Aircrew Officer Observer

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.

• Be an integral part of a flight crew, coordinating and executing vital missions, all over the world
• Specialise on one of our three helicopter types. You could become an expert in anti-submarine warfare on a Merlin or, operate directly alongside the Pilot in the front of the two-crew Wildcat
• Be assigned to a flight, with a Pilot, Aircraft Controller, and team of Engineers, working together on multiple missions
• Master tactical skills over a two-year training period

• A starting salary in excess of £34,676 paid from a bespoke Aviation Pay
• Potential to earn up to £94,013 before transferring to regular pay with potential to earn in excess of £117,500
• Earn additional pay after Flying Training
• Accelerated training and responsibility from day one
• Six weeks of paid holiday every year
• Free medical and dental care
• Subsidised travel and accommodation
• Adventurous training
• Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications you'll gain

• Study for GCSEs, A-Levels, NVQs or even a degree, with funding from us
• Gain a free foundation degree in Aviation Systems Management at end of flying training, and BSc(Hons) of the same name when on the Front Line

Skills you'll develop

• How to navigate, operate communication systems, and even man the weapons
• How to apply your knowledge and expertise to state-of-the-art aviation equipment

• You must be aged 18 to 34 (You can start your application from 15 years and 9 months old however you must be at least 18 years old on day of entry to basic training)  
• You’ll need a minimum of 72 UCAS points. These can be accrued from either GCE A/AS levels (or equivalent) or National Diplomas (e.g., BTEC)
• You'll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (9-4) (or Scottish equivalent) which must include English Language and Mathematics
• You must be a United Kingdom citizen or British Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
• You must have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously prior to application
• 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 post AIB.

• An ability to thrive on responsibility
• A calmness under pressure
• A confident multi-tasker
• Have a high level of numeracy
• Reliable and extremely professional