British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy

British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy

British Airways have opened their fully funded cadet pilot programme. This is great opportunity to have your flight training paid for, mentored along the way and get a job at the end of it. On successful completion of the course you be type rated onto the A320 fleet based at Heathrow, Gatwick or London City in the UK.

Info taken from BA Careers website here. 

Read latest FAQ’s here.

Read latest candidate preparation materials here. 

Description:

Gaining your first pilot job will be a pivotal moment in your career. At British Airways we have had a long tradition of welcoming people from all walks of life into a career in the skies.

British Airways will give you the launchpad to an incredible career in aviation. Your initial training will be your first step to becoming a Captain with British Airways. You’ll be starting out on our short haul fleet.

As your experience grows, you’ll have access to the greatest choice of fleet types and routes, both long- and short-haul, of any UK airline. We’ve got ambitious plans to keep growing and evolving, so there’s an exciting future for you ahead.

Requirements:

Please take your time to read and acknowledge all the eligibility criteria. You will also need to upload an up to date copy of your CV. The initial part of the assessment will be online, please take your time and make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. Only ONE application is allowed per candidate, any attempt to make a repeat application will void any chance of selection. Due to the level of interest we are unable to give any feedback until the later stages of selection.

Application criteria:

• 17-55 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training.
• 6 GCSEs grade A-C or 5-9 including Maths, English and a Science or equivalent qualifications.*
• Fluent in English (and, if applicable, an ICAO Level 6 on completion of training). For non-native English speakers, you will need to a certificate proving you have achieved International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Level 5.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any individual area (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking). This must be the Academic test, not General Training.
• A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel.
• The right to live and study in the UK without the need for sponsorship.
• Your height must be between 1.57m (5’2″) and 1.90m (6’3″). Height is accurately determined during the assessment process. If you’re taller than 1.90m, you may submit an application, but may be required to undergo a functionality check.
• Able to obtain and hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical with no restrictions and meet British Airways medical criteria.**
• Before training starts, you must have completed referencing and pre-employment checks to the satisfactory standard and supply satisfactory UK and international Criminal Record Checks.

*GCSE equivalent qulifications will be accepted and assessed by ECCTIS

** Please refer to https://www.caa.co.uk/aeromedical-examiners/medical-standards/pilots/medical-standards-for-pilots/

What will my training involve:

Here’s a rundown of Flight Training, from Ground School to qualified Pilot:

• Ground School (6 to 8 months) – You’ll be completing 13 pilot exams
• Basic Flight Training (6 months) – This takes you from having never flown an aircraft before to being competent at flying solo
• Advanced Flight Training (4 to 6 months) – You will move onto twin-engine aircraft and begin learning to fly off instruments, as well as simulating flying through clouds and bad weather
• Upset Recovery Training (3 flights) – During this stage, you will fly aerobatics and be taught how to recover from a high-nose or low-nose flight
• APS MCC (3 to 4 weeks) – This is learning how to fly in a multi-crew environment. Most schools use A320 or 737 simulators for this phase

Benefits on offer:

• Training to obtain a fATPL
• Accommodation
• Food (FTEJerez) or food allowance (Skyborne)
• Subsistence allowance
• Financial support to obtain your Class 1 medical and relevant Class 2
• Dynamic Career Path
• Varied Roster Patterns
• Company pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Life insurance benefits
• Great family leave benefits
• Includes British Airways employee benefits as soon as you join

About You

Technical skills are important, but it’s your behaviours as a BA pilot that will really set you apart. British Airways is unique, and our pilots are very passionate and enthusiastic about our purpose and the role they have in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

You’ll need to demonstrate the passion and motivation to excel during the training programme, the ability to remain calm under pressure and a strong ability to solve problems. Collaborating and demonstrating you’re a team player is also essential to create incredible experiences for our customers and colleagues on board.

Applications are now open and are to be submitted online. Please note they will close the scheme as soon as they have received too many applications.