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Armed Forces

Pilot (RAF/Navy)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Being a pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) or Royal Navy is a highly skilled and demanding career. RAF and Navy pilots operate a variety of aircraft, from fast jets and multi-engine planes to helicopters. Duties include flying missions, training exercises, reconnaissance, and supporting humanitarian or combat operations. The role requires quick thinking, teamwork, leadership, and a high level of technical knowledge. Training is extensive and includes both ground school and flight training. Pilots must also maintain physical fitness and pass regular medical and aptitude tests. Serving as a military pilot can lead to further opportunities within the armed forces or in civilian aviation after service.

Pilot (RAF/Navy)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

RAF and Royal Navy pilots can expect starting salaries from around £27,200 during initial training, rising to £42,000 to £60,000 with experience and rank.

Number of Personnel

As of 2023, there are approximately 1,300 pilots in the Royal Air Force and around 500 pilots in the Fleet Air Arm (Royal Navy).

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be aged 17.5 to 25, with a minimum of 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths) and 2 A-levels. Excellent eyesight and medical fitness are required.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Fast Jet Pilot (RAF)

Operate high-speed military aircraft such as the Typhoon or F-35, conducting air-to-air combat, reconnaissance, and ground attack missions.

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Helicopter Pilot (Royal Navy)

Fly helicopters like the Merlin or Wildcat for search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, or transport missions within naval operations.

Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) Pilot (RAF)

Control unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and support missions as part of the Royal Air Force.

Meet Entry Requirements

Achieve Strong GCSEs and A-Levels

Obtain at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths, and Science. A-Levels (or equivalent) in subjects like Maths or Physics will strengthen your application.

Most officer roles, including pilot positions, require a minimum of two A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications) and strong grades in core subjects. Consider choosing subjects that relate to science and maths, as these are highly valued. You can also look into BTEC qualifications in relevant areas if not taking traditional A-Levels.

Meet Medical and Fitness Standards

Pass a thorough medical examination and fitness test to ensure you meet the physical and health requirements for military pilots.

The RAF and Royal Navy have strict medical standards, including good eyesight (with or without correction), hearing, and general physical health. You will also need to pass a physical fitness test, which includes running, press-ups, and sit-ups. Start maintaining a good level of fitness and consult the official RAF or Royal Navy websites for specific medical criteria.

Apply and Complete Selection

Research and Apply to RAF or Royal Navy

Decide whether you want to join the RAF or Royal Navy, then submit your application through their official recruitment websites.

Take time to understand the differences between RAF and Royal Navy pilot roles, including the types of aircraft flown and operational duties. Visit recruitment centres, attend open days, and speak with serving personnel to help you decide. The application process includes submitting personal details, qualifications, and a motivation statement.

Attend Assessment and Interviews

Take part in aptitude tests, interviews, and group exercises designed to assess your suitability as a military pilot.

Both services use a series of tests to evaluate your skills in problem solving, teamwork, leadership, and aptitude for flying. You may also have to complete computer-based tests and scenario exercises. Prepare by practising interview techniques and researching the core values of your chosen service.

Undergo Officer and Flying Training

Complete Officer Training

Undertake initial officer training to develop leadership, discipline, and military knowledge.

For the RAF, officer training takes place at RAF Cranwell and lasts around 24 weeks. The Royal Navy holds officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College, typically lasting 30 weeks. Training involves classroom learning, field exercises, leadership tasks, and physical fitness development.

Begin Specialist Flying Training

Start the specialist pilot training programme, learning to fly military aircraft and developing advanced aviation skills.

RAF pilots begin Elementary Flying Training before progressing to advanced courses on fast jets, multi-engine aircraft, or helicopters, depending on their chosen pathway. Royal Navy pilots follow a similar route, with options to fly helicopters or fast jets from ships. Training is demanding and includes simulator sessions, theory exams, and live flying practice.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Pilot (RAF/Navy). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

Both RAF/Navy pilots and helicopter pilots are responsible for operating aircraft, often in complex and demanding environments. They require similar aviation skills, training, and a focus on safety and navigation, making them closely comparable in terms of qualifications and expertise.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • courses run by private training organisations

University

Although not essential, you could do a university degree in air transport or aviation, which includes helicopter pilot training with an approved flight training organisation.

To start a course, you'll need:

You'll need to apply for the higher level Class 1 medical certificate during your course to get your Commercial Pilot's Licence. If you wish, you can apply for the Class 1 certificate before your course starts.

As well as standard university fees, you will need to fund the flight training part of your course. Universities can advise you about this.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Other Routes

You can apply to join a course with a flight training organisation to get your Commercial Pilot Licence CPL(H). You'll need the CPL(H) to fly helicopters commercially.

Entry requirements vary though you'll usually need:

  • to pass skills tests and a thorough medical assessment
  • a minimum of 155 hours' flying time

The number of flying hours needed may be lower for trained aeroplane pilots.

As a first step, you could train for a Private Pilot's Licence PPL(H) which allows you to fly for personal use and build up your flying hours. The flight training school would assess your skills, and could ask you to take some pre-course training to prove that you have the level of ability and skills needed for commercial training.

Training is expensive and you'll usually have to fund it yourself.

You could also join the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force as a trainee pilot.

More Information

Career tips

If you're thinking of a career as a helicopter pilot, it's strongly recommended that you consider taking a pilot Aptitude Assessment before you start training.

You could also take a trial lesson with a flight school to make sure this is the right career for you.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a helicopter pilot from:

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