Becoming a pilot is a dream for many, but the high cost of training—often exceeding £100,000—makes it out of reach for most.
However, British Airways is making this dream possible through its Speedbird Pilot Academy, a fully funded training program that provides aspiring pilots with everything they need to earn their wings.
For 2025, 200 cadets will be selected to train under this program, with all costs covered, from flight training to a guaranteed job at British Airways upon completion.
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, here’s how the program works and what you need to know.
What is the Speedbird Pilot Academy?
British Airways launched the Speedbird Pilot Academy in 2023 to remove financial barriers to pilot training.
In partnership with Skyborne Airline Academy in the UK and FTE Jerez in Spain, BA offers a structured training program designed to develop the next generation of pilots.
This initiative is part of BA’s long-term investment in securing top talent, with the airline allocating £21 million ($26.2 million) in funding for 2025.
Last year, over 20,000 applicants applied for a spot, proving just how competitive this opportunity is.
Who Can Apply?
While not everyone will qualify, the program is designed to be accessible to people from all backgrounds who meet the requirements.
General Requirements:
✅ No prior flying experience required—just passion, dedication, and the right to work in the UK.
✅ Age: Must be between 18-55 years old (18 by the start of training in 2026).
✅ Education: Six GCSEs (A-C or 5-9), including Maths, English, and Science (or equivalent).
✅ Right to live and work in the UK—no sponsorship is provided.
✅ Fluent in English—non-native speakers need an IELTS score of 5.5.
Medical & Physical Requirements:
- Obtain and hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical certificate.
- Height between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.91m (6’3”).
- Able to swim 50 meters unaided and tread water for at least 3 minutes.
✅ No visible tattoos on head, face, or hands.
✅ Pass pre-employment and criminal record checks.
What is a UK CAA Class 1 Medical?
To qualify, candidates must undergo tests covering:
✔️ Vision – Distance vision must be at least 6/9 (20/30) in each eye, with or without correction. Glasses and contact lenses are allowed, but severe eyesight impairments may be disqualifying.
✔️ Hearing – Must be able to hear conversational speech from 2 meters away (audiogram test required).
✔️ Cardiovascular Health – ECG (heart scan) is conducted to check for any abnormalities.
✔️ Neurological & Mental Health – Candidates are screened for conditions like epilepsy or severe anxiety.
💡 Good to know: If you fail certain tests, you might be eligible for a restricted medical certificate, depending on individual circumstances.
What Disqualifies Someone from Getting a Class 1 Medical?
Some conditions may prevent a candidate from obtaining medical clearance:
❌ Color blindness – Must be able to distinguish aviation colors (red, green, white).
❌ Severe heart conditions – Arrhythmia or uncontrolled high blood pressure may disqualify you.
❌ Epilepsy or history of seizures – Any history of seizure activity is generally disqualifying.
❌ Diabetes requiring insulin – Some non-insulin-dependent diabetics may be eligible, subject to medical review.
❌ Serious mental health conditions – Severe anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may affect eligibility.
💡 If you have a medical condition, it’s best to consult an approved CAA medical examiner early in the application process.
What If You’re Over the Height Limit?
British Airways requires cadets to be between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.90m (6’3”).
If you’re above 1.90m, you can still apply, but you must pass a functional test to ensure you can safely operate the aircraft controls.
This test assesses seat adjustments, cockpit ergonomics, and reach capabilities to confirm you can fit comfortably in the cockpit.
Once you’ve confirmed your medical and physical eligibility, the next step is tackling the selection process. Here’s what to expect during the assessments.
The Selection Process
The selection process for the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy is designed to identify candidates with the potential to excel as professional pilots. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each stage:
1. Online Application
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Eligibility Confirmation: Candidates must verify they meet specific criteria, including age, education, and the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship.
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Motivation Statement: Applicants are required to articulate their reasons for pursuing a career as a pilot and their interest in British Airways.
2. Online Assessments
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Psychometric Tests: These assessments evaluate cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and behavioral traits to determine suitability for pilot training.
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Situational Judgment Tests: Candidates respond to scenarios to assess decision-making and alignment with British Airways’ values.
3. Video Interview
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Competency-Based Questions: Applicants participate in a video interview focusing on competencies such as teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
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Motivational Questions: Further exploration of the candidate’s passion for aviation and commitment to a career with British Airways.
4. Flight School Assessments
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Online Assessment: Shortlisted candidates undergo additional evaluations conducted by the partnered flight schools, such as Skyborne Airline Academy or FTEJerez.
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In-Person Interview: This may include technical questions, problem-solving exercises, and discussions about the training program.
5. British Airways Assessment Centre
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Group Exercises: Candidates participate in activities to assess teamwork, leadership, and communication.
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Technical Interview: Focuses on understanding of aviation concepts and the ability to apply technical knowledge.
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Simulator Assessment: Evaluates practical flying skills and aptitude in a simulated environment.
6. Final Selection
- Offer of Training Placement: Successful candidates receive an offer to join the Speedbird Pilot Academy, leading to a position as a First Officer with British Airways upon successful completion of the training program.
How Does the Training Work?
Successful applicants will undergo an 18-month training program, with an additional 3 months of Type Rating and Line Training before joining BA’s fleet as First Officers.
The Three Stages of Selection
1️⃣ Online Testing (Feb 11-21, 2025) – Initial screening and aptitude tests.
2️⃣ Flight School Online & In-Person Testing (March-June) – Further assessments and interviews.
3️⃣ Final BA Assessment (June-July) – The last step before selection.
Training Phases
📚 Ground School (6-8 months): Learn the fundamentals of aviation and complete 13 pilot exams.
