Your Speedbird Pilot Academy application
We want to make becoming a British Airways pilot a reality for anyone with the ability and drive to succeed.
The application window for 2025 has now closed. Please register for job alerts to be notified when the applications reopen for 2026.
In the meantime, you'll find useful resources to help you prepare your application below.
Start your ascent
What do I need to join the Speedbird Pilot Academy?
- You'll be 17-55 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training
- Six GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9, including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications
- Fluent in English (and, if applicable, have achieved ICAO Level 6 on completion of training). For non-native English speakers, you will need 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
- Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.90m (6'3"). 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
- Have the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship
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 frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (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
Speedbird-Z
Like what you see? Explore more of the world of aviation by registering to Speedbird-Z.
This one-stop-shop gives you the opportunity to directly chat online with our colleagues, register for upcoming events we are running or attending, and complete learning modules to build your confidence in employability, as well as learn more about British Airways.
Learn more
Your journey to the flight deck
Preparation
First, register an account on Speedbird-Z. Here, you can explore what being a British Airways pilot means for your career and lifestyle, as well as speak to one of our mentors. You can find all our preparation materials here too.
Speedbird-Z
Stage 1
Once you have completed activities on Speedbird-Z, you can begin your application if you are eligible. You will then be invited to complete a series of online assessments, followed by a verbal speaking activity.
Stage 2
Successful candidates will complete a range of more in-depth psychometric testing. Those that pass will be invited to our head office, Waterside, for a group exercise and multitasking assessment lasting half a day. The flight school will also run an online interview with you.
Stage 3
If you reach the final stage, you will return to Waterside for a full assessment day focusing on you as an individual. We’ll also give you a tour of our British Airways Heritage Centre as a thank you for the time and effort you’ve put into the process.
To help you prepare further
Below are some useful links to help you prepare for the upcoming applications to complement our Preparation Materials found at the top of this page.
Have a question? Please view our Speedbird Pilot Academy FAQs
Flight schools:
At the application stage you will be asked to give a preference of what flight school you would like to attend. Please visit their sites for more information.
FTEJerez - FTEJerez | Flight Training Europe
Skyborne - British Airways | Skyborne Airline Academy UK
Useful links:
CAA Class 1 Medical information - Apply for a Class 1 medical certificate | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
Interview preparation - Interview advice | National Careers Service
Qualification equivalents: Home Page (ecctis.com)
Requirements and rewards
Explore the requirements you need to apply for our fully-funded pilot academy role, and the rewards you will have access to if you're a successful candidate.
- You'll be 17-55 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training
- Six GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9, including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications
- Fluent in English (and, if applicable, have achieved ICAO Level 6 on completion of training). For non-native English speakers, you will need 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
- Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.90m (6'3"). 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
- Have the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship
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.
- Training to obtain a frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (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.