• How long does it take to train as a RAF pilot?
• Can I choose which aircraft I fly in the RAF?
• What are the prospects as a pilot in the RAF after recent government budget cuts?
• What are the age restrictions to become a RAF pilot?
• I wear glasses, will this prevent me from being a pilot in the Royal Air Force?
• I am asthmatic, can I become a pilot in the RAF?
• Does the RAF offer any flying scholarships?
• Does the RAF offer any University bursaries?
• Which subjects should I take at A-level to be a RAF pilot?
• I know I should take Maths and Physics A-level, but what else should I take?
• Do I need a degree to be a pilot in the RAF?
• What extra curricular activities will help me to join the RAF?
• Where will I be based during RAF pilot training?
• Which aircraft do the RAF use for pilot training?
• Can I change between streams once I am a fully qualified pilot?
• How much do RAF pilots get paid?

This depends on the type of aircraft you have been streamed for. It takes four years to train as a fast-jet pilot from the first day at Initial Officer Training. Rotary pilots complete their training approximately six months earlier than a fast jet pilot. Multi-engine pilots qualify the quickest in just 2-3 years.

After Elementary Flying Training pilots are streamed for fast-jet, multi-engine or rotary types. You may have the chance to select a preference although these usually do not carry too much weight. The most highly skilled and physically fit recruits which meet the physiological requirements can expect to be streamed to fast-jet with remaining candidates filling rotary and then multi-engine positions.

Budget cuts will result in a reduced fleet size and thus less cockipts to be filled. This will mean that the RAF will need to recruit a reduced number of pilots. This will inevitably lead to increased competition amongst candidates. Expect pilot recruitment to be very tight in the coming years as these cuts bite.

Pilot recruits must be aged between 17.5 and 25. The upper age limit use to be 23 but this has now been increased to 25. The RAF is very strict and anyone over the age of 25 will not be eligible.

Unfortunately all RAF pilot candidates require 20/20 vision and this meets within the RAFs strict medical requirements. Whilst this may disapoint many it does not have to be all doom and gloom. A person with glasses is still able to pursue a full civilian flying career such as airline pilot where the sight restrictions are more relaxed.

The RAF sets out very strict medical requirements and those which suffer from asthma will unfortunately not be able to apply as a pilot. RAF pilots have to operate in extreme circumstances both mentally and physically. Because of this all pilots need to be free from any medical conditions which may put their safety and the safety of others at risk in such extreme situations.

The RAF Association offers annual scholarships to selected air cadets and members of the CCF. These scholarships are small in number and of course very competitive. University students may sign up to the University Air Squadron (UAS) where they will receive flying training throughout their studies. Each UAS is run by the RAF and while places are competitive there is a sufficient number of places to make joining a realistic aspiration for many.

The RAF do not set specific A-level subjects as a prerequisite for pilot positions. Candidates need 2 A-levels (A-C) which may be in any subject. However Maths and Physics are widely seen as the best A-level subjects which may give you an advantage during selection.

Maths and Physics are the best subjects although the RAF does not specify any particular subjects. Feel free to choose any subject you like after Maths and Physics.

There is no requirement to have a degree to join the RAF as a pilot. The RAF do recruit pilots straight from A-level if they have good aptitude and demonstrate they have the right maturity and mentality to be successful. Having a degree can of course be seen as an advantage but this is not always the case.

It is important to participate in extra curricular activities when preparing to apply for the RAF. Such activities will expand your skill set and will provide you with real life experiences to talk about and draw on throughout the selection process and also during your training. It is better to puruse a variety of different extra curricular activities which will be looked upon well by selectors.

There are many activities which can help you prepare for the RAF. Notably the Air Cadets should be the first port of call for those aged between 13 and 18. The cadet force will give you a real taste of RAF life and will develop key skills such as teamwork. Besides the Air Cadets any activities which involve teamworking and leadership are the best, these may include team sports, adventure training or undertaking a Duke of Edinburgh Award can be very beneficial.

This depends on your stream (fast-jet, multi-engine, rotary). Although all RAF pilots will go through Elementary Flying Training at RAF Cranwell. After EFT fast-jet pilots will be sent to RAF Linton-On-Ouse for basic fast jet training before being sent to RAF Valley for more advanced training. Rotary pilots will be sent to RAF Shawbury which is the training centre for defence helicopter pilots in the UK. Multi-engine pilots can expect to stay at RAF Cranwell for further training.

The RAF has numerous training aircraft. Basic training takes place in the Grob Tutor. Fast jet training takes place first on the Tucano and then the Hawk. Rotary pilots will be trained on the Squirrel and the Griffin. Multi-engine pilots are trained on the Firefly and the King Air.

Yes it is possible for pilots to move between streams during their flying career. It is not uncommon for fast jet pilots to move onto Rotary or multi-engine aircraft.

As of 2011 newly qualified pilots in the RAF receive a starting salary of £34,670. Salaries can expect to improve as a pilot gains more service time and experience. The highest active flying rank is Squadron Leader where you can earn upto £56,000 according to the RAF's pay scale (2011).

RAF pilots do earn less than there civilian counterparts where airline pilots can earn considerably more. Although the additional excitement and experiences of being a RAF pilot tend to be the pull factors rather than salary. The RAF has however struggled in the past in keeping there more experienced pilots which tend to be drawn to the higher salaries after having been in the RAF for some time.