Aircrewman Training

Aircrewman are currently only selected from within the RN and RM cadres. Having volunteered for a transfer and met the criteria you will undergo a full aircrew medical before going to grading. This is done at 705 NAS at RAF Shawbury which primarily trains rotary wing pilots. The grading package is a three week assessment of mental capacity, arithmetic and basic navigation skills. For ASW candidates this also includes some instruction and assessment of ASW principles. During this time you’ll also get the opportunity to visit RNAS Yeovilton and Culdrose to learn more about your chosen career.

Once you have successfully passed grading you will be streamed to either the Sea King Commando Helicopter Force or Merlin ASW for further training. The former includes a Navigation Lead-In course at RAF Shawbury before a secondary-roles winching course at RAF Valley. After this it’s off on a militarisation course to learn the basic skills required to operate in the field with the Royal Marines before joining ab-initio Commando pilots at 848 NAS for 11 months of training. Here you will learn all about navigating an aircraft at low level, troop movement and cabin gunning.

Those selected for Anti-Submarine training will join 824 NAS for the ten week Basic Acoustic Course. Here you will learn about sonar and sensor operation before joining your observer and pilot counterparts on ACP and OCP training at the OCU. This will take approximately 15 months and will include Active and Passive ASW search and prosecution techniques, as well as surface search, SAR and load lifting. Whichever specialisation you end up on you’ll be an integral part of the crew and have an extremely rewarding career!