RAF aviator

RAF aviators make up the majority of RAF personnel and maintain its ability to fight and fly.

Also known as: Enlisted aviator

• Starter salary£27,000 a year
• Experienced£51,000 a year

What you'll do

As an RAF aviator, your duties will depend on your job. You could:

• fix and maintain aircraft
• load weapons
• drive a range of vehicles
• cook for troops
• monitor airspace
• protect airfields
• support medical staff
• work in human resources (HR)

Working environment

You could work at a military base or in a warzone.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• leadership skills to manage and motivate teams
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• persistence, determination and endurance
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills and quick reactions
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others in a team
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become a rAF aviator

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

RAF apprenticeship roles offer you the chance to learn on the job and gain a UK-recognised trade qualification.

There are more than 20 roles to choose from in professions such as:

• air and space operations
• engineering
• logistics
• catering
• medical services
• cyberspace and intelligence

You'll apply directly to the RAF to discuss which is the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in.

Entry requirements

• entry requirements vary

Direct application

You can apply directly for roles as an RAF aviator .

Some roles do not need any qualifications while others require qualifications in certain subjects. All roles and entry requirements are listed on RAF Recruitment .

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to an adviser at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You'll also take a defence aptitude assessment.

If you're successful, you'll then have an interview and a medical examination. Once this is complete, you will attend a fitness assessment.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
• be over 16 years of age
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move up the ranks from Air Specialist - class 1 (AS1) to Warrant Officer (WO) or higher.

You could apply to join the UK Special Forces as a Regular or a Reservist. Get information on how to join UK Special Forces Reserves .

You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF. Your career choices will depend on the skills, training and qualifications you've gained during your service.

You can find details about support and opportunities from:

• Quest
• Career Transition Partnership
• Forces Employment Charity
• Get Into Teaching

Guides for this industry

• Armed Forces: pay, interviews and getting started →

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