British Airways Direct Entry Pilot
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 995
Likes: 100
From: Botswana
1) No. The calculation for tax is all done on U.K. duty, nothing to do with nights. Forget about nights, that’s only to establish your residency status. There are different rules depending if you are assessed as resident or not.
2) Never heard of this. BA have no idea how many nights you have spent in the U.K., you could have stayed for an indeterminate amount of time before or after your duty. That’s for you to work out. There are bits of software that calculate U.K. duty for you if that’s what you meant but they’re all third party developers, not BA. Different jurisdictions also have different calculations of what actually constitutes U.K duty, for instance the double tax agreement between the U.K. and my little crown dependency says that any duty that pertains to an international flight is 100% overseas nowadays. (That will not be the case everywhere so take particular notice of my final paragraph*.)
You will need to complete a statutory residency test. Dependent on how many ties to the U.K. you have then determines how many nights you are allowed to spend here before being classed as resident for tax purposes. It can be as few as 90 but if you only have one tie you’re allowed up to 120. There’s also things known as transit nights where if you were in the U.K. at midnight but then left again the next day, they don’t count towards your rolling total. This is to cater for scenarios where your report time is too early for you to travel for duty on the same day. Likewise with a late finish.
3) No. BA cannot pay salary deductions to another jurisdiction. As I already explained earlier you do not actually get your gross salary free of tax. For one thing there’s National Insurance which must be paid in the U.K. and then you’re really being assessed at a nominal 10% U.K. duty so as soon as 10% of your salary busts the tax free allowance (circa £12,500) you’re going to start making PAYE payments against everything you’ve earned above the tax free allowance.
*As alluded to above if you’re serious about this you’re best off talking to an actual accountant or tax advisor who knows the rules better than strangers on pprune. I’m reasonably clued up on it because I commute but there’s things I may only have a sketchy knowledge of which is why I put my tax affairs in the hands of an accountant.
2) Never heard of this. BA have no idea how many nights you have spent in the U.K., you could have stayed for an indeterminate amount of time before or after your duty. That’s for you to work out. There are bits of software that calculate U.K. duty for you if that’s what you meant but they’re all third party developers, not BA. Different jurisdictions also have different calculations of what actually constitutes U.K duty, for instance the double tax agreement between the U.K. and my little crown dependency says that any duty that pertains to an international flight is 100% overseas nowadays. (That will not be the case everywhere so take particular notice of my final paragraph*.)
You will need to complete a statutory residency test. Dependent on how many ties to the U.K. you have then determines how many nights you are allowed to spend here before being classed as resident for tax purposes. It can be as few as 90 but if you only have one tie you’re allowed up to 120. There’s also things known as transit nights where if you were in the U.K. at midnight but then left again the next day, they don’t count towards your rolling total. This is to cater for scenarios where your report time is too early for you to travel for duty on the same day. Likewise with a late finish.
3) No. BA cannot pay salary deductions to another jurisdiction. As I already explained earlier you do not actually get your gross salary free of tax. For one thing there’s National Insurance which must be paid in the U.K. and then you’re really being assessed at a nominal 10% U.K. duty so as soon as 10% of your salary busts the tax free allowance (circa £12,500) you’re going to start making PAYE payments against everything you’ve earned above the tax free allowance.
*As alluded to above if you’re serious about this you’re best off talking to an actual accountant or tax advisor who knows the rules better than strangers on pprune. I’m reasonably clued up on it because I commute but there’s things I may only have a sketchy knowledge of which is why I put my tax affairs in the hands of an accountant.
Last edited by RexBanner; 10th December 2024 at 14:43.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 351
Likes: 9
From: uk
1 - Do I understand correctly that you are still liable to pay UK tax for the nights you do spend in the UK, even if you total less than 90 in the tax year? (I have no idea roughly how many UK nights a junior LH pilot can expect, but say on reserve, sim, training, B&B nights before/after duty etc)
2 - Is it true that BA can calculate UK nights on your behalf and do the calculation on your payroll? (I've read this forum from start to finish and pretty sure I read it, but can't find it now)
3 - Do I understand correctly that BA give you your net salary in the form of gross, minus the small HMRC deduction for your UK nights, then minus your adopted country's income tax?
The one thing I can tell you for sure is that the various tax authorities will audit you.
totally agree with Rex's comments above.
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: London
Exactly as prescribed on the prep sheet you are given. Learn pitch/power settings and ensure you support your peer. Very relaxed environment and the assessor will want you to succeed, don’t give them a reason for you not too!
Guest
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 10
From: Madrid
Is there anyone still waiting for a sim date? I filled in the forms and ticked that I was available for the majority of the slots. I'm going to wait and see what sim they schedule me for, don't want to learn both the 380 and 320 pitch power settings for each phase and then start getting confused whilst in there.
