RAF Recruitment | Air and Space Operations

Air and Space Operations are behind all our aircraft in the sky. As part of the team you'll get stuck in with some of the most advanced aerospace technology on the planet and facilitate the successful planning and execution of missions.

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AIR AND SPACE OPERATIONS

As part of Air and Space Ops you will monitor skies across the globe. Using some of the most advanced aerospace technology on the planet you will provide intel to the government and our allies.

You will work collaboratively with local and international teams to help guide air traffic. You will help track everything happening the in skies, from aircraft to space debris and on to the International Space Station. You could also be trained to intercept hostile aircraft by directing supersonic jet fighters, or work with civilian air traffic control to keep flight paths safe.

OFFICER ROLES

As an Officer you will be a leader with serious responsibilities such as ordering fast jets to intercept suspect aircraft or giving specialist battlespace management around the world.

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AVIATOR ROLES

There's a variety of roles with apprenticeships available: you could work alongside civilian controllers ensuring military aircraft operate safely or deploy on operations to setup temporary airfields.

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AIR AND SPACE OPERATIONS

As part of Air and Space Ops you will monitor skies across the globe. Using some of the most advanced aerospace technology on the planet you will provide intel to the government and our allies.

OFFICER ROLES

As an Officer you will be a leader with serious responsibilities such as ordering fast jets to intercept suspect aircraft or giving specialist battlespace management around the world.

VIEW ROLES

AVIATOR ROLES

VIEW ROLES

HAVE YOU GOT

WHAT IT TAKES?

HAVE YOU GOT

WHAT IT TAKES?

Protect the sky across the world and keep the UK safe.

In Air and Space Ops you will be our eyes looking for potentially hostile aircraft.

You could be employed in a squadron operations room, where you will be responsible for the maintenance of aeronautical information and operating mission support IT. Alternatively, you could also be employed in an air traffic control tower, managing IT systems with real-time flight information and operating radio equipment in support of the controllers.

You may also have the opportunity to be go overseas on a detachment as part of your job for a number of months or as a full posting to certain locations. Your duties will be similar to those at your home Station, but will be more demanding with opportunities to work with other trades, services and nations in an operational environment.

Life in the RAF is more than just a job. We offer a highly competitive benefits package. There are sporting opportunities and facilities available to everyone. You'll have the chance to travel the world and make new friends all whilst keeping in touch with friends and family at home.

Air and Space Operations Systems Officer managing controllers at temporary ATC

You can now also gain a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Air Traffic Control as part of the training for our Air Ops Control Officer and Air Traffic & Weapons Controller roles. Take a look here for details:

Level 5 Air Traffic Controller

EXPLORE ROLES

01 07

What qualifications do I need for an Air and Space Operations role?

To apply for an Air Operations Officer (Control or Systems) role you need to:

Be aged 17 ½ - 47 (38 for Control).
Have 2 A-levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above.
Have 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4-5 or above ; or SCE equivalent grade 5 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Or hold a UK Degree at Grade 2:2 or above.
Be a UK or UK/Dual National and have resided in the UK for the last 5 Years.

To apply for Air Traffic & Weapons Controller you need to:

Be aged 17 ½ - 38.
Have 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4-5 or above ; or SCE equivalent grade 5 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Be a UK or UK/Dual National and have resided in the UK for the last 5 Years.

To apply for Air & Space Operations Specialist you need to:

Be aged 16-47.
Have 2 GCSEs at Grade C/4-5 or above ; or SCE equivalent grade 5 or above, in English Language and Maths.
Be a UK or UK/Dual National and have resided in the UK for the last 5 Years.

*RAF Firefighter role requires a full UK driving licence

Do Air Operations Personnel have to be fit?

Yes, every person in the RAF is required to maintain a level of fitness in order to do their role well. For example, if you are working on one of our deployable units, such as No.1 Air Control Centre, Tactical Air Traffic Control or 49 Battery, you may be required to deploy anywhere in the World and set up mobile command and control units or temporary landing zones in austere environments.
If you are joining as an Air Traffic & Weapons Controller you will undertake the Direct Entrant Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (DE SNCO) Course. This course is both physically and mentally demanding. The fitter you are before you start, the greater your mental capacity will be during the numerous exercises you will undertake.
Fitness is a key part of RAF life – with all the clubs and sports you can get involved with on a wide variety of levels, from occasional fun to Olympic competition.

How long is the application process?

As an Air Operations Officer or Air Operations (Control) Sergeant, we aim to have all applications successfully completed within 6 months.
For serving personnel applying for Air Traffic & Weapons Controller, you are able to apply internally through the Air Operations Specialist Recruitment Team, which offers a reduced processing time.
As an Air & Space Operations Specialist, we aim to have all applications successfully completed within 3 months.
This is subject to the availability of your specialist training courses, but be assured that we will aim to work around your specific needs.

Am I able to visit an RAF Station to see what the role and training entails?

Realistic Job Preview visits will be offered to you at a certain point in your application for Air Operations (Control) Officer, Air Traffic & Weapons Controller and Air & Space Operations Specialist.
Visits to an RAF Station for Air & Space Operations Specialist candidates can be arranged by the Air Operations Specialist Recruitment Team through your Armed Forces Careers Office staff.

Where will I be based?

We have Air Operations personnel at every major and minor RAF airfield and weapons training range in the UK. In addition to this, depending upon role, we have specialist units dedicated to Air Traffic Control (RAFU Swanwick – working alongside civilian controllers), Surveillance and Weapons Control (RAF Boulmer), Space Operations (RAF Fylingdales) and Joint RAF/Army units (49 Battery), plus many other opportunities.
We also have a number of Air Operations personnel working overseas, including across Europe and the USA.

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Live chat View our Air Operations brochure

ANDREW ,AIR OPERATIONS (SYSTEMS) OFFICER

“

I wanted a job that has a direct impact on RAF operations, and I haven’t been disappointed. From monitoring the airspace over the UK to identifying friendly and non-Coalition aircraft over the Middle East, Air Operations has it all.

”

ANDREW AIR OPERATIONS (SYSTEMS) OFFICER

AIR AND SPACE OPERATIONS

OFFICER ROLES

AVIATOR ROLES

AIR AND SPACE OPERATIONS

OFFICER ROLES

AVIATOR ROLES

EXPLORE ROLES

AIR & SPACE OPERATIONS FAQS

What qualifications do I need for an Air and Space Operations role?

Do Air Operations Personnel have to be fit?

How long is the application process?

Am I able to visit an RAF Station to see what the role and training entails?

Where will I be based?

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