Specialsim
Aviation
The Navy offers thrilling and fulfilling pilot positions in the UK, including flying advanced fighter jets and commanding maritime aircraft, shaping a career unmatched by commercial aviation.
Want to know more about Aviation?
tell me more
Fly the world’s most advanced aircraft
From the F35-B Lightning fighter to the Wildcat helicopter, you’ll work with some incredible kit. If you’re not piloting it yourself, you’ll be observing, maintaining or directing the aircraft from the aircraft carrier, frigate or destroyer that you’re based on.
Be part of a team
You’ll always be part of a close-knit team, whether you’re based at a Royal Naval Air Station or travelling the world on deployment. You’ll be working in a uniquely collaborative environment, with people of all ranks pulling together to keep our aircraft in the sky.
Become the best in the world
Based in the Fleet Air Arm and working with every service, you’ll be providing expert aviation. That might mean landing a Marine unit in hostile territory or providing search-and-rescue support to civilian.
Shape your future
Whichever role you choose, our Aviation branch is perfect for hands-on team players who relish a challenge – and want a career that commercial aviation simply can’t match.
F-35 Lightning - the world’s first ‘fifth generation’ fighter
In 2019, UK F-35B Lightnings disembarked on completion of the first phase of operational tests onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth in the USA. This 5-week period was a significant, and historic step towards their first operational deployment together in 2021. The test period included further flying with USMC F-35Bs.
I get to be part of a wide variety of missions. I’ve been involved in search-and-rescue, using the winch to pull people to safety, and on the frontline where I’ve fired machine guns
- About you
- What you'll do
It’s not just our elite pilots who keep our aircraft in the sky. Everyone has a role to play, from Air Traffic Controllers to Air Engineers.
So whether flying interests you or you just want to use amazing kit, you’ll need to be focused and ready to react at a moment’s notice.
On deployment you’ll be part of the ship’s flight, assigned from either Culdrose or Yeovilton. When the ship sails, you’ll fly to join it for up to 9 months.
Like everyone on board, you complete all the essential pre-deployment training.
Featured Aviation roles
Need help finding the right role?
Chat with our virtual recruiter, 24/7
Apply now
Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.
Not ready to apply?
Register your interest today and we’ll be in touch to help you find your fit.