Advice for my husband-to-be for Speedbird Academy
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2025
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: UK
Advice for my husband-to-be for Speedbird Academy
Hello all. I am seeking advice on behalf of my 36 year old husband-to-be. He doesn't know I have posted this.
His passion for all things aviation is infectious and he couldn't be more passionate about the idea of being a pilot. His love of aviation is ingrained in him.
He thought that his age precludes him from becoming a pilot (he didn't want to be 'the old man') but after a recent flight to Lanzarote he got chatting with the two captains who encouraged him to apply. Now, I can see the idea in his mind although he is cautious about the idea, I think, because he doesn't want to be crushed.
He had the chance to join a company when he was younger (maybe Easyjet?). He'd sat some physics and other tests and the Head of the airline spoke with his mum asking her to try and find the funds but they couldn't (my husband is Greek and this was around the time of the 2010 economic collapse). It still makes him sad to think of the 'what if'.
The reason for my post is... Does anyone have any guidance for the Speedbird application process? I want to support him in achieving his dreams as best I can and am looking for guidance, preferably from those who have been successful at interview, the program etc.
He is worried about getting his hopes up so I want to doubly support him!
Thanks in advance for any advice etc. anyone is able to offer!
His passion for all things aviation is infectious and he couldn't be more passionate about the idea of being a pilot. His love of aviation is ingrained in him.
He thought that his age precludes him from becoming a pilot (he didn't want to be 'the old man') but after a recent flight to Lanzarote he got chatting with the two captains who encouraged him to apply. Now, I can see the idea in his mind although he is cautious about the idea, I think, because he doesn't want to be crushed.
He had the chance to join a company when he was younger (maybe Easyjet?). He'd sat some physics and other tests and the Head of the airline spoke with his mum asking her to try and find the funds but they couldn't (my husband is Greek and this was around the time of the 2010 economic collapse). It still makes him sad to think of the 'what if'.
The reason for my post is... Does anyone have any guidance for the Speedbird application process? I want to support him in achieving his dreams as best I can and am looking for guidance, preferably from those who have been successful at interview, the program etc.
He is worried about getting his hopes up so I want to doubly support him!
Thanks in advance for any advice etc. anyone is able to offer!
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,972
Likes: 326
From: Hong Kong
There is a sliding scale of 'interest in aviation' and at a certain point you do something about becoming a pilot. He hasn't (yet). People who 'like the idea' apply to Speedbird academy, don't get in and then give up. People who really want to be a pilot work 3 jobs and get a PPL anyway. Age 36 is most definitely not too old and even zero money is definitely not too poor. So although you say his dream is to be a pilot, his actions say otherwise. He needs to want this for himself.
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 45
Likes: 12
From: UK
There is an extensive thread which is worth reading:
SPA Discussion Thread
There are also the BA webinars that are worth a watch:
BA SPA Webinars
I'll send you a DM, but you might not receive it because you're a new user - let me know.
SPA Discussion Thread
There are also the BA webinars that are worth a watch:
BA SPA Webinars
I'll send you a DM, but you might not receive it because you're a new user - let me know.
Joined: Aug 2025
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: UK
Age is nothing but a number.
I'm 42, and commenced my PPL a couple of years ago after deciding that I needed to do something that genuinely interested me for the remainder of my working life. The way I figure it. I've been working for nearly 20 years post education and I've got al least another 20 years of potential career ahead of me, PPL in hand as backup for the modular approach, I'm also applying to cadet programmes.
I've been through the speedbird process twice, falling agonisingly short on both occasions. Don't get me wrong it's tough but with the right attitude, enough determination and personal belief it can happen and has happened. As other have eluded to, the biggest question is how much does he want it...?
I'm 42, and commenced my PPL a couple of years ago after deciding that I needed to do something that genuinely interested me for the remainder of my working life. The way I figure it. I've been working for nearly 20 years post education and I've got al least another 20 years of potential career ahead of me, PPL in hand as backup for the modular approach, I'm also applying to cadet programmes.
