What are the chances of becoming a RAF pilot?


What are the chances of becoming a RAF pilot? The number I was quoted (years ago) for the RAF was that for every 1 pilot who made it to operational service, 10,000 people applied. As in, once they've been a pilot for a couple of years, they move on to a different role in the Army and, typically, never go back to flying again. It's not a career path.


What was the average age of an RAF pilot?

They were often very young, too: the average age of an RAF fighter pilot in 1940 was just 20 years. Of those killed, the average age was 22. As the battle wore on, RAF Fighter Command had ever fewer reserves of experienced pilots to draw on and men were sent into combat after only a few hours of training.


Is a pilot a respected career?

I even here in North America and in Europe it's a very well-respected career. It's a well-paid career. Even more so as you accrue hours of flight experience. I think there's lots of benefits associated to it that I think the layman employee would not really have the options to do.


What are the drawbacks of being a pilot?

The Pros and Cons of Being a Pilot However, there are also a few drawbacks. Pilots are subject to a high degree of risk, as they are responsible for the safety of their passengers. Additionally, the job requires long hours and a great deal of responsibility, as well as specialized training and licensure.


Do airlines prefer military pilots?

The military has long been one of the major pipelines for airline pilot talent. A significant number of airline pilots start their careers in the military, fly for 10-20 years, and then go into civil aviation. That's why the military is among several of the top pilot employers.


What age do pilots stop flying?

While commercial airline pilots are currently mandated to retire at 65, these same pilots that are forced to retire can still fly corporate and charter jets beyond the age of 65, said Representative Troy Nehls, a Republican, adding the change could help address a pilot shortage.