Hello, My name is Ayce Burroughs Basile and I am 12 years old and I am based in Birmingham, United Kingdom, I am writing to you because I am an aspiring commercial pilot. I have wanted to be a pilot ever since I can remember. When I took my first flight

Ayce B. asked a question to Chloe H.

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  • Author: Ayce B.
  • Category: Applications, Application advice
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  • CH
    Chloe H. Captain

    Hi Ayce!

     

    It is absolutely brilliant to meet a future Captain 😊 Twelve years old is the perfect age to start looking at the horizon, I can tell just by your message that you’ve already got the passion, which is the most important fuel any pilot can have.

    Since you are based in Birmingham, you are in a fantastic spot! You have a busy international airport right on your doorstep. I can offer this advice for you as you start your journey:

    • Since you are 12, you are almost at the age where you can join the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. They have squadrons all over Birmingham.
      It’s one of the best ways to get into a uniform, learn about navigation and engines, and, most importantly, get some flying experience in tutors or gliders for free!
    • You don't need to be a mathematical genius, but having a good grasp of Maths and Physics helps a lot when you're calculating fuel or understanding how wings create lift. If these topics do not come easily to you, please don’t worry, I always say, do what you love. Also, keep working on your English and communication; a huge part of the job is talking clearly on the radio to Air Traffic Control.
    • Next time you're near the airport, head to the viewing areas. Watch the different types of planes taking off. Try to identify them, is it an Airbus A321? A Boeing 737? Being able to spot aircraft is a great skill to start building and will help keep that desire burning.
    • If you have a computer at home, flight simulators are a great way to learn the basics of a flight deck. It’s not exactly like the real thing, but it teaches you how to read the instruments and understand the layout of the flight deck.

    British Airways has held annual application windows for the Speedbird Pilot Academy, which helps people become pilots when they turn 18. Keep that name in the back of your mind as you grow up, it’s a wonderful goal to aim for!

    Every Captain you see flying a big jet today started exactly where you are, as a 12 year old with a dream and a love for that feeling when the wheels lift off from the runway. Keep that spark alive, Ayce!

    Best of luck!

    Chloe

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