I've been through the speedbird process twice, falling agonisingly short on both occasions. Don't get me wrong it's tough but with the right attitude, enough determination and personal belief it can happen and has happened. As other have eluded to, the biggest question is how much does he want it...?
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 169
Likes: 3
From: United Kingdom
Before making any steps to apply, you will both need to understand the lifestyle changes that are involved. Throughout training and into a career as a pilot, long days and unsociable hours are normal and it will impact both of you. You must both be happy with that. If you have children, how will it impact them? Some research and and understanding of this is required. If it's not workable for you, that's fine. It's a very different pace of life to working a 9-5 job!
Age isn't an issue here... Plenty of people in their 30's, and some older make a career change to the flight deck.
As long as you are both happy to make the change, the next thing is don't pin all of your hopes on the BA Speedbird Academy. I believe 10-20k people apply every time and it's hugely competitive. I think there are only around 100 places open, so we're looking at 0.5-1% make it through. That being said, if he doesn't apply, the odds are 0. If it doesn't work out, would he consider self-sponsoring flight training? I'd also add that Bristow Helictopers have a sponsored cadet scheme open, so perhaps a worth looking at as well?
Assuming he decides to apply, there are various businesses that help people perfect their application, provide interview prep etc. as well as understand the recruitment process. They aren't cheap, but if you want to give yourself the best chance at succeeding, I'd personally recommend it.
If you do decide to take the leap, good luck.
Age isn't an issue here... Plenty of people in their 30's, and some older make a career change to the flight deck.
As long as you are both happy to make the change, the next thing is don't pin all of your hopes on the BA Speedbird Academy. I believe 10-20k people apply every time and it's hugely competitive. I think there are only around 100 places open, so we're looking at 0.5-1% make it through. That being said, if he doesn't apply, the odds are 0. If it doesn't work out, would he consider self-sponsoring flight training? I'd also add that Bristow Helictopers have a sponsored cadet scheme open, so perhaps a worth looking at as well?
Assuming he decides to apply, there are various businesses that help people perfect their application, provide interview prep etc. as well as understand the recruitment process. They aren't cheap, but if you want to give yourself the best chance at succeeding, I'd personally recommend it.
If you do decide to take the leap, good luck.
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
From: United Kingdom
39 here. Just finished my PPL and starting my ATPL theory. My school has been fantastic. Did my PPL in 47 hours with zero knowledge. Quicker than a lot of the kids at my place so don't let age put you off. If you have the ability you have it. One thing that is for sure you are going to have to want it. My life over the past 8 months has been nothing but aviation. Even on my work breaks I have had those books open.
My advice would be to get him some lessons and see how he gets on. I have no idea of your financial situation but for someone in your husbands position something like the speedbird academy ends up being hugely expensive as you cannot work for two years. Plus you have to fund it and before you know it you have "spent" a quarter of a million getting your licence. Even if you get into the "free" course you still have loss of earnings over two years and start on a lower salary. Going the modular route you can do it for a fraction of that whilst still being able to work. Even going the modular route you can still get it done in good time. I plan to be finished in a little over two years.
My advice would be to get him some lessons and see how he gets on. I have no idea of your financial situation but for someone in your husbands position something like the speedbird academy ends up being hugely expensive as you cannot work for two years. Plus you have to fund it and before you know it you have "spent" a quarter of a million getting your licence. Even if you get into the "free" course you still have loss of earnings over two years and start on a lower salary. Going the modular route you can do it for a fraction of that whilst still being able to work. Even going the modular route you can still get it done in good time. I plan to be finished in a little over two years.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 36
From: Slough, UK
Some good advice here.
If he doesn’t get onto the Speedbird Pilot Academy, would he still look at other cadet schemes or consider funding a white-tail course anyway? If he’s serious about achieving his dreams, then he will make it if he has a decent aptitude and lots of support. None of it is rocket science but it does require lots of dedication and resilience.
