Just to get an idea, I've been in the pool since first week of June. Who's still with me?

Anyone with a 737 rating it would appear!

How far into July have they got with A320 people?

Any idea of the numbers? I reckon just over 1000!

Kempus,

I'm still with you. 73 rated since May.

Still with you too Kempus. 737, in pool since June. Callsign Kilo - looks like you re right

Slightly off topic, anyone know if it really matters if you have command time when applying to BA? Do they prefer First Officers they can mould into BA Captains or rather just assess you for who you are on the day?

I doubt they will mix TR'd with non TR'd for ground school, the short course on the 737 or 320 for rated pilots is 5 days, the full course is a couple of weeks before moving onto the sim stage. I would imagine for ease of planning they would look to place all non-rated pilots on the same course from the beginning to avoid too much lag between the ground school and the sim phase. With that in mind it is logical they would empty the pool of TR'd people prior to giving dates for those undergoing a complete TR course, but the BA training department works in mysterious ways!

Just a thought....
 

FlyingTinCans, I have no idea I am afraid on what the plans are for TR'd or non TR'd people but it occurs to me that (as far as I am aware) the first non TR'd people were interviewed in August and therefore probably entered the pool in September (at a guess).

So it does make sense that if people who entered the pool from May to July are being called at the moment for March dates that these courses would not include any non TR'd guys. So I would not get too down about it, those of us who are non TR's are just not high enough up the list yet!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Loads of guys and girls I share the RHS with have Command time.

BA is seniority based, not meritocracy based, so, irrespective of previous experience, your time to command is based upon your 'seniority number'.

Hence, the sooner you join the sooner your command comes up.

As Mr Ripley has posted there are, occasionally, pilots in the RHS with more command time than the pilot in the LHS the difference is that the pilot in the LHS has done the BA Command course. All flight crew are trained to the same standard, only the Captain may land to the aircraft's operational limits/CAT 3 B but, in all honesty, that is only an insurance issue!

Luckily, 99% of us realise this fact and adjust accordingly. Hence the time in the RHS shouldn't be too onerous!

Hi Guys, many thanks for your replies.

My question wasn't related to time to Command at BA as I am under no illusion of fast track Commands etc, it was simply a case of if I am not successful in this round of recruitment, then chances are by the end of 2012 I will be elligible for Command at my current company. Hours will be approx 3000tt with 1000jet.

But Command would be on a TP, which I am not fussed about. I am aiming for 1000jet as again all speculation.... But if not successful this time (for whatever reason) having the jet time makes me elligible for all fleets when I (if required) reapply to BA.

Im very positive and already working toward my assessment, however I am a planner and goal setter! Keeps me going :-) No odds at all about moving from LHS to RHS but would obviously prefer RHS to RHS this time round..... So back to the books :-)

Thanks again for the advice.

Flyer,

The only 'eligibility' you require for a BA command course is the correct seniority to be 'eligible' and the bid 'in' to request it.

There are alot of pilots who wait longer for their command as they wish to move directly from right to left on the LH fleets and others who jump at the SH commands as soon as their time comes up. There are no specific 'requirements' apart from having an unfrozen ATPL. Which you will need anyway for the LH fleets. The only entry requirements to LH are the ability to complete ZFT which requires a certain number of hours on aircraft over a specific weight limit (I can't remember the figures I'm afraid) and the ability to act as PIC when the Captain goes to the bunk.

Wirbelsturm,

Thank you again for the reply. I think it was myself perhaps being a little unclear about the purpose of my post.

My question was simply asking if having Command time may work against me as a DEP First Officer applicant. Mr Ripley has put that to rest now with his reply.

The figures in my previous post were regarding myself being elligible to all fleets was in relation to requirements for LH and SH First Officer positions.

Apologies for the confusion but as always some more useful information from your posts.

Flyer,

No problems. No, having command time won't disadvantage you in the slightest.

Few guys I know just had some day 1 dates come through - I'm still waiting for a sim date - anyone have any idea when they might happen?

dates for what fleet?? 320?

think they mean day 1 assessment days, not course dates

ah yes.... disregard