Speedbird Pilot Academy opens (for a limited time only)
Sep 21, 2023, 10:14 am
#61
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 57
Valid points, but the drop for someone in their 40s who has climbed the career and earnings ladder is much more than dropping a bit in early career. Another thing to factor in is the onset of technology, which is not unique to flying careers. But it's not inconceivable that commercial pilots become obsolete to some extent in the next 10-15 years. AI-powered/flown planes and drones are already pretty sophisticated, and I doubt airline execs will think twice about cutting pilots if it can be done cheaper and safer. I appreciate there are arguments against replacing pilots and believe me, I'm on the side of pilots staying right where they are at the front, but I feel the people at the top with money will have other ideas. 
Sep 21, 2023, 10:30 am
#62
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Mexico
Programs: BAEC Gold / SQ *A Gold / Marriott Titanium
Posts: 3,606
In the timescale mentioned there's pretty much no chance it will happen to those flying passengers. There's a possibility that it might affect freight pilots but even there I suspect it would require new aircraft designed for fewer than two pilots which is unlikely to happen in the next five years.
Sep 21, 2023, 10:43 am
#63
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,061
It might be a lowish starting salary but flying pay tops it up considerably (is part of that still tax free as well?), and in any case it ramps up fast. Roughly 7k a year base pay rise for the first 7 years, if memory doesn’t fail me.
Sep 22, 2023, 3:50 am
#65
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,071
Its mainly to check you fit in - some aircraft are quite restrictive. I’m 6’4 so don’t be deterred by this restriction.
Sep 22, 2023, 10:56 am
#66
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL, BA Amex Prem, Amex Plat, Hilton Diamond, Sir Crazy8534 de l'ordres des aides de Pucci
Posts: 4,520
A nice little video highlighting the academy, with Emma Raducanu in an Airbus simulator, released today:
I was really fortunate to have a similar experience last year: shameless TR plug.
I was really fortunate to have a similar experience last year: shameless TR plug.