Aircrewman

As an Aircrewman in the Fleet Air Arm, you’ll be essential to our Merlin helicopter operations. This is a role with a unique level of responsibility, not least because you’ll be the only rating on board the aircraft. Once you’ve joined as an Aircrewman, you will be streamed into either an Anti-Submarine or a Commando role during your training. Whichever route you go down you’ll find yourself in the thick of the action. That means planning and executing some of our most crucial missions, from maritime surveillance to frontline combat.

• Much of the anti-submarine role is a game of cat-mouse, stealth and cunning. As an Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircrewman you will work side-side with your Observer to detect, identify and track enemy submarines ensuring that they cannot remain hidden.
• You’ll need to be reliable and have a keen eye for detail, focussing on sonar systems to prevent submarines from attacking your task force and placing crewmates in danger, which is central to protecting our nation, and our fellow NATO members.
• As a Commando Aircrewman, you’ll be at the forefront of supporting Royal Marine operations, embarked in amphibious shipping, living and operating in the field and from the snow-capped peaks.
• As the only rear-crew in a Merlin MK4 helicopter you will assist in navigation at low-level on Night Vision Goggles and operate weaponary in support of troops. 

• £26,334 on initial entry, Direct Entry PO cadre paid from a bespoke Aviation Pay
• Potential to earn up to £80,779 as a WO1 with all additional qualifications.
• Six weeks of paid holiday every year
• Subsidised travel and accommodation
• Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications you‘ll gain

• Study for GCSEs, A-Levels, NVQs or a degree
• Gain specialist vocational qualifications as your career progresses

Skills you‘ll develop

• In the two years before you’re deployed on frontline operations, you’ll learn about how airborne missions work, and how to use our specialist equipment
• An in-depth knowledge of avionics, from how the aircraft is prepared, to its capabilities when it’s airborne
• A Foundation Degree in Aviation Systems Management

• You’ll need to be aged at least 15 years and 9 months old when you apply, and under 34 years old when you begin basic training
• You must pass CBAT, Specialist Aviation Medical at OASC, RAF Cranwell
• You’ll need at least 2 GCSEs at grades A-C (9-4) (or Scottish equivalent) including English and Maths
• You must be a British or a 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)

• A passion for working with state-of-the-art aircraft
• A keen attention to detail
• Good hand-to-eye coordination
• A willingness to learn new skills
• An adventurous spirit