A career in the AAC.

Hi Dylan,

It's great to hear you're a keen aviation enthusiast with interest in joining the Army Air Cops in the near future. I thoroughly recommend researching the army jobs website, specifically the Army Air Corps jobs page, which highlights both the officer and soldier roles available to you: https://apply.army.mod.uk/roles/army-air-corps/

I will go into a bit more depth since there are two entry routes for becoming a pilot within the AAC. The first is the direct officer entry route. You must initially pass AOSB (Army and Officer Selection Board) and if you're successful with your application, you will go on to complete your officer training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, which is approximately 44 weeks. You will be required to complete the aircrew selection events which consist of an aptitude test, a comprehensive aircrew medical, flying grading (4-5 weeks being assessed on a small, fixed-wing aircraft) with a final pilot selection board/ interview. It's beneficial to complete the selection events prior to joining Sandhurst, so you can focus on your military training whilst also having an understanding of whether or not pilot is going to be a realistic opportunity for you. Whilst it is a very competitive role, it's certainly attainable and achievable with hard work, dedication and commitment.

After Sandhurst, you commence flying training which consists of approximately 2 years at RAF Shawbury learning the basics of rotary flying on a Juno helicopter, before moving on to either the Apache or Wildcat aircraft. Training length can vary, with the Apache training pipeline slightly longer to account for the complex weapon systems. The majority of pilots complete their flying training in around 4-6 years.

The other option available to those interested in becoming a pilot is something known as an NCO (non-commissioned officer) pilot. You must join as a soldier, completing 14 weeks of basic training at Pirbright or Winchester. Just to add, if you're under 17yrs 5m, you attend Harrogate for your basic training, however I don't think this will apply to you. Should you choose to join the AAC, you will complete your initial trade training at Middle Wallop, streaming into either the role of Groundcrew Specialist or Communication Specialist. Whilst the AAC accept NCO pilot applications from other Corps and Regiments within the army, there is an obvious advantage to beginning your career within the AAC.

Once you have finished training, you can begin the aircrew application process (which mirrors that of officer applicants). On recommendation to your first promotion to Lance Corporal (which can take 2-4 years on average), you can begin pilot training, provided you are successful with the aircrew selection events (as above). Whilst this route can take slightly longer initially, it does provide a unique opportunity for those who perhaps don't have the required qualifications to apply for officer pilot, or who wish to experience soldier life on the ground first. The flying training is exactly the same as an officer, however on completion of training, you are awarded the rank of Sergeant.

As for the aptitude tests that you carry out, these are challenging but a pass is certainly attainable, and I would ignore statistics surrounding the pass rate. The tests are completed at RAF Cranwell over the course of a day, whilst you travel up the night before which is a good opportunity to meet other applicants. If you google 'RAF CBAT' there are a number of comprehensive guides online. 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: rafcbat.wordpress.com. The AAC testing is very similar to this. As I write, the pass mark for AAC pilot is 100, passing 6/7 domains (see CBAT score requirements on the above website). If you fail to meet the requirements, you are eligible to retake the test after a year has elapsed. I am unsure if there is a maximum number of times you can take the test, however you should be aware of the upper age limit (must be loaded onto a pilot course before you're 30).

Depending on when you complete your aptitude test, you might be able to establish whether or not you're eligible to join the RAF or Fleet Air Arm (Navy) as a pilot. However, you should research your options prior to applying so you're certain which service you wish to join. If you want to fly the Apache or Wildcat, then it's a no brainer.

As for the eyesight requirements, I have extracted the following which might be of help to you, however it would be best to seek expert advice; "Vision in each eye unaided must not be worse than 6/12 and each eye must be correctable to 6/6 or better. The strength of the required correction is not to exceed –0.75 to +1.75 dioptres (spherical) and the astigmatic element must not be greater than +/-0.75 dioptres (cylindrical)." I must also add that colourblindness is a barrier to becoming a pilot.

I think I have answered all your questions, but if I have missed anything, feel free to ask. Hope that has helped give you an insight into things and good luck with your future whatever you decide to do!

Ah right I see. I just checked and sadly my left eye exceeds the -1.75 that you mentioned. My right eye is -2.75 (Sph). Does this mean I cannot become a pilot for the AAC? I didn’t realise my eyes we’re this bad and I didn’t realise it would affect the chances of me becoming a pilot. It’s been a lifelong dream so it is quite sad. Thanks for your reply anyway.

Hi Dylan,

Unfortunately the pilot requirements are non-negotiable, however it would be best to seek professional medical advice regarding your eyesight.

Whilst it might not be possible to become a pilot, I would say do not see it as a door being closed shut, rather more doors and opportunities to open and explore. There are plenty of jobs in the military including Groundcrew Specialist where you are able to work alongside the aircraft on a day-to-day basis.

Hope that helps, and all the best going forward

Would these requirements be the same for the RAF?

Would these requirments be the same for the RAF? Im not sure if its the same.

Hi Dylan,

If you speak to the RAF careers centre or look on their website, they'd be best placed to answer any questions regarding the RAF.