16 and want to be a pilot within the RAF

Currently doing my A-Levels at a sixth-form college and have been interested in aviation for years. I started to use a flight simulator and have accumulated nearly 1,500 hours in General Aviation, Commercial and Military aircraft. I recently took a introductory flight lesson in a Cessna 172 at my local airfield (about 45 minutes from where I live) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am currently in the process of joining the air cadets for the experience, opportunities and discipline. I hope that after my A-Levels I will join the RAF and head off to Officer college and proceed down the path of a fighter pilot. I have no medical issues, good vision, average GCSE grades, very good knowledge with aircraft and systems and a lot of determination.

My question is if there is anyone here who is or has been in the same position and if they have any advice to give.

Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you.

.............

Make sure you are also getting involved in team sports and leadership. You chances of getting in straight from school without outstanding evidence of leadership ability are slim. The majority of school leavers will be told to come back in a year or so, which usually means after university.

Currently doing my A-Levels at a sixth-form college and have been interested in aviation for years. I started to use a flight simulator and have accumulated nearly 1,500 hours in General Aviation, Commercial and Military aircraft. I recently took a introductory flight lesson in a Cessna 172 at my local airfield (about 45 minutes from where I live) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am currently in the process of joining the air cadets for the experience, opportunities and discipline. I hope that after my A-Levels I will join the RAF and head off to Officer college and proceed down the path of a fighter pilot. I have no medical issues, good vision, average GCSE grades, very good knowledge with aircraft and systems and a lot of determination.

My question is if there is anyone here who is or has been in the same position and if they have any advice to give.

Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you.

Currently doing my A-Levels at a sixth-form college and have been interested in aviation for years. I started to use a flight simulator and have accumulated nearly 1,500 hours in General Aviation, Commercial and Military aircraft. I recently took a introductory flight lesson in a Cessna 172 at my local airfield (about 45 minutes from where I live) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am currently in the process of joining the air cadets for the experience, opportunities and discipline. I hope that after my A-Levels I will join the RAF and head off to Officer college and proceed down the path of a fighter pilot. I have no medical issues, good vision, average GCSE grades, very good knowledge with aircraft and systems and a lot of determination.

My question is if there is anyone here who is or has been in the same position and if they have any advice to give.

Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you.

Hi Jack

As long as you meet all of the entry AND eligibility criteria listed on the role page on the RAF Recruitment website you'll be able to submit an application for the role, when you're ready. It's how you do at Officer and Aircrew Selection (OASC) that will determine whether you become a pilot in the RAF.

In addition to your studies you should try and gain leadership and teamwork experience as that will help you as part of the process. You'll be applying to be an officer, so expected to show maturity and lead people etc.

You will also apply to be a pilot, the RAF will decide which type of aircraft you'll fly (Fast Jet, Rotary or Multi-Engine etc). You can give a preference, but it's decided on a number of different factors at the time you apply. Once you're streamed it's unlikely you'll switch. Although you may fly different aircraft types during your career. Puma and Chinook, for example, or C17/Voyager etc. But again, may depend on operational need and your own career path. The RAF also trains all of its pilots from scratch, so you don't need any former flying experience prior to application, but if successful it will certainly be of benefit when you start flight training.

Also make sure your fitness is as good as it can be in readiness for your application. The base fitness standards are not massively high. However, you're against other people applying for the most applied for and competitive role in the RAF.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment

Hi Jack

It's fantastic that you have such a passion for aviation and spent so much time learning about it using the resources you have at your disposal. Keep up your enthusiasm. To address your points:

- The RAF will teach you how to fly. Time spent on Flight Simulator will give you the edge on recognising instruments and (depending on how seriously you're using it) some procedures, however it's a far cry from being strapped in to a noisy aircraft wtih a helmet on and doing sorties where flying the aircraft is the most basic aspect.

- Joining straight from school is possible, but have a backup plan for if you are unsuccessful at any stage. Not only will this benefit you should the worst happen, but it also shows maturity.

- Come to terms with thte fact that you may not become a fighter pilot. Could you fly rotary or heavy? Additionally, the training system is undergoing a huge overhaul at the moment and there are massive delays for student pilots. This could mean you'll spend a fair amount of time (years) doing something completely unrelated to flying before you reach the front line.

- Concentrate on becoming a rounded person. Pilot aptitude is important, but being the full package is more important.

HTH

S

Building on this, volunteer in your local community. Leadership opportunities and evidence of these are highly regarded. Have you joined the air cadets? It may only be for a year but it will provide opportunities to talk about leadership and development that you have undertaken. Fitness as previously mentioned is highly important , you want to be doing well above the green (minimum) pass. The role of pilot is highly competitive and there is going to be a long wait for you to join, and many stages of selection. Good luck on your journey.

Can’t give u no help coz I’m still in high school but I just wanna s ya that sounds AWESOME !! 😁

Make sure you are also getting involved in team sports and leadership. You chances of getting in straight from school without outstanding evidence of leadership ability are slim. The majority of school leavers will be told to come back in a year or so, which usually means after university.

My grandfather, father and brother were all in the RAF. I have great respect for anyone who chooses that as their vocation.

I can't help specifically with the pilot role itself, other than to maybe focus on general fitness for the fitness test.

Just remember it's a big commitment (12 years service at least), and it does involve constant relocation and upheaval for your future family. These are not meant as negatives, just things to bear in mind. Good luck!

Take your time. Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect straightaway. You won't be.

Relax and enjoy cadets. Don't be too worried about it being the step to an RAF career.