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.
British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy
Applications for the Speedbird Pilot Academy 2023 are now closed.
The Speedbird Pilot Academy is our fully funded training scheme for up to 60 successful candidates per year working with selected Flight Training Organisations.
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/
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.
Other Entry Routes
Newly Qualified Pilot Pathway (NQPP) - This programme enables both Integrated and Modular students to apply from any Flight School that you have chosen to train with.
Whitetail - We are working with the selected Flight Training Organisations and will be assessing trainee pilots both post ground school and post APS MCC.
- UK Class 1 flight crew medical - 6 months validity from date of joining
- An average ATPL Ground School score of 85% and above with no more than three resits (2020 syllabus and previous syllabus accepted)
- No more than 1 recourse
- No more than 3 training providers
- First series pass in both CPL and ME/IR
- Training completed no earlier than 1st January 2020
- APS MCC
- aUPRT
- UK Part-FCL licence
- Final Report provided by ATO citing exceptional training performance and motivation for career
- Height will be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.91m (6'3") (height is accurately determined during the assessment process). Qualified pilots who are taller than 1.91m may submit an application but will be required to undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to meet the requirements of the seating positions in the British Airways fleet of aircraft
- A good level of physical fitness, and ability to satisfy the British Airways medical requirements
- ICAO ELP Level 6 proficiency
- A valid passport (with minimum of 12 months before expiry date at time of joining) allowing unrestricted worldwide travel
- Tattoos are permissible as long as they are not on the hands, face or head
- UK Class 1 flight crew medical - 6 months validity from date of joining
- An average ATPL Ground School score of 85% and above with no more than three resits (2020 syllabus and previous syllabus accepted)
- No more than 1 recourse
- First series pass in both CPL and ME/IR
- Training completed no earlier than 1st January 2020
- APS MCC
- aUPRT
- UK Part-FCL licence
- Final Report provided by ATO citing exceptional training performance and motivation for career
- Height will be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.91m (6'3") (height is accurately determined during the assessment process). Qualified pilots who are taller than 1.91m may submit an application but will be required to undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to meet the requirements of the seating positions in the British Airways fleet of aircraft
- A good level of physical fitness, and ability to satisfy the British Airways medical requirements
- ICAO ELP Level 6 proficiency
- A valid passport (with minimum of 12 months before expiry date at time of joining) allowing unrestricted worldwide travel
- Tattoos are permissible as long as they are not on the hands, face or head
Pre-Employment Checks
As a company our number one priority is to maintain the safety and security of our people and our customers. Pre-employment checks on all new joiners are essential. We have specific regulatory requirements that apply to these checks, as we are an aviation business.
These checks may seem quite complex and time consuming. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide and support you through the entire process. For airside roles we need to do a full five year pre-employment check, this includes education, ALL jobs, gaps and holidays of more than 28 days, along with documentary evidence. It is important that you provide us with accurate, and in-depth information. Discrepancies cause delay and may affect your start date.
You will also need to apply for a Criminal Records Check (CRC) also known as a Disclosure Baring Service Certificate (DBSC) and an overseas CRC if you have lived abroad in the last five years. If you already have an overseas criminal record certificate that is over 10 weeks old, it is valid if you have not returned to the country of issue to reside.
Typically, the CRC or DBSC will take two weeks to be issued, the overseas CRC will vary from country to country. The Pre-employment checks for airside will typically take around 16 weeks, the time will vary depending on the number of jobs, periods of education and gaps we have to check, and validate.
We will work with you, and our 3rd Party suppliers to make sure the process is as seamless as possible. Your help is vital, and much appreciated.
Future Pilot FAQs
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For most cadet and training schemes you will need a minimum of 6 GCSEs at grade A to C (5-9), including Mathematics, English and a Science. 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.
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Like many employers, we calculate the equivalent of academic qualifications to understand whether the required standard has been met. A guide to how we consider these can be found on the ECCTIS website.
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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.
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All pilots with British Airways must achieve and maintain a UK CAA 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.
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Work is allocated (or "rostered") in accordance with CAA 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tattoos are permissible as long as they are not visible. This means tattoos must not be on candidates' hands, face or head.
