At a glance
- Officer
- combat
A leader and expert pilot, you’re a vital part of any campaign. You'll fly cutting-edge helicopters and support troops all over the world.
- £33,183The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- ÂŁ39,671Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 18 years & 0 months to 28 years & 11 months
- QualificationsGCSE and UCAS points
As an Officer Pilot you'll learn how to fly and command military helicopters. You'll lead complex aviation missions and command small, close-knit teams of other Officers and Soldiers. You will learn everything you need to know about flying, from take-off and landing to formation flying at night. On completion of the Army Pilots' Course, if you qualify on either the Wildcat or Apache.
Wherever the Army is in the world the Army Air Corps is there ready to provide tactical aviation action and support. Modern operations require big-picture thinking and large-scale cooperation, which is why the Army Air Corps is proud of it's forward-thinking personnel and cutting-edge technology.
Key Responsibilities
Learn to fly the most advanced battlefield helicopters in the world
Provide essential support for troops on the ground
Attack targets, find the enemy, evacuate casualties and move troops and supplies
Have huge impact on the battle, wherever you are
Get paid to learn to fly and command in the skies
Have any questions? Talk with us
Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 18 years & 0 months to 28 years & 11 months
Qualifications:
35 ALIS points at GCSE (34 for SNQs) from 7 GCSE/SNQ subjects, with a minimum grade C/4 in English Language, Maths, and a science or foreign language.
72 UCAS Tariff points from A-level / BTEC / Scottish Highers.
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
MSFT (beep test) level 8.07
Training for the role
Step 1
To become an officer pilot you must first and foremost apply to become a British Army Officer. You will complete standard Army Officer training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. On passing the aviation aptitude, medical and flying grading tests, you will be eligible to be selected as a helicopter Officer Pilot.
Step 2Â
Over the next two years, you will learn to fly the Juno (H135) training helicopter. You will also learn about communications, navigation and tactics. At the end you will be awarded the Army Pilot Badge (your 'Wings') and get streamed on to your operational aircraft, usually the Apache attack helicopter or reconnaissance Wildcat. You'll then complete your conversion course (approximately 18 months) before arriving fully qualified at your frontline regiment.
Qualifications you could get after training
Foundation Degree in Aviation Systems Management
Degree Level (Level 5 & 6) Diplomas in Management and Leadership
Graduate entrants get a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Conflict Studies and access to the full Masters Postgraduate Degree
Pay & benefits
You'll earn ÂŁ33,183 during your year of training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, before commissioning and becoming a Second Lieutenant, on ÂŁ39,671 a year. As your experience increases, pilots become eligible for recruiting and retention payments on top of their basic salary.
How to Apply
Once your online application has been approved, you'll have an interview with a recruiter, who will talk to you about the corps that you would like to join. You'll have the chance to learn more about your chosen corps, although you won't make your final decision until you're in training at Sandhurst.
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