Joining as a pilot at 27

[jp11]

Hello, I am currently interested in becoming a fighter pilot for the RCAF. To give you a little bit of background on myself, I came to Canada in 2019 to study aerospace engineering and hopefully get the opportunity to compete for a pilot spot later on. I recently graduated and I am currently working as an aerospace engineer until I can obtain my Permanent Residence and join the CAF. I’ve recently found out that despite the government allowing PRs to join the CAF there is a big delay in obtaining security clearance (1-2 years). This means that if everything goes smoothly by the time I start BMOQ I will be around 27 years old.

My main question is, would this put me at a significant disadvantage when competing for pilot spots since most applicants are in their early 20s?

I should be able to apply for the CAF late 2025 to early 2026, once I receive my PR. I am currently getting my PPL, both for personal interest and potential preparation for phase I of pilot training. However, are there any steps that I could take right now to better prepare for the selection process and making my profile more competitive, such as learning French and seeking volunteering and leadership roles ?

I would greatly appreciate any information or tips that could help me navigate this process.

Thank you !

 

[SeaKingTacco]

So, two things jump out.

Firstly, I don’t think the CAF is even recruiting pilots this year as the training mill is full.

Secondly, as a PR you cannot be a fighter pilot. Without being a Canadian Citizen, you will not be allowed in the same postal code as an F-35, much less fly one.

 

[jp11]

I understand your reasoning behind clearance for flying F35s. I believe Canada won’t start receiving the first orders of F35s by late 2026. My plan is to start flight training and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship so by the time I get to jet training I wouldn’t have any issues with getting the appropriate clearance.

 

[SeaKingTacco]

I understand your reasoning behind clearance for flying F35s. I believe Canada won’t start receiving the first orders of F35s by late 2026. My plan is to start flight training and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship so by the time I get to jet training I wouldn’t have any issues with getting the appropriate clearance.

Well, good luck with that theory.

 

[SupersonicMax]

I understand your reasoning behind clearance for flying F35s. I believe Canada won’t start receiving the first orders of F35s by late 2026. My plan is to start flight training and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship so by the time I get to jet training I wouldn’t have any issues with getting the appropriate clearance.

Even having a Canadian citizenship, if you hold a second citizenship, it could be an obstacle in flying the F-35 because of the security clearances required.

 

[jp11]

Thanks for your response! I understand, however I would like to get to that point where they tell me no. Mostly concerned about starting pilot training in Manitoba as a PR