Until at least you have completed one year of service and successfully completed Professional Workplace Assessments on first posting.
As an RAF Air & Ground Steward you will work as Cabin Crew on the A330-200 Voyager aircraft and later as part of our Specialist Field catering Squadron or working alongside industry partners in Military Messes.
Already applied? See what the next steps are >
You will be responsible for the comfort, safety and welfare of passengers travelling on 10 Sqn or 101 Sqn Voyager aircraft. In your role you will:
- Be part of cabin crew on the RAF A330-200 ‘Voyager’ Aircraft of 10Sqn and 101Sqn
- Be part of cabin crew on the RAF Envoy IV CC1 aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Sqn
- Following your first flying tour you could work alongside our industry partners in military messes or be part of our specialist field catering squadron
- Get the opportunity to fly on the Envoy IV CC1 aircraft, having gained Voyager experience, and fly with Royals, the Prime Minister and senior members of the cabinet and HM forces
As an RAF Air & Ground Steward you will work as Cabin Crew on the A330-200 Voyager aircraft and later as part of our Specialist Field catering Squadron or working alongside industry partners in Military Messes.
Already applied? See what the next steps are >
You will be responsible for the comfort, safety and welfare of passengers travelling on 10 Sqn or 101 Sqn Voyager aircraft. In your role you will:
- Be part of cabin crew on the RAF A330-200 ‘Voyager’ Aircraft of 10Sqn and 101Sqn
- Be part of cabin crew on the RAF Envoy IV CC1 aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Sqn
- Following your first flying tour you could work alongside our industry partners in military messes or be part of our specialist field catering squadron
- Get the opportunity to fly on the Envoy IV CC1 aircraft, having gained Voyager experience, and fly with Royals, the Prime Minister and senior members of the cabinet and HM forces
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As a minimum, you need GCSE's at grade G/1 in English Language and Mathematics
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For qualified entry you must also have one of the following:
- At least 12 months currency as qualified airline industry Cabin Crew, within the last 24 months.
- Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3
- City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew Operations Level 2
You must have one of the following:
- Must be ex–RAF Air and Ground Steward or Civilian qualified Cabin Crew
- At least 12 months currency as qualified airline industry Cabin Crew, within the last 24 months.
- Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3
- City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew Operations Level 2
- Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
- Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality
- Must be within the height range of 161cm - 195cm
- Must be able to swim (see below)
- Commit to a minimum 3 years after specialist training
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a fitness test
- Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
- Be a UK or Republic of Ireland citizen
- Commit 27 days per year
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a General Fitness Test
- Pass a Swimming Test - see details below
- A minimum & maximum height range 161cm to 195cm applies to this Trade.
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
Must be between 17.5 and 47 years old. (Must attest before 48th birthday).
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.
If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.
As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:
- 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
- Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
- Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds
How fit you need to be to pass this test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
MEN | |||
AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
(Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
15-16 | 12.39 | 20 | 35 |
17-29 | 12.11 | 20 | 35 |
30-34 | 12.36 | 19 | 32 |
35-39 | 13.02 | 18 | 29 |
40-44 | 13.30 | 17 | 26 |
45-49 | 14.00 | 16 | 23 |
50-54 | 14.34 | 15 | 20 |
WOMEN | |||
AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
(Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
15-16 | 14.59 | 10 | 32 |
17-29 | 14.30 | 10 | 32 |
30-34 | 14.55 | 9 | 29 |
35-39 | 15.21 | 8 | 26 |
40-44 | 15.58 | 7 | 23 |
45-49 | 16.32 | 6 | 20 |
50-54 | 17.06 | 5 | 17 |
See here for more information about the test and a training plan
All candidates for this role must be able to swim.
To train as aircrew in the RAF, you must be able to pass the RAF Swimming Test as follows: Swim 100 meters without rest, using any front or sidestroke. Tread water for 2 minutes. Get out of the deep end of the pool unassisted, without the use of steps or the bottom of the pool.
All personnel attempting the test must wear clothing commensurate with that worn for their normal operating activity, which for aircrew is a flying suit.
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
Age | Male and female minimum | Male and female maximum | Male maximum with additional assessment | Female maximum with additional assessment |
18 + | 18 | 30 | 32 | 32 |
16 to < 18 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
YOU MUST:
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
- Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
- Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
- Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
- Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). - Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
- Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available
Must be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.
As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:
- 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
- Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
- Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds
How fit you need to be to pass this test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
MEN | |||
AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
(Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
15-16 | 12.39 | 20 | 35 |
17-29 | 12.11 | 20 | 35 |
30-34 | 12.36 | 19 | 32 |
35-39 | 13.02 | 18 | 29 |
40-44 | 13.30 | 17 | 26 |
45-49 | 14.00 | 16 | 23 |
50-54 | 14.34 | 15 | 20 |
WOMEN | |||
AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
(Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
15-16 | 14.59 | 10 | 32 |
17-29 | 14.30 | 10 | 32 |
30-34 | 14.55 | 9 | 29 |
35-39 | 15.21 | 8 | 26 |
40-44 | 15.58 | 7 | 23 |
45-49 | 16.32 | 6 | 20 |
50-54 | 17.06 | 5 | 17 |
See here for more information about the test and a training plan
To train as an Air and Ground Steward in the RAF Reserves, you must be able to pass the RAF Swimming Test as follows: Swim 100 meters without rest, using any front or sidestroke. Tread water for 2 minutes. Get out of the deep end of the pool unassisted, without the use of steps or the bottom of the pool.
All personnel attempting the test must wear clothing commensurate with that worn for their normal operating activity.
BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:
There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:
- Body Mass Index requirements:
Age | Male and female minimum | Male and female maximum | Male maximum with additional assessment | Female maximum with additional assessment |
18 + | 18 | 28 | 32 | 30 |
16 to < 18 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
- Calculate your BMI now, click here.
- Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.
DURING YOUR APPLICATION:
The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
YOU MUST:
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
- Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
- Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
- Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
- Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). - Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
- Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.