British Airways opens 2018 cadet pilot programme

British Airways has opened its cadet programme for 2018. The airline is offering two routes, the Multi Pilots Licence (MPL) and a full Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Both are fully self-funded – the candidate pays.

“The programme involves L3 Commercial Training Solutions (CTS) and British Airways working together to find and select the most able aspiring pilots who will, if successful, be offered a place on a MPL or ATPL training programme, along with a conditional offer of a contract of employment as a British Airways first officer,” says the airline.

“What follows will be a challenging course that will take you from little or no experience, to the first officer’s seat on our short haul aircraft, currently the Airbus A320. Training on this programme will involve many hundreds of hours of ground school study, flying training, jet orientation on a modern flight simulator and finally a type rating at the British Airways approved supplier.

“As one of our pilots you’ll see the world, and this means that wherever you go you╒ll be an ambassador for British Airways,” the airline continues.

“While we wear our uniforms with pride, it is how we act that really sets us apart. Talk to any of our pilots and their enthusiasm is evident – we’re looking for people who share this passion.

“You’ll not only need to be talented but also incredibly motivated and committed to excel during this demanding training programme. You must be able to keep a cool head under pressure and solve complex problems using verbal and mathematical reasoning.”

Entry criteria for the MPL route

To apply for the MPL airline pilot career program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • After successful selection, be able to commence training in 2018
  • Be at least 17 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training
  • GCSE Maths, English and Science excluding General studies and Critical Thinking, grade C and above plus 112 UCAS points or equivalent (academic and vocational qualifications accepted)
  • Candidates must be fluent in English (and if applicable have achieved ICAO Level 6 on completion of training to be offered employment with British Airways)
  • Have the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK
  • Hold a valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel
  • Before commencing training you must have completed to the satisfactory standard, referencing and pre-employment checks and be compliant with the provision of satisfactory UK and international Criminal Record Checks
  • Height must be between 1.57m (5ft 2in) and 1.90m (6ft 3in. Height is accurately determined during the assessment process. Candidates who are taller than 1.90m may submit an application but may be required to undergo a functionality check.

Entry criteria for the ATPL route

To apply for the ATPL airline pilot career program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • After successful selection, be able to commence training in 2018
  • Be at least 17 years of age to apply and 18 years of age to start training
  • GCSE Maths, English & Science grade C and above
  • Candidates must be fluent in English (and if applicable have achieved ICAO Level 6 on completion of training to be offered employment with British Airways)
  • Have the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK
  • Hold a valid passport which permits unrestricted worldwide travel
  • Before commencing training you must have completed to the satisfactory standard, referencing and pre-employment checks and be compliant with the provision of satisfactory UK and international Criminal Record Checks
  • Height must be between 1.57m (5ft 2in) and 1.90m (6ft 3in). Height is accurately determined during the assessment process. Candidates who are taller than 1.90m may submit an application but may be required to undergo a functionality check.

This is a fully self-funded programme, for further details about the potential costs involved, meet L3 Airline Academy at this year’s Pilot Careers Live London on 4 November.

Apply to British Airways here