Aviation Data Analyst in London

Responsibilities

• Process digital mapping for use in frontline aircraft cockpit displays and mission planning systems, or updating charts that guide our aircrews safely through take-off, transit and landing.
• Create charts depicting airways over countries around the world used by transport aircraft to carry troops to the front line.
• Update charts that detail obstructions, like buildings and power lines so fast jets and helicopters can navigate safely at low levels.
• Use cutting-edge software to create and develop new products, applications and ways of working.

Requirements at a glance

• Be aged 16 – 47 years old (must attest before 48th birthday).
• At least 2 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents including Functional Skills) at Grade 4/C or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English and Mathematics/Application of Maths.
• Meet specific nationality and residency criteria.
• Commit to a minimum of 3 years post Phase Two Training.

Education Requirements

• Applicants must hold the required GCSEs or equivalent qualifications as listed above. No additional qualifications are mandatory, but higher academic standards may be considered favourably.

Nationality & Residency

• Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).
• You should have resided in the United Kingdom for the five years immediately preceding your application, although candidates with a minimum of three years may be considered.

Fitness Requirements

• All candidates must complete the Pre‑Joining Fitness Test (PJFT): a 2.4 km run on a treadmill with zero incline. Performance requirements vary by age and gender.
• All applicants must be medically fully fit, physically and psychologically, for military service. BMI, eyesight, hearing and other health criteria will be assessed during medical screening.

Background Checks

• Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions.
• Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• Achieve the minimum security clearance of Security Check (SC).

Disqualifying Factors

• Membership of a group that stirs up racial hatred or violence.
• Pending court appearance or unspent convictions (spent convictions may need to be declared for some roles).
• Misuse of drugs, solvents or anabolic steroids.
• Obscene, offensive, or extremist tattoos, brands or bead implants.
• Undischarged bankruptcy.

Phase One Training

• Basic Recruit Training – 10 weeks – RAF Halton. This introduces candidates to military life, fitness, and core values.

Phase Two Training

• Basic Specialisation Training Course – 8 weeks – RAF Northolt. Covers aeronautical information, geodesy, map science and the software tools used by Aviation Data Analysts.

First Tour

• Specialist training – ongoing – RAF Northolt. Candidates maintain and update en‑route charts and the aeronautical information database to support safe flight operations.

Career Progression

• After one year of total service, candidates may be promoted to Air Specialist (Class 1) following successful Basic Trade Training. Further promotion to Corporal and above is by competitive selection, supported by accredited leadership and management courses.

Application Process

• Stage 1 – Aptitude test covering verbal, numerical, work rate, spatial, electrical, and mechanical reasoning.
• Stage 2 – Selection interviews with focus on personal life, education, interests, and the role.
• Stage 3 – Health assessment to confirm medical fitness.
• Stage 4 – Fitness test (PJFT).
• Stage 5 – Acceptance and provisional offer of service.
• Stage 6 – Training (Phase One and Phase Two).

Apply Now

To begin the application process, visit the RAF careers portal and complete the online application.