Armed Forces Pilot

Also known as:

Army Pilot
Helicopter Pilot (Armed Forces)
Pilot (Armed Forces)
RAF Pilot
Royal Marines Pilot
Royal Navy Pilot

Introduction

Armed forces pilots are officers who fly aircraft or helicopters with the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Royal Navy (RN) or the Army. Pilots join a flight division after completing initial officer training with their force.

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Work Activities

Armed forces pilots serve in the RAF, the Royal Navy or the Army. Each one of the three forces has its own specialist flight division which pilots join after their initial officer training.

RAF pilots enter the Flying Branch; Royal Navy and Royal Marines pilots join the Fleet Air Arm; Army pilots serve with the Army Air Corps (AAC).

Pilots in the RAF have the opportunity to fly a wide variety of aircraft. After initial training, pilots are assessed and selected for further training in flying jets, larger multi-engine aircraft or helicopters.

Pilots of a jet, such as a Eurofighter Typhoon, are primarily involved in air-to-air combat or ground attack. Pilots of a Hercules transport aircraft could be sent anywhere in the world on military support or humanitarian aid missions. Helicopter pilots' duties can include anything from search and rescue flights to ferrying troops and equipment into combat zones.

Pilots in the Royal Navy either fly helicopters or fast-jet 'short take off and vertical landing' aircraft. At sea, Royal Navy pilots may be involved in assault operations or in anti-submarine warfare. Other flying duties include reconnaissance, transportation and search and rescue.

Army Air Corps (AAC) pilots spend most of their time piloting helicopters. The AAC's main roles to destroy enemy armour using attach helicopters. Army pilots' other duties include reconnaissance, providing airborne command posts and directing artillery fire.

Pilots in the armed forces spend time maintaining and perfecting their flying skills to make sure that they are always prepared for any emergency. Pilots have support from navigators (RAF) and observers (RN) and ground crew.

As officers, pilots also have ground or shipborne duties such as looking after the welfare of people under their command. They are also trained in management and administration. Instructing new pilots is quite a common role for more experienced pilots.

Most pilots continue flying duties until they reach their mid-forties. After this, they are almost completely confined to ground duties.

As with other careers in the armed forces, pilots must be prepared to live and serve anywhere in the UK and overseas. They will sometimes have to work in difficult, dangerous (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a pilot, you will need an agile mind so you can respond quickly in any situation. You will need a good knowledge of avionics, map reading, navigation and weapons systems.

You will need good co-ordination, especially during solo flights, when you will have sole responsibility for navigating and controlling the aircraft while aiming and firing weapons.

Armed forces pilots are officers, so you will need the necessary skills to motivate, lead and encourage those under your command.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

On appointment a pilot earns around £41,000 a year, rising with length of service and promotion.

Hours of work for pilots in the armed forces vary depending on operational requirements, but may include shifts, early starts, late finishes, weekend work and working on public holidays.

As a pilot, you may also need to work at short notice, and you should expect to work longer hours during military exercises or on operational missions.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

Different age limits are set for each of the armed forces. The upper age limit for entry into the Royal Navy as a pilot is 26; for the Army it is 28; for the RAF, it is up to and including 23.

However, the age limit may be raised for those with particularly relevant experience and/or qualifications. For further information, contact your local armed forces careers office.

Standard entry requirements apply to all applicants for officer training as a pilot, regardless of age.

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Further Information

Contact your local armed forces careers office.

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