British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy 2026 for Course

  •  Course
  •  23-Apr-2026
  •   Japan
  • $$  Varies

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Applications for Speedbird Pilot Academy role are now open

Each year, the Speedbird Pilot Academy Cadet programme provides fully-funded flight training for a select number of candidates.

By removing the initial training cost barrier, we’re levelling the playing field and making a flying career more accessible to a much wider range of people.

Integrated flight training courses are full-time and take 18-24 months to complete. If you are successful in flight training, you will join us as a British Airways Pilot.

What will my training involve?

Here's a rundown of Flight Training, from Ground School to qualified Pilot:

  • Ground School (6 to 8 months) – You’ll be completing 13 pilot exams
  • Basic Flight Training (6 months) – This takes you from having never flown an aircraft before to being competent at flying solo
  • Advanced Flight Training (4 to 6 months) – You will move onto twin-engine aircraft and begin learning to fly off instruments, as well as simulating flying through clouds and bad weather
  • Upset Recovery Training (3 flights) – During this stage, you will fly aerobatics and be taught how to recover from a high-nose or low-nose flight
  • APS MCC (3 to 4 weeks) – This is learning how to fly in a multi-crew environment. Most schools use A320 or 737 simulators for this phase

Eligibility Criteria

  • You'll be 17-58 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training
  • Six GCSEs grade A-C or 4-9, including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualifications
  • Fluent in English
  • A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship

Check also:
Japanese Government (MEXT) Undergraduate Scholarship 2027

Offered Benefits

  • Training to obtain a frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL)
  • Accommodation
  • Food (FTEJerez) or food allowance (Skyborne)
  • Subsistence allowance
  • Financial support to obtain your Class 1 medical and relevant Class 2
  • Dynamic career path
  • Varied roster patterns
  • Company pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
  • Life insurance benefits
  • Great family leave benefits
  • Includes British Airways employee benefits as soon as you join

Application Process

Apply to this scholarship by clicking the `Apply` button below.
Apply Here
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