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Overview As a member of the military, Pilots fly a range of CAF aircraft in 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 technology for precision navigation, communications, sensor, counter-measure and weapon delivery systems. Aircrew Selection Centre The Royal Canadian Air Force requires that all Pilots, Aerospace Controllers and Air Combat Systems Officers 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 skills and aptitudes. Success at Aircrew Selection is required to continue in these occupations. Watch this video to learn more. Work environment Pilots work in a variety of areas, from northern Canada to duties supporting the Royal Canadian Navy. The working environment depends on the military role. Search and Rescue Pilots are deployed anywhere in Canada to rescue people in distress and emergencies. Fighter Pilots protect Canadians and defend our interests abroad. Transport Pilots deliver humanitarian aid. Tactical Helicopter Pilots support aid distribution and peacekeeping. Maritime Patrol Pilots protect Canadian coasts. If you join the Regular Force, after training you are assigned to your first base. Postings may require relocation. If you join the Primary Reserve, you will train with a Reserve unit and work part time, with nights and weekends as a minimum, and possible full-time employment. Entry plans Direct Entry Options Paid Education Options If you already have a university degree, CAF may place you directly into required on-the-job training after 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 undergone laser refractive surgery may apply for Pilot occupation. Pilots have stricter visual requirements and must pass ophthalmology screening. Radial keratotomy or corneal reshaping is not approved. Regular Officer Training Plan Because CAF officers must obtain a university degree, CAF will pay recruits to complete a bachelor degree in the Royal Military College System. Recruits receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, and vacation with pay in exchange for a service commitment. Candidates enter as Officer Cadets and study relevant military and academic subjects. In rare cases, candidates may attend another Canadian University. If applying for this program, apply to the CAF and consider other universities if not accepted for ROTP. Training After enrolment, you begin basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks, covering general military knowledge, leadership, CAF regulations, weapons handling, and first aid. Training exercises and a rigorous physical fitness program are included. Basic training is provided in English or French. Second language training may be offered later (29 months). Pilots attend Primary Flying Training at the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, continuing training based on performance. The Prerequisite Training Course introduces effects of flying on the body, air safety, and basic survival techniques, including: Aeromedical Training: effects of high G-forces, high altitudes, oxygen supply, ejection seat; Basic Land Survival; Basic Sea Survival: parachute techniques, water entry, sea survival. Basic Flying Training at NATO Flight Training Centre in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan for 8 months, with three Advanced Flying Training paths chosen by performance and leadership evaluation: Rotary Wing Training at Portage-la-Prairie, Manitoba, Jet Ranger helicopter Multi-Engine Training at Portage-la-Prairie, Manitoba, Beech King Air C-90A Fast Jet at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Harvard II as Fighter and Instructor Pilot End of Advanced Flying Training leads to Pilots Wings and posting to an Operational Training Unit before posting to an Operational Squadron. Part-time options Available for Primary Reserve at certain locations. Reserve members typically serve part-time at an Air Force Wing and may train while studying or working civilian jobs. They are paid during training and may volunteer for relocations or deployments. Pilots in part-time or casual full-time roles usually serve at a CAF Wing or Squadron within Canada and fly CAF aircraft in Search and Rescue, Transport and Tactical Helicopter roles. Find a Recruiting Centre This occupation has limited Reserve Force enrollment for unskilled applicants and depends on flying experience. After basic officer training, Primary Flying Training for Pilot begins, and continued training to Wings depends on completion. Many part-time pilots are former Regular Force members with a transfer to Reserve. Air Reserve and Benefits Air Reserve members are trained to the same level as Regular Force and perform the same job. They usually serve up to 12 days per month, with opportunities for full-time work temporarily. Reserve Force members are paid about 92.8% of Regular Force rates, receive benefits, and may qualify for a pension plan. Related Careers Air Combat Systems Officer Priority Application Processing Armour Officer Naval Warfare Officer #J-18808-Ljbffr