As an RAF Flight Operations Manager you will look after important aircraft tasks and manage Flight Operations teams, providing a valuable link between the operations room and the aircrew.
In your role you will:
- Create flight plans
- Supervise teams of Flight Operations Assistants
Requirements at a glance
- Be aged 18‑54 and apply before turning 55
- Have previous military experience within Flight Operations, having attained the rank of SNCO
- Meet specific nationality and residency criteria (see Entry Requirements)
Nationality & Residency
You must be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen with indefinite leave to remain immigration status.
You must have resided in the UK for five years immediately preceding your application, or a minimum of three years; a longer period is required for Commonwealth citizens.
Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of five years residency in the UK prior to application.
Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations
RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review, which may impact the eligibility of individuals with dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries to obtain the minimum required level of security vetting. Security vetting is a mandatory requirement for all RAF personnel.
Applicants are welcome to proceed with their application to join the RAF; however, it is important to understand that permanent employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining the appropriate level of security vetting for the chosen role.
If it is determined that an applicant’s nationality or connections may prevent the granting of the required clearance, this could result in the rejection of the application. Additionally, restrictions may apply to the roles available to individuals based on nationality or dual nationality concerns, as outlined by UK government policy.
Fitness Requirements
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate’s fitness levels are tested as part of the application process.
How fit you need to be to pass the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations worldwide that are remote from established medical care.
One of the most common medical causes of delay to a candidate’s applications is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classifies a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.
How to measure your waist circumference
Breathe normally and the waist measurement is taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.
Age BMI minimum BMI maximum Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment) Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
18 or over 18 30 32 (waist circumference <94cm) 32 (waist circumference <80cm)
16 to 17 17 27 27 27
Eyesight
Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.
Health Criteria
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
Background Checks
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance
Disqualifying Factors
- Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
- Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
- Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
- Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted).
- Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
- Declare yourself to be an ‘undischarged’ bankrupt
Reserve role locations
- 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
- 602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland
- 611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
Training and Career
As a reserve member of the RAF you are a valued and important member of the force. Your personal success is vital to make us succeed too and we believe training is an essential foundation to this. You will receive basic training and specialist training in your field to prepare you for your role with us.
Phase one training includes Basic Recruit training (25 days, split, conducted at RAF Halton and your chosen Reserves Support Wing). Following this is a 15‑day residential course at RAF Halton. All Phase One training should be completed within your first year in RAF Reserves.
Commitment: you must commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with the RAF, including a 15‑day block for general training and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You may also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
Development: further development opportunities and support for study programmes at every level are available to all reserve members.
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