My son is 14 years old and has wanted to fly Aircraft with BA since he was 6 years old can you help with advice .Thanks

Hi Wil -

It’s lovely to hear that your son has had this kind of direction from such a young age as that kind of passion and focus is really special. If he dreams of flying with British Airways, there are a few key things he can start working on now to make it happen. 

School to some extent is important, especially Maths, Physics, and English. These subjects are crucial for our Speedbird Pilot Academy due to the eligibility criteria, also doing well in them will set a strong foundation. If he decides to continue with A-Levels (or equivalent), steering toward STEM subjects can help but it’s far more important to choose something he enjoys. 

Next, it’s worth looking into the different ways to become a pilot. Keep an eye on the careers website for openings, even if the Academy is not running at the time he could train through private flying schools and join as a Direct Entry Pilot. However, this can be expensive, often between £80,000 and £100,000. Some schools offer modular courses or financing options to spread out the cost. 

In the meantime, joining the Air Cadets is a fantastic way to learn about aviation, earn flying scholarships, and meet mentors. I believe I owe my place on a sponsorship scheme years ago to my Air Cadet experience. He could also try a taster flying lesson at a local airfield and give a real feel for being in the flight deck. 

Health is another big factor. Pilots need to pass a strict Class 1 Medical Exam, so staying fit and healthy will help. 

Beyond that, building skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership will be useful, whether through sports, volunteering, or flight simulators for practice as he is currently doing. Watching aviation YouTube channels and keep reading up on flying can keep his drive alive too. 

Finally, remind him that persistence pays off. The journey can be tough, but if he stays dedicated, he’ll have a great chance. Would he enjoy visiting an aviation museum or airshow for inspiration? Places like the Farnborough Airshow are great for keeping that dream alive and until I was old enough to do more things for myself, the event helped do that for me. 

 Chloe

Hi Wil.

That is fantastic that your son is so keen to become an airline pilot. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to support him and are giving him encouragement, which is key.

In terms of qualifications for the Speedbird Pilot Academy we ask for 6 GCSEs at grades 9-5 including Maths, English Language and Science. Otherwise we always encourage people to study things they enjoy. You can find information and answers to frequently asked questions at Future Pilots. Activities and work experience that help develop pilot competencies and confidence are also really helpful. We look for people who can show skills in teamwork and leadership, decision making using relevant information and communication skills among other things. If you are local to London, Speedbird Z have work experience he can apply for. There is more information on this at careers.ba.com/work-experience.

It is always great to have a flight experience and to visit local airfields to get exposure to aviation. There are many routes to becoming a pilot but the most important thing is enthusiasm for aviation.

We hope to see your son on the flight deck in the future!

Kate

Thank you for responding to my question.He has read what you have both said ,and has said to say a special thank you to both of you for your advice.