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: London
Is there anyone still waiting for a sim date? I filled in the forms and ticked that I was available for the majority of the slots. I'm going to wait and see what sim they schedule me for, don't want to learn both the 380 and 320 pitch power settings for each phase and then start getting confused whilst in there.
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Japan
Some questions about DEP and Sponsorship
Hello,
Few questions below, did the research already but sorry if any of them is answered before.
Thanks!
- According to salaries (I've read what is taken roughly net), is every part of the payslip taxed? Or to be clear, can we go directly to take home calculator, enter the gross salary and expect exactly what the result is? Or expect a bit more due to the fact that some part is not taxed as much?
- What will be the pay rise in 2025? Any agreed pay rise for next years?
- As a LH FO with over 3000 hours total flying time, can we bid for mainline SH Command after a year in the mainline regardless of Seniority? How does it actually work? Detailed explanation is well appreciated if possible.
- What is the average cost for the ATPL Check for UK FCL? (No exams or training, only a sim check and paper costs, EASA ATPL before 2021 to UK FCL).
- Any financial support on skilled worker visa costs and IHS?
- Can we apply for Skilled Worker Visa for 3 years initially? Or should we apply for full 5 years?
- On certificate of sponsorship, do they confirm that they support us for first month instead of us paying the certain amount to government as the visa requires it?
- How long time does the certificate of sponsorship cover? Is there an expiry?
- Any recommendations on the neighborhoods/towns/cities with reasonable housing/rental prices to commute to LHR, preferably by train or maybe driving?
Few questions below, did the research already but sorry if any of them is answered before.
Thanks!
- According to salaries (I've read what is taken roughly net), is every part of the payslip taxed? Or to be clear, can we go directly to take home calculator, enter the gross salary and expect exactly what the result is? Or expect a bit more due to the fact that some part is not taxed as much?
- What will be the pay rise in 2025? Any agreed pay rise for next years?
- As a LH FO with over 3000 hours total flying time, can we bid for mainline SH Command after a year in the mainline regardless of Seniority? How does it actually work? Detailed explanation is well appreciated if possible.
- What is the average cost for the ATPL Check for UK FCL? (No exams or training, only a sim check and paper costs, EASA ATPL before 2021 to UK FCL).
- Any financial support on skilled worker visa costs and IHS?
- Can we apply for Skilled Worker Visa for 3 years initially? Or should we apply for full 5 years?
- On certificate of sponsorship, do they confirm that they support us for first month instead of us paying the certain amount to government as the visa requires it?
- How long time does the certificate of sponsorship cover? Is there an expiry?
- Any recommendations on the neighborhoods/towns/cities with reasonable housing/rental prices to commute to LHR, preferably by train or maybe driving?
Last edited by stonethecrow; 16th December 2024 at 14:54. Reason: Formatting Issues
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 183
Likes: 41
From: UK
Hello,
Few questions below, did the research already but sorry if any of them is answered before.
Thanks!
- According to salaries (I've read what is taken roughly net), is every part of the payslip taxed? Or to be clear, can we go directly to take home calculator, enter the gross salary and expect exactly what the result is? Or expect a bit more due to the fact that some part is not taxed as much?
TAFB Allowance is partly taxed, partly not taxed. The distribution varies wildly with destination. I've crunched my numbers, average 2500hrs TAFB per year, with a 40%untaxed/60%taxed split.
You also get a "daily overseas allowance" which is a tax free £10/night out of country, which my last calendar year added up to around £1100.
You're also getting around £18/flight hour all taxed.
If you are using a tax calculator don't forget to reduce the gross salary by pension contributions (best deal is 6% employee contribution) and add BIK which is around £100/m iirc - this is income you don't actually see, but you're taxed on it anyway.
- What will be the estimate pay rise as Net Montlhy? - As a LH FO with over 3000 hours total flying time, can we bid for mainline SH Command after a year in the mainline regardless of Seniority? How does it actually work? Detailed explanation is well appreciated if possible.
Quickest way to command is take A320 FO and bid Capt in August (annual bid date). Last couple of years it has gone down to anyone who meets the OMA requirements, though 5-10 years seniority has been more typical in years gone by.
If you start on another fleet, you are subject to an Engagement freeze of 5 years. You can always bid for whatever you like, but its unlikely you'll get a fleet change for the first 5 years.
The first year salary is identical SH-LH but short haulers make less TAFB as they are in the country more nights, and more of it is taxable, and they make less daily overseas allowance too
Any recommendations on the neighborhoods/towns/cities with reasonable housing/rental prices to commute to LHR, preferably by train or maybe driving?
Closest train is hatton cross station on the tube for the ground course and sim phase of training. However much nicer areas are west of the airport if you are willing to drive. Staines, Old Windsor, Egham, Datchet, englefield green are all within 30mins or so drive.
