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Join Balpa

The Voice of UK Pilots: Safety, Strength, Unity.

BALPA is the voice of pilots across the UK, providing you support, guidance and a community

More than 85% of UK Pilots On Board.

We’re here to help & advise at every stage of your career Discover our memberships

Improving Industry Standards.

From Brexit’s impact on aviation, to flight safety and sustainability, we campaign on behalf of all UK pilots Explore our campaigns

BECOMING A PILOT THE INSIDE TRACK

BALPA stands as the primary representation for UK pilots. Explore our comprehensive and dedicated guide on the path to becoming a pilot. Find out more about becoming a pilot
About BALPA

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) is the professional association and registered trade union established to represent the interests of all UK pilots.

We represent over 10,000 pilots and are recognised in 20 different companies; that’s over 85% of all commercial pilots flying in the UK. The association holds the largest collective resource of commercial pilot qualification and experience in the UK.

85%
Of Commercial uk pilots are balpa Members
20
Recognised in 20 companies
50 million +
Our members have flown more than 50 million hours
Learn more about us
What we do

As the voice of pilots, BALPA actively campaigns to achieve and maintain the best possible working conditions and safety standards for all UK pilots.

We are run by pilots for pilots and have expert staff and resources on hand to provide legal advice and representation, industrial support, to scrutinise and highlight flight safety, provide advice on employment issues and offer personal support.

By joining BALPA you’re joining the UK’s biggest and most active community of fellow pilots, that uses its well established links to ensure your voice is heard by MPs, airlines and regulators.

Our Campaigns

Why Join as a Member?

  • Legal representation
  • Industrial support: have a say on pay and benefits
  • Career management advice and bespoke resources
  • Access to BALPA website, portal and apps
  • Access to BALPA publications including newsletters and The Log magazine

Latest News & Views.

Commentary

Juggling life as a mum and a pilot: Chrissy Bateson’s story

10 Mar 2024

For Mothers’ Day we’re shining a light on all the amazing pilots who juggle a flying career with family life and saying thank you to all the mums of pilots, and mums who look after the family while their pilot partner is flying. We thank you all. Below we’re featuring the real story of one pilot […]

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News

Women in Aviation: Michelle Brierley’s Story

08 Mar 2024

As part of International Women’s Day we’re highlighting the stories of women in aviation and looking at the challenges they face as the industry strives for greater diversity. Read on for their stories in their words: ​MICHELLE BRIERLEY BALPA National officer   Her story in her own words:  I joined BALPA in Summer 2022 after […]

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News

Women in aviation: Sophia James’ story

08 Mar 2024

As part of International Women’s Day we’re highlighting the stories of women in aviation and looking at the challenges they face as the industry strives for greater diversity. Read on for their stories in their words: ​ SOPHIA JAMES BALPA National Officer   Her story in her own words:  I am full of admiration for […]

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News

Women in Aviation: Amy Leversidge’s Story

08 Mar 2024

As part of International Women’s Day we’re highlighting the stories of women in aviation and looking at the challenges they face as the industry strives for greater diversity. Read on for their stories in their words:   ​ AMY LEVERSIDGE BALPA General Secretary   Her story in her own words:  It was an honour to […]

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News

Women in Aviation: Kate Beesley’s Story

08 Mar 2024

As part of International Women’s Day we’re highlighting the stories of women in aviation and looking at the challenges they face as the industry strives for greater diversity. Read on for their stories in their words: ​KATE BEESLEY Commercial Airline Pilot, BALPA Rep and NEC member   Her story in her words: I have had […]

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Commentary

Progress or problem? Why having ‘capable’ technology isn’t enough in the cockpit.

01 Mar 2024

In a recent interview in The Sunday Times, Airbus Chief Executive of Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer (behind a paywall), hailed the development of technology that could enable planes to be flown with just one pilot as progress and suggested it was almost inevitable. BALPA’s response This rhetoric raises serious concern for the British Airline Pilots’ […]

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News

Bristow helicopters pilots in BALPA to strike in pay dispute.

20 Feb 2024

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has given notice to Bristow Helicopters that it will call on its members to strike in March.  BALPA has been in negotiation with the company for months, but Bristow has failed to put forward any offer that its pilots and tech crew could support. Following a strong ballot result of […]

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Commentary

The future of zero emissions?

15 Feb 2024

A view into ZeroAvia, and the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft. Gloucestershire has a significant and proud history in the development of aircraft propulsion systems. The first flight of a jet-powered aircraft in the UK took place in Brockworth in 1941, when Sir Frank Whittle’s experimental E28/39 accomplished a few short hops of a distance slightly exceeding that […]

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Thinking About Becoming a Pilot?

Read the comprehensive guide on what it takes to become a pilot, and the main obstacles to consider.