Army Air Corps Officer (pilot)
I cannot find an awful lot of information about this role on the army website and would like to know if the requirements are the same as an RAF or RN pilot? Can anybody direct me to other resources or provide some info please?
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Very different, eyesight requirements are less. There is an AAC recruiting website with a contact. Do a thorough search on the Army website, also read all Army posts on here. Bearing in mind the Army is 100% officer. Age limit is a lot higher as well at 28. Have a read through ARRSE or go to your AFCO.
Aptitude test score is much lower, only 80 in comparison to the 112 for RAF, realistically they arnt accepting anybody below 120. So a big difference.
Spindle
However I'm of the opinion I want to be an Officer first, branch second which isn't the case with the RAF as they are more specialised.
I don't know where this misconception has come from. You will get absolutely slaughtered in the RAF for suggesting that you are [insert branch here] before you are an Officer. Officer first, [branch] second is an RAF principle as much as it is in the Army or RN.
The difference is that flying is core business in the RAF and a distinctly minority sport in the Army and RN.
Spindle
Who's told you that? They have flying grading for assessment purposes as well as an aptitude, which is my opinion is a better system. However I'm of the opinion I want to be an Officer first, branch second which isn't the case with the RAF as they are more specialised.
Hey Spindle, haven't seen you around for a while, welcome back
How's your app going?I totally agree with you - whilst the Army may have a lower aptitude requirement, this is because they have a great (and to some degree, greater) faith in their flying grading system and use the aptitude just as a bench mark not a selection tool. Army is definitely Officer first and job second because from Day 1 out of your specific YOs course, you have a troop/platoon to look after and lead - as a pilot in the RAF or Navy I feel you don't get nearly as much leadership on this level after IOT.
With regards the Army, if you go in wanting to be a pilot you will be shot down at the first hurdle. You want to go in as an Officer and then chose a Regiment where you fit in best. I have done a few Fam visits and I have to say I had an excellent time on all.
You chose your Regiments/Arms on entry to Sandhurst then this is whittled down later on to 2 (3 if AAC is one). Later on in the year you start the interview process for your chosen Regiments and you find out in Term 3 which one you will be commission. I think this breeds a more determined individual because you are in serious competition for a place in your chosen regiment as they only take so many/course - therefore the top candidates. At the last Sovereigns parade, only 6 went AAC - just to give you an idea of the competition!
Hope that gives you an insight OP! It's very different to the RAF/RN! Any more Q's let me know.
threeportdrift
I don't know where this misconception has come from. You will get absolutely slaughtered in the RAF for suggesting that you are [insert branch here] before you are an Officer. Officer first, [branch] second is an RAF principle as much as it is in the Army or RN.
The difference is that flying is core business in the RAF and a distinctly minority sport in the Army and RN.
The difference is that flying is core business in the RAF and a distinctly minority sport in the Army and RN.
Agree with the latter however but the former goes on all the time nowadays......
Well we can chew the cud all day about what people believe at a personal level and what is the party line. The party line is exactly as I have described. I suspect that for most aircrew, deep down they believe they are aircrew first and their wider position in the organisation comes second, in their hearts if not their deeds. Aircrew qualifications are too difficult to achieve on a whim.
And without wanting to get personal, I make no complaint or criticism, but how do you stand - having set your heart on RAF aircrew through uni and failed OASC, you have then turned to the Army and RN for flying opportunities. That seems to me like a classic example of aircrew first, type of officer second. Heaven forbid that you don't get an FAA or AAC place, but do you then go for Net Jets (pilot first decision) or ground officer (Officer first decision)?
And without wanting to get personal, I make no complaint or criticism, but how do you stand - having set your heart on RAF aircrew through uni and failed OASC, you have then turned to the Army and RN for flying opportunities. That seems to me like a classic example of aircrew first, type of officer second. Heaven forbid that you don't get an FAA or AAC place, but do you then go for Net Jets (pilot first decision) or ground officer (Officer first decision)?
threeportdrift
Well we can chew the cud all day about what people believe at a personal level and what is the party line. The party line is exactly as I have described. I suspect that for most aircrew, deep down they believe they are aircrew first and their wider position in the organisation comes second, in their hearts if not their deeds. Aircrew qualifications are too difficult to achieve on a whim.
And without wanting to get personal, I make no complaint or criticism, but how do you stand - having set your heart on RAF aircrew through uni and failed OASC, you have then turned to the Army and RN for flying opportunities. That seems to me like a classic example of aircrew first, type of officer second. Heaven forbid that you don't get an FAA or AAC place, but do you then go for Net Jets (pilot first decision) or ground officer (Officer first decision)?
And without wanting to get personal, I make no complaint or criticism, but how do you stand - having set your heart on RAF aircrew through uni and failed OASC, you have then turned to the Army and RN for flying opportunities. That seems to me like a classic example of aircrew first, type of officer second. Heaven forbid that you don't get an FAA or AAC place, but do you then go for Net Jets (pilot first decision) or ground officer (Officer first decision)?
