You will be part of a team delivering or, supporting the delivery of, maritime aviation. With specialist training, you will operate (pilot/observer) or control (ATC) technologically advanced aircraft all over the world on operations.
Start your application
As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.
Register interestYou'll operate or control world-class aircraft across a variety of mission sets. Knowing your individual role and that of close-knit teams, you will apply skills, knowledge and training to maximise the capabilities of aircraft systems and weaponry on coordinated missions or, manipulate radars to safely conduct complex air traffic management.
The minimum you'll earn after training
As you progress through your career
Organisation, focus and 100% concentration are fundamental to my role and that of my friends who keep me safe in the skies.
Stan
Warfare Officer Professional (Aviation)
Joining as a Warfare (Aviation) Officer in the Royal Navy can, literally, take your career to new heights in highly cross-functional professions. Working with the most advanced aircraft in the world either as aircrew or, as an air traffic controller, you will lead operate to your physical and mental limits to deliver safely and successfully on operations. This is a highly cross-functional profession that will see you working with several teams at once to ensure our missions fly high.
You’ll then progress to Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, where you’ll spend 30 weeks, focusing on: military skills, maritime skills and initial fleet time.
After you’ve passed out of BRNC, you will spend a further 15 weeks learning about how our equipment works. At the end of this stage, you’ll go through grading. This is a set of tests that determines your suitability for your specialisation.
Once you’ve completed grading, you’ll begin your professional training at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire. Throughout this 24-week course, you’ll use state-of-the-art simulators under the guidance of our experienced instructors.
Depending on your specialisation you will complete hands-on training at one of our two Air Stations (Culdrose or Yeovilton) or RAF Marham for those selected for Lightning. There you will convert to a Front-Line aircraft type or gain hands-on Air traffic experience. Completion of this training, which can take up to a year, is recognised by ‘Wings’ award and consolidation by Certificate of Competence.
From picking your profession to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as an officer.
Find the right profession and entry level for you, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, and register your interest online.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with more details about your chosen profession, along with an invitation to speak with our friendly recruitment team about any questions or concerns you might have.
Once you’ve registered your interest in a Profession, and have satisfied some basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form.
When you apply for a role in the Royal Navy, we’ll ask you to complete an online psychometric assessment. These tests allow us to assess your aptitude in a way that is consistent, fair, and transparent. They are designed to measure your suitability and how well your abilities align with the careers we offer.
Being prepared will help you perform at your best. The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) includes six multiple-choice tests, each focusing on different skills. To get ready, you can use our practice tests as often as you like to build familiarity and confidence before taking the real assessment.
A Career Interview to talk through suitability of your chosen Profession and discussion of your preferred roles that are available within that Profession, including Submarine service. It will also cover the initial stages of the Security application. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform.
Learn more about the interview.
The number of sub-tests within the CBAT depends specifically on which role you're applying for. For example, if you're looking to become a pilot, the CBAT would include all of the relevant tests to assess the skills needed in this role. This could include the colours, letters, and numbers test, the sensory-motor apparatus test, the situational awareness test, and many more. You'll be given further detail by your Royal Navy contact as to which tests you'll be taking.
The test itself is taken at RAF Cranwell.
This is conducted at one of our Candidate Preparation Centres and will include a Fitness and Medical Assessment.
The AIB is conducted online and made up of two assessments, . A Pre-Recorded Interview (PRI) online assessment that assesses your awareness and motivation to join the Royal Navy as an officer. The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is the second stage online competency-based assessment which will take place approximately 3 weeks after the PRI. It will be conducted in a virtual group environment, and you will be assessed on your contribution to the team based on your individual performance.
Once you’ve passed all eligibility criteria, including a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) to commence your initial training.
Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day