RAF aviator

RAF aviators make up the majority of RAF personnel and maintain its ability to fight and fly. 


Typical Salary

£25,000 – £36,000

per year

Career Area

Officers in armed forces

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Day-to-day tasks

As an RAF aviator, your duties will depend on your job. You could:

  • fix and maintain aircraft
  •  load weapons
  •  drive a range of vehicles
  •  cook for troops
  •  monitor airspace
  •  protect airfields
  •  support medical staff
  •  work in human resources (HR)

Skills needed

  • leadership skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Career progression

With experience, you could move up the ranks from Air Specialist - class 1 (AS1) to Warrant Officer (WO) or higher.

You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF. Your career choices will depend on the skills, training and qualifications you've gained during your service.

You can find details about support and opportunities from: