Future Pilots

For most cadet and training schemes you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A to C (4-9), including Mathematics, English and a Science. You may also need A-levels or the equivalent. Academic criteria is set per campaign. We suggest studying subjects you enjoy, we don’t favour any particular A-levels or degrees.

In addition to academic studies, we look for candidates with good hand-eye co-ordination; so taking part in a wide range of sports or the odd computer game could be advantageous; a knowledge of current affairs and the commercial aspects of aviation; and a good ability to interact well with other people will benefit your application and your future career as an airline pilot.

No particular flying experience is required, although potential airline pilots who have endeavoured to achieve some flying or aviation experience, for example with the Air Training Corps, at a local flying club, gliding club, The Air League, Airpilots, or working at your local airport, would always be looked upon favourably by any potential training establishment or employer.

Whilst having some flying experience is a definite advantage, it is not a prerequisite to joining any British Airways scheme but will give you a great insight into flying and help you decide if it really is the career for you.

Like many employers, we calculate the equivalent value of academic qualifications to understand whether the required standard has been met. A guide to how we consider these can be found on the NARIC website.

Depending on your experience level this can vary greatly. Pilots selected for a cadet scheme generally complete their Commercial Licence training – including ground-school – with one of our partner flight training schools in approximately 18 months. Type rating and line training will then take up to 3 months to complete.

All pilots with British Airways must achieve and maintain a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Class One Medical Certificate. Generally wearing glasses does not prevent someone from becoming a pilot, this will be assessed by the Civil Aviation Authority Aeromedical Examiners during your initial medical examination. They will determine your suitability to hold a Class One Medical Certificate. For all questions relating to medical suitability please see the CAA website.

Work is allocated (or "rostered") in accordance with EASA regulations and Union agreements. Essentially pilots bid for work on a seniority basis, once this work has been allocated you are free to swap trips with each other provided the roster remains legal and all work remains covered. Time away from home will depend on the fleet you operate, your seniority and whether you have elected to go onto a Part Time roster. Both short-haul and long-haul fleets will require some time "down route", which can vary from one night to over a week on the longest trips that are operated. Some routes however will be there and back, allowing you to spend the evening back at home. As with all rosters these are subject to change.

British Airways operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and as such you can expect to work any day of the week, as well as over Public Holidays such as Bank Holidays and Christmas/New Year.

Salary and benefits for being employed as a pilot reflect the hard work and commitment of the individuals that we employ as flight crew. We have a discounted flight scheme, substantial pension and other benefits, including private healthcare schemes and corporate discounts. Salary generally increases with experience and may include a portion of flight pay, for each hour or flight worked, and an overnight expense allowance.

We employ pilots from all faiths and backgrounds and fully support everyone's right to practice their religion, however due to the nature of the job, we cannot guarantee any specific times, days or dates when a pilot will be able to carry out any specific rituals or observe rest periods. Most pilots find they are able to balance the needs of the job with their beliefs without great difficulty and can use the roster system to swap duties and make requests for leave and days off.

If you have been cautioned, warned or convicted of a criminal offence (other than parking offences) we suggest you check whether you will be able to obtain an airside pass by visiting www.dft.gov.uk. You must also be able to obtain a US visa.

In order to be employed as a pilot with us you will also be required to provide a Criminal Record Check for every country in which you have been a resident, or worked in, for 6 months or more in the past 5 years.

British Airways uniform policy requires that tattoos must never be visible outside the uniform.

As a guide, areas shown in grey on this diagram will not be covered by our uniform (when wearing a short-sleeved shirt). No tattoos must be visible on the face, hands, neck or arms. Additionally, as all our uniform shirts are white, you will be required to wear an appropriate white undergarment if you have a tattoo on your upper body in the blue area, so that your tattoo is in no way visible through the uniform shirt. Any tattoos in the red area must be covered.

Please note that covering tattoos with plasters, jewellery or watches in the grey areas is not permitted and it will remain your personal responsibility that tattoos are never visible when in uniform.