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PILOT
Image of a pilot getting into the cockpit
CURRENTLY RECRUITING
Aircraft Analysis & maths Gaming & computers
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING OFFICER TRAINING
£33,100+
+ Benefits
PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE AND PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£50,500+
+ Benefits

Royal Air Force Pilots provide air power on behalf of the country, operating state-of-the-art aircraft world-wide.

Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.

You can view and manage favourites here.

 

Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.

What will you do?

This is a diverse and exciting role helping protect the skies and space as well as supporting operations and protecting the interests and influence of the UK and our allies. You’ll be streamed to fast-jet, multi-engine, rotary-wing (helicopter) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) depending on operational requirements and your flying ability. You are then likely to specialise in this type of aircraft throughout your career. Across these different specialisms you could be:

 

  • Conducting air-to-air combat
  • Taking part in ground attack missions
  • Be involved in intelligence and surveillance 
  • Providing military support
  • Delivering equipment and supplies
  • Controlling aircraft from ground control stations
  • Mission planning and ground-based staff duties
RAF Chinook and Pumas flying over London viewed from Chinook cockpit white play-video button large icon
What's it like being a pilot in the RAF
Flight Lieutenant Chris Gordon explains how he joined the RAF and what his job involves as a Chinook pilot
Minimum education requirements
  • 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.
  • Have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points
RAF Pilot flying A400 Atlas, receiving fuel from RAF Voyager mid-air
Requirements
  • The minimum age to apply is 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. To accommodate the process, candidates are to submit an application before their 23rd birthday.
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality
  • Commit to minimum 12 years service
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below
  • Candidates must be able to swim - see details below

 

View all entry requirements >

ROLE
STREAMING

Pilot is part of the Aircrew Profession, and this role is split into 4 main streams. After Elementary Flying Training you will be streamed into one of the following for specialist training tailored to type of aircraft. This will depend upon aptitude, qualifications, career aspirations and the Service need.

Fast-jet

As a Fast-jet pilot you will be responsible for flying in a front-line combat air role. You will initially fly the Texan, after which you will be awarded your Pilot 'Wings', before progressing to the Hawk T2.

After successful completion of the tactical weapons phase, you will go to train on the specific aircraft that you will be flying in a front-line role (e.g. Typhoon)

Multi-engine

As a multi-engine pilot you will fly the Phenom at RAFC Cranwell before going on to train on the aircraft that you will be flying operationally (e.g. C17) upon receiving your Pilot ‘wings’

Rotary-wing

If you are streamed to rotary, you will start by flying twin-engine helicopters at RAF Shawbury, the Juno and Jupiter. After being successfully awarded your Pilot ‘wings’, you will then go to train on the helicopter that you will be flying operationally (e g. Chinook)

Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

If you are streamed to Pilot (ISR) RPAS, you will learn to fly the Protector. After successfully completing your Operational Conversion Unit you will be awarded your Pilot Flying Badge or 'Wings', before progressing to your front line unit.

CAREER, TRAINING
& EDUCATION
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Initial Officer training
white stopwatch icon for duration 24 weeks
white map-pin icon for location RAF Cranwell
You’ll begin your career with us at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire where you’ll complete your Initial Training Course.
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02
Phase two training
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration 27 weeks
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Your specialist training begins with Elementary Flying Training where you’ll fly the Tutor or Prefect aircraft.
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03
Phase two training
Fast-jet training
white stopwatch icon for duration 2 years
white map-pin icon for location RAF Valley
If you are streamed to Fast-jet, training lasts about 2 years and you will initially fly the Texan at RAF Valley.
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04
Phase two training
Multi-engine training
white stopwatch icon for duration 10 months
white map-pin icon for location RAF Cranwell
If you are streamed to multi-engine aircraft, the training is 10 months long, during which you will fly the Phenom at RAFC Cranwell.
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05
Phase two training
Rotary wing training
white stopwatch icon for duration 18 months
white map-pin icon for location RAF Shawbury
If you are streamed to rotary-wing, you will spend 18 months flying twin-engine helicopters at RAF Shawbury, the Juno and Jupiter.
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06
Phase two training
Pilot (ISR) RPAS training
white stopwatch icon for duration 9 months
white map-pin icon for location RAF Waddington
If you are streamed RPAS you will spend 9 months flying Protector with 54 Sqn at RAF Waddington prior to posting to a frontline Squadron.
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07
First tour
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
During your first tour, you are likely to serve overseas on detachment or an exercise.
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08
Your career prospects
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
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You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years.
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09
In-Service Degree
Development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
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As a Pilot, you will have opportunities for further professional development throughout your career.
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10
Transferable skills
Development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
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The skills and experience you gain throughout your career as a Pilot in the RAF are valuable.
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WHY JOIN AS
AN OFFICER?

When you become an RAF Officer, your responsibilities start from day one. You’ll be tasked with leading a team, building a sense of camaraderie, and making quick decisions. Become tomorrow’s leader. Start today.

WHY JOIN
THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

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
WHAT HAPPENS
AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Aptitude tests
2
Selection interviews
3
Health Assessment
4
Fitness test
5
OASC
6
Familiarisation visit
7
Offer of service
1
Aptitude tests
Stage 1 of 7

The first step in the application process is a series of Computer Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT). These tests ensure we match the right candidate to the right role. They take place over one day at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and measure your ability to perform specific tasks such as:

  • How well you respond physically to visual information
  • Your ability to interpret information in two dimensions and devise a three-dimensional solution
  • Your ability to complete several tasks simultaneously
  • Your natural abilities, including deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate and concentration, and verbal and numerical reasoning
2
Selection interviews
Stage 2 of 7

Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better – and vice versa. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF. The first of these interviews happens at an Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) and covers the following topics:

  • Family life
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Special interests or hobbies
  • Interest in the RAF
3
Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 7

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

 

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

4
Fitness test
Stage 4 of 7

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run.

 

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.

5
OASC
Stage 5 of 7

This will be your second visit to the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.

 

The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.

 

The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.

 

6
Familiarisation visit
Stage 6 of 7

This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.

7
Offer of service
Stage 7 of 7

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.

 

This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS

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. Candidates are to submit an application before their 23rd birthday. Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  GCSE GCSE 2017 Scottish National 5
Mathematics/Application of Mathematics C Grade 4 C
English Language C Grade 4 C
Three other subjects C Grade 4 C

Have 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.

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

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.

RESIDENCY

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered.

If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)

How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 13.52
17-29 13.20
30-34 13.49
35-39 14.14
40-44 14.46
45-49 15.17
50-54 15.53

 

WOMEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 16.22
17-29 15.48
30-34 16.14
35-39 16.44
40-44 17.22
45-49 17.57
50-54 18.34

See here for more information about a training plan

A second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This includes the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Standards to achieve will be given during the visit.

RAF SWIMMING TEST

To train as aircrew in the RAF, you must be able to pass the RAF Swimming Test as follows: Swim 100 metres without rest, using any front or sidestroke. Tread water for 2 minutes. Get out of the deep end of the pool unassisted, without the use of steps or the bottom of the pool. 

 

All personnel attempting the test must wear clothing commensurate with that worn for their normal operating activity, which for aircrew is a flying suit.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care. 

 

Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document. 

Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows: 

Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 30 32 32
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27

Calculate your BMI here 

 

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew. 
 
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.  

 

During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information. 

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a background check in order to get an enhanced security clearance
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). 
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
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