If you're unsuccessful at any stage in becoming a pilot, can you leave? Or are you contractually obligated to stay?

Hi there,

Thank you for your question.

If you fail at any part of the selection process before starting the Pilots' Course then you are not contractually obliged to stay in the AAC; however you would still need to serve out your remaining time that you have agreed to on completion of your Phase 1 training (either Sandhurst or soldier training.) Clearly if you have undergone the selection process prior to joining (for the officer route) then you are not required to join the service if you fail.

If you fail the Pilots' Course at any stage once you have been selected then this will depend on the circumstances and at what stage you have failed. I cannot give you a definitive answer because of these variables but what I can say is that plenty of people who have failed have either stayed in the AAC or moved into another cap-badge and gone on to have a successful, long career. At that point it would be your choice as to whether you stay AAC or go elsewhere.

I hope that helps.

Take care,
Maddie