Considering being a military pilot? Get the know how here.

The UK armed forces recruit more pilots than any other UK flying organisation. They also offer the greatest variety of aircraft and flying operations that cannot be rivaled by the airlines.

They offer an exciting and varied flying careers. Your training is fully paid for and provides a strong stepping stone into commercial aviation once your military service is over.

As a military pilot you could find yourself flying a heavy transport aircraft to fighter jets to flying search and rescue missions on rotary aircraft.

However a flying career in the military is not for everyone, it can be emotionally and physically demanding. It is important to have an open mind and think carefully when considering applying for a flying role in the armed forces.

RAF, Army or Navy?

All three of the UK's armed forces actively recruit air crew. The RAF is by far the biggest but do not rule out the Army Air Corps or the Fleet Air Arm. Each force offers its own unique challenges as a pilot and its important to choose the one for you.

Recruitment and Selection

Pursuing a career in any field of aviation is highly competitive and the armed forces are no different. Each force may vary on their specific requirements but all three look for the following qualities:

• Reasonable Intelligence and Common Sense
• Citizen of the Commonwealth or the Irish Republic.
• Good health and fitness
• Confident
• Mature
• Team Player
• Potential Leader

Some of these qualities are built in and some can be worked on. Don't worry too much if you think you lack some of these qualities. There are some ideal candidates who never apply because they think they are not good enough.

Each armed service runs a strict and demanding selection procedure to filter out the most suitable candidates.

You have to be serious and commited throughout selection because you will be rivalling many determined candidates and places are always too few.