Few questions below, did the research already but sorry if any of them is answered before.
Thanks!
- According to salaries (I've read what is taken roughly net), is every part of the payslip taxed? Or to be clear, can we go directly to take home calculator, enter the gross salary and expect exactly what the result is? Or expect a bit more due to the fact that some part is not taxed as much?
TAFB Allowance is partly taxed, partly not taxed. The distribution varies wildly with destination. I've crunched my numbers, average 2500hrs TAFB per year, with a 40%untaxed/60%taxed split.
You also get a "daily overseas allowance" which is a tax free £10/night out of country, which my last calendar year added up to around £1100.
You're also getting around £18/flight hour all taxed.
If you are using a tax calculator don't forget to reduce the gross salary by pension contributions (best deal is 6% employee contribution) and add BIK which is around £100/m iirc - this is income you don't actually see, but you're taxed on it anyway.
- What will be the estimate pay rise as Net Montlhy? - As a LH FO with over 3000 hours total flying time, can we bid for mainline SH Command after a year in the mainline regardless of Seniority? How does it actually work? Detailed explanation is well appreciated if possible.
Quickest way to command is take A320 FO and bid Capt in August (annual bid date). Last couple of years it has gone down to anyone who meets the OMA requirements, though 5-10 years seniority has been more typical in years gone by.
If you start on another fleet, you are subject to an Engagement freeze of 5 years. You can always bid for whatever you like, but its unlikely you'll get a fleet change for the first 5 years.
The first year salary is identical SH-LH but short haulers make less TAFB as they are in the country more nights, and more of it is taxable, and they make less daily overseas allowance too
Any recommendations on the neighborhoods/towns/cities with reasonable housing/rental prices to commute to LHR, preferably by train or maybe driving?
Closest train is hatton cross station on the tube for the ground course and sim phase of training. However much nicer areas are west of the airport if you are willing to drive. Staines, Old Windsor, Egham, Datchet, englefield green are all within 30mins or so drive.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 179
Likes: 25
From: uk
Is there anyone still waiting for a sim date? I filled in the forms and ticked that I was available for the majority of the slots. I'm going to wait and see what sim they schedule me for, don't want to learn both the 380 and 320 pitch power settings for each phase and then start getting confused whilst in there.
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 350
Likes: 147
From: FL390
I'm going to wait and see what sim they schedule me for, don't want to learn both the 380 and 320 pitch power settings for each phase and then start getting confused whilst in there.
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Japan
And also, sorry for my awkward formatting of my message. I sent it in a rush, that's the reason I believe
Guest
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 10
From: Madrid
Does anyone here have the updated pay scale, or know how to work it out?
All I have is a flyer which is already a year old, and it only includes the first 7 yrs as a long haul FO
Many Thanks
All I have is a flyer which is already a year old, and it only includes the first 7 yrs as a long haul FO
Many Thanks
Last edited by PPRuNeUser481044; 27th December 2024 at 15:36.
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 183
Likes: 41
From: UK
DEP scales start at 72,738.
Plus 2722/pp LH, 1974/pp SH.
Command scales are the applicable FO scale x1.33
Flight pay £18.50/hr (planned block). Time away from base £4.86/hr (actual time away).
Pensionable pay is slightly different but identical LH to SH. (capt and fo have different scales though)
We have 0.5% increase in March and 2.5% increase in June.
Guest
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 10
From: Madrid
December 2024 figures
DEP scales start at 72,738.
Plus 2722/pp LH, 1974/pp SH.
Command scales are the applicable FO scale x1.33
Flight pay £18.50/hr (planned block). Time away from base £4.86/hr (actual time away).
Pensionable pay is slightly different but identical LH to SH. (capt and fo have different scales though)
We have 0.5% increase in March and 2.5% increase in June.
DEP scales start at 72,738.
Plus 2722/pp LH, 1974/pp SH.
Command scales are the applicable FO scale x1.33
Flight pay £18.50/hr (planned block). Time away from base £4.86/hr (actual time away).
Pensionable pay is slightly different but identical LH to SH. (capt and fo have different scales though)
We have 0.5% increase in March and 2.5% increase in June.
Guest
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 10
From: Madrid
Great, I thought each year was a % increase as opposed to a fixed value, cheers!!
At risk of pushing it, is there anyway to know the 24PP and subsequent increases, for a pension calculation?
I'm trying to do a financial calculation for an entire career between BA and another airline, I've everything I need from the others, BA info seems a bit more elusive however
.. just trying to build a big picture to make as informed a decision as I can
At risk of pushing it, is there anyway to know the 24PP and subsequent increases, for a pension calculation?
I'm trying to do a financial calculation for an entire career between BA and another airline, I've everything I need from the others, BA info seems a bit more elusive however
.. just trying to build a big picture to make as informed a decision as I can 
