British Airways Direct Entry Pilot
Join Date: Aug 2023
Location: Istanbul
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, I am going to purchase SkyTest for capacity test. Which modules will be on the actual test? I couldn't book for the test so I do not have any official information ( I assume, once I booked I will get official information about test). Could anyone briefly explain test modules, please?
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
it seems that EU Flyer attrition running at a very high level as is Long Haul to 320.
Both FTM and his Deputy are LTS,long term sick.
320 Trainers have been invited to observe how 777 fleet conducts sim details.
A very sad state of affairs and some very angry people who do not become bad operators overnight.
Both FTM and his Deputy are LTS,long term sick.
320 Trainers have been invited to observe how 777 fleet conducts sim details.
A very sad state of affairs and some very angry people who do not become bad operators overnight.
it seems that EU Flyer attrition running at a very high level as is Long Haul to 320.
Both FTM and his Deputy are LTS,long term sick.
320 Trainers have been invited to observe how 777 fleet conducts sim details.
A very sad state of affairs and some very angry people who do not become bad operators overnight.
Both FTM and his Deputy are LTS,long term sick.
320 Trainers have been invited to observe how 777 fleet conducts sim details.
A very sad state of affairs and some very angry people who do not become bad operators overnight.
Now the idea of mass resignations due to CRM issues, I will take it with a pinch of salt.
I’m aware of a few things that shouldn’t be happening, but that’s a byproduct of a recruitment profile that doesn’t suit our time and age. I believe that there are attempts to change that.
It wouldn’t surprise me if euroflyer is having retention issues, it is after all the worst 320 conditions in the country.
However mainline doesn’t seem to have dried up recruitment wise yet 🤷🏻♂️
However mainline doesn’t seem to have dried up recruitment wise yet 🤷🏻♂️
I don't know about other fleets but on the 320 there are a few trainers that have a bad rep. Personally having flown with a couple of the "names" I've never had a problem with them, but they are probably names for a reason.
There's also the issue of the "games" that are played on the command course - there's what OM D says ("a notice level FO lacking in initiative") and what some trainers allegedly interpret that to mean. ASRs have been put in and reports sent to the CAA (via CHIRP) but i think most are just so relieved to be through the course they put it behind them & move on. This info is anecdotal, I've not seen it first hand.
I've not heard of big numbers of resignations, or trainers being managed though.
There's also the issue of the "games" that are played on the command course - there's what OM D says ("a notice level FO lacking in initiative") and what some trainers allegedly interpret that to mean. ASRs have been put in and reports sent to the CAA (via CHIRP) but i think most are just so relieved to be through the course they put it behind them & move on. This info is anecdotal, I've not seen it first hand.
I've not heard of big numbers of resignations, or trainers being managed though.
Last edited by thetimesreader84; 4th Dec 2023 at 17:25.
Before I left the fleet there were a couple of Training FO appointments that almost universally raised eyebrows amongst the captains I flew with. Don't tell me they’re making trouble already.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought those days were long gone.
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There will always be a few bad eggs on every fleet, but that isn’t just limited to trainers.
This doesn’t remotely describe my interactions with the training department over the last 15 years. If anything I think the training has got much better, with less emphasis on checking and more on training.
There will always be a few bad eggs on every fleet, but that isn’t just limited to trainers.
There will always be a few bad eggs on every fleet, but that isn’t just limited to trainers.
This is broadly my experience, even having been in the sim or on the line with those who have a rep as a "bad egg".
the only note of caution is some of the stories ive heard from those who've done a SH command course recently, some of the games the trainers play while being a "notice level FO lacking initiative" sound horrendous, and have very little to do with training IMHO.
Well, after experiencing a real “ arrival “ at LHR yesterday morning, 777 ex BGI, some sharper training seems necessary !
Why don't some of these “ names etc. “ get the fact that trainers are there to get their candidates to the highest possible level. That is what they are paid to do , not intimidate and try an humiliate people. Totally counterproductive for them and the company.
As an ex RAF standards QFI and training captain I just don’t understand their attitude. I considered that the results and standards of my candidates was a reflection on my training capability and commitment..I wanted my guys, and girls, to a achieve the very best they were capable of.
Bad eggs should have NO place in a well run training establishment.
Why don't some of these “ names etc. “ get the fact that trainers are there to get their candidates to the highest possible level. That is what they are paid to do , not intimidate and try an humiliate people. Totally counterproductive for them and the company.
As an ex RAF standards QFI and training captain I just don’t understand their attitude. I considered that the results and standards of my candidates was a reflection on my training capability and commitment..I wanted my guys, and girls, to a achieve the very best they were capable of.
