Hi Chloe, I'd love to hear of your experiences working at BA? The day to day life, inner workings, nitty gritty etc...

Hey Mike - what a great question.

Day-to-Day Life

This starts with our Pre-Flight Preparation. We typically arrive at the airport an hour or two before our flights, check in and head to a briefing session, where we meet the rest of the crew (captain/co-pilot, cabin crew, etc.).

The briefing includes reviewing the flight plan, weather conditions, potential turbulence, alternate airports in case of emergencies, and fuel requirements.

We may also liaise with Operations to ensure everything is aligned (aircraft readiness, schedules, and passenger details).

Once at the aircraft...

We are responsible for conducting a thorough inspection of the aircraft. This includes checking the instruments, fuel levels, and safety systems.

While much of the maintenance work is handled by engineers, pilots must double-check key systems like autopilot, hydraulics, and navigation systems.

British Airways has a mix of short-haul (Airbus 320 family) and long-haul (Boeing 777, 787, and Airbus 380 & 350) aircraft.

Schedules: British Airways operates on a bidding system for schedules. The senior pilots usually get the first pick of routes and days off, while junior pilots might have more irregular rosters.

Training: We undergo frequent simulator checks and recurrent training to maintain our proficiency and comply with safety regulations.

Now for the little nitty gritty you asked for!

Long-haul pilots may deal with jet lag, irregular sleep patterns, and extended time away from family, whereas short-haul pilots often have busier schedules with multiple flights per day.

Handling emergencies like engine failures, medical incidents, or disruptive passengers requires sharp decision-making. Weather-related diversions can also complicate our days!

However! For most of us, the perks outweigh the points above. The views from the flight deck, traveling the world, and the camaraderie with the crew are just a few of the highlights of the job. The opportunity for staff travel is also a fantastic plus.

The job is very rewarding, it can also be very demanding. We are entrusted with the safety of hundreds of people and we have a responsibility to remain sharp, calm, and collaborative under pressure. Strong communication between the crew members and ground teams is key to ensuring smooth operations.