Job Description:
Job information
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Pilot from the Company
Royal Air Force, this latest
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Pilot job vacancy is located in the city
United Kingdom located in the country
United Kingdom . This latest job opening is open to job seekers who have the latest education / graduate
GCSE . Job Vacancies in this
Freelance field have been opened and published up to the specified time.
Job Responsibility:
CURRENTLY RECRUITING
Aircraft Analysis & maths Gaming & computers
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING OFFICER TRAINING
£33,100+
+ BENEFITS
PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE AND PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£50,500+
+ BENEFITS
Royal Air Force Pilots provide air power on behalf of the country, operating state-of-the-art aircraft world-wide. Already applied? See what the next steps are >
What will you do?
This is a diverse and exciting role helping protect the skies and space as well as supporting operations and protecting the interests and influence of the UK and our allies. You'll be streamed to fast-jet, multi-engine, rotary-wing (helicopter) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) depending on operational requirements and your flying ability. You are then likely to specialise in this type of aircraft throughout your career. Across these different specialisms you could be:
- Conducting air-to-air combat
- Taking part in ground attack missions
- Be involved in intelligence and surveillance
- Providing military support
- Delivering equipment and supplies
- Controlling aircraft from ground control stations
- Mission planning and ground-based staff duties
What's it like being a pilot in the RAF
Flight Lieutenant Chris Gordon explains how he joined the RAF and what his job involves as a Chinook pilot
Minimum education requirements
- GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Maths/Application of Mathematics and at least three other subjects.
- Have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points
Requirements
- The minimum age to apply is 17-and-a-half . The maximum age on entry to Direct Entry Pilot is age 23, Phase One training at RAF Cranwell must be started before your 24th birthday. To accommodate the process, candidates are to submit an application before their 23rd birthday.
- Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality
- Commit to minimum 12 years service
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
- Candidates must be able to swim - see details below
View all entry requirements >
ROLESTREAMING Pilot is part of the Aircrew Profession, and this role is split into 4 main streams. After Elementary Flying Training you will be streamed into one of the following for specialist training tailored to type of aircraft. This will depend upon aptitude, qualifications, career aspirations and the Service need.
Fast-jet
As a Fast-jet pilot you will be responsible for flying in a front-line combat air role. You will initially fly the Texan, after which you will be awarded your Pilot 'Wings', before progressing to the Hawk T2. After successful completion of the tactical weapons phase, you will go to train on the specific aircraft that you will be flying in a front-line role (e.g. Typhoon)
Multi-engine
As a multi-engine pilot you will fly the Phenom at RAFC Cranwell before going on to train on the aircraft that you will be flying operationally (e.g. C17) upon receiving your Pilot ‘wings'
Rotary-wing
If you are streamed to rotary, you will start by flying twin-engine helicopters at RAF Shawbury, the Juno and Jupiter. After being successfully awarded your Pilot ‘wings', you will then go to train on the helicopter that you will be flying operationally (e g. Chinook)
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
If you are streamed to Pilot (ISR) RPAS, you will move straight to your operational aircraft, the Protector. After an initial Basic Phase you will be awarded your Pilot 'Wings', before progressing to the Advanced Phase and then the front line.
CAREER, TRAINING& EDUCATIONAt any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Initial Officer training
24 weeks RAF Cranwell You'll begin your career with us at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire where you'll complete your Initial Training Course. Read more
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
27 weeks As assigned Your specialist training begins with Elementary Flying Training where you'll fly the Tutor or Prefect aircraft. Read more
03
Phase two training
Fast-jet training
2 years RAF Valley If you are streamed to Fast-jet, training lasts about 2 years and you will initially fly the Texan at RAF Valley. Read more
04
Phase two training
Multi-engine training
10 months RAF Cranwell If you are streamed to multi-engine aircraft, the training is 10 months long, during which you will fly the Phenom at RAFC Cranwell. Read more
05
Phase two training
Rotary wing training
18 months RAF Shawbury If you are streamed to rotary-wing, you will spend 18 months flying twin-engine helicopters at RAF Shawbury, the Juno and Jupiter. Read more
06
Phase two training
Pilot (ISR) RPAS training
19 Weeks RAF Waddington If you are streamed to RPAS, you will go to either Grand Forks, North Dakota or RAF Waddington. Read more
07
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing As assigned During your first tour, you are likely to serve overseas on detachment or an exercise. Read more
08
Your career prospects
Specialist training
Ongoing As assigned You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years. Read more
09
In-Service Degree
Development
Ongoing As assigned As a Pilot, you will have opportunities for further professional development throughout your career. Read more
10
Transferable skills
Development
Ongoing As assigned The skills and experience you gain throughout your career as a Pilot in the RAF are valuable. Read more
WHY JOINTHE RAF? Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket. Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training
View all benefits
WHAT HAPPENSAFTER APPLYINGJoining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you're the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Aptitude tests
Stage 1 of 7
The first step in the application process is a series of Computer Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT). These tests ensure we match the right candidate to the right role. They take place over one day at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and measure your ability to perform specific tasks such as:
- How well you respond physically to visual information
- Your ability to interpret information in two dimensions and devise a three-dimensional solution
- Your ability to complete several tasks simultaneously
- Your natural abilities, including deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate and concentration, and verbal and numerical reasoning
2
Selection interviews
Stage 2 of 7
Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better - and vice versa. You'll get to show your skills and experience, and we'll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF. The first of these interviews happens at an Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) and covers the following topics:
- Family life
- Education
- Work experience
- Special interests or hobbies
- Interest in the RAF
3
Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 7
You're legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you're fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index. We'll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. View details below for more information about the health standards you'll need to meet.
4
Fitness test
Stage 4 of 7
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it's also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You'll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test. The performance level you'll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you'll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.
5
OASC
Stage 5 of 7
This will be your second visit to the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving. The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide. The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF - what you know about current affairs and the RAF's role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.
6
Familiarisation visit
Stage 6 of 7
This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You'll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.
7
Offer of service
Stage 7 of 7
Once you've successfully completed each phase of the application process you'll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO. This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
ENTRYREQUIREMENTS The maximum age on entry to Direct Entry Pilot is age 23, Phase One training at RAF Cranwell must be started before your 24th birthday. Candidates are to submit an application before their 23rd birthday. Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS GCSE GCSE 2017 Scottish National 5 Mathematics/Application of Mathematics C Grade 4 C English Language C Grade 4 C Three other subjects C Grade 4 C Have 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. If you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics/Application of Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSEs a Grade C/4
or Scottish National 5 grade C You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here. NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY FITNESS REQUIREMENTS RAF SWIMMING TEST HEALTH REQUIREMENTS BACKGROUND CHECKS DISQUALIFYING FACTORS If you don't have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
APPLYNOWGot what it takes? Start your application here.
SIMILARROLES Aircrew Weapon Systems Officer Aircraft Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Aircrew Weapon Systems Operator Aircraft Analysis & maths Travelling the world
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Closed Date :
2025-08-31