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Pilots

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Top Advice

This is especially for those that are still at school; I am often asked what subjects are best to take, to best set themselves up to become a Pilot. This is twofold, firstly, the subjects you love, will probably be the ones that keep you most engaged and likely to yield the best results. Secondly, the stereotypical idea of a Pilot being great at Maths and Physics is false - there are those of us that didn't go to University, that have had one, or even multiple careers previously. This is a job most consider for life, it is far more important to do something you enjoy than chase a dream you think you need to.

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Career path

Captain

British Airways

From 03/2014 to 05/2024

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

Every day in the skies is different. Different customers, crew, destination and flying the A320 family, lots of variation in aircraft types. You can be spending a night in the Mediterranean in the summer or flying back from Reykjavik to see the dark sky full of cinematic Northern Lights. There are so many amazing places to explore. When we are lucky enough to get enough time off down-route, we are able to spend some time walking around the cobbled streets of Rome or riding bikes up and down the Danube, it's a fantastic job for travel. Many vocations these days people find monotonous, there, of course, is lots of repetition in this job, it is extremely procedural, but it's the little changes that keep it interesting.

Greatest achievements

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Other colleagues

Eugenia O

Top Advice

My career at British Airways has been varied. It would be my 10th year in the company, including my 6 month hiatus. In BA it is very normal to stay in the company for decades. I never understood it until I left. I was desperate to try something new, and I thought that meant leaving the company. The great thing about working for a large organisation, is that there are various roles within the company. I never thought I would end up in Engineering, but it has been the best decision. Network, get to know other departments, because there really is something available for everyone in this company. Look at the careers page for inspiration and read the job description and advert, as some titles can be misleading! I was not afraid to leave BA for another reputable company, and I was not afraid to come back after 6 months. Try something new until you get what you are looking for.

Samer T

Senior Revenue Delivery Executive

Top Advice

Don't give up! You will face several challenges along the way, and you might have to settle at one point in your career with something that isn't really fulfilling to you. Learn from your experiences, and let them be a fuel for change. Believe in yourself and never let the willingness to follow your passion die. Take risks even if it means leaving the comfort zone and the security buffer. And most importantly, surround yourself with positive people, who will believe in you, see your potential and encourage you to jump into the unknown when you feel scared to do it. The reward is big, trust me!

Dan H

Top Advice

I always say to my students at school ‘never be afraid to fail’. It’s only through failure that we learn how to succeed. Not everyone who applies to BA is successful the first time around. That’s OK. Just don’t give up and make sure you learn what you need to do differently next time. BA Cabin Crew come from all walks of life and all ages. If it’s something you’re really interested in then go for it, even if you think it’s way out your comfort zone or unlike anything you’ve done previously. Remember: to most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home.

Discussions with Chloe H
How can I join the pilot academy?
in How to apply·Thursday, August 7, 2025
2 responses
13 views
Can I take the Speedbird Pilot Academy course next year or alongside a degree?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Picture of Kate
2 responses
105 views
Speedbird pilot academy 2026
in General·Tuesday, May 6, 2025
2 responses
33 views
pilot height 154cm
in General·Tuesday, January 28, 2025
1 response
46 views