Thanks for the question,

Both the pilot and the gunner are trained as pilots. To become a pilot you need to pass the aircrew aptitude test (CBAT) with a minimum score of 100. Following this you will need to pass an aircrew medical, flying grading and interview boards. you need to be minimum of private recommended for promotion to Lcpl to take these tests and start the course, once the course is complete you will become a Sgt. It usually takes people around 4 years to become recommended for promotion to Lcpl.

Alternatively you can join as an officer directly as a pilot, however you will still need to pass all the same tests for pilot as well as passing the year at Sandhurst military academy.

Hope this helps.

01 March, 2023 12:44

So if I was to transfer in passed all required tests to become the primary pilot for an AH64 would I be an officer or could I be a private and flying around?

Apologies if not clear.

01 March, 2023 13:44

No you would be a Sgt on completion of the course if you joined as a soldier. I should also let you know there is no way to guarantee that you would fly Apache as there may be requirement to place you in another aircraft such as the Wildcat, this just depends on the service needs at the time. You do get a preference but you may not necessarily get it.

02 March, 2023 11:28