A Naval pilot is one of the most challenging and exciting forms of aviation avaliable. Maneuvering an aircraft on a moving deck at night is exhilarating. Whilst most people considering a military career choose the RAF, the Royal Navy is definitely worth considering.
The Fleet Air Arm currently operate a number of rotary aircraft including the Sea King, Merlin and the Lynx. They also operate the RAF's Harrier GR7 and GR9 aircraft, after the retirement of the old Sea Harrier.
The future is also exciting, with the expected arrival of 150 new ultra-modern JSF aircraft. Combined with this will be the Navy's new generation aircraft carriers expected in 2012.
Future recruitment oppurtunities are also good, with the Navy aiming to recruit and train 40 pilots each year.
Flying Training
All Navy pilots will commence their flying training at DEFTS, a specialized training school for both the Army Air Corps and the Royal Navy. Here all students will complete 60 hours on the Firefly basic trainer.
Helicopter pilots will then be posted to the Defence Helicopter Training School. Here they will initially complete a 3 week theoretical course into helicopter flying. After which beckons a 35 hour course on the Squirrel helicopter. Successful students will then go onto 705 Naval Squadron to complete their advanced helicopter training.
Alternatively, Harrier pilots will go on to follow a similar course as RAF fighter pilots. First, a 1 year course on the Tucano will teach you the basics of flying fighters. Then you will be off to RAF Valley for advanced training on the Hawk. After 4 years of training you will finally be taught to fly the Harrier, where you will eventually join a front-line squadron.
Entry Requirements
To be a pilot in the Royal Navy you must:
- have 5 GCSEs (A-C) including Maths and English
- 2 A-Levels
- be between 17 and 26 years of age
- Hold British or Dual (with British) nationality.
Benefits
As a Navy pilot, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Pension Scheme.
- 6 weeks annual leave.
- Subsidised accomodation.
- Free Dental Care.
- Free Medical Care.
- Further training oppurtunities.
- Excellent sporting facalities.
Further Information
For more information on joining the Royal Navy then visit their careers website at http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6022
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