Pilot

Overview

As a member of the military, Pilots fly a range of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) aircraft in a variety of roles: Search and Rescue, Fighter, Transport, Tactical Helicopter, or Maritime Patrol.

The primary responsibilities of a Pilot are to plan, communicate, coordinate and execute tactical missions in support of civil authority or military objectives, such as humanitarian and disaster relief and air intercept operations. They work with sophisticated technology for precision tactical navigation systems, advanced communication systems, sensor systems, counter‑measure systems and weapon delivery systems.

Aircrew Selection Centre

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) requires all Pilots, Aerospace Controllers and Air Combat Systems Officers to attend and successfully complete the Aircrew Selection Centre located in Trenton, Ontario. Candidates are tested over a 2‑day period with computer‑based scenarios designed to validate the skills and aptitudes required by the RCAF. Success at Aircrew Selection is a necessary step to continue to be processed for these occupations.

Watch this video to learn more.

Work environment

Pilots work in a variety of areas ranging from the northernmost parts of Canada to duties supporting the Royal Canadian Navy. Search and Rescue Pilots are deployed anywhere in Canada to rescue people in distress and emergency situations. Fighter Pilots protect Canadians and defend our interests abroad. Transport Pilots deliver humanitarian aid to people around the world. Tactical Helicopter Pilots support aid distribution and peace‑keeping missions. Maritime Patrol Pilots protect Canadian coasts.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Your Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part‑time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate.

As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

Applicants who already have a university degree will be evaluated to determine if their academic program matches CAF criteria. Those eligible may be placed directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before assignment.

Corrective Surgery for Vision

Applicants who wear glasses, contacts, or have had certain types of laser refractive surgery to improve vision may apply for the Pilot occupation. Pilots have more stringent visual requirements and must pass additional ophthalmology screening. Radial keratotomy or corneal reshaping procedures are not approved for pilots.

Regular Officer Training Plan

Because CAF officers must obtain a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits receive full‑time salary including medical and dental care, and vacation time with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time. Typically, candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet where they study subjects relevant to both their military and academic career. In rare instances, based on CAF needs, candidates may be approved to attend another Canadian university. Decisions are made on a case‑by‑case basis. If you are applying for this program, you must apply to the CAF and it is recommended to apply to other Canadian universities of your choice if not accepted for the Regular Officer Training Program.

Training

After enrollment, you attend basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, leadership principles, CAF regulations and customs, basic weapons handling, and first aid. You’ll also gain experience in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, official second‑language training may be offered. Training ranges from two to nine months depending on your ability.

After that, Pilots attend Primary Flying Training at the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This course introduces you to the military flying environment and procedures. Successful completion is required to continue.

Next, the Prerequisite Training Course covers the effects of flying on the human body, air safety procedures and basic survival techniques. The course includes:

• Aeromedical Training:
  • The effects of high “G” forces
  • The effects of high altitudes
  • Operation of oxygen supply
  • Operation of ejection seat
• Basic Land Survival
• Basic Sea Survival:
  • Parachute landing techniques
  • Water entry
  • Sea survival skills

Basic Flying Training takes place at the NATO Flight Training Centre in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan for 8 months. Pilots learn to fly aircraft in a military environment through classroom, simulator and in‑flight instruction. You also receive leadership development training to prepare you for your responsibilities to the aircrew.

Depending on flying performance, academic standing and leadership evaluation you will be assigned to one of three Advanced Flying Training paths:

• Rotary Wing Training – you will complete the Basic Helicopter Course on the Jet Ranger helicopter in Portage‑la‑Prairie, Manitoba.
• Multi‑Engine Training – you will train on the Beech Raytheon King Air C‑90A in Portage‑la‑Prairie, Manitoba.
• Fast Jet – you will train on the Harvard II as a Fighter Pilot and Instructor Pilot in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

At the end of Advanced Flying Training you receive your Pilot’s Wings and proceed to an Operational Training Unit for further training with the aircraft and in the role you have been assigned before being posted to an Operational Squadron.

Part‑time options

This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members typically serve part‑time at an Air Force Wing in their community and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during training. They are not posted or required to do a military move but may volunteer to move to another base or for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Part‑time or casual full‑time pilots usually serve at a Royal Canadian Air Force Wing or Squadron located within Canada. These pilots operate CAF aircraft in Search and Rescue, Transport and Tactical Helicopter roles.

Find a Recruiting Centre

Enrollment in the Reserve Force for unskilled applicants is limited and largely depends on previous flying experience.

Successful candidates following basic officer training begin Primary Flying Training for the Pilot qualification at the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Continued training to achieve Wings standard depends on completing the course. Many pilots employed part‑time are former Regular Force members who transferred to the Reserve Force.

Air Reserve members receive the same training as their Regular counterparts and are employed in the same units, performing the same job. They usually serve up to 12 days per month in a regular workday, with opportunities to serve full‑time for short durations as needed. Reserve Force members are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

Related Careers

• Aerospace Control Officer
• Armour Officer
• Air Combat Systems Officer

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