Speedbird Pilot Academy - Funded

[Pilot2025]

Originally Posted by verygoodmorning

Do you mean your CV? During the calls the recruitment team have said that they only require a CV so no cover letter.

I think this person meant in the original motivation question you have to submit with your CV.

[dmst]

Originally Posted by verygoodmorning

Do you mean your CV? During the calls the recruitment team have said that they only require a CV so no cover letter.

The motivational essay - couldn't remember exactly what it was called!

[Tomcats]

Much appreciated easy_99, this is a brilliant summary.
I am curious about one thing. What exact purpose does the PA announcement serve? I feel that perhaps it's a test of how eloquent one is. But, if anyone else has any other theories, please do tell.

[Pilot2025]

Originally Posted by Tomcats

Much appreciated easy_99, this is a brilliant summary.
I am curious about one thing. What exact purpose does the PA announcement serve? I feel that perhaps it's a test of how eloquent one is. But, if anyone else has any other theories, please do tell.

Along with eloquence, it's about seeing if you retain the important bits of information from a longer text as you are asked questions about it in the second part.

[SierraLimaJuliette]

Originally Posted by gbtvx

Would you mind sending me a message as well for this? Thank you!

Are you applying this year or were you successful last year?

The group chat is for those of us who were successful in 2024 and are starting FTE over the next few months

[vivii]

Hi everyone, i'm gonna be applying for the first time this year and I was wondering if anyone has any resources to practice for any of the tests in stage 1? The places I've found so far are assessment day and careerroo, could anyone tell me if these are useful? Thank you.

[krankenhaus145]

Look on the BA spb academy website under "preperation materials". There are example questions in the downloadable booklet and links to more. All of which should be free and publicly available.

[krankenhaus145]

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.

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,

[Ash_Pilot]

can the European Union residents participate in the Speedbird pilot Academy? or is it just the UK
because on the application it says:

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

Do we have that as EU passport holders?

[Jullietalpha]

Originally Posted by Ash_Pilot

can the European Union residents participate in the Speedbird pilot Academy? or is it just the UK
because on the application it says:

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

Do we have that as EU passport holders?

No, I don't think you do unfortunately

[vivii]

Thank you for replying and i have looked at them already but i was just wondering if there were any more that would be useful.

[verygoodmorning]

Originally Posted by krankenhaus145

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,

At stage 2, you'll go through the same online AON testing process for both flight schools. The webinars have been recorded and uploaded onto their zoom homepage so I would strongly recommend anyone applying watches them when they get the chance! There's another webinar on the 29th of January at 6pm too.

[Highflyer3]

Online test timeline

Hey,

Hope you are all doing great! Does anyone know if there is going to be a time limit for submitting your application to completing each test and then the PA?

Reason I ask is I’m going away on work for a week so want to apply asap incase it closes after a week like 2023 but don’t want to rush the test.

thank you!!

[Jullietalpha]

I think the time limit is 5 days per test, once you have submitted it they then send the next test 24h later.

I don't know how long the gap will be between the first online tests and the PA, but from what I understand there should be a timeline of the stages that is provided when applying.

[Highflyer3]

That’s brilliant, thank you for the quick response! Was this how it worked last year?

[RHT23]

Last year you complete a test, if you passed they then sent the next test to you 24hrs later. I can't remember the exact time lines you had to complete each test but I pretty much got on it as soon as it was available.
During the webinar they said this year we would be able to complete all three tests before you find out if you pass or fail. So I'd imagine they'll all be available to do at the same time.

[krankenhaus145]

Originally Posted by Jullietalpha

I think the time limit is 5 days per test, once you have submitted it they then send the next test 24h later.

I don't know how long the gap will be between the first online tests and the PA, but from what I understand there should be a timeline of the stages that is provided when applying.

Pretty sure you have two working days between each test. Took time to watch one of the webinars and they answer most of the questions that everyone has put here on PPRUNE.

[easy_99]

Originally Posted by krankenhaus145

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,

Hey, sorry for the delay in replying. My understanding from the webinars (recordings accessible on the BA Pilot Recruitment Zoom Hub, google "BA Pilot Zoom Hub" or something similar and it should come up) is that both FTEJerez and Skyborne are using the same process for stage 2 now. My understanding of the whole recruitment process based on the published info and the 3 webinars is below.

Stage 1: Initial online application and tests. Approximate timeline for this stage is Feb-Mar 2025.

• Online application through the BA careers website, as part of which you need to submit a CV, answer to the motivation question and also upload copies of GCSE certificates.
• 3 online tests. Everyone will do all 3 tests this year and all tests are timed now, including SJT. I think the timings work that you will receive the invite to the next test the day after you completed the previous test (if that makes sense).
  • SJT.
  • Maths Test.
  • Detail Checking Test.
• If you pass the 3 tests, your CV and motivation question answer will be screened by a recruiter. If they deem your CV/essay are good, you'll be invited to do the PA audio recording exercise.
• If you are unsuccessful at this stage, I believe this year they'll give you a one-liner "feedback" in the email suggesting where you struggled.

Stage 2: flight school stage. This stage is primarily driven by the flight school requirements and essentially tests if you have the natural aptitude/potential to successfully pass the training to get an f-ATPL. Approximate timeline for this stage is Apr-May 2025.

