Which role is most beneficial to become an NCO Pilot?

Hi Daniel,

First and foremost, it's great to hear you're interested in becoming an NCO pilot in the Army Air Corps; we're the only service to offer this opportunity.

As for which career stream is most beneficial, it's ultimately dependant on what you wish to do initially, and what you enjoy. You have to be loaded onto pilot training before the age of 30, so you have plenty of time to experience another Corps or Regiment within the Army.

However, there are obvious benefits in joining the AAC as a soldier initially, with the role of Groundcrew Specialist or Communication Specialist available. You will gain an insight into the everyday operational capabilities within the Army Air Corps, gaining a better understanding of the aviation environment, whilst working alongside current aircrew, and our aircraft, such as the Wildcat and Apache. This will help steer you in deciding which aircraft you'd prefer to fly once you finish pilot training. Whilst you complete the pilot application, the serving pilots in your unit will be on hand to give you any advice with regards to your pilot selection too.

You will be able to gain valuable skills and experience through either AAC soldier trade, which will benefit you should you be successful and load onto pilot training. For example, as a Groundcrew Specialist, you will learn about hand signals and moving the aircraft, refuelling procedures, and rearming aircraft and their respective weapon systems; beneficial and transferable into your pilot training.

The Army Air Corps have recently adapted their pilot pre-requisites, so you can now apply to be a pilot and load onto the training course as an Airtrooper. However, you will need to be recommended for your first promotion to Lance Corporal, which can take 2-4 years on average. You will need to complete (and pass) an aptitude test, aircrew medical, and pilot grading, all of which can be completed once you get to unit after training. A 2-day pilot selection assessment is also going to be introduced in the near-future. You're 20 now, so you have plenty of time to complete training and the pilot selection events.

Hope that helps, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.

Thank you very much for your detailed reply, I've spoken to several people who have given me different answers so this really helped. I have a few more questions. In regards to the aptitude tests, are these MAP tests? Do you know if during my time as an AAC Groundcrew specialist, Ill have the opportunities to travel outside of the UK and finally will there be sporting opportunities? Thank you.

Hi Daniel,

The aptitude tests are very similar to those taken by RAF and Royal Navy aircrew candidates, with testing taking place at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. Arriving the night before, you get your own room, with testing commencing around 0630. You have all day to complete the tests, with most people finishing between 1430 and 1630 (the last time I carried out the tests, I finished at 1445 for example). You will get breaks throughout the day which are encouraged, plus a 45 minute lunch break.

If you google 'RAF CBAT', there are a number of comprehensive guides online. The AAC testing is very similar. I find the following website quite handy, as it's in-depth and reflective of the testing, as well as what to expect with scoring; (https://rafcbat.wordpress.com). As I write, the pass mark for AAC pilot is 100, passing 6/7 domains (see CBAT Score Requirements page on the above website). I would avoid spending money on resources, however, there is a CBAT app which costs £3.99, which again is quite helpful. It's a weirdly enjoyable day, but just do what you can, relax, don't waste time worrying about a previous test, but mostly, good luck!

As for travel and sporting opportunities, there are ample once you complete training and get to your unit. During my time in a flying squadron, I was fortunate enough to visit France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, Croatia and Jordan on different training exercises and educational trips. Other groundcrew I know have visited America, Canada, Norway, Kenya, Afghanistan, Australia and Nepal, as well as work on ships (QE2/ HMS Ocean). As for sport, again there are plenty of opportunities, so long as you work hard and remain committed and dedicated, maintaining your fitness and keeping a positive attitude. For example, during my career, I have played football (I am currently captain of the Corps team and also play army dev level), rugby, basketball, as well as tried my hand at snowboarding in Austria. Whilst work ultimately comes first, there are plenty of sport and AT opportunities.

Hope that helps. There are numerous opportunities in the AAC, but ultimately, it's what you make it!

I believe Matthew S. has replied to this question in your other thread too, just to bulk up your understanding of the AAC pilot process.