Pilot

The job

Your role as a pilot in the RAF is as varied as the aircraft you can fly. Once you’ve completed initial training, you’ll be selected to fly jets, larger multi-engine aircraft or helicopters. As the pilot of a Eurofighter Typhoon, your primary role will be air-to-air combat or ground attack. In a Hercules transport aircraft, you could be sent anywhere in the world on military support or humanitarian aid missions. In a helicopter your duties might include anything from search and rescue flights to ferrying troops and equipment into combat zones.

After your initial training, you’ll then receive further training on the aircraft type you’ve been assigned to, then start getting to grips with using that aircraft in your day-to-day job.

Sponsorship

We may be able to invest in your future by funding your studies until you’re ready to start training as a Pilot.

You can apply to join the RAF as a pilot directly from sixth form. We provide £2,000 sponsorship during your Upper Sixth year and after you’ve joined, you can then study for an Open University degree and work for us at the same time.

Alternatively, you can apply for a Sixth Form Scholarship of £1,000, followed by a University Bursary of £1,000 a year if you study for a degree you’ve agreed with us. In return, we ask you to become a member of the University Air Squadron (UAS) (or Air Training Corps while you’re at school) and to join the RAF once you finish your studies.

As well as financial support, UAS is an opportunity to get first-hand experience of working with our people, technology and aircraft – and we’ll also give you free flying lessons.

To find out more about sponsorship, contact an RAF Senior Careers Liaison Officer via the careers staff at your school or college – or visit your local Armed Forces Careers Office.

Medical requirements

Pilots undergo intensive training, which is both physically and mentally demanding. As well as meeting the basic medical requirements for military service, you’ll also need to meet the standards required for this role.

Pilots must be of the right measurement and build to fit in an ejector seat. Because of this, our requirements are flexible and we work on a case-by-case basis. As well as your height and weight, we will measure your sitting height, leg length and reach length. Potential candidates also have to complete an eyesight and colour perception test and a hearing test.

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