I'll PM you - and just for the record, I had my Army application in waaaay before my RN one it's just the order in which they got back to me.
threeportdrift
I don't know where this misconception has come from. You will get absolutely slaughtered in the RAF for suggesting that you are [insert branch here] before you are an Officer. Officer first, [branch] second is an RAF principle as much as it is in the Army or RN.
The difference is that flying is core business in the RAF and a distinctly minority sport in the Army and RN.
The difference is that flying is core business in the RAF and a distinctly minority sport in the Army and RN.
Sorry, I came across wrong there. I was referring to the way that every officer in the RAF is a specialist, while everyone in the Army should be able to act like an infantry officer after Sandhurst. I assumed that's why the RAF's officer training is shorter, as it doesn't have a sort of "baseline" job like the Army and Navy.
threeportdrift
Well we can chew the cud all day about what people believe at a personal level and what is the party line. The party line is exactly as I have described. I suspect that for most aircrew, deep down they believe they are aircrew first and their wider position in the organisation comes second, in their hearts if not their deeds. Aircrew qualifications are too difficult to achieve on a whim.
And without wanting to get personal, I make no complaint or criticism, but how do you stand - having set your heart on RAF aircrew through uni and failed OASC, you have then turned to the Army and RN for flying opportunities. That seems to me like a classic example of aircrew first, type of officer second. Heaven forbid that you don't get an FAA or AAC place, but do you then go for Net Jets (pilot first decision) or ground officer (Officer first decision)?
And without wanting to get personal, I make no complaint or criticism, but how do you stand - having set your heart on RAF aircrew through uni and failed OASC, you have then turned to the Army and RN for flying opportunities. That seems to me like a classic example of aircrew first, type of officer second. Heaven forbid that you don't get an FAA or AAC place, but do you then go for Net Jets (pilot first decision) or ground officer (Officer first decision)?
I'll put my baseline reply here -
The ground jobs in the RAF/RN are very different to the ground jobs in the Army when it comes to variety and the actual leadership aspect to some degree. The Army is very different.
I don't have enough faith in the economy to go NetJets - with the current economy, the first thing many corporate businesses/companies will cut is private travel to save cash so they'll all be back flying business on BA. Well that's how I perceive it could go anyway; qnd it's not the type of flying I'm into in the slightest. I would much rather do police/air ambulance over commercial. TBH, I'd rather be in the Army over the last few and then I'd probably go do an outdoorsy job abroad.
Just my tuppence really. I figured the RAF and RN weren't what I wanted out of life.
Well it's the second time in a couple of weeks the same mistake has been made, and it could be a painful career mistake to make if you voiced it during flying training!
It may be that the bravado of FB cadets in IOT is high at the moment and there is a bit of a swaggering culture, but I'm very certain it won't last during flying training. The Officer first, branch second culture was very firmly dinned into me and my peers during our early years, and my peers (who remain in) are those in Flight Commander and Squadron Commander posts nowadays - writing ARs!
It may be that the bravado of FB cadets in IOT is high at the moment and there is a bit of a swaggering culture, but I'm very certain it won't last during flying training. The Officer first, branch second culture was very firmly dinned into me and my peers during our early years, and my peers (who remain in) are those in Flight Commander and Squadron Commander posts nowadays - writing ARs!
threeportdrift
Who's that aimed at?
Un-aimed shot (aircrew pistol stylee)
Just I remember having a similar convo a week or so ago, no idea when/where beyond it was in here.
Just I remember having a similar convo a week or so ago, no idea when/where beyond it was in here.
threeportdrift
Un-aimed shot (aircrew pistol stylee)
Just I remember having a similar convo a week or so ago, no idea when/where beyond it was in here.
Just I remember having a similar convo a week or so ago, no idea when/where beyond it was in here.
Fair one
I don't think I was a part of it 
The Army Air Corps web site is a good palce to start looking.
The really key point to remember is that as an AAC officer you are definetly an Army officer first and a pilot second.
You also cannot "join" the Army as a AAC officer. As has been said above, you get a place at Sandhurst and then compete for slots in the regiment or corps you wish to join.
If you are serious then do some research and get in touch with the AAC recruiting team through your Army Careers Adviser. The fisrt thing they will ask you to do is to go to OASC and do the aptitude part. If you pass they will then ask you down to Middle Wallop for a visit and look round. This (like all other Army regimental visits) will be a good fun look and a chance to ask lots of questions.
You will in parallel have to do the AOSB.
If all that goes well they will ask you if you want to do flying grading. If you are organised you can do this before you go to Sandhurst. Some people leave it until they get to Sandhurst but you then end up doing it when everyone else is on leave or adventure training.
Do remember that you will not be finally confirmed as having a place in the AAC until 2/3 rds of the way through Sandhurst, and you may therefore end up not getting in the AAC.
