Pilot Vision Requirements

Hi there,

I've heard back and forth that you do (and don't) need 20/20 vision in order to join the RAF / RN as a pilot.

I was curious as to whether or not people had a certain answer to this question please?

Kind regards,
JD

I hate to be the one to disappoint you, but I think it is pretty important.

Back when I was a teenager I badly wanted to be an RAF pilot. I got talking to an RAF recruiting sergeant at one of those tents they have at air shows and I told him what I wanted to do when I was old enough to join... His reply was "Well, I hope you have perfect eyesight" and he gave me a metal badge of a Spitfire, which I still have. It devastated me because I'd just recently been diagnosed with a form of colour blindness.

I dunno how old you are, but I'm guessing you're fairly young... I was only about 13 at the time. Ambitions and interests change and evolve a lot when you're growing up, and what seemed like a crushing blow at the time, I now see in a positive light. My personal interests soon shifted to music and I got heavily into the guitar, grew my hair long and formed several bands... A million miles away from where I thought I'd end up. But I wouldn't change that now for the world.

Basically, I'm saying don't see it as the end of the world if you can't follow one particular dream. Keep an open mind, look around and chances are there is some other career path that will inspire you just as much if not more if you find that particular one is closed off.

There's far more to consider than just vision, and a lot of stages to get through before the medical.

Advice on here is always to apply and let the professionals inform you.

Hi,

I’m actually 20 aha. I’m currently on a tech career path (data science specifically), but was thinking I’d love to push myself and serve.

I hope your music’s going well.

Thanks,
JD.

Another question then.

When applying, how long do the fitness test, Medicals, interviews and aptitude test take?

Is it something you can book holiday (off work) for?

Thanks

Have a look here: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/eyesight_requirements_for_the_ro