At a glance
- Soldier
- engineering
You're the person who makes sure that every Army aircraft is working and ready to fly. Travel the world and use your training to support our pilots.
- £18,687The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- £23,496Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 16 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
- QualificationsGCSEs or equivalent qualifications

Aircraft Technicians are responsible for the repair and maintenance of all Army aircraft, from Apache Helicopters to unmanned aerial vehicles. They work on all mechanical systems including the airframe, engines and control systems. You will be exceptionally well trained, completing first a basic, then an advanced apprenticeship. A degree in Engineering is obtainable later in your career as well as membership of professional institutions. Aircraft Technicians have a high level of responsibility and are promoted rapidly to reflect it. You will travel the world supporting our aircraft wherever they go.
The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) provides engineering support to maintain and repair the vast array of British Army equipment. They will be found wherever the Army is operating, at home or overseas. The technical training our soldiers receive gives them the confidence to tackle any engineering problem. We are professional, resourceful and resilient, and we strive to keep fit equipment in the hands of the user; to keep the punch in the Army’s fist.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare aircraft for flight
Take responsibility for flight safety
Work under supervision until you’ve gained enough experience to take control
Be posted wherever the British Army has aircraft
Promote to Lance Corporal on successful completion of your Aircraft Technician training
Have any questions? Talk with us

Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 16 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
GCSE Grade A–C/9-4, or equivalent qualifications, in at least English Language, Maths and Science
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
Training for the role
Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
You head to the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire, to start your technical training. Over the next 66 weeks, you learn how to fix aircraft including some electrical, hydraulic, gearbox and gas turbine systems. You may also learn to drive military vehicles and gain licences.
Qualifications you could get after training
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture
Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance and engineering Technology
Foundation Degree of Engineering (FdEng) – Aviation Engineering
Qualifications in Leadership and Management
Car License and opportunity to gain HGV
Pay & benefits
Earn £18,687 a year during training. When you have completed 26 weeks' service or finished basic trade training – whichever comes first – your pay will rise to £23,496.
How to Apply
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.