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

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

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Just Culture is an essential bedrock of a safety culture and, on a personal level, can be viewed as how willing and able someone is to report a safety event and how ‘safe’ they feel in doing so. 

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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.

News

BALPA sends thoughts to those affected by the Toronto incident

18 Feb 2025

On behalf of everyone at British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) we send our thoughts to all those affected by the incident with Delta flight 4819 at Toronto airport yesterday. We would like to pay tribute to all the emergency services and those involved in the rescue operation. […]

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News

Expansion of Heathrow terminals is welcome news, says BALPA

12 Feb 2025

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has welcomed the announcement today of investment into the expansion of two of the terminals at Heathrow Airport. BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: “Investment in the UK’s aviation infrastructure is long overdue and is vital for the country’s economic growth. […]

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News

BALPA Secures Landmark Court Victory Against Ryanair Over Illegal Blacklisting Practices  

17 Jan 2025

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has achieved a significant legal triumph in the Court of Appeal, securing a landmark judgment that not only delivers justice for Ryanair pilots but also sets a powerful precedent for the entire trade union movement. The Court’s ruling today firmly established that Ryanair’s practice of putting pilots who exercised their […]

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News

BALPA sends thoughts to those affected by The Jeju Air crash

29 Dec 2024

Responding to news of the tragic Jeju Air crash, BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: “Pilots around the globe are deeply saddened by this news. Members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association send condolences to all those affected. “It is vital a full and thorough investigation is now carried out without interference or unhelpful media […]

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News

BALPA sends condolences to those affected by the Azerbaijan Airlines crash

26 Dec 2024

Responding to the news of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash, BALPA General Secretary, Amy Leversidge said: “The global aviation community is always deeply saddened by tragedies like these and we at BALPA send our deepest condolences to those affected. ‘It is through a culture of learning from accidents and incidents that aviation has developed a strong […]

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Commentary

Pilot Mental Health: BALPA supporting members at Christmas 

20 Dec 2024

For many, Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for pilots, the festive season often brings unique challenges. The nature of the profession demands working unsociable hours, being away from loved ones during significant occasions, and managing the immense responsibility of ensuring passenger safety during one of the busiest travel periods of […]

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News

Pilots Issue Updated Advice: Beware of Poorly Packed Lithium Battery Gifts

20 Dec 2024

Cameras, laptops, phones, and toys with lithium batteries can pose significant fire risks if mishandled. As holiday travel peaks, pilots are urging festive travellers to prioritize safety when packing gifts, especially those containing lithium batteries. The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) reminds passengers to pack items containing lithium batteries in their hand luggage rather than […]

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News

British Pilots Remind Drone Users to Fly Responsibly this Festive Season

19 Dec 2024

With drones remaining a popular Christmas gift in 2024, British pilots are urging new owners to familiarise themselves with the applicable drone regulations, so they can enjoy this great hobby safely and within the bounds of the law. Laws and Consequences There are laws in place to reduce the risk of potentially catastrophic collisions between […]

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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.