Best ways to become a RAF pilot?

Question

Hi, I would like to apply to be a RAF pilot after 6th form. I am very fit and quite smart. I have always had a passion for flying. What would be the best way in? Would you recommend having a few flying lessons before hand? How hard is it? Do many people apply? What about sponsorship for a private pilots licence? Would it be better to get sponsored for a university degree?

Thanks a lot

Answer 1

Know how to fly a plane

Answer 2

Why would you want to, unless to become a commerical pilot?  If so:

Do not become a commercial pilot.

Most Major Airline Pilots are bearing the stress of 50% pay cuts, the loss of their pension, and working second jobs to make ends meet. Many are in bankruptcy and losing their homes.

Pilots can barely concentrate on keeping the flight safe, because Airline Management, while giving each executive millions in bonus $$ each year, are skimping on pilot salaries, fuel, maintenance, and ground safety personnel. All to keep ticket prices and pilot salaries as they were in 1980.

Study medicine or financial investment or law or computers or anything that will pay you according to the responsibility you have over people's lives.  Flying will not.  

Answer 3

IF you did get to become an RAF officer, and then a pilot, they would want to train you to fly-NOT to unlearn what you may have learnt as a private pilot.

Answer 4

The best way is to be the son of an RAF Officer.

Answer 5

Some universities have cadet corps, others run a "university air squadron". You'll have to check their individual prospectuses to see which they are. These are a good way of entering the armed forces with a head start on the training. Sometimes the military will sponsor good candidates through university in return for a commitment of service. That's a very valuable benefit.

If you get yourself a private pilot's licence then that will help, but it could cost you up to £4000.

The problem for you is that the RAF insist that all their pilots are officers. This means that you will need to qualify for a Commission as well as a pilot. Being an officer means having leadership skills and the ability to function as a leader in a combat situation. Only about 1 in 60 applicants get through the assessment.

The best way to join is to visit your nearest RAF Careers information office. Most big cities have one, usually combined with the Army and Navy recruiting offices.  Have a look at the RAF web site (follow the link below).

Answer 6

Approach the nearest RAF recruiting office. They are the best people to guide you and conduct the initial formalities. They are helpful and will be the most apt people to approach. Good luck to you, you are thinking on the right lines.

Answer 7

Don't spend money training at a flying club. This would be a disadvantage when it comes to military flying training which is much more disciplined and professional than the typical flying club. (Airline FTOs and specialist schools like Ultimate Hiigh more similar to the military in ethos, but that's another matter)

Join the RAF section of your school CCF if it has one, or the Air Training Corps if not. Then go to a RAF careers information office and apply directly for RAF sponsorship at university. You should apply to a good universtiy preferably to study engineering, maths or science.

In preparation for selection, get as much experience as you can of teamworking / leadership and keep fit. Read a quality newspaper regularly so you can give informed answers to questions on current affairs. Learn as much as you can about ther RAF, particularly its current deployments. Practice your mental arithmatic.

If you are sponsored at university you will automatically be a member of the University Air Squadron. If you didn't get sponsorship, you should still apply to join your University Air Squadron as a volunteer reserve Officer Cadet. You can contact your UAS at your Fresher's fair, but there is no harm in contacting them in advance.

If you then apply again to join the RAF after university, your cadet service will  count  in your favor, especially if you have put in good effort with air cadets and UAS.

Answer 8

You follow the same aspirations as me. Firstly, i may suggest joining the Air Training Corps, I am currently enjoying myself, and it gives you a taster of RAF life. I've been to several RAF stations. Other than that, you don't need to do anything. Go to the nearest RAF career office and apply as an Airmen/ Air women to become a RAF pilot. Flying lessons are not required - they teach you everything. You start in a tutor (i've flown one and done aerobatics - good fun) and make your way up depending what path you would like to take - Fast Jets, Multiple Engined Aircraft or Rotary Aircraft. You may have little choice depending on how good you are.

I am going to stay on to university - I recommend you to do so if you think you may have a small chance of wanting to leave the RAF. If that is the case, you may want to study at UAS (University Air Squadron) and they teach you to fly at the same time.

Quick tip - learn to iron and bull shoes.