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Aviation
Ready to take the next steps?
Aviation

Ready to take the next steps?

Ready to take the next step?

It's great that you're interested joining the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA). This is your opportunity to work with some of the world's most sophisticated military aircraft, on ships and air stations, all over the world. 

Before you can get started, you'll need to complete your full application. We understand that can sometimes be tricky, but don't worry, we're here to help.

Need support?

If you're struggling with your application, either due to a technical issue or because you're unsure what information to supply, we have a dedicated recruitment team who can provide all the advice and guidance you need. Just get in touch with us using the details below.

What's it really like?

Life in the Fleet Air Arm is diverse, fast-paced, and packed with opportunities to progress. You'll be based at a Royal Naval Air Station for the majority of your service, but you'll also be deployed with your aircraft on board our state-of-the-art warships, including the new Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier. Finding it hard to imagine? There are serving personnel waiting to answer your questions.

Wondering if you're ready?

Joining the service that provides the Royal Navy's essential aviation capabilities might seem a big deal. It is. But that doesn't mean you have to be the finished article as soon as you apply. If you come with the right attitude and motivation, we'll give you all the support you need to be a key part of the Fleet Air Arm.

Get in touch with us today

Chat with our virtual recruiter, 24/7

Your route to the Royal Navy

Step 1

Complete your application form

Your first step on the recruitment journey is to complete your full application form, which you can find in our Recruitment Portal. We have emailed you a link to the Recruitment Portal. If you can't find the link, please check your spam folder or give us a call so we can send it to you again.

Step 2

Arranging next steps with your AFCO

Once you've submitted the application form on the Recruitment Portal, you can expect to receive a call from your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) to arrange your next steps. Depending on your circumstances, some stages may take longer than others. We’ll make sure that you are kept involved and informed throughout the whole recruitment and training process. 

Find your local AFCO
Step 3

Defence Aptitude Assessment

The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is a multiple-choice test that all recruits sit. It tests your general intellectual ability, and how well you do shows your capacity to cope with the technical and academic aspects of training for the role you've chosen. 

Practice the DAA
Step 4

Interview

We'll invite you to a formal interview to assess your suitability for a career in the Royal Navy, and specifically the role that you have chosen. This is much like any other job interview, so you should prepare accordingly and ask your AFCO for help if required.

Preparing for interviews
Step 5

Medical and eye tests

The medical and eye exam are quite comprehensive, because life in the Royal Navy is physically demanding. Your tests must be completed by one of our Ministry of Defence-approved doctors, who are based all around the country. Your local AFCO will arrange an appointment for you at a convenient time and location.

Step 6

Pre-Joining Fitness Test

Before you can join you'll have to pass the Royal Navy's Pre-Joining Fitness Test, which involves completing a 2.4km run on a treadmill within a certain time, at a fitness centre near you. This will typically be scheduled within 28 days of passing your medical. You'll need to be in the best possible shape to have the greatest chance of passing, which will also help with basic training.

Find out more
Step 7

CPC or AIB

Once you've been given an entry date, you'll need to attend assessments at either the Candidate Preparation Course (CPC) if you're applying as a rating, or the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) if you're applying as an officer.

The CPC is a comprehensive physical examination, including a number of running and swimming tests, which will confirm that you’re ready for entry. This is also your chance to sample life in the Royal Navy.

The AIB is a competency-based assessment that confirms that you’re physically and mentally ready to become a Royal Navy Officer.

Tell me more
Step 8

Basic training

Once you've passed all the stages, you'll also need to pass a Security and Reference Check. After that you’ll be given details about your provisional place at either HMS Raleigh (if you're a rating), or Britannia Royal Naval College (if you're an officer). Your local AFCO will buy your train ticket to help you get there, provide some joining instructions, and tell you what kit you need. After Basic Training, you'll then begin the professional training that’s unique to your role.

What will training be like?