The Royal Air Force (RAF) patrols and defends UK airspace, playing an important part in NATO operations and in operations elsewhere in the world. RAF non-commissioned aircrew, or weapon systems operators, are non-commissioned officers (NCOs). They fly on board multi-engine aircraft and on helicopters. NCO aircrew specialise as crewmen/women, linguists or in electronic warfare/acoustics.

Weapon systems operators specialising as linguists work only on Nimrod aircraft. They are mainly system operators, monitoring and manipulating specialist, complex electronic reconnaissance equipment. The exact details of the role are classified. Linguists are employed primarily for their language ability.

Those specialising in electronic warfare or acoustics work on board surveillance aircraft using radar and sonar to search above and below the waves. Their missions vary: hunting submarines, flying as sentry aircraft in support of NATO and UN operations or taking part in search-and-rescue operations. Some work in airborne early warning.

Crewmen/women, have complete responsibility for the aircraft cabin in all transport aircraft and the aircraft’s payload: from troops, stretcher cases and fuels, to heavy weaponry and explosives. They also take on additional duties according to the aircraft type and its operational role. For example, they may load and despatch parachutists and air-dropped loads on a tactical transport aircraft, or voice-marshall and give navigational assistance to the pilot of a support helicopter. On the search-and-rescue Sea King helicopter, crewmen/women act as winchmen or winch operators.

Hours and Environment

NCO aircrew work flexible hours according to the needs of the RAF.

Work can be indoors or outdoors in all kinds of climate and weather conditions.

NCO aircrew are posted to RAF bases in the UK and overseas, and may also go on exercises anywhere in the world. All NCO aircrew can expect to work in operational conditions. NCO aircrew serving on detachment may be separated from their families for several months at a time.

Skills and Interests

To be a non-commissioned officer you should:

• have an interest in aviation
• have excellent spoken and written communication skills
• be able to react and think quickly under pressure
• be prepared to work in combat and travel anywhere in the world
• have leadership qualities with the ability to motivate others
• be able to accept responsibility and give and take orders
• be able to work as part of a team
• have a practical approach to solving problems.

Entry

All NCO aircrew must be at least 17.5 years, and have five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English language and maths. For electronic warfare/acoustics and crewmen/women these must also include a physics-based subject. For linguists they should include a modern language.

Linguists may be accepted without a qualification in a modern language if they can demonstrate an aptitute for learning languages.

Equivalent qualifications will be considered.

All candidates must pass a series of selection tests. These include aptitude tests, practical initiative tests, fitness tests, interviews and a medical. They must also meet eyesight standards.

All candidates must meet the RAF nationality and residence requirements.

The upper age limit for NCO aircrew entry is 32. However, age limits are continually reviewed, so check with Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCO). All candidates for NCO aircrew are advised to apply at least a year in advance of age limits.

NCO aircrew sign up to the RAF for a minimum of 12 years but can serve for up to 20 years or until they reach 55.

Training

After recruitment all aircrew attend a nine week standard recruitment training course, learning essential military skills. After this NCO aircrew go on to a ten week leadership and character course which covers communication, administration and organisation, they are also tested mentally and physically.

Next is specialist training, the length and content of which is dependant on the role. After this stage recruits are considered to be operational and are posted to an Operational Conversion Unit where they receive hands on training for the specific aircraft and role.

Opportunities

There are more than 40,000 non-commissioned personnel in the RAF, of whom around 1,300 are NCO aircrew.

Entry to NCO aircrew is very competitive, but those with the right combination of qualities are in demand. NCO aircrew are promoted to acting sergeant when they start their aircrew flying training, and are promoted to full sergeant when they begin their full duties. Further promotion is to flight sergeant and then to master aircrew. NCO aircrew may go on to commission as RAF officers.

Free leaflets and advice are available from all Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCOs). The addresses of these offices can be found in telephone directories.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New recruits start on around £20,000 a year.
Fully trained non-commissioned aircrew earn between £30,650 and £53,000 a year.

Additional flying pay maybe received.

Further information