Speedbird pilot Academy

British Airways has opened the application window for the second year of its fully funded Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadet Program, beginning on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. This initiative follows a remarkable response to the 2023 recruitment which attracted over 20,000 applications for only 100 places.

The program is designed for top-tier candidates and offers training with all costs covered by the airline. During their time at the flight school, cadets receive a food and subsistence allowance, along with provided accommodation.

Upon completing their training and becoming employees, cadets will start earning a pilot salary, from which the training costs will be gradually recouped.

Cost of the program : Fully sponsored (bonded)

last program opening : April 2024

 

 1. Requirement

 

  • You’ll be 17-55 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training

  • Six GCSEs grade A-C or 5-9, including Maths, English and a Science or equivalent qualifications

 

  • Fluent in English (and, if applicable, have achieved 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

 

  • A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel

 

  • Your height must be between 1.57m (5’2″) and 1.90m (6’3″). 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

 

  • Have the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship

 2. Selection Process 

Creating application

The selection process for the Speedbird Pilot Academy begins with creating a detailed application. Applicants must choose between two flight schools: Skyborne Airline Academy and FTE Jerez. They need to provide all necessary documents proving they meet the eligibility requirements.

Additionally, candidates must answer two motivation questions: “How are you actively interested in a career in aviation?” and “What have you been doing so far to pursue this, and how has this motivated you to apply to the Speedbird Pilot Academy?” These questions help assess the applicant’s passion and commitment to a career in aviation.

Online tests:

After submitting their applications, candidates will receive invitations via email to complete a series of online tests. Each invitation gives candidates 48 hours to complete the assessment from the time the email is received.

Typically, there is a waiting period of 2-3 days between each test. For some assessments, such as the passenger announcement test, candidates may be given an additional day to complete the test, providing more flexibility. This ensures that all applicants have adequate time to complete the online evaluations thoroughly.

Assessment 1: Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

The first online test candidates will encounter is the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). In this assessment, candidates are presented with various scenarios where they must choose the most appropriate response as a commercial pilot.

The test consists of 20 questions designed to evaluate the candidate’s judgement and work approach. There is no time limit for this test, allowing candidates to carefully consider each situation. To succeed, applicants should reflect on each scenario thoughtfully and remember that flight safety is the pilot’s top priority.

Sample question

You notice the Captain has adjusted course, deviating from the flight plan by 15 degrees. They say it’s to avoid some turbulence that they experienced on previous flights that week. What would you do?

  1. Discuss with the Captain and highlight your concerns. Suggest updating Air Traffic Control of your intentions.
  2. Take the controls and revert back to the original flight path.
  3. Trust the Captain as they have flown the route many times, with 13 years’ experience flying.
  4. Contact Air Traffic Control to see if there is any turbulence reported ahead.

Assessment 2: Math test

The second online test is the Math Test, which consists of 25 questions designed to assess the candidate’s mathematical ability. Candidates have 17 minutes to complete as many questions as possible within this time frame.

The time constraint is the most challenging aspect of this test for most candidates, so it’s essential to practice quick reasoning and problem-solving skills to perform well.

Sample question

Cassandra is creating a scale model of an Airbus A320. If the wingspan of the real aircraft is 34 metres, and the model has a wingspan of 40 centimetres, what is the ratio from the real aircraft to the model?

  1.  80:1
  2.  85:1
  3.  89:1
  4.  95:1
  5.  117:1

Assessment 3: Detail checking test

The third online test is the Detail Checking Test. This assessment is particularly challenging due to the time pressure. Candidates must quickly compare data to identify errors, with the difficulty lying more in the speed required than the complexity of the data itself.

Unlike some practice tests with nearly identical number strings, the errors in this test are generally more distinct. However, the tight timing leaves little room for review, making it crucial to work swiftly and accurately. Many candidates find this test the most difficult, as there is virtually no opportunity to go back and check answers before time runs out.

Assessment 4: Passager announcement test

The fourth online test is the Passenger Announcement Test. In this assessment, candidates must record an audio clip of themselves making a passenger announcement. Additionally, they will answer short questions related to customer service and safety.

Candidates have 2 minutes to record their announcement, and it’s important to be mindful of the auto-submit feature as it has tricked some candidates in the past. To succeed, candidates should speak confidently, be concise, and ensure they do not miss any important details in their announcement.

Flight School assessment day

The Flight School assessment day varies slightly between Skyborne and FTE Jerez but follows a similar structure. Candidates will undergo computer-based tests, including psychometric and psychomotor assessments. These tests evaluate the ability to work under pressure and handle increasing workloads using various tests from the cut-e suite.

Additionally, candidates will participate in a group exercise designed to demonstrate teamwork skills in scenarios typical of a pilot’s role at British Airways. The day concludes with an interview to assess if the candidate’s profile fits the requirements and values of a British Airways pilot.

List of tests:

    • Technical tests (psychometric / psychomotor)
    • Group exercise
    • Interview

British Airways Assessment Centre

The British Airways Assessment Centre is the final step in the recruitment process to become a cadet pilot. This stage includes an interview and a group exercise, allowing candidates to showcase their suitability for the role.

Additionally, candidates will attend a presentation from the British Airways team, providing insights into life as a BA pilot. There is also an opportunity to visit the Speedbird Heritage Centre at Waterside, giving candidates a glimpse into the rich history and culture of British Airways.

 3. Training outline

Frozen ATPL phase (Skyborn or FTE)

The initial pilot training at the Speedbird Academy is a comprehensive 18-month program leading to a frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Here’s an overview of the training stages from Ground School to becoming a qualified pilot:

  • Ground School (6 to 8 months): During this phase, cadets complete 13 pilot exams, covering essential theoretical knowledge.
  • Basic Flight Training (6 months): This stage takes cadets from having no flight experience to becoming competent at flying solo.
  • Advanced Flight Training (4 to 6 months): Cadets transition to twin-engine aircraft and begin learning to fly using instruments, simulating conditions such as clouds and bad weather.
  • Upset Recovery Training (3 flights): In this phase, cadets fly aerobatics and learn how to recover from unusual flight attitudes, such as high-nose or low-nose situations.

APS MCC (3 to 4 weeks): The final stage involves learning to fly in a multi-crew environment, typically using A320 or 737 simulators, to develop coordination and teamwork skills crucial for commercial flying.

Type rating phase

After completing the initial training, cadets will join British Airways, CityFlyer, or Euroflyer to undergo type rating on a short-haul aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 or Embraer 170/190.

The cost of the type rating will be covered by the airline. Upon successful completion of this phase, cadets will begin their careers as first officers in the airline they have joined, flying short-haul routes and gaining operational experience.

 4. Why Choose British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy?

1. Fully Sponsored Training: The program is fully funded, including free accommodation and an allowance during training. While the starting salary may be lower due to the training bond, it remains one of the best financing schemes for aspiring pilots.

2. Career Progression: There are opportunities to progress to long-haul flights later in your career without changing companies. As British Airways is part of a larger group, you can also transition to different airlines within the group throughout your career.

3. Prestigious Airline: British Airways is one of the most esteemed and historical airlines in Europe. Being part of this prestigious airline provides a solid foundation for your career.

4. London Base: For those wishing to be based in London, British Airways is the ideal airline, offering the benefits of working in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.