Speedbird Pilot Academy

Speedbird Pilot Academy

IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION:

1. Please note your invitation to the first test will be sent within two working days of submitting your application.
2. After being invited to a test, you will have a maximum of 2 calendar days to complete it (e.g. if you are invited on a Thursday, you have until 23:59 on Saturday to complete it).
3. After completing any of our 3 tests, you will receive an invitation to the next test within 24 hours of finishing the test module. Please wait for an update before contacting us to check the status of your application.
4. As long as you submit your application within the advertised dates (11th-21st February), you can continue with your online testing.

Ahead of applying, we recommend you visit the preparation section of our careers page at Speedbird Pilot Academy Preparation .

About British Airways

As the nation's flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. This originality has been in our blood since day one. It's the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.

The Speedbird Pilot Academy

Imagine a world where financial barriers no longer limit your dreams of becoming an airline pilot. British Airways' Speedbird Pilot Academy is revolutionising the aviation industry by making this profession accessible to dedicated individuals from all walks of life.

Successful candidates will be offered a place at an approved flight training school and, on passing the course, a position as a British Airways pilot. This will help the airline to ensure it has the right levels of future flying talent for years to come.

With initial training that can cost tens of thousands of pounds, the price of becoming a pilot has made the profession prohibitive for many. This cost will now be funded by British Airways - with a multi-million-pound investment from the airline into its next generation of pilots - making it a genuine career path for all aspiring pilots.

The airline remains committed to further increasing diversity in the aviation industry. It is determined to increase awareness and visibility of this new cadet programme, with the aim of encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

Please note that you will be based at either London Gatwick or London Heathrow.

Selection Process

The selection process will take place in three stages, as outlined below:

1. Stage 1: Initial Online Testing
   Applications close on 21st February, although we will screen applications until mid-March.
2. Stage 2: Flight School Online Testing, In-Person Assessment Centre, Online Interview
   Runs from mid-March until early June.
3. Stage 3: British Airways In-Person Final Assessment Centre
   Scheduled from mid-June until the end of July.

What You'll Bring

Technical skills are important, but it's your behaviours as a BA pilot that will really set you apart. You'll need to demonstrate the passion and motivation to excel during the training programme, the ability to remain calm under pressure and solve problems. Your future role will also require you to be an effective team player that can make important decisions in a timely manner.

Your Experience

• 17-55 years of age to apply and 18 for when you start the training. You'll be 18 on or before 1st January 2026.
• 6 GCSEs grade A-C or 5-9 including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications.
• Fluent in English (and, if applicable, an ICAO Level 6 on completion of training).
• The right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship.
• A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel.
• Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2') and 1.91m (6'3').
• Visible tattoos on head, face or hands are not permitted.
• Have the ability to swim unaided (at least 50 metres) and tread water (at least 3 minutes).
• Able to obtain and hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical with no restrictions.
• Before training starts, you must have completed referencing and pre-employment checks to the satisfactory standard.

If you don't meet the criteria above, your application will not be progressed.

What We Offer

We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It's one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.

From the day you join us, you'll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights.

What's Included

• Training to obtain a UK CAA fATPL
• Accommodation
• Food (FTEJerez) or food allowance (Skyborne)
• Subsistence allowance
• Financial support to obtain your Class 1 medical and relevant Class 2/3

Benefits We Can Offer You

• Dynamic Career Path
• Varied Roster Patterns
• Company pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Life insurance benefits
• Great family leave benefits

Benefits As Soon As You Join

• Unlimited discounted airfares for your friends and family
• Discounts at selected car hire, hotels, and retail stores
• A range of voluntary benefits for yourself and family members
• Private medical cover, dental and critical illness cover
• Competitive salary plus your flight, nightly and time away allowance

Inclusion & Diversity

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.

We're looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

We have prepared a comprehensive FAQ document, please refer to it before contacting us.