The Student Room Group

RAF Air Cartographer Questions?

Hi :smile:
I am hoping to become an air cartographer in the RAF. I was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere that I could get more information about the job? Also I was unsure on wither my qualifications were significant as I live in Scotland I have all SAQ Grades of credit 1 and 2 in maths and english which is sufficent but you also need a 3 or higher in ICT but I have an Int 2 in IT for administraitors and have just finnished studying NQ Admin & IT at college can any one advise me as if this would be accepted or if not know of any courses that I could do? Thanks alot. :biggrin:
Reply 1
More info here

But I'd be astonished if, in this day and age, they're still be being recruited in any significant numbers, or indeed any numbers at all. Being hoenst, I'd never even heard of the trade until I saw this thread.
Reply 2
There isnt that many employed for it and they are all based in London , but ive wanted to do this from a young age I already have the AST results for it so it will probably just become a wait as long as i pass everything else, untill they are employing just want to keep going with my fitness and reading up about about the RAF etc untill then so I am ready :P
I guess they might still be used at AIDU which was at Northolt last time I looked.
They only exist at Northolt - I used to know a Cartographer through surfing - it really was dead men's shoes. Have you looked at that area of the Royal Engineers as well? They do a lot of mapping too.
Reply 5
No I didnt think of that thanks.
Reply 6
I have met a couple recently.

As said above they only exist in No 1 AIDU at RAF Northolt. That said they are making an effort to get a very few of their number on ops - but filling non trade related jobs like ops room watchkeepers and helicopter passenger handlers (where I met them).

Do you really want to join a trade where you can only ever be posted to the same unit- you will never see the world and it is truly dead mens shoes for promotion.

I would also have thought that it is a trade ripe for contractorisation- so maybe not a long term prospect.

Look into it seriously before giving it a go
Reply 7
On the plus side Northolt isn't a bad place....
Reply 8
I’ve stumbled across this link. I served as an ‘Air Cart’, 1983-1990. Yes still primarily based at RAF Northolt. I was very lucky in that I was posted after basic trade training 1983-84 to RAF Germany (Laarbruch), then BRIXMIS in Berlin. Then back in 1990, after the ‘Wall’ came down. I thenPVR Pre voluntary release, meaning I bought my self out after 8 years. A fantastic period of my life, with no regrets. But, as mentioned by others, this is a very small and select group, and the options to be posted are getting less.My advice would be, go visit an RAF careers centre. Get them to look into trade group 14 (If it’s still the same, which includes all of the photographic and photo interpretation. Perhaps see if it is possible to visit RAF Northolt. If you want to PM me. I still know some present serving members whom might be able to help. Cheers Ken
Reply 9
My dad was known as the Father of Air Cartography! He set up the Air Cartography unit at Northolt just after the war. I would suggest you phone Northolt and ask them what qualifications you need. I know this seems a bit odd but I am sure they would be pleased to talk to you and to even show you around the Fowler Building! Say Derrick Fowler's daughter suggested it and ask to talk to the Air Cartography unit directly.Also the other route is to look up the qualifications needed on the RAF website.Good luck and lovely to hear a young person is so inspired with this career. Penny
Reply 10
Original post by Jenner
Hi :smile:
I am hoping to become an air cartographer in the RAF. I was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere that I could get more information about the job? Also I was unsure on wither my qualifications were significant as I live in Scotland I have all SAQ Grades of credit 1 and 2 in maths and english which is sufficent but you also need a 3 or higher in ICT but I have an Int 2 in IT for administraitors and have just finnished studying NQ Admin & IT at college can any one advise me as if this would be accepted or if not know of any courses that I could do? Thanks alot. :biggrin:


Just re read this was 11 years ago!! 🤣 hope you achieved your dream!