United Kingdom – The University of West London (UWL), in collaboration with FlightPad, hosted a free Future Pilot Skills event on 17 January 2026, offering aspiring and trainee commercial pilots hands-on exposure to industry pathways, airline expectations, and simulator-based training experiences.

• Held at UWL’s Ealing campus, the event attracted a wide demographic of secondary school, sixth form, and early-stage aviation students, and brought together flight training organisations, airline representatives, and industry mentors.

• Participating organisations included British Airways, Loganair, EmPower Flight, The Air League, and The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, highlighting a cross-section of UK-based commercial and outreach aviation initiatives.

• Attendees participated in aptitude testing, technical workshops, and simulator activities designed to reflect the cognitive and operational demands of professional pilot roles.

• A key focus was placed on career resilience, mindset development, and accessible pathways, including an overview of the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy and confidence-building workshops.

• UWL’s in-house Boeing 737 simulator was made available for use, alongside competitions for sim time, flight lessons, and aviation gear—providing practical engagement for attendees.

• The event also served as a networking hub, allowing students to interact directly with current airline pilots, recruiters, and UK/EU flight training organisations.

Source: University of West London
Photo Credit: University of West London