ARMY AIR CORPS OFFICER (PILOT)

The Job

As a pilot in the Army Air Corps, you will fly one of the fleet of helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft operated by the Corps from various locations around the world. On exercises and operations, you might provide air support for combat troops on the ground either by directing other aircraft towards targets or by tackling them yourself. You could provide indirect support by airlifting troops and supplies, or by evacuating casualties. As an officer, you will also be responsible for the soldiers and equipment under your command.

The Right Job For Me?

All officer jobs will call on your ability to lead and motivate the troops under your command, and you will need the maturity and sense of responsibility necessary for a role in which soldiers’ wellbeing can depend on the outcome of your decisions. As part of a larger unit, an ability to take orders is essential, but you must also be able to act on your own initiative if the situation calls for it. You will need to be able to demonstrate suitability for flying training, and will be asked to attend aircrew aptitude tests and an aircrew medical at RAF Cranwell prior to the start of aircrew training.

What Skills Will I Learn?

Officers are expected to master the same basic military skills and tactics as the soldiers they command. This will include drill, basic fieldcraft, map reading, first aid and how to fire and maintain your personal weapon. In addition to your soldiering skills, you will also learn the skills pertinent to being an Army Air Corps officer, and how to command soldiers in the field and in barracks through a series of field exercises.You will learn how to fly helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in a wide range of environments.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial Training: The Commissioning Course takes place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, arguably the most prestigious institution of its kind in the world, and lasts for 44 weeks. It is divided into three terms with periods of leave and adventurous training between them. As well as core military skills such as drill and weapon handling, it includes a rigorous physical regime. The course also has an academic component, but the emphasis is on learning by doing, so you will take part in a range of exercises. You will also learn about the behaviour and self-discipline of an officer, and will be expected to act with integrity at all times. Further Training: After receiving your commission, you may have to complete an attachment with the Royal Armoured Corps or an infantry unit, which will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the work of the units that the AAC supports on operations. The pilots’ course lasts for 14 months, during which time you will learn to fly both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. You will then be awarded your wings prior to being trained to fly Army helicopters and posted to an AAC regiment. Later in your career, you will receive further training to qualify you for promotion and might be able to train for specialised roles such as instructor or test pilot.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

The Commissioning Course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and the Chartered Management Institute, while City & Guilds awards a Certificate in Human Resource Management on completion. It also counts towards the Edexel/BTEC Certificate in Management Studies and towards Bournemouth University’s Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. The Army prides itself on its continuing professional development and you will attend courses throughout your career, many of which translate directly into civilian life. You will have the opportunity to gain commercial licences from civilian awarding bodies as your career progresses, or to complete postgraduate degrees in technical or managerial disciplines.

Future Prospects

Career prospects for Army pilots are excellent. Having received some of the best flying and leadership training in the world, you will be well placed to progress through the promotion structure of your regiment or take on new challenges as a pilot, which might include two-year exchange tours with other countries’ armed forces. If you decide to leave the Army, you will find that your qualifications and experiences are prized by civilian companies both inside and outside the aviation sector.