ThomsonFly - Sim Selection
 

Just wondered if anyone out there had done/was about to do the Thomson Sim Ride?

They advised me in early Dec that I had got through the first stage of selection but now they say the Sim is not till Feb/Mar - anyone else having this sort of wait?

I'm in the same boat!

Got through the first stage in Dec and no sign of a date for the sim yet.

Would be interested to hear if anyone knows what the delay is due to?

I went through phase 1 in October, and am going through to phase 2 next week. I understand that the delay is due to simulator availability, I think. Anyone know how many pilots they're looking for, I'm going for the LHS. Also, the success rate anyone know what has been a stumbling block with phase 2? Good luck all.

Still waiting to hear from ThomsonFly for the sim - they told me in Dec that I had got throught the first stage selection.

I have called them on the phone twice now - latest they said was Feb/Mar - I am beginning to wonder whether this one is going cold - anyone else out there in the same position or done the sim or had a date for same?

I did the interview and sim with them in October 2003, and didn't get any official confirmation that I had passed until June last year - so it's worth hanging on.

Fireflybob,
You are not alone. I'm still waiting for that all important sim date! Lets hope it hasn't gone cold and the call will come soon. Fingers crossed.

Still waiting (patiently ?)

they are still short a few pilots from what I understand. The biggest problem they face is getting the sim, interviewers and psychologist in the same place at the same time.

I presume that Thomsonfly are looking for higher houred chaps, rather than 250hrs :rolleyes:

Jinkster

http://www.britanniaairways.com/inde...n=thomsonPilot

Minimum 3500hrs, type rated, 2500hrs on jets, with 500hrs command. but always call and apply anyway as often companies can't get what they ask for ;)

Internal Command applicants (Britannia F/Os) need 3000hrs minimum (not sure how many have to be jet), with suitable 'ticks in boxes' from last two years worth of OPC/LPC and Line Checks. Then you (may) need to pass a Command Evaluation (20 sectors with 3 different Training Captains) and if successful you will be offered a Command Course combined with 737 Type Rating. Simple as that really.......:\

Af for F/O positions, Thomsonfly DO take low houred applicants, BUT they have to have a balance of experience on the fleet and from what I hear they have taken on enough low houred pilots in the last year. Don't take my word on it though, fill in the application form and call HR.

PP

The course that started 10 odd days ago has a mix of jet experience / turboprop / 200 hour guys. It is a 757 course. No firm plans but talk of the next one around September.

Know nothing about 737 courses.

Best of luck.

I am beginning to lose patience with this lot - I did the first stage selection in mid November last year. They call me about a week later on Thursday to ask whether I could make the sim on Tuesday.

Like an idiot I declined as I was rostered to work and thought that pulling a sickie was somewhat below board. No problem they say we will call you in Dec. No call - I call them and its Jan/Feb - well here we are in March and still no call.

I know beggars cannot be choosers but I am not very impressed to say the least! As pilots we are expected to keep our commitments and I expect nothing less from any employer.

Sorry this was wriitten in a state of pique but if you had had the challenges which I have had over the last ten years since my wife died with two children and had to give up flying for childcare and then try to get back into the business you would feel similarly.

I will call ThomsonFly on the phone tomorrow and see what they have to say - perhaps it is an error.

If you had the experience which I have and continually get rejected you would feel, to put if mildly, somewhat peeved.

fireflybob,

That letter sounds like a mistake! Wouldnt be the first time someone got a letter saying they didnt have enough experience. However when phoned to explain they have realised. Id give them a ring and ask. If you are still interested that is. It's a good company worth fighting for.

MAX:cool:

fireflybob

Like all organisations they are not perfect. A realisation that mistakes can and do happen, both by them and us is a pre-requisite for this job.

If it rattles you that much then consider if you really want to work for such an organisation, but, whilst considering it be reasoned and understand that it can and probably has happened in every other airline in the country. I am not trying to defend them, if a mistake has happened then it is not particularly nice for the individual concerned, but I know what I would have been doing when the phone call never happened......and it would not be hanging on and bitching about it!

It all comes down to how much you want the job. Remember that Britannia/ T-fly have been innundated with applications which has stretched resources in many departments. This is a consequence of them being an 'employer of choice' for many UK based pilots. You have to accept the rough with the smooth and if you really want to work for them, GET ON THE PHONE!

Best wishes.

PP

With all due respect, facts should come before rants. I was fortunate to pass the first stage in November. I was offered a sim slot in both Nov. and Dec. both of which I could not make due to my current employers schedule requirements. HR were most understanding and I was offered another date about six weeks later for phase two, which I was able to make, I ensured that I did. I was fortunate after the second stage to be offered a contract, and will start shortly.
I was impressed throughout with flight ops, and HR. All that I want to put across is that patience should come before rants. On that note I wish you all good luck.

fireflybob
 

fireflybob .....

