frequently asked questions

The application window is now closed and will reopen in Spring 2024.

We have been informed that the application window will reopen in Spring 2024. To receive a notification, you can register your interest on the British Airways careers page and you will receive job alerts. 

British Airways has provided some information on how you can prepare for your application. 

The Situational Judgement Test forms part of the interview – read the question in full and consider what answer British Airways would expect from their pilots. You may wish to do further reading about behaviours that pilots use to be successful in the role.

Maths Test – BBC Bitesize is the best place to practice your maths. The Maths test is timed you need to work quickly and accurately from the multiple choice options.

Checking Test – you will be presented with a body of information and asked to confirm whether the information is correct or incorrect. Make sure to read the question in full.

Due to the overwhelming response to the inaugural Speedbird Pilot Academy during the application window in September 2023, British Airways are unable to provide individual feedback. 

Yes, BA are fully-funding the programme for successful applicants to obtain their fATPL.

As well as funding your training through fATPL, BA will also provide accommodation, food allowance and subsistence allowance. BA will also fund your Class 1 Medical.

Yes, British Airways will be funding the Class 1 Medical which is required before course commencement.

This is a fully-funded fATPL programme.

You must:
• be aged 17 – 55 years of age to apply, and 18 years of age to start training

• hold 6 GSCEs grade A-C or 5-9 including Maths, English and a Science or equivalent qualification

• be fluent in English (and, if applicable, an 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.

• Hold a valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel

• Be between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.90m (6’3”) tall. Height is accurately determined during the assessment process. If you are taller than 1.90m, you may submit an application, but may be required to undergo a functionality test.

• Be able to obtain and hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical with no restrictions and meet British Airways medical criteria

• Before training starts, complete referencing and pre-employment checks to the satisfactory standard and supply satisfactory UK and international Criminal Record Checks.

You can be 17 when you apply, but you must be aged between 18 and 55 before training starts.

You must be a minimum height of 5ft 2in.

You must have 6 GCSE’s (or equivalent), Grade A-C or 5-9 (including English, Maths and one of the Sciences). If you hold equivalent qualifications, BA will be in a position to check your equivalency so please ensure you enter your qualifications as they appear on your certificates.

Technical skills are important, but it’s your behaviours as a BA pilot that will really set you apart. British Airways is unique, BA pilots are very passionate and enthusiastic about their 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 BA customers and colleagues on board.

BA will aim to respond to applicants as swiftly as possible. Due to the expected volumes you might take up to 2 weeks for a response. Please be patient as all applicants will receive a response.

No, you can apply and start training with zero flight experience, however we suggest a 30-minute flight lesson in advance.

If you have completed or partially completed your PPL then you are still eligible for the programme. Please note that there will be no alleviation on the number of hours that you have to complete. If you have started your ATPL Theoretical Knowledge exams then you are considered over qualified for this opportunity.

Yes as long as you have the right to live and study in the UK for 6 months without sponsorship

If you know the exam board you took your exams through, you can obtain this information online. If you don’t know the exam board, the school you attended may be able to assist.

For further information, visit https://www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate

There is a lot that you can do to help prepare for your assessment process. Firstly, research is key. It is important that you understand the role of a commercial pilot with BA and responsibilities involved. It is also important that you can demonstrate your motivation towards this career and why you believe you are suitable for this exciting opportunity.

Aptitude testing is an area that also can be prepared for. Skyborne use AON online testing and practice assessments can be accessed at the following link to give you practice questions, as well as hints and tips. https://assessment.aon.com/en-us/prepare-your-assessment

Consider the non technical aspects also. At group exercise and interview your communication, team work and leadership, amongst others, will be discussed and observed. These are all key qualities necessary to be successful as a commercial pilot.

Assessments will be held throughout October and November. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified at each stage. Successful applicants will be notified in December 2023 with training commencing in March 2024.

The first course will commence in March 2024, with 3 additional course starts throughout 2024. Places are limited to 10 per course, therefore if successful BA will discuss an appropriate start date with you.

Yes – upon successful completion of the selection process, you will receive a conditional job offer from BA, outlining the performance standards expected through training with Skyborne.

British Airways has selected Skyborne Airline Academy as an approved training partner for its new Speedbird Pilot Academy. In addition, Skyborne is an approved training organisation for the British Airways Whitetail Recruitment Programme, a recruitment drive to place 500 new partners with the British flag carrier over the next two years. This programme is for cadets self-sponsoring their own training and is another route to the airline outside of the Speedbird Pilot Academy.

Unfortunately, as the volume of applications is anticipated to be high, applicants will not receive feedback across all stages. Only those that are unsuccessful at the final BA stage will receive feedback.

Skyborne is an approved training organisation for the British Airways Whitetail Recruitment Programme, a recruitment drive to place 500 new partners with the British flag carrier over the next two years. This programme is for cadets self-sponsoring their own training and is another route to the airline outside of the Speedbird Pilot Academy. Register your interest in the Integrated ATPL programme with Skyborne in order to progress your career. This is a self-funded course.

Technical skills are important, but it’s your behaviours as a BA pilot that will really set you apart. British Airways is unique, and their pilots are very passionate and enthusiastic about BA’s 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 customers and colleagues on board.

The full training schedule with Skyborne can be found HERE

Yes, as part of the BA agreement, all trainees will be accommodated by Skyborne, working and living alongside other Speedbird Academy trainees and Skyborne Whitetail trainees.

You make your application directly to BA and you will be asked what your preferred flight training school is as part of this process.

The full training schedule and locations can be found HERE

No, this is a full-time training course.

No, as a full-time training course, you will be expected to attend Ground School phases in person.

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