What would my first steps be to becoming a commercial pilot as someone who has not gone to university?
Additional information
I have signed up for recruitment reminders however I want to know if there are any other ways I could make myself seem more appealing at the application stage. Especially as I am someone who has not gone to university or had any previous flying experience.
Anonymous asked a question to Chloe H.
Category: Career Advice
Date asked: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Last reviewed: Monday, June 2, 2025
Chloe H.
Captain
Hi -
With our requirement for Academic performance not being more advanced than GCSEs, there is no need to attend university. Many of our successful applicants have not been to university or had the opportunity to gain any flying hours so please do not let that deter you.
There's a really useful website, dedicated to preparing for the assessment process https://careers.ba.com/speedbird-pilot-academy-preparation. On this page, you will find the eligibility criteria and links for the flight schools you can choose from for the training, some interview preparation guidance, the Academy FAQs and some helpful information about the medical requirements.
Maybe see if there's some work experience, even voluntary, you can do at your local airfield or joining an Air Cadet squadron. There is also the British Airways work experience program https://careers.ba.com/work-experience. We have a student website called Speedbird Z https://britishairways.connectr.co.uk/inspire that you can register at as well. Attending the flight school open days or any Pilot Career Live events would also be very beneficial.
Best of luck and we can't wait to see you application soon!
Chloe
Monday, June 2, 2025