Enlisted Aviator

Complete the Defence Aptitude Assessment at AFCO or online with six timed multiple‑choice sections: verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, work rate, spatial reasoning, electrical comprehension, and mechanical comprehension to assess suitability for aviator roles

Attend an in‑person standard interview at your local AFCO covering family life, education, employment, hobbies, motivation, knowledge of the RAF and your chosen role; certain roles may require a secondary interview or base‑based testing over 1–3 days

Undergo legal medical screening: checks on hearing, eyesight, BMI; review of past illnesses and medical history; detect any disqualifying conditions for military or aviator roles(PJFT)

Attend a formal acceptance interview at AFCO to confirm you understand service terms and commitments, and are ready to train

Complete a 10‑week phase‑based course including arriving and being sworn in, drill & uniform, general service training, force protection, adventurous training, Exercise Blue Warrior and graduation

You complete the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)—seven (some sources say six with memory test included) timed multiple‑choice sections: verbal, numerical, work‑rate, spatial, electrical comprehension, mechanical comprehension (and memory). This tests suitable aptitude for aviator role placement .

It matches strengths to suitable aviator trades and ensures intellectual fit; best performers gain a wider range of role options .

Attend an in‑person structured interview at your local AFCO. Topics include family background, education, work history, hobbies, motivation, knowledge of RAF and your chosen role. You'll also have a chance to ask questions. Some roles require a second interview or testing at an RAF base spanning 1–3 days .

Certain trades need further testing or familiarisation onsite to assess suitability and give insight into working environment .

An Occupational Health assessment checks medical eligibility: hearing, eyesight, BMI, past illnesses and GP history. Sickle Cell Trait screening may be required via questionnaire onward. Conditions may place you Temporarily Medically Unfit (TMU) while investigated or Permanently Medically Unfit (PMU) if disqualifying .

TMU delays your application pending GP records; PMU means permanent ineligibility but may allow appeal or reapplication after resolution .

You must pass a Pre‑Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) at a local gym. It includes a 2.4 km treadmill run (zero incline), plus 60‑second press‑up and sit‑up tests. Required standards vary depending on your age and gender. If unsuccessful, retest opportunities may be offered after preparation .

The run must meet or beat time thresholds; push‑ups and sit‑ups must meet minimum counts in 60 seconds. Exact standards published per role and are available in fitness guides on the role-specific RAF site .

Yes. You may be offered a retest after retraining. Multiple attempts are allowed, but failure may delay or prevent progression .

Attend a provisional offer of service interview at AFCO. This confirms you understand the terms and conditions of service, are committed to joining, and are ready to begin basic training .

Begin Basic Recruit Training at RAF Halton lasting 10 weeks (approx. 71–72 days). Training phases include:

Arrival & swearing in (service number issued)

General Service training (drill, code of conduct)

Initial Force Protection training (fighting & survival)

Exercise Blue Warrior (four-day field exercise)

Force Development / adventurous training

Graduation preparation and briefings for your first RAF posting .

You’ll be in shared dorms (approx. 14 same‑sex recruits per room), dual lockers (civilian and military), shared bathrooms, three meals daily from the mess, structured daily routine including reveille around 06:00, restricted off‑site leave thrice during the course, and limited personal phone use during evenings or study time .

You must meet age (16–54), nationality, residency and fitness requirements. You can commence application at 15 but must wait until eligible to start training at 16 or older. The end-to-end process typically takes 6–12 months, though improvements in recruitment have recently reduced timelines by about 10 % as of May 2025 .

Read all instructions sent by RAF recruitment carefully, especially about interview topics (responsibility, teamwork, motivation, current awareness), medical disclosures, and fitness standards. Use the RAF-provided 12-week training guide and online DAA practice tests to prepare. Reddit feedback warns: “there is no reason not to pass” fitness if you prepare well .

The Defence Aptitude Assessment takes at least 25 minutes, with six timed sections. You may retake it after 28 days if unsuccessful, up to twice; results are valid for three years

Your DAA performance determines which aviator trades you're eligible for; lower scores may restrict role options even if you pass the test

Medical screening requires a BMI between 18–30 (age ≥18). Candidates with high muscle mass may be assessed up to BMI 32 if waist circumference is under 94 cm for men, 80 cm for women

After applying, you’ll receive a family origin questionnaire. If at risk, a blood test follows. Sickle cell trait typically won’t prevent entry, but identifying it early avoids health risks during training

Certain enlisted aviator trades require a second, role-specific interview or test at an RAF base lasting 1–3 days to assess suitability and give exposure to the working environment

From application submission to starting basic training usually takes 3–9 months, often around a year—delays commonly due to medical follow-up, fitness preparation, or role availability