Where Does the Royal Air Force get its Pilots?

The answer is, mostly from University Air Squadrons. There are 14 UASs scattered around the country, with almost every University being associated to one. Each is equipped with a number of modern, high performance aircraft that operate from an airfield nearby. SUAS flies from Boscombe Down near Salisbury and is open to membership for students studying at Southampton, Southampton Solent, Portsmouth and Bournemouth Universities.

The UAS is like no other University society. If you fancy doing something truly different, we give those keen individuals an opportunity to experience real RAF flying training, to see what RAF life is like, and to have an excellent time whilst you're at it! Not only is this all free, but you'll actually even get paid for the time you spend training!

As well as the flying training on offer, members of the UAS can also take part in all the adventurous training and sporting activities open to the regular military. See the "What We Do" pages for more information.

What's the catch?

Well, there isn't one. Of all the students who pass through the UAS, a handful enjoy it so much, that they apply to the Royal Air Force upon graduation so they can continue full-time. This could be as a Pilot or Navigator, or as an Officer in the many other branches of the RAF. However, whilst on the UAS you are by no means committed. As the RAF sees it, with the cost of training a fast jet pilot being in the millions, it is far better to find out whether you'd actually enjoy the job before they invest a significant amount of time and money on you!

There are few thrills to match being at the controls of a real aircraft. Joining a UAS gives you the chance to do just that. If you fancy spending your spare time at university learning to fly an aerobatic aircraft for free, and to do so much more besides, then you've come to the right place. The UAS gives you a unique chance to sample life as an officer in the RAF, free of commitment, and to enjoy some of the opportunities and leisure activities that the RAF offer.