Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

Aircrew in the Royal Air Force are paramount to every mission. Working alongside forces on the ground to ensure control of the air.

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AIRCREW ROLES

Aircrew play an essential role in the RAF. Whether using cutting-edge surveillance technology to produce a tactical report, handling the management of troops or operating fast-jet aircraft, no two days are the same.

Flying will become your life. You will work on board aircraft to provide support for ground forces. With the opportunity to fly fighter jets conducting air to air combat and ground attack missions.

Reach new heights with an Aircrew role in the RAF.

Aircrew in the RAF have a whole host of opportunities. As a Pilot, you could fly any one of a number of military aircraft, from fighter jets to multi-engine transport to helicopters.

You could join as a Weapon System Operator, managing the sensors and weapons of aircraft during operational missions and gathering intelligence to support forces on the ground. Or why not become a Weapon System Operator (Linguist)? You’ll be fluent in two or more languages, using your specialist skills to collect and analyse foreign language voice transmissions.

Do you think you’d be better suited as an Officer? You could join as a Weapon Systems Officer, Pilot or RPAS Pilot. As a Weapons System Officer you will be responsible for managing the sensors and weapons of aircraft during operations, whilst at the same time gathering intelligence and supporting forces on the ground. Overseeing a mission crew of highly capable Weapon System Operators to ensure each mission is a success. Or why not join as an RPAS Pilot where you will be part of a team that controls The Reaper, a remotely piloted intelligence aircraft.

TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP

There are plenty of Aircrew roles to choose from in the RAF. The right one for you will depend on your passion, qualifications and skills. Discover some of our featured roles below.

Aircrew
Pilot
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Aircrew
Weapon Systems Officer
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Aircrew
Weapon Systems Operator
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Aircrew
Weapon Systems Operator (Linguist)
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Aircrew
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Pilot
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Aircrew
Pilot
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Aircrew
Weapon Systems Officer
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Aircrew
Weapon Systems Operator
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Aircrew
Weapon Systems Operator (Linguist)
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Aircrew
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Pilot
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Why join the RAF?

  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • Training

See All Benefits

AIRCREW FAQS

What qualifications do I need for Aircrew roles?

TO APPLY FOR AN AIRCREW OFFICER ROLE YOU NEED TO:

  • Be aged between 17.5 and 32, however, the exact range will depend on the role.
    Have GCSEs at grade C/4-5 or above; or SNE equivalent grade 5 or above in Mathematics, English Language and three other subjects.
  • In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
  • Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 with effect from Aug 17) or Mathematics and English Language SCE Standard Grades of 2 or SNE Grade 5.
  • Be a UK citizen from birth, have resided in the UK for 7 years immediately prior to application and your parents/spouse must currently have UK citizenship. *

* For a Pilot role you may also be born in the Republic of Ireland; or be a holder of dual UK/other nationality; or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth. Additionally, whether or not you were born in the UK, you only have to reside in the UK for 5 years immediately preceding your application (candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered). Your parents/spouse also do not have to have UK citizenship.

TO APPLY FOR AN AIRCREW AIRMAN ROLE YOU NEED TO:

  • Be aged between 17.5 and 32.
  • Have GCSEs at grade C/4-5 or above; or SNE equivalent grade 5 or above in Mathematics, English Language and three other subjects. **
  • The exact nationality and residency requirements will depend on the individual role. However, at a minimum, you must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.
  • Additionally, whether or not you were born in the UK, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application.
  • The requirements for other roles will vary so check individual role pages for the exact requirements.

** Linguist roles will also need a modern language, although evidence of an ability to learn languages without a formal qualification may be acceptable.

Do I need to be physically fit for Aircrew roles?

  • Every person in the RAF is required to maintain a level of fitness to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do their role effectively. The exact fitness requirements will depend on your role, age and gender.
  • Fitness is a key part of RAF life – with all the clubs and sports you can get involved with on a wide variety of levels, from occasional fun to Olympic competition.

Where will I be based?

Air Crew roles are spread across RAF bases all over the UK and abroad. Where you will be exactly is dependent on your role and what each base currently requires. Speak with your local AFCO for more information.