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Eligibility

All candidates must meet the following criteria:

Age

At the date of enlistment a candidate should normally be between the ages of 17½ and 50, although those aged up to 55 years may be considered if they are ex-service. A volunteer under the age of 18 will only be accepted with the written consent of a parent or guardian.

Nationality

To join the Royal Auxiliary Air Force you must at all times since birth have been a citizen of the UK, the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland. In addition, you should have been born in the UK or what is, or was at the time, a Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland. For the majority of branches or trades this is the only nationality requirement. However, for a few branches and trades, the nationality of your parents is also important. In exceptional circumstances, it is possible that some individuals who do not meet these requirements exactly could still be considered for service. If you are unsure about your eligibility, advice can be sought from the Squadron Admin Office.

Candidates, whether or not they are of UK origin, should normally have resided in the UK for the 5 years immediately preceding their application. However, provided satisfactory enquiries can be made in your country of residence, we may be able to consider an application even if you have never lived in the UK. If you are unsure about your eligibility the Squadron Admin Office will provide advice.

Medical Fitness

All candidates must be medical fit to serve worldwide.