A special initiative designed to create a more equitable pathway to becoming a pilot is back for a second year. British Airways’ Speedbird Academy Pilot Program began taking applications on April 16 for its second class of potential cadets. The program will accept up to 100 candidates, each of whom will get the cost of training, around $120,000, covered.
Removing the Cost Factor to a Career in Aviation
According to a press release on the airline’s website, the Speedbird program is part of a major $8.7 billion investment across all departments to level the playing field in aviation careers. The program hopes to make becoming a pilot a more “realistic option” for people, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. Speedbird, according to the release, helps to remove the cost barrier for pilot training.
Cost is one of the leading reasons people do not pursue careers as pilots. Cadets can often spend tens of thousands of dollars or more in pursuit of becoming a pilot. British Airways’ flight operations director Simon Cheadle said the company is proud to be able to offer a path to a flying career through the program.
“We know from the overwhelming response and high standard of applications we had in the first year of Speedbird Pilot Academy, that there are a lot of talented people who just need a little bit of help to achieve their dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot – and we are pleased to give them that opportunity,” Cheadle said.
The Pilot Academy’s Application Process
To take advantage of the opportunity, candidates must meet certain eligibility. Requirements include being between ages 18 and 55 at the start of the training; having a valid passport; having the “right to live and work” within the United Kingdom; and more.
Once accepted, there are several components of the training, including exams, flight simulation, actual flying, and more. The entire process takes around a year and a half to complete. Applications are open through April 26 on the Britsh Airways career site.