British Airways Direct Entry Pilot

[ToCatLady]

Just want to give a fairly fresh view of life on SH for those who are still trying to join the company away from LH.

This is by far the best short haul gig in the U.K. currently, you can bid for days out or for blocks away whichever suits you (commuter ect)

the blessing being the LHR curfew plus other strict curfews around EU means your “lates” have you in your bed or a hotel bed NORMALLY before midnight

some of the earliest can be gruesome, I think BCN has a 0430 report but that actually suits some other Pilots as they’re home before lunch!.

Once you get your head around JSS you really can make the roster work for you as long as you’re not being too restrictive. Summer is chaotic as all summers are around SH but with the amount of Leave and DFW available you can still get a break, plus if you’ve got kids you can take quite a chunk of parental leave to make some space.

Junior LH seems to be doing 5 trips a month on the 777 but if you request 4 or 5 day tours on SH you also don’t do more than 5 trips a month, so you can almost create a decent lifestyle and have zero jet lag. Lots of new rostering rules have come in recently on SH to make it slightly easier too.

This is coming from someone who’s in year 1 of the company, already climbed 19% up the seniority list without realising and getting more and more of my requests now JSS is becoming familiar. For me I prefer lates, days away at work in a block to suit my commute and I’m not too fussed with getting every weekend off (at the moment!) I try and avoid the Swiss night stops and some of the dull ones such as CDG & HAJ and 90% of the time my roster comes out with exactly this. If it doesn’t, I jump on ibid and swap and change any trips to make it work for me.

There’s so many Pilots working for BA who have different priorities and specifications that there will always be someone bidding for what you don’t want, and swapping for something you want to get rid of.

The atmosphere is very good, the crews are brilliant and the Captains all come from different backgrounds so makes it a decent day/tour, and always within walking distance to an Irish pub!

Hotels around Europe and the U.K. are majority very good with the help from BALPA agreements and centrally located.

Remove the occasional LHR or IT meltdown and overall it’s a very simple gig.

Hope this helps anyone trying to get into BA who have a little SH fear going on.

Happy to answer any questions as long as it doesn’t lead me to CONNECT!

[Plastic787]

Originally Posted by speed freek

And CRS was meant for all fleets except 787/A350, yet only the 747 and some LGW guys were in it. Captains, SFOs and FOs. Yes we all came back but only because the market recovered. The hold pools had an expiry time, CRS was two years and it got close to that date before it was empty.

I won’t ever be bidding for the 380. Seniority isn’t as important as the seat you’re in when it really matters. Good luck to everyone with your decisions.

But that, in my opinion, is a very myopic decision to your own detriment. Covid, as I said before, was an almost total ground stop to the entire industry. Virtually zero revenue coming into the company coffers for months. You are not going to see any downturn worse than that in your entire life again. And yet there were not swathes of A380 pilots and Jumbo pilots laid off down the job centre, and there are plenty of examples of Jumbo pilots who were retrained to the 787, 777 and elsewhere before we even got to the CRS. Yes there was union involvement in that but I would like to think the community would step up to the plate again. Any CRS pilot for instance who wouldn’t would be a case of extremely bad darts. There is clear precedent now. But as I said governments worldwide know that travel bans were pure political theatre and completely ineffective which the data will no doubt show. We are not going to see another reaction like March ‘20 again not least because Governments simply cannot afford it. WWIII? Quite frankly if that starts then our fleets are going to be the very least of our concern (repeating myself).

Limited destinations? So what? They’re mostly all good. You’re not going to be going anywhere near Accra or Lagos or anywhere totally crap. No sitting with a fantastic view of the motorway in Woodbridge, NJ with nowhere to eat.

Cycling across the Golden Gate & wine tours in Napa, Golfing in Joburg, Surfing in Huntington. Not freezing your nuts off in Montreal. The bunks are the best of any fleet and no waiting with the pax to use the toilet. Genuinely feeling part of an extended family on a small fleet. The great thing about having a few good destinations is that you can really get to know them and develop your little routines. Honestly, don’t listen to the naysayers on here. I only got the A380 last minute and I’m so glad I did, there is no better fleet especially if you’re junior and especially if you actually want to have a life.

[Busdriver01]

Originally Posted by Plastic787

You are not going to see any downturn worse than that in your entire life again.

You've gone and done it now!

[thetimesreader84]

Limited destinations? So what? They’re mostly all good. You’re not going to be going anywhere near Accra or Lagos or anywhere totally crap. No sitting with a fantastic view of the motorway in Woodbridge, NJ with nowhere to eat.​​​​​​

Not sure if that's aimed at me, but I said it's something to think about, not necessarily a reason to turn down an offer for the 380. It's a factor in my decision making.

Not freezing your nuts off in Montreal.

I actually quite like Montreal!

[speed freek]

It’s a shame Blimey’s post was moderated, thought he was spot on.

