SPEEDBIRD PILOT ACADEMY
YOUR FULLY-FUNDED direct
pathway to british airways
British Airways, the UK’s flag carrier, has selected Skyborne as the official UK preferred supplier for the new 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 will be 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.
The application window is currently closed. To receive a notification for the next application window, register your details with British Airways.
Key Features
The benefits of training at Skyborne include:
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.
Airline focussed training
Learn from our talented and skilled instructors while participating in a fully-mentored pilot career development programme.
Fantastic Locations
Train at the busiest general aviation airport in the UK and year round sunshine in Florida.
Regular intakes
Frequent course start dates.
pilot mentors
British Airways' pilot mentors supporting you on your journey.
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 aircraft flight training will start earlier than in most other flight schools. The ATPL theoretical knowledge training is delivered in two parts, with the initial flight training sandwiched in between.
Your pathway to British Airways
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.
Application requirements
In order to apply, candidates will need:
- Education
6 GCSE’s (or equivalent), Grade A-C or 5-9 (including English, Maths and one of the Sciences).
- Eligibility criteria
You can be 17 when you apply, but you must turn 18 before 1st January 2025 (if your 18th birthday is on 1st January 2025 or after 1st January 2025 you will need to apply in future application windows). You must be between 18 and 55 before training starts.
You must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.91m (6'3") tall. Your height will be accurately determined during the assessment process. Those taller than 1.91m may submit an application but will be required to undergo a functionality check to confirm their ability to meet the requirements of the seating positions in the British Airways fleet of aircraft.
Tattoos are permissible as long as they are not on the hands, face or head.
- 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.
- MEDICAL requirements
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.
Further Questions?
To find out more about the Speedbird Pilot Academy by British Airways, read our frequently asked questions section.
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.”
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