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Armed Forces

Pilot (RAF/Navy)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) or Royal Navy is responsible for flying a variety of military aircraft, including fast jets, helicopters, and transport planes. These pilots carry out important missions such as air defence, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and support operations all over the world. The role requires strong leadership, quick decision-making, and excellent teamwork skills, as well as the ability to handle highly technical equipment. Training is rigorous and includes both academic study and practical flying experience. Once qualified, pilots may be deployed to different locations and can expect to undertake regular training exercises and operational tours. This career is ideal for those with a passion for aviation, a sense of duty, and a willingness to commit to military life.

Pilot (RAF/Navy)

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📊 Statistics

Average starting salary

RAF and Royal Navy pilots typically start on a salary of around £27,200 during training, rising to £33,000 to £46,000 after qualification.

Number of personnel

There are approximately 1,500 to 2,000 active military pilots in the UK across the RAF and Royal Navy.

Training duration

It typically takes 2 to 4 years of intensive training to become a fully qualified military pilot in the UK.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Fast Jet Pilot (RAF)

Operate high-speed fighter aircraft for the Royal Air Force, carrying out defence missions, training exercises, and air patrols.

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Helicopter Pilot (Royal Navy)

Fly helicopters for the Royal Navy, supporting search and rescue operations, anti-submarine missions, and transporting personnel or supplies.

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Multi-Engine Transport Pilot (RAF)

Pilot large transport aircraft in the Royal Air Force, responsible for carrying troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid to locations around the world.

Meet Entry Requirements

Achieve Academic Qualifications

Obtain the necessary GCSEs and A-levels to apply for the RAF or Navy.

For officer entry as a pilot, you will typically need at least five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 including English, Maths and Science, plus two or three A-levels (or equivalent) with good grades. Some technical aptitude and a strong academic background are highly valued.

Meet Medical and Fitness Standards

Pass the required medical and fitness tests to ensure you are fit to fly.

Pilots must meet strict medical and eyesight standards. You will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment, including vision tests, and must be physically fit, meeting the fitness requirements for entry to the RAF or Royal Navy.

Be Eligible to Join the Armed Forces

Ensure you meet the nationality and age requirements for service.

You must be a British citizen and usually between 17 and 25 years old for pilot training. There are additional criteria for security clearance and background checks.

Apply and Complete Selection

Submit Your Application

Apply online for pilot entry with the RAF or Royal Navy.

Applications are made through the official RAF or Royal Navy recruitment websites. You will need to provide details about your education, health, and motivation for joining.

Attend Assessment Centres

Take part in interviews, aptitude tests, and group exercises.

Assessment includes academic and problem-solving tests, group activities to assess teamwork and leadership, and an initial officer interview. For pilots, there are also specific aptitude tests related to flying skills.

Pass the Flying Aptitude Tests

Complete specialist tests measuring your potential as a pilot.

These tests assess coordination, spatial awareness, multitasking, and decision-making. Success is crucial for progressing to flight training.

Undertake Military and Flight Training

Complete Initial Officer Training

Undergo basic military training as an officer cadet.

Training covers leadership, discipline, weapons handling, and survival skills. This phase is physically and mentally demanding, preparing you for life as a commissioned officer.

Begin Elementary Flying Training

Start basic flying lessons in light aircraft.

You will learn the fundamentals of flight, navigation, and aircraft handling. Performance at this stage determines your suitability for advanced training and the types of aircraft you may fly.

Progress to Advanced Flying and Specialist Training

Undertake further training on fast jets, helicopters, or multi-engine aircraft.

After elementary training, you will be streamed according to your skills and the needs of the service. Advanced training is more intensive and tailored to your future operational role. On successful completion, you will earn your 'wings' and be posted to an operational squadron.

🎯 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

The title 'Pilot (RAF/Navy)' closely matches 'Helicopter pilot' as both involve operating rotary-wing aircraft within military or similar contexts. Both careers require specialized flying skills, air navigation expertise, and adherence to strict safety protocols, typically within military or defence environments.

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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