This is something I hear a lot and many people also say to me “Why don’t you use the RAF to learn to fly for free.”
I don’t know why there is this misconception out there that the RAF is in the business of training pilots to then leave and join commercial aviation. The RAF is in the business of training pilots to fly in the military. Let me explain the pitfalls in trying to do this.
- The RAF is aware of this. The RAF knows full well some people are trying to use the RAF to learn to fly and then leave to commercial aviation. They are very good at detecting people who are not committed to the cause.
- Do you want to fly in war zones? You are joining the military, so you have to be prepared to go where they need to deploy you. Yes you want to fly, but do you want to fly in Iraq, or Afghanistan?
- Competition is high. With the RAF being one way that people from lower incomes can actually learn to fly naturally competition is really high. You will be up against some of the most committed people, people who have dreamed of military flying from a young age. You may be just as committed to them to flying, but are you as committed as them to military flying?
- You will be tied to the RAF for years. It’s not a case of learning to fly, doing a year and then deciding you want to leave. You will be tied to the RAF for a set amount of years.
- Conversion costs. A military pilot is not qualified to fly commercial airliners. You must do a conversion which involves getting your CPL. Then of course you need to actually find a job.
Put simply, you should only join the RAF if you have an active desire to serve in the military and want a career in military aviation. I don’t think going this route is a good idea at all if your heart is not in it. You will be stuck in a job for a very long time that you may not want to be doing. Flying in war zones with enemies trying to shoot you down. Is this what you really want? Think long and hard.
