Originally Posted by
easy_99
I listened in to both, there's another one today 1300 - 1430 GMT and another one on 29th Jan 1800 - 1930 GMT. The recordings are all going up on the BA Pilot Recruitment Zoom channel.
I wouldn't say there were any absolutely must know details shared, but I would say they're worth a watch/listen as there's lots of small-ish details you can pick up that might be useful to know, particularly as they've said there are a few changes to the process this year. I'll list a few of the interesting/notable points I picked up on below:
- They had 16000 applications submitted last year for up to 200 spaces. They are yet to take the full amount (100 in year 1, 200 in year 2). I believe they said about 350 people made it to stage 3 last year, for up to 200 spaces. Sounds obvious but they also emphasised that your odds "dramatically improve" if you make it past stage 1. They can take up to 200 cadets again this year.
- This year everyone will do all 3 tests (SJT, maths, checking): apparently you won't get rejected immediately after the SJT or maths test even if you failed it. Whether that means they take the 3 scores together to assess pass/fail, or if e.g. you fail SJT that's it but they'll still send you the later tests to make it easier for them to administrate, I don't know. I believe they also said that this year if you get rejected you will be given a one-liner "feedback" in the email that hints at what you failed on, e.g. maths test, checking test, motivation question etc.
- There are some changes to the SJT this year. I think they said it will be timed this year, and rather than just selecting one answer, you'll be required to select both the most appropriate and least appropriate responses for each scenario.
- One of the people on the panel seemed to suggest that you can only pass the checking test if you complete all the questions (whether that means you have to get all of them right, not sure). They didn't emphasise this or go into details but that's how I interpreted what was said.
- They clarified that the CVs/motivational essays are all read by a human, but only if/when you've passed all 3 tests. They are not looked at before this stage.
- The PA announcement sounds the same/similar to previous years. Not sure if this was known previously or not, but they said it is audio only for the recruitment team. I.e. you can see yourself on camera when recording it, but only the audio actually goes to BA for assessment.
- Both flight schools are using the same process now for stage 2. This will involve CUT-E/AON online tests, and if successful, a 1:1 online interview with a flight school rep. After the 1:1 interview if successful you'll be invited to Waterside for the group exercise, handling test, and Eagle capacity test.
- Stage 3 is mostly the same as previous years but there's a new "Competency Evaluation Exercise" at stage 3 which they aren't saying much about at all.
- They expect to make offers to successful candidates this year around July time. Earliest course start dates for this year's intake will be January 2026.
- You can apply to the Speedbird Pilot Academy a maximum of 5 times at stage 1. If you make it to stage 2, this then drops to 3 times.
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Hey there,
During the first opening of the academy, I managed to get through to the final stage. During stage '2' - (assuming that PA is in stage 1) everyone went to waterside, and there, the FTE candidates did not do the cut-e testing (online) until after the 1:1 interviews with FTE, but the skybourne candidates did AON testing in person at Waterside. During the first opening, it sort of went - online testing + pa --> BA waterside Maths, English etc --> 1:1 interview with flight school --> online aptitude testing (CUT-E) --> Waterside final interview day.
I may have misunderstood your points slightly - but will both of the flight schools now be doing this online - before the maths etc testing that is to come at Waterside (along with an initial group stage). Or, are they now doing this all online? Not really clued up on this anymore.
I can only assume that they are now doing it for both flight schools online? But just at an earlier stage? Also, are FTE and Skybourne combining their aptitude tests? Or will they differ slightly.
Sorry to be asking so many questions! I simply haven't had time to attend a webinar.
Regards,