BA Speedbird Academy 2023
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Join Date: Jul 2017
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As usual and absolutely spot on as stated. The devil really is in the detail. Not a glossy advert with the now mandatory message on diversity to the fore. A lot of questions to answer. Where is the academy? What training aircraft? Are they going to use the big players, L3 etc (God forbid) or set up their own Hamblesque school? Hopefully the latter. And so on. Personally I think it is great that an airline such as BA is taking ownership of pilot training like TUI and Bristow helicopters. About time. And select the best candidates regardless of anything except drive and an enthusiasm for aviation.
Last edited by olster; 21st Jul 2023 at 17:57.
As usual and absolutely spot on as stated. The devil really is in the detail. Not a glossy advert with the now mandatory message on diversity to the fore. A lot of questions to answer. Where is the academy? What training aircraft? Are they going to use the big players, L3 etc (God forbid) or set up their own Hamblesque school? Hopefully the latter. And so on. Personally I think it is great that an airline such as BA is taking ownership of pilot training like TUI and Bristow helicopters. About time. And select the best candidates regardless of anything except drive and an enthusiasm for aviation.
They've said they’re using ATOs, any reason to think it’ll be any in addition the ones already used for the NQPP? Say you got sent to L3, who cares? Overpriced sausage factory, yes. Has no impact on these cadets.
Type of aircraft? Utterly meaningless. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Gulfstream V or a 1950s Cessna 150 with one of its prope blades missing. BA’s paying for the course, all roads lead to the 320
Last edited by VariablePitchP; 21st Jul 2023 at 19:26.
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hi everyone. the first one is the newest criteria and the second one is the previous one. all are the same except the 'right to live and work in the UK'. Is it possible they forget it? If not I am getting excited.
Application criteria:
1.
Application criteria:
1.
- At least 17 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training.
- 6 GCSEs grade A-C or 5-9 including Maths, English and a Science or equivalent qualifications
- Fluent in English (and, if applicable, an ICAO Level 6 on completion of training). For non-native English speakers, you will need to 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"). Height is accurately determined during the assessment process. 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.
- At least 17 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training.
- GCSE Maths, English and Science excluding General studies and Critical Thinking, grade C/4 and above plus 112 UCAS points according to the 2017 or equivalent (academic and vocational qualifications accepted). For international academic comparisons, see:
- Fluent in English (and, if applicable, an ICAO Level 6 on completion of training). For non-native English speakers, you will need to 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.
- The unrestricted right to live and work in the UK (Please note that a work/study visa does not satisfy this requirement).
- A valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel.
- Your height must be between 1.57m (5'2") and 1.90m (6'3"). Height is accurately determined during the assessment process. 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.
Join Date: Sep 2018
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This is an ab-initio cadet scheme- they’ll be unable to accept applications from those who’ve sat ATPL exams. Those folk will either apply to the whitetail scheme if they’re studying at L3, CAE, FTE, LE or Skyborne, or apply to the NQPP post-MCC.
Join Date: Feb 2019
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Hi
Looking to apply to this as soon as applications open! Question with regards to class 1 medical, is there a way of getting my hearing tested prior (instead of shelling out the money for it!) to trying to obtain a class one?
i am slightly deaf in my left ear (can still hear, just isn’t as good as my right ear!)
i am slightly deaf in my left ear (can still hear, just isn’t as good as my right ear!)
Looking to apply to this as soon as applications open! Question with regards to class 1 medical, is there a way of getting my hearing tested prior (instead of shelling out the money for it!) to trying to obtain a class one?
i am slightly deaf in my left ear (can still hear, just isn’t as good as my right ear!)
i am slightly deaf in my left ear (can still hear, just isn’t as good as my right ear!)
Join Date: Aug 2023
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I signed up for the speedbird ba call but unfortunately ran into some problems with teams... If anyones willing to share the slides + info, that would be greatly appreciated ☺️
Join Date: Nov 2022
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Just heard about the timings of the course (starting March). Turns out I won't be able to participate this year as I'll be in school until June. I assumed it would be like the TUI MPL starting at the beginning of the academic year but it makes sense to start before summer.
The timing also causes problems for next year: I want to apply to university at the same time so in the likely event that I don't succeed in getting onto the scheme then I can still get higher education. But, considering that this year candidates will hear in December, next year I'd already have started at university when I find out.
so I'm thinking about applying this year and if by a miracle I get onto the scheme, asking to defer it to next year. I'm just worried that if they say no, that it would ruin my chances for future applications. What do you think?
The timing also causes problems for next year: I want to apply to university at the same time so in the likely event that I don't succeed in getting onto the scheme then I can still get higher education. But, considering that this year candidates will hear in December, next year I'd already have started at university when I find out.
so I'm thinking about applying this year and if by a miracle I get onto the scheme, asking to defer it to next year. I'm just worried that if they say no, that it would ruin my chances for future applications. What do you think?
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Join Date: Dec 2005
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Just heard about the timings of the course (starting March). Turns out I won't be able to participate this year as I'll be in school until June. I assumed it would be like the TUI MPL starting at the beginning of the academic year but it makes sense to start before summer.
The timing also causes problems for next year: I want to apply to university at the same time so in the likely event that I don't succeed in getting onto the scheme then I can still get higher education. But, considering that this year candidates will hear in December, next year I'd already have started at university when I find out.
so I'm thinking about applying this year and if by a miracle I get onto the scheme, asking to defer it to next year. I'm just worried that if they say no, that it would ruin my chances for future applications. What do you think?
The timing also causes problems for next year: I want to apply to university at the same time so in the likely event that I don't succeed in getting onto the scheme then I can still get higher education. But, considering that this year candidates will hear in December, next year I'd already have started at university when I find out.
so I'm thinking about applying this year and if by a miracle I get onto the scheme, asking to defer it to next year. I'm just worried that if they say no, that it would ruin my chances for future applications. What do you think?
Join Date: Sep 2023
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Hi, I've joined just to ask if anyone else has seen Speedbird Academy/ New pilot application come and go? I cant find the page on BA website now, I've been looking for the applications to open as per the Teams Q&As
