SinBin, don't get me wrong, my post was not directed at you. I couldn't be happier for you and I think you have made the right decision (not that it should matter to you what someone else thinks). As a junior FO already in short haul and unlikely to get the opportunity to move any time particularly soon, I'd say a short haul Command is a no brainer. There is just one place in BA that is worse than being a junior short haul Captain - being a junior short haul FO, so you are definitely taking a step up. My point though, is that BA short haul is not what it was and so senior FOs no longer want to take the earliest available command. It is nothing to do with any other factor than that.

The suggestion that most 5 year (and above) FOs think they'll get a long haul command within the next 5 years and so are unwilling to take the equipment freeze is totally false. Trust me, that ain't happening and we all know it. I'm 15 years in and don't anticipate a long haul command any time in the next five years - or ten years for that matter! Neither does anyone of my seniority or below who has ever spent five minutes looking at the demographics within the company.

For VJW - Shirt and chinos. Nobody in suit and tie. Thought they put on a good session this evening, recommended to all if you get the opportunity and are interested.

Flight714, what are the key points from the session, i'm unable to make the session due to distance and work...

Any idea how long it took to hear back with a 'Yes' after the first assessment day?

Finished my tests in the afternoon around 16:00. Had the invitation to interview the next morning around 11 o clock. Don't get too carried away if you haven't heard anything though, I suspect it varies.

GS

Have faith, I know that's easy to say from where I sit but I honestly think there's going to be a lot of movement in the next year or two as factors such as the iFad/EASA/pension and tax rules wear us old ****s down and we decide to head off into the sun set....in short be ready for the unexpected.

BTW when I joined some time in the last century I was "promised" a LH command in about 7 years, it was actually nearer 17, so despite current grumbles in reality not much has changed over the years (I never did bid for a SH command, for all the usual reasons..)

Wiggy

I think you are right about expansion, and that a lot of guys over 55 will choose to retire in the near future. (They've been lucky and have enjoyed a windfall of an extra x number of years as a Captain compared to what they were expecting just a few years before the age legislation changes). However, whilst these factors will help out a lot of senior FOs, it won't get down to the likes of my seniority. At that point, things will freeze up again for a very long time. These new Captains have had their commands denied them for x number of years and they'll want to have those x years back. I therefore predict the majority will stay well beyond 55 all over again. All the talk from BALPA during the BMI deal about loads of expansion etc. does indeed help out a certain number of senior FOs. However, after that, it's just waiting for dead mans shoes all over again. A lot of people failed to appreciate that point at the time, and BALPA chose not to point it out because it suited their cause. I'm very confident that I'll not achieve the seniority for a long haul command until over 20 years in, and probably close to 25.

But I appreciate the thought :o)

Wiggy,

With the greatest of respect you have totally missed the point. You had 17 years to command. I have done 15 and could perhaps (if I was completely mad) get a short haul command within 17 years. Times have changed. I know that, but so has my attitude. Why should I go the extra mile for a company that has consistently shafted me at every opportunity over the last 7 years? Well done to you fellas in the left hand seat but the company are dreaming if they expect any loyalty from us "right hand seaters".

In commercial aviation anyone (on either side. company or employee) that expects loyalty beyond three months notice is deluding themselves.

PitchPitch, I received a positive response 4 days after re-sitting the assessment very recently. Looking at stage 2 slots, there appears to be nothing for the next month!

superpilot; nice one :ok:

BA DEP day 1
 

Hi All,
My selection starts in a few days and they are still ambiguities:
- Numerical reasoning: are there some graph analysis?
Second Computer test: are posts on latestpilotJob correct? about a long test with TCAS...?
Thanks,

Sandeagle2808! Are you at the assessment process next week? I am looking for advice as well. Any help would be appreciated guys! :)

I simply cannot believe that it still takes 17 years to get a command in BA.

Can anyone joining BA right now even begin to understand what BA will look like in 17 years time?

It really is not very encouraging.

That's 17 years to achieve a LH command. SH command, as has been demonstrated can come in at under 5 years.

British Airways Pilot Recruitment Seminar
 

Did anyone attend the BA Pilot Recruitment Seminar?

JW411

Why is it surprising?

Someone joining now at 25 will have a 40 year career. Assuming normal P1:P2 ratios, why would you expect to have more than half your career in the LHS, especially on LH?

Re your q about what things will be like in 17 years. I grant you than no one can predict any airline will survive, but if BA does survive (and I hope it does for my pension), I suspect that the conditions will be better/as good there than elsewhere in the UK/Europe.

Far from being discouraging, I would counter that with the growth in pilots within BA (3200 to 4000 in the last 5 years), in comparison to other 'legacy' carriers around Europe, things are looking quite hopeful. Sure, there are 'growing' pains with not enough pilots at present, but would still rather have that problem than the ones at Iberia and Qantas and ... and...

Any (non-rated) applicants who succeeded at stage one who had waited a few days before receiving a good news e-mail?

Hello,

I've had a skim through this thread but couldn't find a current and conclusive answer to my question.

Just wanted to ask if it is still possible and realistic to join on a longhaul fleet, depending on background? I have c.3000hr A330/340. No 320 or Boeing time though. If so, is there any chance you could be offered a start on the 777, for example, and rock up on day one to be given a 320 course? (the old bait and switch...)?

Basically I would really like to join BA but in truth I have already had my fill of abysmal rosters and wouldn't be willing to start again from scratch for a minimum of 5 more years!

Cheers,

I've been given a rough estimate of 5 years for SH from someone within BA already, and as we currently have no ambitions for LH (we're both pilots, 2 young kids etc etc), suits me fine.