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What are the requirements to become a pilot at British Airways?
By the PilotinQ editorial teamUpdated 25 Oct 2026
THE ANSWER50 sec read

For the Speedbird Pilot Academy you apply at 17 to 58 years of age and must be 18 by 1 January 2027, with six GCSEs grade A to C or 4 to 9 including Maths, English Language and a Science, a height between 1.57 m and 1.90 m (outside this range you may be required to undergo a functionality check), the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship and the ability to hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical.15

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Updated 25 Oct 2026All 13 sources →

The route, step by step

Exceptions and grey areas
For the Speedbird Pilot Academy you can apply at any age from 17 to 58, and British Airways says that if you meet the selection criteria you have an equal chance of being successful, regardless of your age. You need the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship.1415
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AIRLINES

What are the requirements to become a pilot at British Airways?

By the PilotinQ editorial teamUpdated 25 Oct 2026
THE ANSWER50 sec read

For the Speedbird Pilot Academy you apply at 17 to 58 years of age and must be 18 by 1 January 2027, with six GCSEs grade A to C or 4 to 9 including Maths, English Language and a Science, a height between 1.57 m and 1.90 m (outside this range you may be required to undergo a functionality check), the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship and the ability to hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical.15

Was this useful?
Updated 25 Oct 2026All 13 sources →

Step by step

Exceptions and grey areas
For the Speedbird Pilot Academy you can apply at any age from 17 to 58, and British Airways says that if you meet the selection criteria you have an equal chance of being successful, regardless of your age. You need the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship.1415
SOURCES
  1. Pilot community experience11 discussions · 2004-2025
  2. 14Speedbird Pilot Academy FAQs (April 2026)British Airways Careers
  3. 15Your Speedbird Pilot Academy applicationBritish Airways Careers
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