Future Military Pilot FAQs

Future Military Pilot FAQs

If you have questions about becoming a future military pilot, we can help.

Honest answers to the questions aspiring military pilots ask us most

Thinking about a career as a military pilot? It’s one of the most demanding and rewarding paths in aviation, and it’s natural to have a lot of questions before you begin. At Flight School Wingman, we’re here to help. Below you’ll find honest answers to some of the questions aspiring military pilots and aircrew ask us most.

If you’d like to talk things through with someone who’s been there, consider booking a Military Pilot Career Guidance call.

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Is it more difficult to get into one Service e.g. the RAF, than another e.g. the Army?

All three services have broadly similar entry requirements and standards. However, each has its own individual aircrew requirements at any given point in time, which may make it harder or easier to join a particular service depending on when you apply.

It really doesn’t matter, and there’s no single right answer. Many military pilots started their careers straight out of sixth form, while others chose to gain a degree at university first. A degree may give you more options throughout your military career and beyond, but if you’re determined to join the military, leaving school and joining up is a completely valid and well trodden path.

The two training paths are essentially completely separate. If you choose to join the military, at any stage, with or without previous flying experience, you should expect to complete the full military flying training pipeline. Some of this may be completed alongside civilian pilots undergoing commercial training, but the courses and the training differ.

Military pilots don’t have to complete ATPL exams like their civilian counterparts, but that doesn’t mean there’s no ground school involved. Each stage of the training pipeline requires you to study and sit exams for the type of aircraft you’re about to fly, and the workload can be high.

Fast-jet training is widely regarded as one of the most demanding flying courses in the world. It’s made up of several stages, each building on the last, and you’ll typically spend around five to six years training to become a fast-jet pilot. Not everyone makes it through. Those who are unsuccessful will usually be “chopped” and re-streamed to multi-engine or rotary aircraft in the RAF, or to rotary in the Royal Navy.

Yes and no. The type of aircraft you ultimately fly depends largely on your performance throughout flying training. Generally speaking, those who perform best are streamed toward fast-jet squadrons, with streaming usually happening at the end of the Elementary Flying Training (EFT) stage. That said, the RAF’s Military Flight Training System (MFTS) offers those who opt for multi-engine flying from the outset the chance to have that training fast-tracked. It’s worth being prepared that at any stage your training could be terminated if you don’t meet the required standard, or you may be streamed to another branch of the service.

Absolutely, and it’s very common for aspiring military pilots to do so. It’s worth noting, though, that joining as a pilot from the outset is only possible if you apply to the RAF or the Royal Navy. Do give careful thought to why you want to join a particular service, as each has a different ethos, and one may suit you far more than another.

An AFCO (Armed Forces Careers Office) is where your journey to becoming military aircrew begins. We’d recommend visiting your local AFCO if you’re looking toward a career as military aircrew. Your AFCO will also conduct your initial filter interview, which determines whether you progress to the full selection board for your chosen service. It’s well worth preparing for your AFCO interview seriously.

This is something that, surprisingly, many aspiring military aircrew don’t give much thought to. When you join the Armed Forces, you must be prepared to go to war. It may or may not happen, depending on the geopolitical situation during your service, but you must be prepared for the possibility.

Whether you’re attending OASC, the AIB or AOSB, you can expect an extremely thorough selection process. You’ll be assessed across a range of areas, including your leadership, teamwork, motivation, courage, values and intelligence. Preparation really matters, as competition is fierce.

The two career paths are very different and bring very different challenges, so it’s worth being honest with yourself about which genuinely appeals. You shouldn’t set out on the path to becoming a military pilot unless you’re fully committed, as the training is tough and the job places you and your colleagues under pressures that don’t occur in everyday life. If you’d like to talk it through, consider booking a Career Guidance call. You’ll speak with a former military pilot who can give you an honest, first-hand picture of military life, both as a pilot and as an officer.

Entry requirements vary between the services and can change over time, but as a general guide you’ll typically need a minimum standard of GCSEs (or equivalent), often including English and Maths, and in most cases some UCAS points from A levels or an equivalent qualification. A degree isn’t essential to fly, though it can open up wider options. Because the specifics differ by service and are updated periodically, always check the current requirements directly with the RAF, Royal Navy or Army, or ask at your local AFCO.

Each service sets its own minimum and maximum ages for pilot and aircrew entry, and these can vary between officer and other entry routes, and change from time to time. Rather than relying on a fixed figure, it’s best to check the current age limits directly with the RAF, Royal Navy or Army for the specific role you’re interested in, as they publish the up to date requirements.

Both are vital roles, but they’re distinct. Pilots fly the aircraft, while other aircrew, such as weapons systems operators or rear crew, carry out specialist roles on board. The selection standards, training pipelines and career paths differ between them. It’s worth researching each properly, and talking to your AFCO, so you apply for the role that genuinely suits your aspirations and aptitudes.