Pilot – Royal Air Force (Regular)

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Motivation

Problem solving

Verbal and numerical reasoning

Spatial reasoning

Ability to complete several tasks simultaneously

Age

Apply from 17-and-a-half years old. The maximum age on entry to Direct Entry Pilot is age 23. Phase One training at RAF Cranwell must be started before your 24th birthday, meaning candidates are to submit an application before their 23rd birthday.

Education

GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Maths/Application of Mathematics (Functional Skills Level 2 will be accepted) and at least three other subjects.

In addition, a minimum of 64 UCAS points which can be accrued from A/AS Levels (or equivalent), T-Levels, or National Diplomas (e.g. BTECs/NVQs). This must be made up from a maximum of 3 qualifications, minimum of 27 UCAS points for at least one qualification (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies).

If you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher you only need Mathematics and English Language GCSEs (or acceptable alternatives) at a minimum of Grade 4 or Scottish National 5 Grade C.

Nationality & residency

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality. You should have resided in the UK for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered. You will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Developed Vetting (DV).

Fitness & health

Meet the health and fitness criteria, pass the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (2.4km run) and undertake the RAF Swimming Test in training: swim 100 metres without rest, tread water for 2 minutes and get out of the deep end of the pool unassisted.

Commitment

Commit to minimum 12 years service.

Phase one – Initial Officer Training (24 weeks, RAF Cranwell)

You will be trained and assessed over 4 six-week terms that will develop your fitness, leadership and academic skills over several indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK.

Phase two – Specialist training (27 weeks, as assigned)

Your specialist training begins with Elementary Flying Training where you’ll fly the Tutor or Prefect aircraft. Crewed-aircraft Pilots will then be streamed to fast jet, multi-engine or rotary (helicopter) flying training, whilst Pilot (ISR) RPAS progress to the Protector RG1.

Fast-jet training (2 years, RAF Valley)

You will initially fly the Texan, be awarded your Pilot ‘wings’, then fly the Hawk T2 before moving to an Operational Conversion Unit (e.g. Typhoon).

Multi-engine training (10 months, RAF Cranwell)

You will fly the Phenom, be awarded your Pilot ‘wings’ and go to an OCU to train on the aircraft you will fly operationally (e.g. C17).

Rotary-wing training (18 months, RAF Shawbury)

You will fly twin-engine helicopters, the Juno and Jupiter, then train at an OCU on your operational helicopter (e.g. Chinook).

Pilot (ISR) RPAS training (9 months, RAF Waddington)

You will fly Protector with 54 Sqn on an Operational Conversion Course prior to posting to a frontline Squadron.

You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years. You will be selected to serve on a commission of 20 years’ service or to age 40, whichever is the later, when you are awarded 'Combat Ready' status. Following the completion of your 6 years initial return of Service, you are free to leave on giving 12 months notice.

Promotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant is on a time served/satisfactory service basis 2½ years after completing IOT. Further promotion to Squadron Leader and above is by competitive selection.

As well as training to fly different aircraft, there are opportunities for structured command and staff training as your career progresses. An In-Service degree for RAF Pilots on completion of their flying training is currently being implemented.

The skills and experience you gain can equip you for civilian jobs including Commercial Pilot, Flying Instructor and various aviation management posts. As an RPAS pilot, roles include civilian UAV pilot operator and instructor, systems specialist, simulator coordinator and management posts.