Bad eggs should have NO place in a well run training establishment.
Last edited by RetiredBA/BY; 5th Dec 2023 at 18:48.
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: aaa
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, after experiencing a real “ arrival “ at LHR yesterday morning, 777 ex BGI, some sharper training seems necessary !
Why don't some of these “ names etc. “ get the fact that trainers are there to get their candidates to the highest possible level. That is what they are paid to do , not intimidate and try an humiliate people. Totally counterproductive for them and the company.
As an ex RAF standards QFI and training captain I just don’t understand their attitude.
Why don't some of these “ names etc. “ get the fact that trainers are there to get their candidates to the highest possible level. That is what they are paid to do , not intimidate and try an humiliate people. Totally counterproductive for them and the company.
As an ex RAF standards QFI and training captain I just don’t understand their attitude.
Even the best of us occasionally bury one
…..and as a spamcan driver you may not be aware that these big jets have a rad. alt to advise start of the flare height. (Eg 50 feet plus 2 seconds for the 76, plus 3 for the 75 IIRC correctly) and the 320 even tells you when to close the throttles ! ( OK thrust levers !)
Last edited by RetiredBA/BY; 5th Dec 2023 at 19:12.
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: aaa
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cant recall one as bad as that, and I have a LOT of time, now retired, on several big jets going from the Valiant to the 767 !
…..and as a spamcan driver you may not be aware that these big jets have a rad. alt to advise start of the flare height. (Eg 50 feet plus 2 seconds for the 76, plus 3 for the 75 IIRC correctly) and the 320 even tells you when to close the throttles ! ( OK thrust levers !)
…..and as a spamcan driver you may not be aware that these big jets have a rad. alt to advise start of the flare height. (Eg 50 feet plus 2 seconds for the 76, plus 3 for the 75 IIRC correctly) and the 320 even tells you when to close the throttles ! ( OK thrust levers !)
Which is why wouldn't question the competency of a pilot based on a single landing especially, when I was sat in the back and had no idea what happened.
I do however completely agree with you about the level of the students being a reflection of their trainers.
Anyway enough thread drift and willy waving from me
Last edited by SpamCanDriver; 6th Dec 2023 at 01:30.
Just to set the balance straight I have never observed “brutal” training at BA. It has always been constructive, standards are high (as they are elsewhere).
Don’t let people with an axe to grind influence your decision!
LD
Don’t let people with an axe to grind influence your decision!
LD
Usually v good, very occasionally awful.
That was quite a few years ago, Hopefully, everything is better now !
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not so Sir,there are new hitmen who brief the stand in to make deliberate mistakes.
The previous mentioned ‘ Names’ include a Mid Eastern sounding name who employs these tactics and kicks the seat when he wishes to employ that tactic.
IMHO as a previous BTC, and STC,he should be reminded of his primary role as a TRAINER not a destructive force.
The Unions should ensure this ‘ Unsavoury Character’ not my words but a recipient of his recent behaviour is not considered for a Trainer Transfer to Long Haul where he can inflict more misery and damage.
The previous mentioned ‘ Names’ include a Mid Eastern sounding name who employs these tactics and kicks the seat when he wishes to employ that tactic.
IMHO as a previous BTC, and STC,he should be reminded of his primary role as a TRAINER not a destructive force.
The Unions should ensure this ‘ Unsavoury Character’ not my words but a recipient of his recent behaviour is not considered for a Trainer Transfer to Long Haul where he can inflict more misery and damage.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re:BA I’m more than happy to speak the truth (as an insider) but whoever is putting out the rumours about training cultures here, is talking nonsense. BA training culture is the last part of our brand that I remain proud of.
Anyone who says otherwise is usually a part of the problem and typically if they are complaining as a new entrant, it is MOST likely they received blunt honesty from their trainers because they had very poor team skills.
However, if you are the sort who struggles in the simulator, but has a healthy sense of persecution, then I guess you’ll start this type of rumour. The psychology of accepting your mistakes and working on them is very much part of the BA training culture. Self improvement. Those who describe it otherwise, are probably the type of pilot who feel their self improvement is not necessary.
Anyone who says otherwise is usually a part of the problem and typically if they are complaining as a new entrant, it is MOST likely they received blunt honesty from their trainers because they had very poor team skills.
However, if you are the sort who struggles in the simulator, but has a healthy sense of persecution, then I guess you’ll start this type of rumour. The psychology of accepting your mistakes and working on them is very much part of the BA training culture. Self improvement. Those who describe it otherwise, are probably the type of pilot who feel their self improvement is not necessary.