Aircraft Technician Mechanical

Currently recruiting

Aircraft Building & fixing things Analysis & maths

INITIAL ANNUAL PAY

£26,300+

+ BENEFITS

SALARY IF PROMOTED TO CORPORAL

£40,000

+ BENEFITS

As an Aircraft Technician Mechanical your job is to carry out maintenance and repair work on the airframe and propulsion systems on RAF aircraft.

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On this page:

Salary and Apply

What will you do?

Requirements & eligibility

Apprenticeship information

Career, training & education

Benefits

Application process

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What will you do?

• Examine and maintain all mechanical, structural, and electrical components
• Ensure the high performance of engines, flying controls, pneumatics and hydraulic systems
• Test and repair equipment on fast jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, ISTAR platforms and air-to-air refuelling aircraft
• Undertake training for aircraft servicing work, preparing aircraft for flight and ensuring they're flying fit

Requirements at a glance

• Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
• GCSE grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English language, Mathematics and an approved Science/Technology-based subject
• You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
• Commit to minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
• Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
• Pass a Fitness test

View all entry requirements below

ENTRY

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

GCSE pre–⁠⁠2017

GCSE 2017 onwards

Scottish National 5

Mathematics

C

Grade 4

C

English Language

C

Grade 4

C

Science or Technology

C

Grade 4

C

find a list of the approved subjects here

Secondary school students are advised to study Physics, either by itself or as part of combined science, if they are interested in a technical trade in the RAF.

If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BACKGROUND CHECKS

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

If you don't have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

Apprenticeships available

The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:

Level 3 Apprenticeship: Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Doing an RAF apprenticeship means you can gain a professional qualification that's recognised in the civilian world, and you'll also have a guaranteed job in your chosen role once you've completed it.

View full details

CAREER, TRAINING

& EDUCATION

At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.

01

Phase one training

Basic Recruit Training

10 weeks

RAF Halton

You'll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

Read more

02

Phase two training

Specialist training

16 months

DSAE Cosford

Next you'll move onto your specialist trade training course at the Defence School Aeronautical Engineering at Cosford (DSAE Cosford) near Wolverhampton.

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03

Additional qualifications

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

During your specialist training you will be enrolled on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Technician.

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04

Your first tour

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

You are likely to be posted to an active flying base where you will use, and further develop, the skills you learnt during training.

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05

Ongoing training

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

As your career progresses, you will continue to be trained in new skills and you will develop as a technician.

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06

Career progression

Ongoing training

12 years

As assigned

You will initially join the RAF for 12 years on a Notice Engagement.

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07

Transferable skills

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

The Diplomas and Apprenticeship that you can earn are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF.

Read more

WHY JOIN

THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Rent from £75p/m

Free gym

Subsidised food

Health care

World travel

Training

View all benefits

WHAT HAPPENS

AFTER APPLYING

Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you're the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.

1

Aptitude test

Stage 1 of 6

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you're a good fit for the role you're applying for. You'll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

• Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
• Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
• Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
• Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
• Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
• Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts

Click here to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.

2

Selection Interview

Stage 2 of 6

Here's where we get to know you a little better. You'll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we'll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

• Family life
• Education
• Work experience
• Special interests and hobbies
• Interest in the RAF
• Training
• The role you've applied for
• The RAF

You'll be asked a series of standard questions, and you'll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you'll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you'll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

3

Health Assessment

Stage 3 of 6

You're legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you're fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We'll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you'll need to meet.

4

Fitness Test

Stage 4 of 6

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it's also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You'll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run.

The performance level you'll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.

5

Acceptance

Stage 5 of 6

Once you've successfully completed each phase of the application process you'll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.

This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

6

Training

Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

• Arrival - You'll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
• General Service training - You'll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
• Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
• Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
• Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
• Graduation - Learn about what's required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?

Now you're a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

APPLY

NOW

Got what it takes? Start your application here.