Currently recruiting
Being creative Travelling the world Analysis & maths
DAY RATE STARTS AT:
£68.50
+ BENEFITS
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.
Apply as a Reserve
Add to favourites
Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here .
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
On this page:
Pay and Apply
What will you do?
Requirements & eligibility
Where you can do this role
Career, training & education
Benefits
Your commitment
Application process
Apply for this role
Similar roles
What will you do?
You will look after the planning and management of the operational support functions needed for the RAF’s flying tasks. In your role you will:
Create flight plans
Advise on flight safety
Supervise teams of Flight Operations Assistants
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday
You will need to have previous military experience within Flight Operations obtaining the rank of SNCO
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
Commit 27 days per year
Pass a General Fitness Test
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
You will need to have previous military experience within Flight Operations obtaining the rank of SNCO.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
You must be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status).
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered. If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. This will be established during the selection process.
Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of 5 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.
The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
MEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
13.52
17-29
13.20
30-34
13.49
35-39
14.14
40-44
14.46
45-49
15.17
50-54
15.53
WOMEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
16.22
17-29
15.48
30-34
16.14
35-39
16.44
40-44
17.22
45-49
17.57
50-54
18.34
See here for more information about a training plan
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
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 world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Why is BMI important?
One of the most common medical causes of delay to 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) classify 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 to be 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.
Calculating your BMI
Calculate your BMI here
BMI Limitations for RAF Selection
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 less than 94cm)
32 (waist circumference less than 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.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
YOU MUST:
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
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
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
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
Reserve role locations
Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active:
502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
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.
01
Phase one training
Basic Recruit training
25 days (split)
RAF Halton
Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC).
Read more
25 days (split)
RAF Halton
Phase one training
This will consist of 10 days training primarily at your chosen Reserves Support Wing. The breakdown of this can be discussed with your recruiter.
This is followed by a 15-day residential course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. All Phase One training should be completed within your first year in RAF Reserves.
02
Commitment
Your commitment to us
Ongoing
As assigned
We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve, progress and provide value to us.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Commitment
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
03
Ongoing development
Further development
Ongoing
As assigned
You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing development
As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
04
Transferable skills
Skills
Ongoing
As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Transferable skills
The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.
WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
Training
Free gym
Subsidised food
Paid pension
Paid holiday
View all benefits
COMMITMENT AND LOCATION
You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING?
Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Squadron information event
2
Selection Interview
3
Health assessment
4
Fitness test
5
Acceptance
1
Squadron information event
Stage 1 of 5
The first step in the application process invites you to attend a squadron information event. This could be either in person or online. At this event, there is an opportunity for you to speak to the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You will get to find out what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn more about the specialisation you are interested in.
2
Selection Interview
Stage 2 of 5
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will cover the following topics:
Education
Employment
Interest and motivation for joining the RAF Reserves
Military awareness and Service Knowledge
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability.
3
Health assessment
Stage 3 of 5
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
4
Fitness test
Stage 4 of 5
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym, and is a 2.4km run.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here .
5
Acceptance
Stage 5 of 5
If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.
APPLY NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
Apply as a Reserve
SIMILAR ROLES
Air & Space Operations
Operations Specialist
Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world
View all roles
