Aircraft Controller

Service:Fleet Air Arm
Branch:Aviation
Level:Rating,Apprenticeship
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The role at a glance

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7 weeks

Of paid holiday every year

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Free

Medical and Dental care

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GCSE's

No GCSEs required

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£54,500+

As you progress through your career

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£21,000+

After 10 weeks basic training

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Travel

All around the world

What you’ll do

 As an Aircraft Controller (AC) you will play a pivotal role in helping enable the Royal Navy's front-line aviation capability at sea. At the heart of the ship, you will be a key member of the war fighting team within the Operations Room. You will be the only person on board responsible for the safety of all Rotary Wing aircraft under your control. This involves directing the ships airborne weapon carrier from a radar screen to achieve the mission success. In addition, you will act as the ship's aviation advisor during all flying serials answering directly to the ship's Command Team. A challenging but rewarding role.

If you have questions, talk to us

call us 0345 607 55 55

Your role

  • Work with some of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world in all environments, including the Wildcat and Merlin helicopters as well as the P8 Poseidon. As your career progresses, you’ll gain additional qualifications which will enable you to work with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
  • You will be the on-board Aviation expert, advising Command and using your knowledge and tactical insight to ensure mission success
  • Utilise your skills, expertise and knowledge to work with NATO and international partners around the world
  • Compile and deliver flying briefs to the ship's Command/Aviation team

What you’ll get

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Apprenticeship Level 3 in Data Information Management
  • Foundation degree in Aerospace Management on successful completion of JATCC
  • Chartered Management Institute Level 3 qualification in Coaching & Mentoring with the opportunity for Level 5 as your career progresses
  • Opportunity to gain human factors qualifications
  • Funding towards study or a qualification of your choice

Skills you'll develop

  • Regardless of age, background or educational achievement the AC branch will support you every step of the way, allowing you to grow in confidence your multi-tasking ability, master communication and leadership skills, and realise your full potential. It's never too early or late to live life to the full and experience challenges.
     

Career progression

Phase one training

10 weeks at HMS Raleigh, learning basic military skills

Phase two training

Develop your professional skills, learn about our equipment

First promotion – Leading Hand

Further training 

First three years

Consolidate your skills in the maritime environment

Second promotion – Petty officer

Become a JATCC qualified Air Traffic Controller

What you'll need

Eligibility

  • You’ll need to be aged 18 to 34
  • No qualifications are required for this role
  • You must be a British/British Dual National
  • You need to be a minimum height of 151.5cm
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
  • Must pass CBAT. Specialist Aviation Medical at OASC, RAF Cranwell
  • Pass the Naval Swimming Test
     

Skills and interests

  • To be independent and adaptable                
  • To be out going, committed and driven
  • A high level of spatial awareness
  • A passion for aviation
  • An adventurous spirit
Check Eligibility

Starting your career

Joining process

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the joining process is as follows:

  • Submit an application

    Once you’ve registered your interest, we’ll be in touch to discuss your options

  • Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)

    You’ll be tested on: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension.
    To prepare, you can practise the DAA

  • Interview

    A formal interview to talk through your suitability for the role. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform

  • Medical and eye tests

    These are quite comprehensive and must be completed by one of our Ministry of Defence-approved doctors

  • Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT)

    This involves completing a 2.4km run on a treadmill within a certain time, at a fitness centre near you

  • Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)

    This four-day induction to life in the Royal Navy, including a Swimming Test and a fitness assessment, is a pass or fail course

  • Start training

    Once you’ve passed a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at HMS Raleigh

more about the joining process

Find out more

Initial training

Your Royal Navy career begins with 10 weeks’ basic training at HMS Raleigh, a shore base in Torpoint, Cornwall. The discipline, teamwork, organisational, firefighting and weapon handling skills you learn here will stay with you right through your career.

Aim to get yourself as fit as possible before you arrive. You’ll be doing a lot of physical exercise, and you’ll find it much easier if you’re already in shape. There’s also a swimming test, so if you can’t swim, make sure you learn by the time you join us.

more about initial training

Find out more

Request your application
Register your interest
Call 0345 607 55 55
Find your local AFCO

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