Specialist Training
Your specialist training begins with Elementary Flying Training, flying the Tutor or Prefect aircraft. Crewed-aircraft Pilots will then be streamed to fast jet, multi-engine or rotary( helicopter) flying training, whilst Pilot( ISR) RPAS progress to the Protector RG1.
Fast-jet Fast-jet training lasts ~ 2 years and you will initially fly the Texan at RAF Valley, after which you will be awarded your Pilot flying badge – known as‘ wings’. You will then go on to fly the Hawk T2 at RAF Valley and, after successful completion of the tactical weapons phase, you will go to an Operational Conversion Unit( OCU), where you will train on the specific aircraft that you will be flying in a front-line role( e. g. Typhoon).
Multi-engine
The training to fly multi-engine aircraft is ~ 10months long, during which you will fly the Phenom at RAFC Cranwell. You will then be awarded your Pilot‘ wings’ and go to an OCU to train on the aircraft that you will be flying operationally( e. g. C17).
Rotary Wing
If you are streamed to rotary you will spend ~ 18 months flying twin-engine helicopters at RAF Shawbury, the Juno and Jupiter. After your training, you will be awarded your Pilot‘ wings’. You will then go to an OCU where you will train on the helicopter that you will be flying operationally( e g. Chinook).
Pilot( ISR) RPAS
Following EFT you will then go to either Grand Forks, North Dakota or RAF Waddington to learn to fly the Protector aircraft, before being awarded your flying badge, or‘ wings’ at the end of the Operational Conversion Unit( OCU).
SIP- O- Pilot Page 5