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Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Pilot

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Job ID:

81749

Job Type:

Full Time

Category:

Freelance

Educations:

GCSE
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Posted:

2025-08-01

Location:

Job Views:

34

Salari:

GBP Negotiable
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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& EDUCATION

At 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 APPLYING

Joining 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. APPLYNOW

Got 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

Find Your Role

Keywords : United Kingdom jobs
Closed Date : 2025-08-31
Company Info

Royal Air Force

United Kingdom, United Kingdom

Company Profile


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