Raf non-commissioned aircrew Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

RAF non-commissioned aircrew, or weapon systems operators, fly onboard fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. NCOs (non-commissioned officers) carry out air patrols over UK airspace and also take part in NATO operations and other actions around the world.

As an NCO, you would normally specialise in a particular role, for example:

• aircrew
• linguist
• acoustics operator
• electronic warfare systems.

If you are part of aircrew, you would be responsible for loading and unloading aircraft payloads, which could include weapons, supplies and troops. You would also take on extra duties according to the aircraft type and its operational role. For example, you may load and dispatch parachutists and air-dropped loads from transport aircraft. On Sea King helicopters, you might train as a winch operator for search-and-rescue operations.

As a linguist, you would work on Nimrod reconnaissance aircraft, monitoring electronic surveillance equipment and translating radio and telecommunications traffic. You would normally be fluent in two or more languages.

Working onboard reconnaissance aircraft as an acoustics operator, you would use radar and sonar to search for and monitor submarine and surface shipping movements. As well as tracking sea craft, you could take part in search-and-rescue operations.

If you specialise in electronic warfare systems, you would track friendly and enemy movements on land, sea and in the air. You would relay information to commanders about the position of units, so they can coordinate operations. You might also work on early warning defence systems.

Hours

Your working hours would be flexible according to the needs of the operation or exercise.

Working as an NCO means you could be posted to RAF bases in the UK or overseas. This could be for many months at a time. You would be expected to work in combat operations.

Income

• During training, crew earn between £13,400 and £27,000.
• Pay after training rises to between £32,100 and £36,200 year.
• Flight sergeants can earn £36,200 to £42,400 a year.
• Master aircrew can earn up to £45,800.

There are also additional payments and bonuses linked to length of service.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

To apply to become part of NCO aircrew, you must:

• be aged between 17½ and 32 years old
• have five GCSEs (A-C) including English language, and grade B maths
• be a British citizen or hold dual British/other country nationality.

To specialise as a linguist, you will need ability in foreign languages (although a qualification is not always essential).

You will also need to pass a series of selection tests examining areas such as practical initiative and fitness, plus an interview and a medical.

Age limits are kept under review, so check with your local Armed Forces Careers Office for the latest details. The RAF advises that all candidates for NCO aircrew apply at least a year in advance of the age limits.

• Armed Forces Careers Office

It is normal to sign up to the RAF for a minimum of between six and twelve years but you could extend your service beyond this.

See the RAF Careers website for more details about this career and the recruitment process.

Training and development

You would attend a standard training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire (for between 9-11 weeks) to learn essential military skills and improve your physical fitness. Afterwards, you move on to RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, for a ten-week leadership course covering communication, administration and organisational skills.

Once you have completed the initial training, you move on to specialist training. The length and content of this would depend on your role. After this stage, you would be posted to an Operational Conversion Unit where you would receive hands-on training for your specific aircraft and duties, for example electronic warfare systems.

Skills and knowledge

• an interest in aviation and aircraft
• excellent spoken and written communication skills
• the ability to react and think quickly under pressure
• a willingness to work anywhere in the world, sometimes in combat zones
• leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate others
• the ability to accept responsibility and give and take orders
• good teamworking skills
• a practical approach to solving problems.

More information

RAF Careers
Tel: 0845 605 5555
www.raf.mod.uk/careers

Opportunities

There are more than 40,000 non-commissioned personnel in the RAF, with about 1,300 NCO aircrew. There is a steady requirement for NCO aircrew with the right combination of skills and qualities.

Once you start your aircrew flying training, you would be promoted to acting sergeant. When you begin your full duties, you would gain promotion to full sergeant. With experience and further training, you could progress to flight sergeant then to master aircrew. You may be able to go on to become a commissioned RAF officer.

Free leaflets and advice are available from all Armed Forces Careers Offices.

• Armed Forces Careers Offices