Control Officer

Control Officers work in Terminal Air Traffic Control, Area Control at Swanwick, and as Weapons Controllers, directing fast‑jet aircraft to intercept potentially hostile aircraft and protecting the integrity of UK airspace. You will earn an L5 certificate in Management, undertake an L5 Air Traffic Controller Apprenticeship (recognised in civilian Air Traffic Control), and may have the opportunity to study an Airspace Management Foundation Degree if allocated.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinating air traffic to and from military airfields.
• Part of the team that orders Typhoon jets to scramble and intercept suspect aircraft.
• Controlling fighter, surveillance, refuelling and unmanned aircraft as they support missions at home and overseas.
• Working alongside civilian controllers as an Area Radar Controller, ensuring safe operation of military aircraft alongside civilian traffic.
• Providing specialist battlespace management support to both UK and overseas missions.
• Travelling on military operations as a Tactical Air Traffic Controller, setting up temporary runways.

Requirements at a Glance

• Age 17.5 – 38 years old (must attest before 39th birthday).
• Meet required 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above (or acceptable equivalents) and not have the minimum 64 UCAS points or UK degree at 2:2 or higher; approval determined after successful CBAT.
• Meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria.
• Commit to a minimum of 3 years post Phase 2 Specialist Training.

Training and Career Path

• Phase 1 – Initial Officer Training – 24 weeks at RAF Cranwell (Modular Initial Officer Training Course). Graduates are issued initial kit and commence officer duties.
• Phase 2 – Specialist Training – 28/30 weeks at RAF Shawbury (or RAF Boulmer). Specialist training is delivered by the Defence College of Air and Space Operations.
• First Tour – 24‑36 months at an RAF airfield, Control and Reporting Centre, or Air Traffic Control Centre.
• Long‑term Career Development – ongoing training, further tours of duty, and opportunity to transfer to different operational areas.

Application Process

• Stage 1 – Aptitude Test – six multiple‑choice sections: Verbal reasoning, Numerical reasoning, Work rate, Spatial reasoning, Electrical comprehension, Mechanical comprehension.
• Stage 2 – Computer Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT) – assess visual response speed, 3‑D solution development, multitasking ability, deductive reasoning, and verbal & numerical reasoning.
• Stage 3 – Health Assessment – occupational health screening for hearing, eyesight, BMI, and past illnesses.
• Stage 4 – Fitness Test – Pre‑Joining Fitness Test (PJFC) including a 2.4 km run, with different performance levels by age and gender.
• Stage 5 – Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) – assessment of leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem‑solving; includes an interview covering achievements and motivation.
• Stage 6 – Officer Training Overview – one‑day visit to understand the training, receive initial kit, and attend brief lectures.
• Stage 7 – Acceptance – upon successful completion of all stages, a provisional offer of service is made, detailing terms and conditions.

Got what it takes? Start your application here.