There is a private message waiting for you.

Well I rang them up but I have got the feeling it's not going anywhere after 6 months of waiting and wondering. I think they were quite embarassed about the situation - obviously the goalpoasts have been changed.

Must order that incinerator from Argos to burn my logbooks and licence - we could have quite a party - who wants to come?

No thanks, Bob - I don't think any of us would want to see your logbooks burnt. Keep trying and good luck!

ukwannabe,

Good job with securing a position. Will you be training on the 757 or the 737? Any idea about bases offered?

Cheers

How long is the time to command on the 737 assuming that I would meet the criteria? I have about 3000 hours in the RHS of 737s.

The time to command has come down drastically for those with the experience. I believe the direct entry commands have dried up? Time will depend on the other 500 pilots more senior than you, whether thay have the hours required, if they bid for the 737 from mainline and of course size of expansion. All things im sure you know anyway.

Of course the white gloves and handlebar moustaches will then have to decide if you are made of the 'right stuff'. ;)

Whatever the time to command Im pretty sure the answer will be in single figures. Anyone else care to speculate?

MAX:cool:

MAX and co,
Heard from a management pilot, allbeit at the end of last year, that he felt that any direct entry F/O as opposed to an S/O, should be able to bid for a command within 3 years.

Heard last week, that there are plans to recruit "between 80 and 100" during this summer. Direct entry commands IMHO must still be on the cards therefore. Especially as you say MAX, with the CSB knocking back so many, or so it seems. There also still seems some reluctance for senior F/O's to want to leave longhaul, Hadj flying etc.

So should be jobs there somewhere, just hang on guys and girls, they are severely stretched in most of the admin depts it would seem, at the moment. Good people there though, so they will get to you eventually.

Good luck,
BB

Could an existing F/O with Tfly (on the 737, not mainline BY!) post a typical months take home salary after tax, pension etc?
How about a minimum, slow month and also a busy month?
Thanks in advance.

I have noticed that Thompsonfly have once again opened up applications etc... Does anyone know whether this is for the 737 side of things or if one applies, there is a chance of the 757 fleet? Also if anyone has any salary, t&c's etc i would be most grateful...:ok:

Hi

Why don't people call them?! I've always been told by employers that they liked the fact that I followed things up quickly.

Sure most of you've prob done it, but if not, they're not gonna jump down your throat for asking why you've not heard in 2-6 months!

Cheers

Lawnmower
The recruitment for 757 and 73s is common to both fleet and what tends to dictate your joining fleet is roughly what follows.
- Needs.... We all have some but if Tfly/Brit requires pilots on the 75s rather than on the 73s then that's where you will go. Of course with the current expansion of the 73 fleet (9 more A/C for season 06), the bulk of new joiners will go on the 73.
Now if some existing 75 FOs fancy a command on the 73 then that will create vacancies on the 75s.
See what I mean, you can't really tell where YOU will be going but you can guess that 80% of you will join on the 73.

With Reference to the T&Cs, well it is now in line with Britannia 75/76 existing conditions.
Apart from one or two thing though, including the pension scheme... Not that you will never be on a final salary scheme but rather than being on it from day one, there is a 3 or 5 years period (not quite sure there) before you can join the scheme.

AMEX,

What model 737s are they getting, and do you have any idea of where they will be based?

Wiz,

You will be rated for all the 73's I believe. An -800 just arrived and I guess the rest are a mix. The 73's are currently BOH, CVT and DSA. But we know on the inside they will be appearing at a major airport(s) near you soon. ;) I am of course no expert, Im not on that fleet, as the 73 is not robust enough to take my landings.:E

MAX:cool:

Thanks Max,

I'm actually already rated for all the 737s (well, not the 1/200), I just prefer life at FL410!!!

Is the word that one of those major airports is in a northern town with a half reasonable red football team?

Base allocation is done according to seniority and is now common to both fleet.
A new 737 base in an already existing 75/76 one means that existing FOs and Captains will be able to bid for it. My guess is that should this happen, it will be very popular for FOs wanting to upgrade to the LHS but didn't fancy moving to DSA.
Still once you have joined you will be on the seniority list and therefore allowed to bid for it (from day one).
As the situation is rather fluid, who knows how long it would take you to get what you want... Not that long I should think.

No 732s at Tfly wiz so you are safe ;)... As MAX said, you get a type rating from the 300 to the 900. The company likes the flexibility you get when we are all type rated on all types. Makes rostering lot more efficient.

Amex,
Thanks for your reply, it really was kind of you. I have an assesment coming up and really want to secure a postion within the TF group... The reason i was asking, is that i work out of BHX at the mo, but CVT is also no problem... However, would prefer to move onto a much bigger aircraft such as the 75 just the challange...
Again thanks for your comments, and lets hope we meet in the future as a fellow collegue...:ok: