How to Become a Red Arrows Pilot 🚀
Dreaming of flying in the Red Arrows—the RAF’s elite aerobatic display team? It’s a fierce but rewarding journey that combines academic excellence, military training, operational experience, and raw flying talent. Follow this step-by-step guide to understand what it truly takes.
🎓 1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation
The road starts in the classroom. Aspiring RAF pilots should focus on:
- Maths and Physics – essential for flight mechanics
- Engineering, Computing, or Aeronautics – highly advantageous
- English – for clear communication and analytical reasoning
Typical entry standards: good GCSEs (including Maths, English, Science); A-levels—ideally in Maths and Physics; many also hold STEM degrees, which enhance RAF applications.
✈️ 2. Join a University Air Squadron (UAS)
At university? Joining a University Air Squadron (UAS) offers a major head start:
- Learn basic flying on the Grob Tutor
- Gain early exposure to RAF military life and leadership
- Experience adventure training and build valuable connections
Although UAS membership doesn’t guarantee selection, it offers insight into RAF culture—and is a strong signal on your CV.
🏛️ 3. Apply to the RAF as an Officer Pilot
After university or A‑levels, you can apply for RAF pilot training:
- Online aptitude tests (spatial awareness, memory, reaction speed)
- Medical and fitness assessments
- A multi-day evaluation at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC)
- 24-week Initial Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell—focused on leadership, discipline, and fitness
🛫 4. Pilot Training: From Groom to Fast Jet
RAF training is a multi-layered progression:
• Elementary Flying Training (EFT)
– Aircraft: Grob Prefect T1
– Focus: basic control, navigation, flying skills
• Fast Jet Stream
Top EFT performers enter this pipeline:
- Basic Fast Jet Training – Texan T1
- Advanced Fast Jet Training – Hawk T2 at RAF Valley
- Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) – transition to frontline jets (Typhoon, F‑35)
This phase takes around 5–6 years, and only a select few become fast-jet pilots.
🌟 5. The “Creamies”: Top-tier Instructors
After Advanced Training, the very best—known as “creamies”—may be “creamed off” to serve as instructors at RAF Valley. This prestigious role builds:
- Leadership and instructional skills
- Advanced flying hours early in career
- Excellence in formation flying and precision
Many future Red Arrows pilots are former creamies—a proven track to build the skills Red Arrows value.
🎖️ 6. Frontline Experience Matters
Every candidate must complete:
- A frontline operational tour in a fast jet
- A minimum of 1,500 flying hours
- Be rated “above average” in their current role
This builds the maturity, situational awareness, and teamwork essential for aerobatics.
🛡️ 7. Selection to the Red Arrows
Eligibility isn’t enough—selection is rigorous:
- Up to nine pilots are shortlisted from serving RAF fast-jet aviators
- A week-long selection camp includes peer assessments, interviews, and flying tests
- Up to three pilots are chosen annually to join the team’s nine-aircraft roster
The Team Leader (Red 1) is selected separately and must have already completed a three-year Red Arrows tour
❄️ 8. Winter Training at Waddington
New recruits, known as “new Reds,” train at RAF Waddington from October to April:
- Begin in small flights, working up to Diamond Nine
- Daily sorties—up to 3 per day, five days a week
- Around 150–200 training flights before Public Display Authority is granted
- Only then do pilots don the iconic red flying suit
🧑✈️ Life on Tour
Once fully qualified, life as a Red Arrows pilot includes:
- Representing the UK at airshows, state events, and diplomatic ceremonies
- Serving as recruitment ambassadors
- Working closely with engineers, logistics, and PR teams (over 100 personnel known as “The Blues” and “Circus”)
- Experiencing high-G manoeuvres and airshow pressure
Pilots typically serve a three-year tour, with one-third of the team rotating each season
🎯 Why It Works
Combining academic rigor, training excellence, operational experience, and the lessons learned as an instructor, many Red Arrows pilots mature into ideal candidates. The “creamie” route ensures they have:
- Exceptional flying skill
- Formation discipline
- Leadership and mentoring experience
All essential for executing the world-class displays we admire.
✈️ Summary: The Path to the Reds
| Stage | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Education | A‑levels/STEM degree |
| UAS | Early flying & leadership |
| RAF Selection | Officer training & aptitude tests |
| Pilot Training | EFT → Fast jet stream |
| Creamies | Instructor duties & flight hours |
| Frontline Tour | 1,500 hrs & operational experience |
| Red Arrows Selection | Shortlist, flying tests, interviews |
| Winter Training | 150+ sorties at RAF Waddington |
| Display Tour | Three years performing, inspiring audiences |