I am currently a Senior First Officer, how do I become a Captain?

To become a Captain, pilots will become eligible to apply for Command once they have:

• 250 sectors
• 500 flight hours
• At least one year of continuous membership with BAVirtual

I'm ready to become a Captain, what do I need to do?

Once a Senior First Office meets the above criteria, the process is:

1. An SFO should submit a Command application via a support ticket through the Flight Operations Enquiry > Command Course Applications option
2. A member of the team will review the SFO's PIREPs to confirm you are consistently operating to the required Category A standard.
3. The SFO will then be enrolled onto the Moodle Command Course.
4. The SFO will need to complete the written Command examination via Moodle.
5. On successful completion, be promoted to Captain.

The Command examination consists of three essay-style questions.

The questions are designed to test more than simply remembering information. Candidates will be expected to use and apply their knowledge of the BAVirtual Operations Manuals to demonstrate their understanding and decision-making.


What happens if I don't pass the exam?

We appreciate that nobody likes the idea of failing an exam, but the Command examination is intended to be a meaningful assessment and we want candidates to take the preparation seriously.

If a candidate does not pass the written examination, there will be a three-week waiting period before they can attempt it again.

This is intentional. The three-week period gives candidates time to properly review the areas where they were weaker, revisit the relevant Operations Manuals and make sure they are genuinely ready for another attempt.

It also helps our staff manage the marking process and prevents repeated attempts being submitted without sufficient time being spent addressing the underlying areas for improvement.


What happens after 12 months, or I don't want to take the Moodle Course?

Pilots will be able to continue to fly after the 12 month period. Once you have completed 100 sectors and 200 flight hours, you will automatically be promoted to Senior First Officer.