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Officer Pilot

Royal Navy
locationChatham, UK
PublishedPublished: Published yesterday
Flight crew
Full Time
Role details

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you'll gain.

Entry Requirements

Age

You can join between the ages of 18 - 29. At the time of your application you will need to be between 18 years old and 28 years & 11 months old.

Fitness

  • Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
  • Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
  • MSFT (beep test) level 8.07
More information about the fitness test

Education

  • 35 ALIS points at GCSE (34 for SNQs) from 7 GCSE/SNQ subjects, with a minimum grade C/4 in English Language, Maths, and a science or foreign language.
  • 72 UCAS Tariff points from A-level / BTEC / Scottish Highers.
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About the Role

Army Air Corps

The Army Air Corps (AAC) work with battle-winning aircraft, using advanced sensors and weaponry to find and defat the enemy.

As an Officer Pilot you'll learn how to fly and command military helicopters. You'll lead complex aviation missions and command small, close-knit teams of other Officers and Soldiers. You will learn everything you need to know about flying, from take-off and landing to formation flying at night. On completion of the Army Pilots' Course, if you qualify on either the Wildcat or Apache.

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Key responsibilities

  • Learn to fly the most advanced battlefield helicopters in the world
  • Provide essential support for troops on the ground
  • Attack targets, find the enemy, evacuate casualties and move troops and supplies
  • Have huge impact on the battle, wherever you are
  • Get paid to learn to fly and command in the skies
"FLYING HELICOPTERS IS INCREDIBLY EXCITING. NOTHING COMPARES TO IT."

Training

  • Must be able to start flying training by your 30th birthday (noting 44 weeks at RMAS and up to 12 months on an attachment with a Combat Arm after commissioning).
Step 1 To become an officer pilot you must first and foremost apply to become a British Army Officer. You will complete standard Army Officer training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. On passing the aviation aptitude, medical and flying grading tests, you will be eligible to be selected as a helicopter Officer Pilot.

Step 2 Over the next two years, you will learn to fly the Juno (H135) training helicopter. You will also learn about communications, navigation and tactics. At the end you will be awarded the Army Pilot Badge (your 'Wings') and get streamed on to your operational aircraft, usually the Apache attack helicopter or reconnaissance Wildcat. You'll then complete your conversion course (approximately 18 months) before arriving fully qualified at your frontline regiment.

Pay and Benefits

You'll earn £35,925 during your year of training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, before commissioning and becoming a Second Lieutenant, on £42,948 a year. As your experience increases, pilots become eligible for recruiting and retention payments on top of their basic salary.

Qualifications You'll Earn

  • Foundation Degree in Aviation Systems Management
  • Degree Level (Level 5 & 6) Diplomas in Management and Leadership
  • Graduate entrants get a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Conflict Studies and access to the full Masters Postgraduate Degree