Officer Pilot

Day to day life really varies depending on what we have on during any particular month. For example; at the moment we are preparing to deploy on exercise for a 2 month period so the majority of my week is dedicated to making sure we are as well prepared as possible. This includes planning the transit flight in conjunction with the Apache force, ensuring we are current in all aspects of flying (such as night flying and flying in formation with other aircraft) and also making sure that we are up to speed in wider aspects of military training such as fitness tests, map reading and weapon handling.

As an officer pilot, your main role is flying and leading operations, but you’ll also take on leadership responsibilities. You’ll plan missions, train regularly and work closely with your team to stay ready for deployment.

The AAC is one of the few roles in the Army where you get to do the job you trained for on a daily basis. For example, our pilots have to remain in current flying practice, so our aircraft are constantly flying and are supported by all officers and soldiers in associated jobs.

The AAC also offers very junior soldiers the opportunity to command at a very early stage in their careers. Senior Airtroopers (our name for Private soldiers) and Lance Corporals can command Apache Attack Helicopter refuelling and re-arming teams and Helicopter Landing Sights as well as commanding communications detachments which may be operating forward of the main base area.

We are also a relatively small Corps so we are a very tight-knit community and everyone tends to know each other regardless of where you are stationed.

Life in the Army Air Corps is focused on aviation, so you’re working around aircraft and operations every day. It’s a close-knit Corps where everyone plays a part in keeping aircraft flying and missions moving.

Sandhurst itself was mostly about learning how to be a soldier, learning about leadership, military studies and platoon‑level tactics. It was a tough 44 weeks, but ultimately really rewarding and fun.

Officer training at Sandhurst is designed to build you into a confident leader. You’ll develop your decision-making, teamwork and resilience, alongside the skills needed to lead others in challenging situations.

As an officer we have a duty to look after our soldiers, physically but also mentally. We sometimes have to make difficult decisions, even when they’re not easy.

You’re given responsibility early on, but it’s introduced gradually. From the start, you’re trusted to look after yourself, your kit and support your team, with clear guidance and support in place. As you grow in confidence and skills, that responsibility increases. You’re never left to manage things alone. You’re shown what to do, why it matters, and how it fits into the bigger picture.

During training you live with others on your course, and when you join your unit you’ll normally have your own room in the mess.

During officer training, you’ll live on site in shared accommodation. It’s designed to help you focus, build routines and get to know the people you’ll train alongside.