Senior First Officer; Direct Entry CAA Licence Heathrow

About the role

British Airways is inviting experienced Direct Entry Pilots to join as Senior First Officers at London Heathrow. You will fly modern long-haul and short-haul aircraft to hundreds of international destinations, delivering world-class safety, professionalism and service on every sector. This is a permanent, full-time flight-deck position for pilots with a current type rating and substantial experience on a relevant multi-pilot turbine aeroplane.

New joiners typically start on one of BA’s four long-haul fleets. As your career progresses, you can bid between long-haul and short-haul fleets, move into training, recruitment and management roles, and progress toward Captain. Candidates are offered a rank commensurate with experience at the point of offer; those joining as SFO must complete BA’s Senior First Officer training package within 12 months of joining.

• Operate as part of a multi-crew flight deck across BA’s global network to the highest safety and operational standards.
• Deliver an exceptional flight experience and exercise sound judgement in dynamic, real-world conditions.
• Contribute to a positive flight-deck culture with strong communication, leadership and teamwork.
• Engage in broader airline initiatives such as training, recruitment, sustainability and operational projects as opportunities arise.

Minimum criteria to apply:

• A current type rating with at least 3,000 hours on a relevant aeroplane type (excluding simulator time). A relevant type is either:
  • A multi-pilot turbojet certified to CS-25 or equivalent airworthiness code; or
  • A multi-pilot turboprop with a maximum certificated take-off mass of at least 10 tonnes or seating for more than 19 passengers.
• Recent experience: flown a relevant aeroplane type within the past 12 months (required for eligibility for ZFTT).
• Licence: UK Part-FCL ATPL(A) or meeting the hours requirements to obtain an ATPL(A) (any outstanding upgrade to be completed during the type rating). The current type rating need not be on the UK licence; however, you must hold a UK fATPL(A) or ATPL(A) and must not have surrendered your UK licence to obtain an EASA/ICAO licence.
• Medical: valid UK CAA Class 1 medical with at least 6 months’ validity remaining at date of joining.
• Height: between 1.57 m (5 ft 2 in) and 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in); taller qualified pilots may apply subject to a functionality check.
• Fitness: good overall physical fitness and the ability to meet water-survival competencies (swim 50 m, tread water for 3 minutes, assist others, don a lifejacket while treading water, and self-board a life raft).
• Language: spoken and written English at ICAO Level 6.
• Travel: a valid passport with at least 12 months’ validity and the ability to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.
• Uniform standards: compliant with BA policy (tattoos permitted provided they are not on the hands, face or head).

Candidates should apply to this campaign only if they meet the required Senior First Officer hours.

• Initial long-haul placement with the opportunity to transfer between long-haul and short-haul fleets over time.
• Rank awarded based on experience at offer stage.
• Completion of BA’s SFO training package within 12 months of joining.
• Long-haul suitability assessed at simulator stage; a short-haul position may be offered based on final assessment.
• Broader career pathways in training, recruitment and management, plus progression toward Captain.

• Staff travel: unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on BA flights; up to 30 discounted “Hotline” fares per year for you, friends and family; and an Annual Bookable Concession after 6 months’ service.
• Pension: market-leading defined contribution scheme (enrolled at 2% employee and 7%…