🛩️ Basic Flight Training (6 months): Gain experience flying solo in a single-engine aircraft.
✈️ Advanced Flight Training (4-6 months): Move on to twin-engine aircraft and instrument flying.
🎭 Upset Recovery Training: Learn how to handle difficult flight situations.
🛫 APS MCC Training (3-4 weeks): Transition to multi-crew operations in an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 simulator.
At the end of training, pilots will be assigned to British Airways’ short-haul Airbus A320 fleet, based at London Heathrow or Gatwick.
Where Will You Train? Skyborne vs. FTEJerez
Cadets can list a preference for their training school, but placements depend on availability.
Skyborne Airline Academy (UK)
📍 Location: Gloucestershire, UK
🏠 Accommodation: On-campus housing with private rooms
🍽️ Food: Monthly food allowance provided
🌤️ Weather: Variable—some delays due to the UK’s unpredictable weather
FTEJerez (Spain)
📍 Location: Jerez, Spain
🏠 Accommodation: All-inclusive campus with dorm-style housing
🍽️ Food: Full catering included in the program
☀️ Weather: More flying days due to consistent sunshine
Key Difference? If you prefer a UK-based experience, Skyborne is ideal. If you want better flying conditions & warmer weather, FTEJerez is a great choice!
Real Life Flight Training Experiences
Amie Kirkham (B777 First Officer):
“Ground school was intense, but I made lifelong friends. My six months flying in Phoenix was exhilarating—solo flights over the desert with incredible views were unforgettable!”
Roger Goetze (B777 First Officer):
“One of the best things about training was the variety of flight experiences. Flying into challenging airports during advanced training really prepares you for real-world commercial flying.”
What Makes This Program Special?
The British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy is truly one-of-a-kind, setting itself apart as the only fully funded cadet program in the UK.
This means that selected candidates won’t have to worry about the staggering costs of pilot training, which can often exceed £100,000.
Unlike other programs that may require cadets to cover living expenses, BA goes a step further by providing a subsistence allowance, ensuring that financial pressures don’t stand in the way of achieving your dreams.
But the program’s uniqueness doesn’t stop there. While many airlines offer cadet schemes, BA’s Speedbird Pilot Academy stands out for several compelling reasons.
First, it’s fully funded, covering everything from tuition and accommodation to flight training costs—something programs like TUI’s partially funded scheme don’t offer.
Second, unlike programs, which don’t guarantee employment after training, BA provides a direct pathway to becoming a First Officer, offering job security from day one.
Finally, from the moment you join the program, you’re treated as part of the BA family. Cadets enjoy employee benefits from day one, including unlimited standby travel, private medical cover, and access to a range of lifestyle perks.
This holistic approach makes the Speedbird Pilot Academy not just a training program, but a life-changing opportunity to launch a rewarding career with one of the world’s most respected airlines.
Perks of Working for British Airways
Once training is completed, graduates become First Officers at British Airways, enjoying a range of exclusive benefits, including:
💰 Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
🛫 Unlimited standby travel for employees.
✈️ 30 discounted airfares per year for family and friends.
🏥 Private medical and dental cover.
📆 Flexible roster patterns.
🏦 Company pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution).
🏨 Discounts on hotels, car hire, and Heathrow Express tickets.
🚗 Electric car scheme and Gymflex membership.
This program offers not just a ticket to a career in aviation but a lifestyle filled with travel, adventure, and long-term job security.
Roger Goetze (B777 First Officer):
“Being a pilot is a lifestyle job. You won’t always be home for holidays or weekends, so an understanding family is important. However, I love the time off I get—it lets me really enjoy my personal life.”
Alistair Thompson (A350 First Officer):
“You have to adjust to different sleep schedules, but once you find a rhythm, it becomes part of the job. The excitement of flying makes it all worth it!”
How to apply
Ready to take the first step toward your dream of becoming a British Airways pilot?
The application process is straightforward, but competition is high—so make sure you’re well-prepared!
Steps to Apply
1️⃣ Check the Eligibility Requirements – Ensure you meet the age, education, and medical criteria.
2️⃣ Prepare Your Application – BA will ask for personal details, qualifications, and a motivation statement.
3️⃣ Complete Online Assessments – This includes aptitude tests and a video interview.
4️⃣ Attend In-Person Assessments – If shortlisted, you’ll undergo further evaluations at a BA-approved flight school and BA’s assessment center.
5️⃣ Receive Your Offer – If successful, you’ll secure a fully funded spot in the Speedbird Pilot Academy!
📅 Application Window: The application window is from February 11 to 21, 2025. Once closed, you can register for job alerts to be notified when applications reopen next year.
🔗 Start your journey here: British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy Application
💡 Pro Tip: This is a highly competitive program, so take time to prepare your application and practice for the assessments!
Final Thoughts: A Life-Changing Opportunity
The Speedbird Pilot Academy is a rare opportunity for those who dream of flying but don’t have the financial means to pursue it.
With 200 spots available, competition will be fierce, but for those selected, it’s the start of an incredible journey with one of the world’s most prestigious airlines.
Applications open from February 11 to 21, 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to fly, this might just be your chance to make it happen!
Would you apply if you had the chance?✈️🚀
This is great but just heard about it now.
It’s been my lifetime dream since childhood since I grew up new to a Major international Airport in Chicago, Illinois USA. I have done 2 introduction flights. I was very excited. I am eager to start school and training immediately. But I have been hampered trying to get funding for training. I watched training videos for years now, every single day. I want to train and become a professional airline pilot. I would be willing to relocate anywhere to get training. Please give me a chance and opportunity to make this dream come true, and change my life.
The training phases are a joke, typical administration faux pa. 6 months to gain an equivalent CPL, ridiculous in the extreme.