Originally Posted by Plastic787

Cycling across the Golden Gate & wine tours in Napa, Golfing in Joburg, Surfing in Huntington. Not freezing your nuts off in Montreal. The bunks are the best of any fleet and no waiting with the pax to use the toilet. Genuinely feeling part of an extended family on a small fleet. The great thing about having a few good destinations is that you can really get to know them and develop your little routines. Honestly, don’t listen to the naysayers on here. I only got the A380 last minute and I’m so glad I did, there is no better fleet especially if you’re junior and especially if you actually want to have a life.

All pales into insignificance when you lose your financial security, all your savings the house and your family. We’ve both been coloured by our experiences. May you never be so unlucky.

[Basicsteve]

Originally Posted by Busdriver01

You've gone and done it now!

I agree , I don’t think that comment will age well at all !!!!

[GS-Alpha]

They are sobering words indeed speed freak. I am on 380 and feel perfectly secure despite having been on the wrong fleet during covid. I totally understand why many would not be happy to risk it for a second time though. At the end of the day, how do you predict what will happen in the future and which fleets will be deemed safe - if any?

[speed freek]

Originally Posted by GS-Alpha

They are sobering words indeed speed freak. I am on 380 and feel perfectly secure despite having been on the wrong fleet during covid. I totally understand why many would not be happy to risk it for a second time though. At the end of the day, how do you predict what will happen in the future and which fleets will be deemed safe - if any?

Sadly you can't, such is the result of the last few years. But what you can do is give yourself the best chance with the most useful experience. I prefer type ratings that don't limit my options to one Middle Eastern airline.

Interestingly there's plenty of ex-Tankers on the A350 who are very happy with the bunks and going to Accra. Seems I'm not the only one who sees the 380 as a vulnerable fleet.

Anyway, apologies for the extreme thread drift and best of luck to all hoping to join.

[winglet747]

Originally Posted by winglet747

Hi everyone,
I just passed the online interview, 2 questions nothing really tricky.
Now I have an appointment at british airways headquerters LHR. It says:
- A structured interview between you, a Pilot and HR assessor.
- A group exercise
- Ability testing - we will ask you to complete an online ability test measuring your general ability. You will need to complete the test before attending your assessment centre - a link will be sent out to you 3-5 days in advance of your assessment centre day. . We may ask you to sit a verification test when attending your assessment centre at Waterside.
- Crew Capacity - this test measures your ability to manage several different tasks in a high workload situation. In this test, you take on the role of a First Officer. The test is dynamic and includes tasks such as systems checks, working out equations, monitoring and managing faults. Full instructions will be provided on the day. Practice materials are not available for this assessment.

the appointment is just 1 hour there. looks like not enough time to do many things in an hour.
any one knows what is expected in an hour time?

Thanks guys and good luck everyone

If anyone could help would be highly appreciated guys!
cheers

[Raph737]

Honestly, this is all very interesting to read and when time comes, we will have a bigger picture should there be a few options available, so thank you all for sharing.

I have a question about CRM. Not intended to be inflammatory or starting arguments so feel free to DM. I have a person on the inside plus a few “murmurs” I heard from cabin crew friends regarding the lack of CRM on the Airbus fleets? I have witnessed one incident on a trip as a cling on(380). Is the environment more chilled nowadays, should people be worried about stressful days with “skygods” or most are gone now?
Many thanks!

[Plastic787]

Originally Posted by Basicsteve

I agree , I don’t think that comment will age well at all !!!!

how exactly do you propose you’re going to get a worse scenario than almost zero revenue coming in? That’s not a downturn that’s a shutdown. My words were you are not going to see worse than that and I stand by them.

[Basicsteve]

Originally Posted by Raph737

Honestly, this is all very interesting to read and when time comes, we will have a bigger picture should there be a few options available, so thank you all for sharing.

I have a question about CRM. Not intended to be inflammatory or starting arguments so feel free to DM. I have a person on the inside plus a few “murmurs” I heard from cabin crew friends regarding the lack of CRM on the Airbus fleets? I have witnessed one incident on a trip as a cling on(380). Is the environment more chilled nowadays, should people be worried about stressful days with “skygods” or most are gone now?
Many thanks!

some difficult characters on the 350 fleet for sure , some of them from 380.
Cabin crew can be very hit and miss , tbh it’s best when downroute to choose who you have a few drinks with very wisely.

[Raph737]

Originally Posted by winglet747

If anyone could help would be highly appreciated guys!
cheers

Hi Winglet, It’s been shared multiple times, you need to do the work and research, my friend.

[Basicsteve]

Originally Posted by Plastic787

how exactly do you propose you’re going to get a worse scenario than almost zero revenue coming in? That’s not a downturn that’s a shutdown. My words were you are not going to see worse than that and I stand by them.

I can think of many things worse than no money coming in ….

[Raph737]

Originally Posted by Basicsteve

some difficult characters on the 350 fleet for sure , some of them from 380.
Cabin crew can be very hit and miss , tbh it’s best when downroute to choose who you have a few drinks with very wisely.

I hear you. I was wondering if the ambiance at BA was similar to one of our bases at my airline, where FO’s have a WhatsApp group to swap trips when they are rostered with a few special individuals(far too many), in case they get stuck more than one day with them. Gets to a point in your career where it gets boring, and you’re more outspoken with the wannabe “Mavericks”. I’m all about an easy day out and a good laugh, no patience for point scoring or attitude.

The incident I witnessed was in Singapore, Christmas trip. Pilots spent the following days chasing the crew, hoping to get involved in the socials but were ignored, after being rude to them onboard(including my partner) and when we were getting ready to jump on the crew transport(myself plus other six, got taxis to the hotel as captain said the transport was for pilots/crew only). His wife got on the bus though, and obviously she got first class and the other pilots helped themselves with first class food without asking the galley operator (my partner) if there was enough for passengers (there wasn’t), it was an embarrassing s***show.

Thanks for sharing!

[122.85]

Never heard of anything like that on the 777 fleet, very relaxed and minimal strange characters. Have positioned a number of times on the 380 and 350 and mostly found those crews to be just as pleasant. With 4000+ pilots you are always going to get a few strange ones, my previous airline had a lot more it felt.

[123jez123]

HI, this info would also be hugely appreciated thank you

[Alrosa]

Originally Posted by Raph737

I hear you. I was wondering if the ambiance at BA was similar to one of our bases at my airline, where FO’s have a WhatsApp group to swap trips when they are rostered with a few special individuals(far too many), in case they get stuck more than one day with them. Gets to a point in your career where it gets boring, and you’re more outspoken with the wannabe “Mavericks”. I’m all about an easy day out and a good laugh, no patience for point scoring or attitude.

The incident I witnessed was in Singapore, Christmas trip. Pilots spent the following days chasing the crew, hoping to get involved in the socials but were ignored, after being rude to them onboard(including my partner) and when we were getting ready to jump on the crew transport(myself plus other six, got taxis to the hotel as captain said the transport was for pilots/crew only). His wife got on the bus though, and obviously she got first class and the other pilots helped themselves with first class food without asking the galley operator (my partner) if there was enough for passengers (there wasn’t), it was an embarrassing s***show.

Thanks for sharing!

Can only speak for 320 LHR but most folks seem lovely both sides of the door. Everyone is different and you of course have to allow for individual personality etc. but I haven’t flown with anyone yet I thought was a tool. I think it’s mainly a case of you get out what you put in.

Most folk are after an easy day (wishful thinking at base!) and nil post flight paperwork.

[flyerflyer1]

Originally Posted by White Van Driver

It might be a good idea here to just give potential joiners a quick rundown of our rostering system, JSS.

Each month the company lists all the trips for a full month. P777 its normally around 1500 or so trips to be shared among the 600ish copilots on the fleet. We then have a few days to put together our bids. This is currently happening now, for March rosters.

You can make up to 15 "bid groups".
In each bid group you have 7 buckets to fill with the trips, using a sequence of commands. Ultimately you can differentiate between the trips however you like... Mondays, report after 11.45am, Caribbean, BA283 on Wednesday, long layovers in Mauritius, anything you like right down to a certain flight number on a certain date.
The 7 buckets range from what JSS will try to give you lots of if it can, down to what it will try to avoid giving you, if it can. You can leave any trips you really dont want outside by not putting them in any bucket at all, and JSS won't even look at those trips for you.
But if it doesn't have enough work to build you a roster, that Bid Group will fail and it'll move onto the next Bid Group.

After it has made a roster for everyone, if it has too many leftover trips, JSS will open up rosters from the bottom up to squeeze more trips onto your month. It'll still try to give you what you've asked for but really all bets are off. This is called Global Constraints and has recently gone all the way to the top of the list causing much frustration.

On a practical level, i find as junior P777 i can't get any particular day off im after, but if i give it 20 destinations i like, it might give me one or two from that list. The rest will be from the lower buckets.

For March, I've tried to get a certain Wed/Thu off for childcare. Then I've tried to get the following weekend off. Then ive tried to avoid JKF EWR ORD. Then I've listed 23 places I like in the top 3 buckets (of approx 45 destinations on the fleet). I'll update here the result if anyone's interested.

Apologies if this post is seen as a bit off piste. But bidding and rostering is such a big part of life at BA I think it probably warrants a discussion...

This is great information thanks. As someone who is joining the 777 in the next couple of months and will be commuting I have a few questions.

1. There is a CAP each month of certain hours you need to fly, is it Duty or Flight duty and how much is it? Does it change month to month? What happens when you dont hit the CAP or exceed it? Annual leave months how does it work?

2. As a commuter what are the limitations other than obviously EASA/UK CAA regulations on back to back trips which may give extended time at home? ie. 3 day trip, min rest, 3 day trip, 4-6 days off (is that accurate?)

3. Random question that will probably be answered by a phone call from someone at BA in the next month, which hotel to stay at for the training? Best bus to get there? I know there are loads but not all link to training centre.

4. Lots of new pilots are joining now, what does that look like for trips? Is there more capacity for more routes or slots in LHR or is it purely to resource the routes right now that arent covered?

Thanks for anyone with information. DM me if not comfortable with sharing info.

[winglet747]

Thanks Raph737, will do!