British Airways Direct Entry Pilot
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Quite a few seem to, so yes. The consensus from those I know is that if you are not fussy with your bid and prioritise trips above all else then it can be quite workable - but do not expect many weekends off at home and of course reserve will be a pain.
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London
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Worth mentioning there is a neat function in JSS which allows you to “freeze” out the CRM challenged among us. Sadly it’s only available to FO’s…but relevant to all those reading these pages!
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.
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.
If you exceed Cap you'll get some hours in "bank". These can be used later to swap or drop a trip, cash out, or to have a lighter month. If you don't make cap they'll take some hours out of your bank, but don't worry when bidding you can protect your bank so that doesn't happen.
Annual leave (as well as reserve, part time days) you'll get credit of Cap÷days in the month per day thus its pro rata.
2. Not an expert as not a commuter. But there are trips you can back to back. Small time change trips so Africa, Middle East. Also there's a way you can back to back an east coast trip but that's more involved. If you bid to waive industrial rest (2 days off minimum after a trip) it will help you bunch work into a clump giving a longer stretch at home.
3. Anywhere accessible Hatton Cross. It's maybe 20mins walk from Hatton cross station. Free carpark at training though so if you're bringing a car it's easier and you could stay outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
4. Again, I'm no expert but they look at the planned flying and decide how many pilots they need to fly it. Routes are always moving between fleets so it's a pretty fluid plan. If they're hiring a lot onto the b777 then maybe many 777 FOs have their commands this year? Or they want the 777 to do more flying? Or maybe we've been under-resourced ever since covid anyway? Haha probably all three. No doubt you'll be busy enough when you join the fleet. Welcome!
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: AUS
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very possible. Quite a few from GLA MAN & EDI doing it. I’ve met more commuters than “locals” and like the above post mentions, don’t be too specific on bids and it works well. Commuters prefer 4/5 day tours with late starts to minimise the need of a premier inn the night before:after.
if you don’t care where you go, but you just want to maximise your days off after trips. It’s very commutable.
reserve is a total pain, there’s a few options but it’s up to you for what works best.
Which sadly also isn’t a guarantee and doesn’t help you out on reserve!
Join Date: Dec 2021
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very possible. Quite a few from GLA MAN & EDI doing it. I’ve met more commuters than “locals” and like the above post mentions, don’t be too specific on bids and it works well. Commuters prefer 4/5 day tours with late starts to minimise the need of a premier inn the night before:after.
if you don’t care where you go, but you just want to maximise your days off after trips. It’s very commutable.
reserve is a total pain, there’s a few options but it’s up to you for what works best.
if you don’t care where you go, but you just want to maximise your days off after trips. It’s very commutable.
reserve is a total pain, there’s a few options but it’s up to you for what works best.
Join Date: Dec 2012
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There’s not necessarily a set number of days off but expect 2-4 days off between blocks of work throughout the month. If you get clever you can create bigger gaps over the monthly boundary.
Join Date: Jan 2010
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To add to the commuters who f you are coming from a city we night stop in you can bid for that or get on to the swaps.
GLA,EDI,MAN certainly have multiple crews night stopping.
Like others have said JSS is an art form in its self. Busy trips away to get maximum credit will be your target to get more days off between.
Can also go for part time if you’re not desperate for cash. 75% contract gets you 1 week off a month and it’s 18ish% drop in take home once you factor tax in.
GLA,EDI,MAN certainly have multiple crews night stopping.
Like others have said JSS is an art form in its self. Busy trips away to get maximum credit will be your target to get more days off between.
Can also go for part time if you’re not desperate for cash. 75% contract gets you 1 week off a month and it’s 18ish% drop in take home once you factor tax in.
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: London
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Has anyone else been offered a LH sim assessment slot on the 747 as of Feb ‘24? I couldn’t make the time, but I was told it would be A380…
Who are people using for sim prep? Kind of tricky if it is indeed on the A380.
Who are people using for sim prep? Kind of tricky if it is indeed on the A380.
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: FL390
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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Quite hard to display your non-tech skills when your capacity is totally sapped flying an unfamiliar type...
If you've never touched an Airbus, well worth it in my opinion.
If you've never touched an Airbus, well worth it in my opinion.
Which was my entire point. If you’ve never flown an Airbus the 320 will serve you perfectly well enough to give you a heads up enough to display your non technical skills. No need whatsoever to bust a gut or your wallet trying to search for what must be an extremely limited availability of 380 sims.
Join Date: May 2005
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Quite the opposite, how you interact and think in an unfamiliar and challenging environment is most interesting and relevant. Maybe some pass under the radar at this stage purely down to the sim preparation freeing up their capacity and then their not so good non techs surface during training and on the line.
Quite the opposite, how you interact and think in an unfamiliar and challenging environment is most interesting and relevant. Maybe some pass under the radar at this stage purely down to the sim preparation freeing up their capacity and then their not so good non techs surface during training and on the line.
Join Date: Jan 2024
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Hi,
Hey there! Best of luck to everyone gearing up for computer-based aptitude tests! While specifics may vary, generally expect a mix of problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical questions.
Hey there! Best of luck to everyone gearing up for computer-based aptitude tests! While specifics may vary, generally expect a mix of problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical questions.