You’ll master airborne navigation, mission navigation and survival and then train for an airborne warfare specialist role on one of the Fleet Air Arm’s three helicopters.
This job sits within the Warfare Profession and is a Warfare (Aviation) Officer role.
Whichever helicopter you’re operating, you’ll ‘fight the aircraft’ through navigation, operating the radar and communications systems and, controlling weaponry.
You’ll be an essential part of the flight crew, using your first class tactical acumen to achieve the mission.
The minimum you'll earn after training
Earn over this amount as you progress through your career
I get to be part of a wide variety of missions. Whilst I control the missiles and machine gun, I’ve also conducted search-and-rescue, using the winch to pull people to safety, and delivered humanitarian aid.
Liz
Observer, Aviation branch .
As an Observer in the Royal Navy, you’ll be a key part of a flight crew in whichever of our helicopters you’re operating. You’ll be responsible for navigation, operating sensors and communications systems and, controlling weaponry. Whilst you will need to be constantly aware and in control of your surroundings, you’ll do much more than that; so much more. It’s how you apply your second-to-none navigation skills and tactical knowledge that counts. Wherever you are in the world, and whatever the challenge is, you’ll need to rise to it without fail.
From picking your role to the first day of training; everything you need to know as an officer
Once you’ve registered your interest in a Profession, and have satisfied some basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form.
Depending on Profession applied for and professionally qualified status, 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.
A Career Interview to talk through suitability of your chosen Profession and discussion of your preferred roles that are available within that Profession, including Submarine service. It will also cover the initial stages of the Security application. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform.
The number of sub-tests within the CBAT depends specifically on which role you're applying for. For example, if you're looking to become an Observer, the CBAT would include some of the relevant tests to assess the skills needed in this role. This could include the colours, letters, and numbers test, the sensory-motor apparatus test, the situational awareness test, and many more. You'll be given further detail by your Royal Navy contact as to which tests you'll be taking.
The test itself is taken at RAF Cranwell.
This is conducted at one of our Candidate Preparation Centres and will include a Fitness and Medical Assessment.
The AIB is conducted online and made up of two assessments, . A Pre-Recorded Interview (PRI) online assessment that assesses your awareness and motivation to join the Royal Navy as an officer. The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is the second stage online competency-based assessment which will take place approximately 3 weeks after the PRI. It will be conducted in a virtual group environment, and you will be assessed on your contribution to the team based on your individual performance.
Once you’ve passed all eligibility criteria, including a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) to commence your initial training.
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day