Don't quite understand the need to have answered that question; from an outsider looking in I would consider those kind of requests with a little more caution... what is to gain by giving someone you don't know that information??!

I completely agree but if the person asking the question is up to no good at least he will now be totally perplexed by the array of answers!

Why would anyone wanting to know about a car park used at an airport by an employer in a thread about joining that employer be such a weird question that should be met with ‘caution’. Is it impossible that someone might just have been at gatwick where ba are recruiting and wants a heads up on it? Just a thought...

To be fair I initially thought the same, but at second glance I think Polepilot is right. Hence I gave the answer. It’s hardly highly sensitive information. As we all know bad parking arrangements can really make life unnecessarily difficult. We are lucky at LGW to have a short walk to the terminal, rather than limited spaces and an unreliable 10 min bus ride.

Polepilot, completely understand, I'm just taking it at face value, and what is to be gained by releasing that information - behind a forum you will never know peoples' true motives for asking details on employees of a particular company, and their routine which they have to complete on a daily basis.

That's all, it's just an observation - I guess I'm just a bit more cynical than most!

Slight deviation off topic for which I apologise - very envious of those getting calls - congratulations!

A very valid question as he's probably suffered the misery of car park x in a previous airline

The ex BMI guys (not all but most) and now some of the more senior SH bods have a car park you walk to the terminal from at LHR. It makes a huge difference not to have to wait for a bus. It’s probably not much quicker if you time the bus right but the walk is a welcome break unless the rain is in your face.

Anybody know the width of the bays at the BA car park? I’m thinking of joining and this might be the deciding factor!

Let’s keep it on topic....

Any more recruitment planned? Anyone in the know?

Rumour has it there has been a massive miscalculation of pilot manpower levels (possibly one of the issues in part that caused the departure of the DFO) and hence it wouldn’t surprise me to see a new campaign open up, depends whether network will have just had to adjust their plans though.

Indeed I have!

Wonder how many of those left in the paddling pool will still accept if offered. Surely that will make an impact on that too?

Hi guys.

An assessment for DEC coming up at Waterside. Is parking there an issue? Many thanks.

Which fleet have you a 'DEC' interview for?

Sorry RHINO. It was meant to be DEP. Airbus320 based at LGW.

Parking at Waterside?

There is no parking at Waterside unless you work there and even so that is extremely limited. Unfortunately there is basically no parking near Waterside apart from a carpark on a road nearby(tarmac way) but it becomes completely congested in the morning, its not actually anything to do with BA but first comes first served(nature reserve parking?). I wouldn't rely on parking here.

The best bet is to basically park at short term airport parking and get a bus, or get a lift..

Others might have better ideas but its not ideal, Waterside is very close to the airport itself, so as you can imagine, parking is very limited and at a premium!

Anyone been through the Day 1 Assessment recently, looking for some information about it all? Apparently the style of testing has changed from what BA did a while ago?

Thanks Rusty.

There IS parking at Swampside.

Either turn right at the roundabout and through the barrier with the code security give you to the visitors carpark, or turn left and parking up by the Community (or whatever they call it) portacabin.

Do they really not give you any information about parking when they invite for an interview?

When I went through there was some pretty explicit information available on the recruitment portal about not parking at Waterside, but at T5 and taking the staff bus... maybe have a read through that again.

Train then bus is the general info.

Re: travelling for interview, etc..yes, there is parking at Waterside but given even existing staff temporarily visiting Waterside (e.g. for a medical) find parking there somewhat problematic due to lack of space I’d second the advice given to use public transport and/or one the frequent shuttle buses....especially if you are up against the clock...

If you really really have to drive into LHR then consider using one of the perimeter car parks and then either their own shuttle buses, or one of the TfL buses (hopefully within the free zone) to travel onwards..FWIW the weekday BA1 shuttle bus that goes via T5 and Waterside actually picks up/drops off up at Hatton Cross at one end of it’s route, and Harlington Corner at the other....just don’t forget your letter...

Seems like that is the thing to do. Thanks. May get a lift if I’m lucky.

Has anyone recently undertaken day one assessment. If so can I ask if is the same tests as before or have they changed it slightly since 2015?

Any feedback much appreciated.

Any updates or info from those who have been through this weeks process please ???

Unfortunately got caught up in the tail back on M25 caused by a 4 vehicle crash. I hope all those involved are okay. I will live another day. Let’s hope BA see it the same way.
Waiting to see.

unfortunate, but frankly, forseeable. Why didn’t you book a local hotel? Schoolboy error.

Ignore him ^

Sorry to hear about your M25 experience! I would have found it extremely stressful! Good news is the people in pilot recruitment are actually very understanding and decent people so I'm sure they won't hold it against you.

Fingers crossed you'll get another assessment day booked and you'll be joining us soon after :)

Thanks. Waiting. Keeping calm.

Cycles gladiator: I would not worry about BA this happens everyday with pilots, cabin crew, managers etc. Most times I call to say I am in traffic they can tell me what the cause is and what the delays are likely to be. I would be very proactive in getting back into the recruitment system and if you have numbers pick up the phone and speak to someone then follow it up with an email etc. The last thing you want to do is fall into a dark hole within the computer booking system. Anyone coming down the M4 today at about 7am got stuffed too.

Yes ignore by all means. Frankly I can’t believe you wouldn’t book a hotel on th bath road fr every stage. For gods sake there’s only a few stages and it’s £60 a night to eliminate the risk of the M25.
I would say it’s unlikely you’ll get another shot.

I know someone whose car broke down on the way to the interview who is now a long haul captain.

My sim partner was 20 minutes late arriving due to bad traffic on the M25, he got in too.

Disregard the rubbish written above, we've all been there. Don't worry!

Thanks for all your advice. The wheels are now in motion.

On that basis, you'll be in a hotel before every duty I presume? Unless your crystal ball advises you in advance of every single pile up on the M25.

The BA assessment takes enough out of you without adding unnecessary financial cost as well. Travel, parking, practice sims, (hotels) - it all adds up. And that's assuming you do it only once.

CG - hope you get it rearranged and good luck with it.

I wouldn't recommend paying for a practice sim either. It isn't necessary to get the job offer.

You might not have done one yourself, but I imagine those who did (and got in) don't regret it.

I suppose, but it isn't necessary to succeed is all I'm saying - I'm just supporting your comment "The BA assessment takes enough out of you without adding unnecessary financial cost as well."..

It’s a funny old profession when people are happy to pay £100k+ for their training, £1k on a Bose headset etc and yet don’t want to spend £60 for a hotel room when they have an assessment with the national carrier.

Aside from anything else, the delayed assessment might cost you 50-100 places on the seniority list, which might make all the difference to your lifestyle and cost you 6 months Captain’s salary down the line. Each to their own I suppose

For duties starting prior to a 10am, yes I do actually. I live 100miles away and know what the UK motorway system can be like. Each to their own, but if you are going for a job interview for pilot with BA, I simply cannot believe you wouldn’t factor in such details like making sure you get there on time, and without being subjected to unnecessary stress.

I’m sure there’s an answer to that..:oh: