Speedbird Pilot Academy - Funded
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Well said!
I wonder if these circumstances would actually sway against the applicant, as it is the same school that BA is using, they may choose to communicate with them a repeated application.
Either way, I wish everyone the best of luck and hope that it's not much longer until you hear back from BA!
I wonder if these circumstances would actually sway against the applicant, as it is the same school that BA is using, they may choose to communicate with them a repeated application.
Either way, I wish everyone the best of luck and hope that it's not much longer until you hear back from BA!
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I disagree that it’s irrelevant. The whole point of the process is to attract talent who otherwise could never have previously considered it as an option due to the cost. That’s likely to mean given demographics, that a more diverse group are able to apply given the funding barriers disproportionately affecting BME groups.
That said, the process won’t differentiate between those able to self-fund or not, and it shouldn’t necessarily be a block to someone taking part.
Video Interview stage closes today, I enjoyed taking part and thought it was a pretty novel way of doing things. Fingers crossed my performance was enough to see me through.
That said, the process won’t differentiate between those able to self-fund or not, and it shouldn’t necessarily be a block to someone taking part.
Video Interview stage closes today, I enjoyed taking part and thought it was a pretty novel way of doing things. Fingers crossed my performance was enough to see me through.
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Also on the initial application page, there was a link to a couple of PDFs BA provided with a diagram of all of the qualities & skills BA are looking for in their future pilots. I tailored my CV and 250 word answer to reflect these. I feel lots of people here missed that helpful clue/resource!
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It doesn’t of course mean these groups are most likely to succeed in application, although it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s been some positive action in these communities to encourage applicants and to support them.
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Yes it is a scheme open to everyone, but you’re misunderstanding why. It’s to help bolster the ability for the poorest to become BA aircrew. The poorest sections of society are from BME backgrounds. You’re more likely to be from a poverty effected family if you’re of Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Black African decent - it’s removing THE biggest of barriers for these groups.
It doesn’t of course mean these groups are most likely to succeed in application, although it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s been some positive action in these communities to encourage applicants and to support them.
It doesn’t of course mean these groups are most likely to succeed in application, although it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s been some positive action in these communities to encourage applicants and to support them.
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No it isn’t. The scheme is to attract the best talent regardless of financial status. The best talent may come from an underrepresented community, but they may also come from a community that is already well represented. It is to remove barriers and make it an opportunity for all. There is a big difference between removing barriers to enable it an opportunity for all, and suggesting those with money aren’t the people BA want to target.
If you were in any doubt about that intention then here;
’BA is working closely with Fantasy Wings, an organisation working towards diversity in aviation and a member of the BA Better World Community Fund, to promote the scheme to young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, other communities around the country and young women.’
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Of course the overarching principle should be safety - competency is key to that, but representation and inclusivity in an organisation the size of BA is the right thing to do.
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Which groups of people are most likely to be affected by the removal of the barrier? Answer that, and you’ve got your answer as to why it’s happening. Yes, BA undoubtedly get to pick the cream of the crop, they’re spending millions of pounds and will have significant interest from a broad spectrum of people, but this will be a corporate decision about increasing representation as well as recruiting a core of quality candidates. I think that’s an entirely fair and noble decision for the organisation.
If you were in any doubt about that intention then here;
’BA is working closely with Fantasy Wings, an organisation working towards diversity in aviation and a member of the BA Better World Community Fund, to promote the scheme to young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, other communities around the country and young women.’
If you were in any doubt about that intention then here;
’BA is working closely with Fantasy Wings, an organisation working towards diversity in aviation and a member of the BA Better World Community Fund, to promote the scheme to young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, other communities around the country and young women.’
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Hello guys!! I was just trying to find out more info on the Speedbird programme when I stumbled upon this website pprune? I read all of the comments here (nearly 500) and I just wanted to inform some people about things they said in earlier comments. I have no idea how this site quote thing works so I'll just say some stuff and the relevant people can read and understand that what they claim probably isn't the case. I'm still in sixth form, not 18 yet but will be just before the speed bird training starts (I'm eligible, I promise) and just finished applying to universities but I thought I might just give this programme a shot since why not? I've always wanted to be a pilot and I guess this opportunity is perfect for me, the only problem I had is that I would have to drop out of sixth form and not get to take A-levels IF accepted :/ It's a huuge shame since I'm predicted 3 A* and aiming for Oxford but I'm not worrying too much since I don't really think I'll get through the entire process. This would just be my first try at something new like a pilot scholarship which I could write in my CV just as I already have for some degree apprenticeships I've applied for. I should mention that I didn't even have a CV before the application process haha. I made one super quick using Canva and just filled it with stuff so I could apply for this programme. Certainly nothing like "tailoring" it as some peeps above have done (how do you even do that??). There was talk above regarding the qualifications attached in the documents section. I only uploaded my GCSE certificates (not like I have any other qualifications...) and my brand spanking new CV which idk if they read. BUT my 250 word motivation writing was really good although I didn't have much under my belt considering my age and lack of experience. All I had to say was Air Cadets and that is it but I did make it really fancy and well sounding. That's the first application stage done!! The testing stage was also really good, someone earlier here said that they don't believe the first test on SJ is untimed and that they probably have a secret timer to reduce applicants who take too long by searching questions up...I don't think so. Once I saw it was untimed I didn't bother sitting it in 1 go, I was just doing questions here and there and by the end of this rather quick test, I actually hit the 1 hour mark lol. Nothing happened though, I moved on to maths. Maths is my strong suit so 99% sure it was a 25/25 with time to spare. Then the checking test, since you had to do as many questions as possible within the time frame, of course it wasn't 'finishable', the further you got, the better. In response to someone above, I think I answered around 15-20 questions for the checking test. After each test, they instantly invited me to take the next one until it was all done. Someone above also said they think anyone who applied a bit late would get auto-rejected because BA would've had soo many applications already and wouldn't want anymore so would've cut the process off (he claimed this cuz the person was insta rejected after the 1st SJ test which he did really late)...I don't agree. I sent off my application at 16:03 on the FINAL day of the application window but I still progressed to the video interview which I got the email for less than a day later (because I applied so late). This means their point doesn't really stand. Since I got the email on Monday, I had to wait until the weekend to do it since I had school and after-school classes. Oh, this reminds me that the person who said they had an "internal source" who told them how anyone in full-time education gets auto-rejected, is just spouting rubbish. I'm in full-time education but I'm here aren't I? Anyway I did the interview today at midnight lmao. I wonder if they can see what time I did it. Trying to do a video interview is quite tough when you have 4 siblings and a loud family constantly making noise, so late at night was my only option. I think I smashed it!! You get 2 tries per question and it was genuinely so funnn. At first, I applied because I met all the requirements and 14 people texted me about this opportunity but now I'm really enjoying the process. Maybe not creating a CV in a day but definitely the exercises in the interview. That roleplay was fantastic although I stuttered twice haha. Not to mention the 2nd task. I attended a lecture at Cambridge on that topic earlier this year and that helped me answer the question where I talked about really fancy plane mechanics and instability, amazing question. There are a few hours left until the video interview deadline is over so I think it's safe for me to post this as I doubt anyone who hasn't still done their interview would see this. The best part of the whole thing was they let you redo it if you made a mistake or if it wasn't good enough for you. I've only ever done 3 interviews before but this was the first time I was allowed to redo a question and it helpedddd sooo muchh. I keep improving after every interview and I'm happy to have applied regardless of the outcome that awaits me. I really enjoyed this experience as I learnt so much and this will certainly be helpful for my 4th, 5th and any future interviews I may have. Tbh I'm not even sure if I'll accept their offer if I somehow pass through the stages since I really want to do my A levels. I want to get as far as possible to learn exactly how this process works and then maybe reapply properly next year to actually get in (or just go uni ig), we'll see. But this will be something I'll definitely mention in my CV for the future. Hope I gave some of you people an extra perspective. To be completely honest it's kinda intimidating knowing I'm up against older people with tons of experience and whatnot when I'm not even a legal adult haha..I've only ever competed against my own age group so it'd be interesting to see how I fare against everybody else, especially in the next irl group interview stage if I make it. I really hope to meet other teens there rather than just older folk so I can make some friends and actually be comfortable. Best of luck!!
de minimus non curat lex
Pleased to see BA have resumed full sponsorship.
A brief reminder of history. What is now BA, operated full sponsorships at Hamble which came to an end in (?)1973/4 as the oil crisis with the UK 3 day week caused serious economic implications.
It wasn’t until 1987 that the scheme restarted at Oxford & British Aerospace Flying College, Prestwick.
Students were chosen on merit where the ability to fund it was not an issue.
They were paid £27pw pocket money staying in residential accommodation.
Courses of 16 started each month on a 16 month course. The final month was what is now MCC/APS.
Then to BA for the type rating etc
The first Gulf War in August 1990 caused a rethink of the scheme, ending 2 years later with BA flight engineers retrained as pilots.
This new scheme will also choose individuals based on merit.
Individuals are trying to read all sorts of ‘social engineering’ aspects into the selection process.
It is simply not in BA interests to operate any form of quotas as this by definition will increase the failure rate.
And finally as a possible contentious point, the final decision to select from the pool of suitable candidates are best done by pilots & not HR.
“Light blue touch paper & retire”
A brief reminder of history. What is now BA, operated full sponsorships at Hamble which came to an end in (?)1973/4 as the oil crisis with the UK 3 day week caused serious economic implications.
It wasn’t until 1987 that the scheme restarted at Oxford & British Aerospace Flying College, Prestwick.
Students were chosen on merit where the ability to fund it was not an issue.
They were paid £27pw pocket money staying in residential accommodation.
Courses of 16 started each month on a 16 month course. The final month was what is now MCC/APS.
Then to BA for the type rating etc
The first Gulf War in August 1990 caused a rethink of the scheme, ending 2 years later with BA flight engineers retrained as pilots.
This new scheme will also choose individuals based on merit.
Individuals are trying to read all sorts of ‘social engineering’ aspects into the selection process.
It is simply not in BA interests to operate any form of quotas as this by definition will increase the failure rate.
And finally as a possible contentious point, the final decision to select from the pool of suitable candidates are best done by pilots & not HR.
“Light blue touch paper & retire”
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parkfell, probably the best post on this whole long saga where several posts are nothing but pure speculation. Agree about HR = Hardly Relevant.
BA did actually run a sponsorship around 1998 up to 9/11 (2001). As a theory instructor at the time I thought the better selection was the old British Midland, yes the majority of the BA were great but you had to question a couple of the selections for a number of reasons (obvious from week 1), they were often chopped during the course. Remember the BA flight engineers, a delight to instruct with their vast experience.
As somebody else with years of aviation experience stated at the end of day this sponsorship though welcome is still a lottery with no guarantees, I was there when BA cancelled a course 48 hours after 9/11.
BA did actually run a sponsorship around 1998 up to 9/11 (2001). As a theory instructor at the time I thought the better selection was the old British Midland, yes the majority of the BA were great but you had to question a couple of the selections for a number of reasons (obvious from week 1), they were often chopped during the course. Remember the BA flight engineers, a delight to instruct with their vast experience.
As somebody else with years of aviation experience stated at the end of day this sponsorship though welcome is still a lottery with no guarantees, I was there when BA cancelled a course 48 hours after 9/11.
de minimus non curat lex
Hello guys!! I was just trying to find out more info on the Speedbird programme when I stumbled upon this website pprune? I read all of the comments here (nearly 500) and I just wanted to inform some people about things they said in earlier comments. I have no idea how this site quote thing works so I'll just say some stuff and the relevant people can read and understand that what they claim probably isn't the case. I'm still in sixth form, not 18 yet but will be just before the speed bird training starts (I'm eligible, I promise) and just finished applying to universities but I thought I might just give this programme a shot since why not?….!!
Think about presentation?
At the age of 18 the chances of being accepted are probably slim unless you are really something very special aka “ace of the base”.
Go to university, join the UAS, complete your degree (avoid the underwater basket weaving variants) & if your passion for aviation remains reapply.
I suspect BA are short of flightdeck crews given the opportunity for DEP LHS, & will remain so for some time.
,
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Since the interviews sections are completed. I just wanted to ask if any of you were able to record whilst seeing the passenger announcement on screen? Whilst recording the camera function took up my whole screen.
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I tried to memorise it in case that happened and so I could try and look like I wasn’t just reading a script and inevitably ended up getting some bits out of order. Hoping my answers to the questions afterwards saves me! Wasn’t what I was expecting at all.
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I read in/on another forum/website speech recognition may be used to check on how many words were not able to be picked up by the software or how many words out of place.
Does anyone know how long it will be for the processing of the videos?
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That's unfortunate, I was able to see the message and read it off the screen, although similarly to Aj2017 I took notes beforehand just in case it disappeared. I still made two errors anyway, so don't worry!
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For the first part it was meant to be visible, might be worth and email to them
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I don't think so, I'm pretty sure age doesn't matter and you stand an equal chance to the rest of us, usually airlines actually prefer younger candidates. All you need is a love of aviation!
I say, if you would enjoy it then go for it!
If you would still like to do A levels, im sure you can work your way around it.
A levels, depend on the subject you take will run from May - June, only around 2 months after the course starts. I say you could give it your best shot and sit your a levels while continuing the course, make sure you use these next few months to really solidify and revise for your a levels so that you are confident by the time the course starts.
However, if this doesnt work, you could always sit your a levels in summer 2024, after the course has complete.
It is good to have A levels, as a backup, so i'd say you should still focus on your a levels, and see how everything goes! If you really want this I'm sure you can try manage both at the same time.
Best of luck.
I say, if you would enjoy it then go for it!
If you would still like to do A levels, im sure you can work your way around it.
A levels, depend on the subject you take will run from May - June, only around 2 months after the course starts. I say you could give it your best shot and sit your a levels while continuing the course, make sure you use these next few months to really solidify and revise for your a levels so that you are confident by the time the course starts.
However, if this doesnt work, you could always sit your a levels in summer 2024, after the course has complete.
It is good to have A levels, as a backup, so i'd say you should still focus on your a levels, and see how everything goes! If you really want this I'm sure you can try manage both at the same time.
Best of luck.
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Now it’s closed I’m very interested to know thoughts on how they’re assessing. I didn’t stumble over words, and tried not to be monotone in delivery of the PA script.
Questions I thought were good;
I said it’s about offering customers reassurance and keeping them informed so they feel valued.
Icing I talked briefly about compromising the efficiency of the wing to generate lift, could be catastrophic to safety of the aircraft so absolutely necessary.
Not that I needed them but I’d also made note on the script so the answers for flight number, time delay for icing and lost passengers were all fine too.
Good luck all.