers who are there will want to stay. Many new Longhaul captains are aged around 40 so will be there for a long time.