I would also add that even if he plans to fly privately (I.e. a PPL) and not go the full commercial route, get a medical first. Cough up the money and get the initial class 1. Without that, you can’t fly commercially. If, for whatever reason, he is unable to get a class 1, then you don’t have to make difficult decisions around jobs, funding or family life. The decision is made for you! If he decides to fly privately in the future, you can let your class 1 lapse into a class 2 which is cheaper (and requires less frequent visits to your aeromedical examiner). It’s a small investment but is peanuts compared to the cost of uprooting your entire life to start a course he may not be allowed to finish.
champ
If he doesn’t get onto the Speedbird Pilot Academy, would he still look at other cadet schemes or consider funding a white-tail course anyway? If he’s serious about achieving his dreams, then he will make it if he has a decent aptitude and lots of support. None of it is rocket science but it does require lots of dedication and resilience.
I would also add that even if he plans to fly privately (I.e. a PPL) and not go the full commercial route, get a medical first. Cough up the money and get the initial class 1. Without that, you can’t fly commercially. If, for whatever reason, he is unable to get a class 1, then you don’t have to make difficult decisions around jobs, funding or family life. The decision is made for you! If he decides to fly privately in the future, you can let your class 1 lapse into a class 2 which is cheaper (and requires less frequent visits to your aeromedical examiner). It’s a small investment but is peanuts compared to the cost of uprooting your entire life to start a course he may not be allowed to finish.
champ
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 587
Likes: 60
From: FLSomething
39 here. Just finished my PPL and starting my ATPL theory. My school has been fantastic. Did my PPL in 47 hours with zero knowledge. Quicker than a lot of the kids at my place so don't let age put you off. If you have the ability you have it. One thing that is for sure you are going to have to want it. My life over the past 8 months has been nothing but aviation. Even on my work breaks I have had those books open.
My advice would be to get him some lessons and see how he gets on. I have no idea of your financial situation but for someone in your husbands position something like the speedbird academy ends up being hugely expensive as you cannot work for two years. Plus you have to fund it and before you know it you have "spent" a quarter of a million getting your licence. Even if you get into the "free" course you still have loss of earnings over two years and start on a lower salary. Going the modular route you can do it for a fraction of that whilst still being able to work. Even going the modular route you can still get it done in good time. I plan to be finished in a little over two years.
My advice would be to get him some lessons and see how he gets on. I have no idea of your financial situation but for someone in your husbands position something like the speedbird academy ends up being hugely expensive as you cannot work for two years. Plus you have to fund it and before you know it you have "spent" a quarter of a million getting your licence. Even if you get into the "free" course you still have loss of earnings over two years and start on a lower salary. Going the modular route you can do it for a fraction of that whilst still being able to work. Even going the modular route you can still get it done in good time. I plan to be finished in a little over two years.
Not sure where the 250k comes from. It’s about £100K to get a license, might save 20-30k going modular. Unless you’re grossing several hundred thousand a year, you’re unlikely to lose another 200K+ net just by taking 18 months off training. And if you are, this is a lifestyle choice anyway, as clearly it’s a financial step back regardless of route.
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 94
Likes: 11
From: Ireland
My advice would be to get him some lessons and see how he gets on. I have no idea of your financial situation but for someone in your husbands position something like the speedbird academy ends up being hugely expensive as you cannot work for two years. Plus you have to fund it and before you know it you have "spent" a quarter of a million getting your licence. Even if you get into the "free" course you still have loss of earnings over two years and start on a lower salary. Going the modular route you can do it for a fraction of that whilst still being able to work. Even going the modular route you can still get it done in good time. I plan to be finished in a little over two years.
Secondly, in no way does it cost £250k to go from 'zero to hero' as it were.
One of the most reputable schools out there, FTE Jerez, charges £112k for their full UK CAA programme of zero to CPL/IR/ APS-MCC etc. That's full board and includes uniform (eww), accommodation, three meals a day, all skills tests, medical renewal etc. You can probably add a couple of thousand on top for initial medical, equipment, flights, socializing etc. 115-120k tops.
As you correctly identify, modular can be done cheaper. Though the price of schools in the UK has really gone up a lot since I looked into flight schools so I can't give an exact figure. Plus long gone are the UK in EASA days when you could head out to Poland and come in under £50k.
For the OP, no idea on the process with BA, but good luck to your husband. It would be terrible to never try and have all these what ifs.
What advice I can give is look in detail at the application process as you are hopefully doing. The psychometric testing needs practice - and lots of it. There's very little 'natural aptitude' in it unfortunately, and basically all successful candidates will have paid for programmes/ websites to practice these. Interviews can also be prepared and practised for.
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
From: United Kingdom
The big thing about this sort of cadet scheme though is the job offer upon completion. If you end up in somewhere like BA 4/5 years earlier because of it, assuming you would even get in via another route, we’re paying off that initial loss of earnings cut many many times over.
Not sure where the 250k comes from. It’s about £100K to get a license, might save 20-30k going modular. Unless you’re grossing several hundred thousand a year, you’re unlikely to lose another 200K+ net just by taking 18 months off training. And if you are, this is a lifestyle choice anyway, as clearly it’s a financial step back regardless of route.
Not sure where the 250k comes from. It’s about £100K to get a license, might save 20-30k going modular. Unless you’re grossing several hundred thousand a year, you’re unlikely to lose another 200K+ net just by taking 18 months off training. And if you are, this is a lifestyle choice anyway, as clearly it’s a financial step back regardless of route.
Don't get me wrong if someone offered me the speedbird ticket for free I wouldn't say no and make it work. I was just offering an alternative as it isn't the end of the world if you do not get in and really want to fly.
Last edited by AdamSt205; 10th September 2025 at 13:57.
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
From: United Kingdom
Firstly, congratulations on the PPL and good luck with the exams.
Secondly, in no way does it cost £250k to go from 'zero to hero' as it were.
One of the most reputable schools out there, FTE Jerez, charges £112k for their full UK CAA programme of zero to CPL/IR/ APS-MCC etc. That's full board and includes uniform (eww), accommodation, three meals a day, all skills tests, medical renewal etc. You can probably add a couple of thousand on top for initial medical, equipment, flights, socializing etc. 115-120k tops.
As you correctly identify, modular can be done cheaper. Though the price of schools in the UK has really gone up a lot since I looked into flight schools so I can't give an exact figure. Plus long gone are the UK in EASA days when you could head out to Poland and come in under £50k.
For the OP, no idea on the process with BA, but good luck to your husband. It would be terrible to never try and have all these what ifs.
What advice I can give is look in detail at the application process as you are hopefully doing. The psychometric testing needs practice - and lots of it. There's very little 'natural aptitude' in it unfortunately, and basically all successful candidates will have paid for programmes/ websites to practice these. Interviews can also be prepared and practised for.
Secondly, in no way does it cost £250k to go from 'zero to hero' as it were.
One of the most reputable schools out there, FTE Jerez, charges £112k for their full UK CAA programme of zero to CPL/IR/ APS-MCC etc. That's full board and includes uniform (eww), accommodation, three meals a day, all skills tests, medical renewal etc. You can probably add a couple of thousand on top for initial medical, equipment, flights, socializing etc. 115-120k tops.
As you correctly identify, modular can be done cheaper. Though the price of schools in the UK has really gone up a lot since I looked into flight schools so I can't give an exact figure. Plus long gone are the UK in EASA days when you could head out to Poland and come in under £50k.
For the OP, no idea on the process with BA, but good luck to your husband. It would be terrible to never try and have all these what ifs.
What advice I can give is look in detail at the application process as you are hopefully doing. The psychometric testing needs practice - and lots of it. There's very little 'natural aptitude' in it unfortunately, and basically all successful candidates will have paid for programmes/ websites to practice these. Interviews can also be prepared and practised for.
