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AIR & SPACE OPERATIONS

Air and Space Operations are behind all our aircraft in the sky and protect our interests in outer space. As part of the team you’ll be working with some of the most advanced aerospace technology on the planet and facilitate the successful planning and execution of missions.
View Air & Space Operations roles

WHAT IS AIR & SPACE OPERATIONS?

As part of Air & Space Operations you’ll monitor skies across the globe providing intel to the government and our allies. Working collaboratively with local and international teams you’ll help to guide air traffic.

 

You could also be trained to intercept hostile aircraft by directing supersonic jet fighters or working with civilian air traffic control to keep flight paths safe. You could be focused on defence in outer space too, monitoring asteroids, debris and solar flares and protecting our assets out there.

OFFICER ROLES

You’ll be a leader with serious responsibilities such as ordering fast jets to intercept suspect aircraft, or giving specialist battlespace management around the world.

AVIATOR ROLES

You could be working alongside civilian controllers ensuring military aircraft operate safely or be deployed on operations to set up temporary airfields.

LEARN ABOUT AIR & SPACE OPERATIONS

You will be our eyes, on the lookout for potentially hostile aircraft.

You could be employed in a squadron operations room where you’ll be responsible for the maintenance of aeronautical information and operating mission support IT. Alternatively you could 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.

There are opportunities to go overseas for a number of months, or as a full posting, to certain locations on a detachment. 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.

As an Aviation Data Analyst, I have aided front line operations by creating cockpit displays for Typhoon Squadrons and the wider Air Force. I was also trained in coding to create and maintain bespoke tools. My knowledge is used to aid pilots.

Corporal Barton, Aviation Data Analyst

RAF Aviation Data Analyst, Corporal Barton

AREAS AIR & SPACE OPERATIONS COVERS

Air & Space Operations in action

Monitoring risk, making difficult decisions, and knowing how to react; have you got what it takes to protect our skies?

Get paid to train, travel the world and make friends for life

Life in the RAF is more than just a job, it’s a vocation and a lifestyle, it’s who you are. We take care of you when you’re off the clock too. We offer a highly competitive benefits package and there are sporting opportunities and facilities available to everyone. Balance is key. So whilst travelling the world, making new friends and expanding your horizons all come included, we understand the importance of staying connected to friends and family back home too.

Air and Space Operations Systems Officer managing controllers at temporary ATC

EXPLORE ROLES

Roles within Air & Space Operations bring different opportunities, find the one that fits you:
Air & Space Operations
Air Traffic and Weapons Controller
Aircraft Analysis & maths Gaming & computers
Air & Space Operations
Control Officer
Aircraft Analysis & maths Gaming & computers
Air & Space Operations
Operations Officer
Aircraft Analysis & maths Gaming & computers
Air & Space Operations
Operations Specialist
Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world
Air & Space Operations
Firefighter
Helping people Sport & fitness Travelling the world
Air & Space Operations
Aviation Data Analyst
Analysis & maths Being creative Gaming & computers
Air & Space Operations
Flight Operations Manager
Being creative Travelling the world Analysis & maths
Air & Space Operations
Mobile Met Unit
Analysis & maths Travelling the world Gaming & computers

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

With benefits like subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym facilities, at the end of the month you’ll have more money in your pocket saved on these essentials.

Benefits icon for Rent from £75p/m
Rent from £75p/m
Benefits icon for Free gym
Free gym
Benefits icon for Subsidised food
Subsidised food
Benefits icon for Health care
Health care
Benefits icon for World travel
World travel
Benefits icon for Training
Training
See all benefits

AIR AND SPACE OPERATIONS FAQS

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

To apply for Control Officer roles you need to:

  • Be aged 17 ½  - 38 
  • A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents including Functional Skills) at a minimum of 4/C, including English Language and Mathematics or Scottish National 5 (Grade A - C) in 5 subjects including English Language and Mathematics.
  • 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.
  • Should you meet the required 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above (or acceptable equivalents) and not have the minimum 64 UCAS points or UK Degree at 2:2 or higher, please continue to apply. Your approval to continue with the recruiting process will be determined following successfully passing the Computer Based Aptitude Score (CBAT).
  • Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher you only need Mathematics and English Language GCSEs (or acceptable alternative), at a minimum of Grade 4/C or Scottish National 5 (Grade A – C) in English Language and Mathematics.
  • Be a UK or UK/Dual National and have resided in the UK for the last 5 Years.

To apply for Operations Officer roles you need to:

  • Be aged 17 ½  - 47
  • As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Maths/Application of Mathematics and at least three other subjects.
  • You need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
  • 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 Operations Specialist you need to:

  • Be aged 16-47.
  • Have GCSEs at a minimum of Grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics (or acceptable equivalents, including Functional Skills)
    or
    Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) Standard Grades at a minimum of Grade 2, in English Language and Mathematics 
    or
    Scottish National Equivalent (SNE) grades at Grade 5, in English Language and Mathematics
  • Be a UK or UK/Dual National and have resided in the UK for the last 5 Years.
  • 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.
  • As an Officer or Air Traffic and Weapons Controller, 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 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.
  • 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.
  • We have Air & Space 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 & Space Operations personnel working overseas, including across Europe and the USA.
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