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. Pilots work with sophisticated technology for precision tactical navigation systems, advanced communication systems, sensor systems, counter‑measure systems and weapon delivery systems.

Aircrew Selection Centre

All Pilots, Aerospace Controllers and Air Combat Systems Officers must attend and successfully complete the Aircrew Selection. The selection centre is located in Trenton, Ontario, where 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 in order to continue to be processed for these three occupations.

Work environment

Pilots work in a variety of areas, ranging from the northernmost parts of Canada to duties supporting the Royal Canadian Navy. The working environment depends on the military role assigned. Search and Rescue Pilots are deployed anywhere in Canada to rescue people in distress. Fighter Pilots protect Canadians and defend our interests abroad. Transport Pilots deliver humanitarian aid globally. Tactical Helicopter Pilots support aid distribution and peacekeeping 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 flexibility with postings, relocations cannot always be accommodated. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will serve in a specific Reserve unit on a part‑time basis, typically one night per week and some weekends. Full‑time employment is also possible.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

If you already have a university degree, the CAF will assess whether your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training programme following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.

Corrective Surgery for Vision

Applicants who wear glasses, contacts, or have had certain types of laser refractive surgery may apply. However, pilots have more stringent visual requirements than other CAF applicants 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 in the Royal Military College System or, in rare instances, another Canadian university. 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. Candidates usually enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet, studying subjects relevant to both their military and academic career.

Training

After enrolment, basic officer training lasts 12 weeks at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. Topics cover general military knowledge, leadership principles, CAF regulations, basic weapons handling, first aid, and physical fitness.

Following basic officer training, official second language training may be offered, taking two to nine months depending on the participant’s ability.

Pilots attend Primary Flying Training at the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage‑la‑Prairie, Manitoba. This course introduces the military flying environment and procedures and is a prerequisite for advanced training.

Prerequisite Training Course introduces the effects of flying on the human body, air safety procedures, and basic survival techniques:

• 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 are trained to fly aircraft in a military environment through classroom instruction, simulator and in‑flight instruction. Leadership development training is also provided to prepare pilots for their responsibilities to and for their aircrew.

Based on flying performance, academic standing and leadership evaluation, pilots are assigned to one of three Advanced Flying Training paths:

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

At the end of the Advanced Flying Training, pilots receive their Pilot’s Wings and proceed to an Operational Training Unit for aircraft‑specific training 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 usually serve part time at an Air Force Wing in their community, may serve while attending school or working a civilian job, and are paid during training. They are not posted or required to relocate, although they may volunteer for deployment on a mission within or outside Canada. Part‑time or casual full‑time pilots typically serve at a Royal Canadian Air Force Wing or Squadron in Canada, operating CAF aircraft in Search and Rescue, Transport and Tactical Helicopter roles.

Related Careers

• Naval Warfare Officer
• Armour Officer
• Air Combat Systems Officer

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