You will therefore need to have a serious look at other jobs in the Army and be happy that you do want to be an Army officer, and that there are other jobs in the Army you would like to do if you do not get into the AAC
If you want to take it further get in touch with your army careers adviser and get on a couple of visits.
The really key point to remember is that as an AAC officer you are definetly an Army officer first and a pilot second.
You also cannot "join" the Army as a AAC officer. As has been said above, you get a place at Sandhurst and then compete for slots in the regiment or corps you wish to join.
If you are serious then do some research and get in touch with the AAC recruiting team through your Army Careers Adviser. The fisrt thing they will ask you to do is to go to OASC and do the aptitude part. If you pass they will then ask you down to Middle Wallop for a visit and look round. This (like all other Army regimental visits) will be a good fun look and a chance to ask lots of questions.
You will in parallel have to do the AOSB.
If all that goes well they will ask you if you want to do flying grading. If you are organised you can do this before you go to Sandhurst. Some people leave it until they get to Sandhurst but you then end up doing it when everyone else is on leave or adventure training.
Do remember that you will not be finally confirmed as having a place in the AAC until 2/3 rds of the way through Sandhurst, and you may therefore end up not getting in the AAC.
You will therefore need to have a serious look at other jobs in the Army and be happy that you do want to be an Army officer, and that there are other jobs in the Army you would like to do if you do not get into the AAC
If you want to take it further get in touch with your army careers adviser and get on a couple of visits.
The army has an AAC guide which should be available from your local AFCO.
Remember that as an Army pilot you will be working with other ranks. The army is the only service which allows other ranks to become pilots (From Cpl upwards).
This is why the Aptitude test score is lower as many pilots transfer in from other Regiments/Corps.
I also believe that AAC officers along with flying, have a bigger man management role than RAF or RN pilots do.
As has also been said, Sandhurst is very competative for some units, the AAC being one. This means you have to be albe to show how good you are in order to be accepted by the AAC and not have to put in a 2nd or even 3rd choice.
Remember that as an Army pilot you will be working with other ranks. The army is the only service which allows other ranks to become pilots (From Cpl upwards).
This is why the Aptitude test score is lower as many pilots transfer in from other Regiments/Corps.
I also believe that AAC officers along with flying, have a bigger man management role than RAF or RN pilots do.
As has also been said, Sandhurst is very competative for some units, the AAC being one. This means you have to be albe to show how good you are in order to be accepted by the AAC and not have to put in a 2nd or even 3rd choice.
It may be worth looking at the cradle-to-grave career paths of all 3 (4 if you include RM) services' officer aircrew. Without commiting to the efficacies of each system, the commissioned AAC pilots have a greater opportunity for employment outside of branch, after the first or second tours. (That is a political way of saying that you ain't gonna do much flying after that, apart from maybe 1 tour as a sqn commander - and maybe one more as CO (non-Apache) Regt). At least in the RAF you could have the chance of 'PA Spine' (ask TPD, I'm a Rock!) and then continuing to wear your flying suit on all occasions up until your 55th birthday.
That said, you will have FAR more opportunity making things go 'bang' in the AAC, although RAF Bangs are bigger and louder, the aircraft is usually a lot further away!
If the flying is your main reason for joining up, think seriously before signing the dotted line.
That said, you will have FAR more opportunity making things go 'bang' in the AAC, although RAF Bangs are bigger and louder, the aircraft is usually a lot further away!
If the flying is your main reason for joining up, think seriously before signing the dotted line.
Hannibal Smith
It may be worth looking at the cradle-to-grave career paths of all 3 (4 if you include RM) services' officer aircrew. Without commiting to the efficacies of each system, the commissioned AAC pilots have a greater opportunity for employment outside of branch, after the first or second tours. (That is a political way of saying that you ain't gonna do much flying after that, apart from maybe 1 tour as a sqn commander - and maybe one more as CO (non-Apache) Regt). At least in the RAF you could have the chance of 'PA Spine' (ask TPD, I'm a Rock!) and then continuing to wear your flying suit on all occasions up until your 55th birthday.
That said, you will have FAR more opportunity making things go 'bang' in the AAC, although RAF Bangs are bigger and louder, the aircraft is usually a lot further away!
If the flying is your main reason for joining up, think seriously before signing the dotted line.
That said, you will have FAR more opportunity making things go 'bang' in the AAC, although RAF Bangs are bigger and louder, the aircraft is usually a lot further away!
If the flying is your main reason for joining up, think seriously before signing the dotted line.
I have met a few AAC Officers who flew for all 8 years +. A couple the transfered to the RAF/RN. Depends whether you want a staff career I guess - there is plenty of scope for that in the Army as an aviator. The Army is an initial shorter commission as well - RAF; most Aircrew are on a PC (so approx. 16yrs) amd RN; 12 years.
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