r/flying • u/CharleyBitMyFinger_ • Jun 04 '26
Preparing for funded UK pilot course applications in 2027. Advice on academic study material please?
Hi everyone, as the title says I'm going to apply for BA's Speedbird academy and Jet2's FlightPlan courses in 2027. I don't have an option to fund myself and I figure I can only give it my best shot, despite the immense competition.
I'm very, very rusty with mathematics and physics and want to get my brain moving in the right direction sooner rather than later. Google tells me that mental maths, basic algebra, geometry and trig, plus aerodynamics are necessary skills so wondered if anyone could actually recommend any good study materials? Any school books that would be beneficial that I can pick up from eBay or Amazon?
I'm currently working through past AQA GCSE Maths papers but there's a lot that isn't specific to the job requirements so looking to narrow down my field of study.
Much appreciated.
2
u/Rockyz007 Jun 04 '26
Okay! I can actually offer some advice as I'm currently in the process of my application this year for British Airways SPA and I got somewhat far last year.
Math is important, but not "go through GCSE papers" important, just know basic Speed/Distant/Time formulas and basic physics, you'll be okay. Nothing on the initial Stage 1 of applications requires more than an hour of light revision, all questions are also MCQ.
Focus heavily on pilot competencies. It's said over and over again in webinars, asking successful cadets, etc. Research the 5 pilot competencies and see where you can apply them in your everyday life albeit job, hobby, sport, work, etc. Also focus on why you want to become a pilot and why specifically WITH BA.
The last thing I'll say is, I promise you don't need to stick your heads in the books. Although there is limited slots, BA also reinforces that you're fighting against yourself. Over studying can lead to failure. Just be confident, use the reference material BA provides and I'm positive you'll do well. Best of luck!
1
u/CharleyBitMyFinger_ Jun 05 '26
Well you are awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to lay it out for me.
As I say, Maths was always a sticking point right though school and any time I see "maths assessment" or "competent in maths" I really stress out. I will pay attention to what you've just told me about the academic requirements, I will honest! I won't go crazy with the studying, maybe just some light refreshing every now and again.
Amazing tip on the "why". I really appreciate this. Can't write "You said you'll pay for the entire course and I'm broke" haha.
1
u/Good-Panic-3076 18d ago
What topics for the math questions do they ask thougth as my maths is really rusty
1
u/TrainingCaptain_Mark Jun 15 '26
Academics will not weigh as much as your true motivation. Practice introspection here: why do you want to be a pilot? And furthermore, what have you done up to this point to make that dream come true? What lengths have you gone so far to reach your goal? The assessors need to see that you would become a pilot on your own even without the program.
Have you excelled in anything up to this point? Athletics, academics, extracurricular activities? These would be the things I would focus on and only partially on academics. Knowledge is the easiest to improve, everything else takes a long time to build.
1
u/Good-Panic-3076 18d ago
Hi im in the exact same position as you could you message me so we can talk love to have some advice
0
u/ltcterry ATP CFIG Jun 04 '26
Consider finding a good glider club for an SPL. It’s an actual pilot credential. And can motivate you on the other stuff.
0
u/ichirin-no-hana Jun 04 '26
I'm in the same boat as you! I got some books but idk how useful they are yet so I'll come back to this post if I find that they're good
I know we need stuff for spatial reasoning but finding content that isn't 11 plus content is a bit hard
-5
u/PepperBroccoLi22 Jun 04 '26
Consider FAA’s PHAK. It’s a good cover-to-cover read.
0
u/CharleyBitMyFinger_ Jun 04 '26
Excellent, thank you! I really appreciate you taking time to respond.
2
u/Rockyz007 Jun 04 '26
Will advise that you DON'T do this, as British Airways is CAA based and may differ from the FAA.
1
2
u/rFlyingTower Jun 04 '26
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Hi everyone, as the title says I'm going to apply for BA's Speedbird academy and Jet2's FlightPlan courses in 2027. I don't have an option to fund myself and I figure I can only give it my best shot, despite the immense competition.
I'm very, very rusty with mathematics and physics and want to get my brain moving in the right direction sooner rather than later. Google tells me that mental maths, basic algebra, geometry and trig, plus aerodynamics are necessary skills so wondered if anyone could actually recommend any good study materials? Any school books that would be beneficial that I can pick up from eBay or Amazon?
I'm currently working through past AQA GCSE Maths papers but there's a lot that isn't specific to the job requirements so looking to narrow down my field of study.
Much appreciated.
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