• You'll be invited to do AON aptitude testing remotely from home, whichever flight school you applied for. It's not clear to me from the webinars etc. if both flight schools will use exactly the same tests or not, but the structure is at least the same this time i.e. online tests first, then day at Waterside, then 1:1 online interview.
• If you are successful in the online aptitude tests, you'll be invited to BA Waterside for a half-day(?) to do a group exercise, the Eagle capacity test and the handling test. I believe they also said that on this day you'll get briefings from the flight school and BA.
• If you pass the group exercise/Eagle test/capacity test, you'll be invited to do an online 1:1 interview remotely from home with a rep from your chosen flight school.

Stage 3: BA assessment stage. Approximate timeline for this stage is Jun-Jul 2025.

• You'll be invited to spend a whole day with BA at Waterside.
• On the day you'll do the following activities/exercises: "Speedy" interviews, another group exercise, redo the handling test again, competency evaluation exercise, reflective interview.
• They said in the webinars you do not need to get full marks in everything to pass. They also emphasised that in the previous 2 cohorts they've taken everyone at this stage that met their own internal threshold requirements to pass.

They hope to send out offers to successful candidates in July 2025. Earliest start dates for this year's cohort is Jan 2026.

That is a high-level overview of the mechanics of the whole application process this year to the best of my knowledge, having read all the publicly available info and watched all 3 webinars. I would strongly recommend you do your own research/watch the recordings yourself though for extra details.

[ZeeZaa]

Originally Posted by easy_99

Hey, sorry for the delay in replying. My understanding from the webinars (recordings accessible on the BA Pilot Recruitment Zoom Hub, google "BA Pilot Zoom Hub" or something similar and it should come up) is that both FTEJerez and Skyborne are using the same process for stage 2 now. My understanding of the whole recruitment process based on the published info and the 3 webinars is below.

Stage 1: Initial online application and tests. Approximate timeline for this stage is Feb-Mar 2025.

• Online application through the BA careers website, as part of which you need to submit a CV, answer to the motivation question and also upload copies of GCSE certificates.
• 3 online tests. Everyone will do all 3 tests this year and all tests are timed now, including SJT. I think the timings work that you will receive the invite to the next test the day after you completed the previous test (if that makes sense).
  • SJT.
  • Maths Test.
  • Detail Checking Test.
• If you pass the 3 tests, your CV and motivation question answer will be screened by a recruiter. If they deem your CV/essay are good, you'll be invited to do the PA audio recording exercise.
• If you are unsuccessful at this stage, I believe this year they'll give you a one-liner "feedback" in the email suggesting where you struggled.

Stage 2: flight school stage. This stage is primarily driven by the flight school requirements and essentially tests if you have the natural aptitude/potential to successfully pass the training to get an f-ATPL. Approximate timeline for this stage is Apr-May 2025.

• You'll be invited to do AON aptitude testing remotely from home, whichever flight school you applied for. It's not clear to me from the webinars etc. if both flight schools will use exactly the same tests or not, but the structure is at least the same this time i.e. online tests first, then day at Waterside, then 1:1 online interview.
• If you are successful in the online aptitude tests, you'll be invited to BA Waterside for a half-day(?) to do a group exercise, the Eagle capacity test and the handling test. I believe they also said that on this day you'll get briefings from the flight school and BA.
• If you pass the group exercise/Eagle test/capacity test, you'll be invited to do an online 1:1 interview remotely from home with a rep from your chosen flight school.

Stage 3: BA assessment stage. Approximate timeline for this stage is Jun-Jul 2025.

• You'll be invited to spend a whole day with BA at Waterside.
• On the day you'll do the following activities/exercises: "Speedy" interviews, another group exercise, redo the handling test again, competency evaluation exercise, reflective interview.
• They said in the webinars you do not need to get full marks in everything to pass. They also emphasised that in the previous 2 cohorts they've taken everyone at this stage that met their own internal threshold requirements to pass.

They hope to send out offers to successful candidates in July 2025. Earliest start dates for this year's cohort is Jan 2026.

That is a high-level overview of the mechanics of the whole application process this year to the best of my knowledge, having read all the publicly available info and watched all 3 webinars. I would strongly recommend you do your own research/watch the recordings yourself though for extra details.

That's incredibly informative - thank you so much for this, it's much appreciated.

I've got two quick Qs, if you don't mind me asking.

1) do you remember which Webinar that stated the rough dates? The one I watched they weren't keen on providing rough dates but said each stage would take 6 weeks

2) again, no mention of this during the Webinar I viewed, but is there mention of a "Physics" test?

Thanks a lot and will go through the Webinars in full, also.

[easy_99]

Originally Posted by ZeeZaa

That's incredibly informative - thank you so much for this, it's much appreciated.

I've got two quick Qs, if you don't mind me asking.

1) do you remember which Webinar that stated the rough dates? The one I watched they weren't keen on providing rough dates but said each stage would take 6 weeks

2) again, no mention of this during the Webinar I viewed, but is there mention of a "Physics" test?

Thanks a lot and will go through the Webinars in full, also.

1. I can't remember exactly, I also recall them saying approx. 6 weeks-2 months for each stage and then in the final webinar I think one of the panel just restated that and then applied it starting in February. E.g. they've said they'll open applications sometime in February so 6-8 weeks from then takes you to roughly the end of March, 6-8 weeks for stage 2 then takes you roughly to mid-end May, 6-8 weeks from then takes you to July time.
2. I haven't read or heard any mention of physics tests, but I guess they reserve the right to change the process and/or not reveal everything about the later stages right now. That being said they do seem to have been fairly open about the overarching process, e.g. they've said there's the new "competency evaluation exercise" at stage 3, but haven't really said anything at all about what it is. They've reiterated in the webinars to really focus on stage 1 for now and you'll be given all the info you need for later stages if/when you get to it.