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We are incredibly proud to share a fantastic update from one of our recent leavers! After a highly competitive selection process, Lucy Wood has secured a coveted spot in the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy. Currently three weeks into her training at the Skyborne Airline Academy, Lucy caught up with us to share her journey from the classrooms of RMS to the cockpit.
What is the Speedbird Pilot Academy?
Each year, British Airways funds the total flight training costs, which can exceed £100,000, for up to 200 aspiring airline pilots.
Successful cadets undergo an intensive 18-month training programme at a top flight school, where they are type-rated on the Airbus A320 (the aircraft used for BA’s short-haul routes). Upon graduation, cadets are offered a guaranteed role as a British Airways pilot, based out of Heathrow or Gatwick.
“After finding out that I was successful in the intake last August, I am currently three weeks into my training at Skyborne Airline Academy, based at Gloucester Airport!” Lucy shares.
Balancing A-Levels and a Never-Ending Application Process
Lucy’s journey to the Academy began right here at RMS during Year 13. Balancing the rigorous selection process alongside her A-Level revision was no small feat.
The application process included:
- Psychometric online assessments
- Group exercises and hand-eye coordination tests
- Online and “speed dating” style interviews
“At times, this process felt never-ending,” Lucy reflects. “But every email saying I had progressed to the next stage, and ultimately my acceptance email, made all the hard work pay off. It was especially challenging fitting the assessments around my exam revision!”
The competition was fierce: around 18,500 people applied last year, and Lucy was one of just 164 successful applicants.
The 18-Month Path to the Cockpit
The integrated path to becoming a commercial pilot is fast-paced and broken down into three distinct phases:
Phase 1: The Ground School (Gloucester Airport)
- The first six months are dedicated to studying for the 13 Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) exams. “This is very intense as there is a LOT of information to remember. I’m finding that it’s similar to learning all of the content for GCSE exams in six months instead of two years!”
Phase 2: Taking to the Skies (Vero Beach, Florida)
- The next six months will be spent in sunny Florida learning to fly a single-engine aircraft. With better weather and fewer cancellations than the UK, this is the phase Lucy is most looking forward to!
Phase 3: Advanced Training (Gloucester Airport)
- The final phase involves mastering twin-engine aircraft, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (learning how to fly when things go wrong), and Multi-Crew Cooperation to learn how to operate effectively as a team.
Finding Inspiration and Overcoming the Stats
Did you know that only 5% of pilots worldwide are women?
“I was first inspired to pursue aviation during lockdown, when I realised I wanted a career that let me travel the world rather than sitting in the same office every day,” Lucy says. “Hearing the gender statistics was shocking, but thanks to RMS, this didn’t put me off. I was always encouraged here to follow my dreams.”
A 30-minute trial flight lesson at Denham Aerodrome confirmed her passion. “I enjoyed every minute of it – I even spotted the RMS campus out the window!”
Pictured: The bird’s-eye view of RMS Lucy captured during her very first trial flight!
Highlights and Challenges So Far
Though only three weeks into her training, Lucy’s experience has already been unforgettable.
“My favourite part so far has to be my induction day, where I was awarded my first pair of epaulettes with one stripe – marking the official start of my journey! It has also been great getting to know the other cadets, who come from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and previous careers.”
Of course, Ground School brings its challenges. “Balancing the wide range of subjects and understanding difficult concepts is tough. So far, I’ve learnt about the forces involved with flying, aircraft electrical systems, and even how the human body functions while flying. Staying motivated when things get tough will be a challenge, but with the incredible support network I have, I know I can overcome it.”
Looking Ahead
Lucy remains incredibly grateful for her time at school:
“I will forever be thankful for all of the support I received whilst at RMS, especially Miss Pickford, who helped me prepare for my interviews.”
What’s next on Lucy’s flight plan?
- November: Complete written ATPL exams
- May 2027: Return from flight training in Florida
- September 2027: Graduate from Skyborne and begin flying all around Europe for British Airways!
We wish Lucy the absolute best of luck with her exams and flight training, and we look forward to seeing her in the skies very soon!