SPEEDBIRD PILOT ACADEMY
YOUR FULLY-FUNDED direct
pathway to british airways
Skyborne is the official UK preferred supplier for the British Airways, Speedbird Pilot Academy. Your route to becoming a British Airways pilot.
This multi-million-pound pilot training initiative offers a fully-funded path to the flight deck with British Airways, training at the most trusted airline academy in the industry, with world-class facilities and teaching staff with a wealth of airline experience.
Fully-funded places for the Speedbird Pilot Academy are available here at Skyborne.
Together with British Airways, Skyborne is playing a pivotal role in driving change, showing people from all walks of life how exciting and secure an airline pilot career can be.
Applications for the Speedbird Pilot Academy are currently closed. Create an alert with British Airways by clicking ‘Stay up to date’ to be notified of future application windows.
Benefits of training at skyborne
- Fully-funded academy - multi-million-pound training initiative offering a fully-funded path to the British Airways flight deck.
- Career development - the Speedbird Pilot Academy offers the opportunity to secure a Conditional Job Offer as a Professional Pilot.
- British Airways approved training facility - purpose built training centres and accommodation in the UK and U.S.
- Access to British Airways pilot mentors supporting you on your journey.
- Train at some of the busiest general aviation airports in the UK and year round sunshine in Florida, with optimal training aircraft and the most advanced training simulators.
- Frequent course start dates, offering greater flexibility.
- Exceptional pass rates across all training phases.
- On-site and in-house maintenance across all locations.
- Airline-focused training - learn from our talented and skilled instructors while participating in a fully-mentored pilot career development programme.
- Professional support and resources to protect your mental wellbeing.
Course Breakdown
timeline
Skyborne takes a truly integrated approach to your airline pilot training, using our many years of experience to devise the best curriculum for you to learn the necessary skills to become an airline pilot with British Airways.
Training takes place in five phases and the whole course takes approximately 18 months to complete.
Your pathway to British Airways Speedbird pilot academy
There is a selection process to undertake for the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy. We have listed the high-level steps below for reference. Please scroll through the steps.
The application process is free.
british airways speedbird Eligibility Requirements
In order to apply, candidates need to meet the following criteria:
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Age
You must be 17-58 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training. -
Height
Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.90m (6'3"). If your height is outside of this range, you may be required to undergo a functionality check. -
Nationality
You must hold a valid passport (with minimum of 12 months before expiry date at time of joining) allowing unrestricted worldwide travel. You must have the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship. -
Education
Six GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9, including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications. -
Medical
A current and valid unrestricted UK CAA Class 1 Medical Certificate and FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate is required before the commencement of training. You must have a good level of physical fitness, and the ability to satisfy British Airways medical requirements. -
Language
You must be fluent in English – both written and spoken. As a guide, you must be proficient enough to achieve ICAO Level 6 or IELTS Level 5.5 (academic).
Technical skills are important, but it’s your behaviour as a British Airways pilot that will really set you apart. British Airways is unique, their pilots are very passionate and enthusiastic about 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 your customers and colleagues on board.
SKYBORNE FLEET
During your flight training phases in the UK you will have access to the Skyborne fleet of Diamond DA-42s and the Zlin Z 242 L. Optimal training aircraft owing to their performance, stability, handling and ease of operation. Equipped with advanced avionics, G1000 flight instrumentation and Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).
As part of your training, you’ll spend time at our fair-weather academy in Vero Beach, Florida, flying a fleet of more than 60 Piper single- and multi-engine aircraft.
FAQs
To find out more about the Speedbird Pilot Academy by British Airways, read our frequently asked questions section.
Take a tour of our U.S campus
Our Vero Beach, Florida campus is purpose built to support trainees from around the world, providing a safe and comfortable home during flight training. With amenities like an on-site pool, sports facilities, and outdoor leisure options such as bike rentals and picnic areas, the campus offers an ideal balance of training and relaxation.
Our accommodation
In the UK, Skyborne has a portfolio of accommodation located in close proximity to both Gloucestershire Airport and Bournemouth Airport. Find out more about our accommodation by clicking the link below. You can find out more about our U.S accommodation by taking the virtual tour above.
Testimonials
Will Crowther, Skyborne Trainee
"Skyborne is full of passionate, high quality, caring individuals. I chose Skyborne because it was personal, providing exceptional quality and a high standard of training. For those of you thinking of training at Skyborne, I couldn’t recommend it enough. I have loved every single moment of my time here and have certainly made a lot of friends for life."
Jack Cantwell, Skyborne Trainee
"Walking into Skyborne HQ every morning makes me proud to be training here. The balance between professional and family feel is important and Skyborne has got it just right. Ground school was a brutal part of training but the immense support, knowledge and jokes from the TKIs are what motivated me through the exams. My five months in Vero Beach were arguably the best time of my life. There was nothing better than flying with your mates in the morning, followed by exploring the state or relaxing by the pool. I can safely say that training at Skyborne was the best decision."
Nick Smith, DHL, former Skyborne Trainee
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Skyborne. All the team were so supportive from day one, all the way through to securing my first airline job.
The instructors were so helpful and the airline-focused training has really helped me in my initial training in the airline industry.”
Bradley Gibbs, Eastern Airways, former Skyborne Trainee
“From meeting the Skyborne team at industry events, I knew that this was where I wanted to complete my commercial flight training. The DA-42 aircraft that I trained on were awesome and the instructor team were so experienced in this area. The final, all-important element was finding a job. When I secured an assessment with Eastern Airways, the Skyborne team remained on hand to assist with interview and simulator assessment preparation. Now that my type rating and base training are complete, I can say that all the effort has been worth it.”
