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Armed Forces

Pilot (RAF/Navy)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Pilots in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy operate a range of military aircraft, including fast jets, transport planes, and helicopters. Their main duties include flying missions for defence, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and transport. Becoming a military pilot requires rigorous selection, intensive training, and the ability to work as part of a disciplined team. Pilots often spend periods away from home, sometimes on overseas deployment. They must also keep up with continual training to maintain their flying skills and knowledge of new technologies. This career is challenging and demanding but can be highly rewarding for those with a passion for aviation and serving their country.

Pilot (RAF/Navy)

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📊 Statistics

Typical starting salary

RAF and Navy pilots usually start on a salary of around £27,000 to £32,000 during training, rising to between £33,000 and £48,000 upon qualification.

Number of active personnel

As of 2023, the RAF has approximately 1,300 pilots, while the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy has around 500 aircrew.

Minimum entry requirements

Applicants must generally be aged 17 to 25, have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (including English, maths, and science), and pass medical and fitness assessments.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Helicopter Pilot (Royal Navy)

Operate and fly helicopters for the Royal Navy, carrying out search and rescue missions, transporting personnel, and supporting naval operations.

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Fast Jet Pilot (RAF)

Fly advanced fast jet aircraft for the Royal Air Force, specialising in combat, reconnaissance, and air defence missions.

Multi-Engine Aircraft Pilot (RAF)

Pilot larger, multi-engine planes in the RAF to carry out tasks like transporting troops and supplies, air-to-air refuelling, or supporting humanitarian missions.

Meet Entry Requirements

Achieve Strong Academic Results

Obtain at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English, maths, and science. A levels or equivalent qualifications are usually required, preferably in maths or physics.

Most RAF and Royal Navy pilot roles require A levels, ideally in subjects that demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills. Science and maths are especially valuable. Achieving high grades will strengthen your application and may be necessary for officer training routes.

Meet Medical and Fitness Standards

Pass strict medical and fitness checks, including eyesight and hearing tests, as well as physical assessments.

Pilots must have excellent health, with good vision and hearing. There are specific standards for height, weight, and medical history. You will also need to complete physical fitness tests, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise is vital.

Research Entry Routes

Decide whether to apply as a direct entrant or through university schemes such as the Defence Sixth Form College, University Air Squadron, or bursaries.

There are different pathways to becoming a military pilot. You can apply directly after A levels, join through a university sponsorship programme, or attend specialist colleges. Investigate which route best fits your circumstances and career goals.

Apply and Undergo Selection

Submit Your Application

Complete the relevant online application for the RAF or Royal Navy, providing details of your qualifications and personal information.

Applications are made via the RAF or Royal Navy official websites. Make sure you provide accurate and complete information. You may need to write a personal statement or answer questions about your motivation and suitability.

Attend Aptitude and Assessment Centres

Take part in aptitude tests, interviews, group exercises, and initial flying aptitude testing.

Assessment centres evaluate your cognitive abilities, teamwork, leadership potential, and communication skills. Flying aptitude tests measure your coordination and ability to handle simulated flight controls. Prepare by practising problem-solving and teamwork exercises.

Complete Officer Selection

Successfully pass the Officer Selection Board (RAF) or Admiralty Interview Board (Navy), which includes interviews, leadership tasks, and further fitness tests.

These boards are comprehensive and test your suitability to become an officer and pilot. They assess your leadership, decision-making, and resilience under pressure. Research the format and seek advice from serving personnel or careers advisors.

Begin Officer and Flying Training

Complete Initial Officer Training

Undergo basic officer training at RAF Cranwell or Britannia Royal Naval College to learn leadership, military skills, and discipline.

This phase lasts several months and covers leadership development, physical training, military drills, and academic study. Graduating from this stage is essential to progress to specialist pilot training.

Start Elementary Flying Training

Undertake your first formal flying lessons in light aircraft, learning basic piloting skills and procedures.

Elementary flying training develops your basic flying ability, navigation, and airmanship. You must pass assessments to move on to more advanced training. This phase is demanding and requires dedication and consistent improvement.

Progress to Advanced and Operational Conversion Training

Once you have mastered elementary flying, move on to advanced training in fast jets, helicopters, or multi-engine aircraft, depending on your posting.

Your performance and the needs of the service will determine which aircraft type you train on. You will learn advanced tactics, instruments, and operational flying, preparing you for your first tour as a qualified military pilot.

🎯 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 civilian helicopter pilots are trained to operate rotorcraft in various environments and missions, requiring specialised flying skills and navigation experience. The operational procedures, safety protocols, and leadership responsibilities are also quite similar between these roles.

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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