RAF aviator

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move up the ranks from Air Specialist - class 1 (AS1) to Warrant Officer (WO) or higher.

You could apply to join the UK Special Forces as a Regular or a Reservist. Get information on how to join UK Special Forces Reserves.

You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF. Your career choices will depend on the skills, training and qualifications you've gained during your service.

You can find details about support and opportunities from:

• Quest
• Career Transition Partnership
• Forces Employment Charity
• Get Into Teaching

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• leadership skills to manage and motivate teams
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• persistence, determination and endurance
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills and quick reactions
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others in a team
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
• be over 16 years of age
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - RAF aviators who work in engineering and aircraft maintenance need to understand forces, aerodynamics, and how mechanical and electrical systems work. Even those in other roles benefit from understanding how flight works and how equipment operates in different conditions.
• Engineering - RAF aviators in technical roles fix and maintain aircraft, load weapons systems, and work with complex mechanical equipment. Understanding engineering principles is essential for keeping aircraft safe and operational.
• Physical Education - RAF aviators must maintain a high level of physical fitness throughout their career, passing regular fitness assessments. The role can be physically demanding, whether protecting airfields, working outdoors in all weathers, or operating in challenging environments.
• Design and Technology - RAF aviators in maintenance and engineering roles work hands-on with tools, materials, and technical systems every day. Understanding how things are built, how components fit together, and how to read technical diagrams is central to keeping aircraft and equipment in working order.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - RAF aviators working in cyberspace and intelligence roles deal with digital systems, networks, and data security. Understanding how software and digital infrastructure work is important for protecting RAF communications and monitoring threats.
• Mathematics - RAF aviators use maths when calculating loads, reading technical plans, and monitoring airspace. Those in logistics and engineering roles regularly work with measurements, data, and calculations to keep operations running smoothly.
• Geography - RAF aviators who monitor airspace or work in operations need to understand maps, navigation, weather systems, and terrain. This knowledge helps with planning missions and understanding the environments they may be deployed to around the world.
• Food Preparation and Nutrition - RAF aviators in catering roles cook for large numbers of troops, often in challenging conditions. Understanding nutrition, food safety, and how to prepare meals at scale is essential for keeping personnel healthy and fuelled.
• Electronics - RAF aviators working on aircraft systems and communications equipment deal with electronic circuits, sensors, and control systems. Understanding how electronic components function helps when maintaining and troubleshooting the sophisticated technology used across the RAF.