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Speedbird Pilot Academy

The creation of the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy sees the cost barrier of training to become an airline pilot removed, making the profession much more accessible. 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 and not just those who can afford the initial training costs.

Overview

The customer is at the heart of everything that we do. Your goal will be to provide the very best flight experience possible for each passenger. The life of a commercial pilot is exciting, and you’ll be challenged every day to perform to the highest standards.

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 solve problems. Your future role will also require you to be an effective team player that can make important decisions in a timely manner.

The requirements we ask of you:

• 17 -55 years of age to apply and 18 start training. You'll be 18 on or before the 1st March 2024

• 6 GCSEs grade A-C or 5-9 including Maths, English and a Science or equivalent qualifications. If you have equivalent qualifications, please upload your certificates and we will gain the equivalency’s from ECCTIS.

• 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.

• The right to study in the UK without sponsorship and remain in the UK for longer than 6 months.

• A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel.

• 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.

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.

Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. 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’re encouraging everyone, from all backgrounds to apply for this exciting opportunity. Not only will you have the chance to further your career development within BA, but you’ll also have access to our competitive reward and benefits package.

Whats included:

• Training to obtain a fATPL

• Accommodation

• Food (FTEJerez) or food allowance (Skyborne)

• Subsistence allowance

• Financial support to obtain your Class 1 medical

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, Technology scheme, Cycle to Work and Electric/Plug-in Hybrid car scheme

• Competitive salary plus your flight, nightly and time away allowance

You could be based at London City, London Gatwick or London Heathrow

You must have submitted your application and completed the tests by 25th September 2023.

Supporting Files

In the section Supporting Files, please upload the following documents:

Relevant GCSE certificates or equivalent certificates

Testing

Once you have submitted your application you will sent links to complete the following and they need to be completed in one sitting:

Situational judgement test - un-timed

if you pass the above you will receive the Maths test - 17 minutes

If you pass the above you will receive the Checking test - 6 minutes