If you’ve more than 1000 PIC on type then I think it’s minimum 6 months (1 sim check), no pic time you need 3000 hours and 1 years service. I don’t believe there is a requirement to be a long haul FO before capt.

you can go straight to LH command, like a DEP LH FO can go straight to a SH command

Ok got it. Thank you both Mr Ripley and RT Jones for the information! I’m currently in the 320 LHR hold pool so just wanted to know how it all works.

tried to dm but your mailbox is full

https://careers.ba.com/job/heathrow/...48/85732442624

This opened up today

I have a question. My son (with our financial help!) worked hard and obtained a helicopter CPL with a local school some time ago. Part of the course was completing and passing a number of ATPL exams which he did quite easily.

Unfortunately, there were few jobs available when he completed this just over 10 years ago and so he moved on to other things.

He has always had an interest in aviation and would like to apply to join the next BA sponsored pilot training course. However, one of the FAQs says that having already completed any ATPL exam (even though the validity of my son's passes may well have expired) appears to preclude one from applying.

This seems very strange. He obviously has the basic skills necessary. Anybody understand the reason? Is that still correct?

with all respect if your son was that interested in exploring this opportunity I’d have assumed he’d be making this post!

The son isn't the only one in the family with a helicopter rating.

Anyone got a recent idea of current pay for an FO/SFO on the SH 320 fleet?

Also would it be possible to commute from Europe for this Short Haul position

Thanks

It is generally possible but bear in mind commuting on SH is a total drag and expensive. Lots of hotels needed on reserve if you’re not used or given day trips (you can express preferences but in my experience they tend to either ignore them or deliberately go against your preferences out of spite). Finishing a tour and having to hang around Heathrow for your report the next day got very tedious very quickly and I did 7 years of it!!

(Its basically why I’ll never bid for a SH Command)

Food for thought 👍

Many thanks for the post, it’s always good to hear positive and negative aspects.

Would be very difficult. Where from exactly?

Trying to work my ticket back from the Middle East, I’ve got a few options, Brussels or if not viable the north east of England are my options.

Looking up and down the short haul rosters, I genuinely wouldn't attempt a commute on short haul. It looks like it would be physically possible but you'd have no life. Are they not hiring DEP long haul anymore?

Again, thanks for the honest advice, it’s appreciated.

What about a commute from the north of England? Is that still unrealistic?

Yes, LH is open but I’d like a command within 5 years or so and actually like the prospect of short haul around Europe.

You could take the long haul and then bid for a short haul command. I can see at least one person who’s done this recently. They’ve not been at BA for 5 years.

Realistic but the majority of guys doing it on short haul are part time.

Are there any BA staff rates available at LHR hotels for those that commute, particularly regarding day rooms?

Yes but I’ve never been in favour of publicising exact figures here. Premier Inn, Ibis, Hyatt all do them. There’s others. Bear in mind as I’ve pointed out before you might get lots of nights between trips (and before) that try as you might you cant get rid of. In my time on SH I’ve been close to £1000 for the month a couple of times just on hotels. Thank God those days are gone.

Not to mention the financial cost, the cost on your lifestyle and state of mind is utterly disastrous, it’s soul crushingly depressing spending all that time in Heathrow hotels. As others have said, you’ll either need to be part time or crazy to attempt a commute on SH.

If you’re a new joiner and want part time SH P1. The best way to do it is to go SH P2, request the part time, get it then bid for command.