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

Aircrew Selection Centre
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 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 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 to the Pilot. Search and Rescue Pilots are deployed anywhere in Canada to rescue people in distress and emergency situations. Fighter Pilots protect Canadians and defend our interests abroad. Transport Pilots deliver humanitarian aid to people around the world.

Tactical Helicopter Pilots support aid distribution and peace‑keeping missions. Maritime Patrol Pilots protect Canadian coasts.

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

Corrective Surgery for Vision
Applicants who wear glasses, contacts, or have had certain types of laser refractive surgery to improve their vision may apply for the Pilot occupation. 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
Due to the requirement for CAF officers to obtain a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor’s degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits receive full‑time salary, medical and dental care, and vacation time with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time. Candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as Officer Cadets, studying subjects relevant to both their military and academic careers.

Training
After enrolment, the basic officer training lasts 12 weeks and covers general military knowledge, leadership principles, CAF regulations, basic weapons handling and first aid. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a key part of this training. Following basic training, official second language training may be offered, taking two to nine months to complete.

Pilots attend Primary Flying Training at the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The next phase is the Prerequisite Training Course, which 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, simulator and in‑flight instruction. Leadership development training is also provided. Based on flying performance, academic standing and leadership evaluation, pilots are assigned to one of three advanced flying training paths.

Rotary Wing Training: includes the Basic Helicopter Course on the Jet Ranger helicopter.

Multi‑Engine Training: conducted on the Beech Raytheon King Air C‑90A.

Fast Jet: conducted on the Harvard II as…