Dublinamg, whichever way you try to do it, you will have to pass the aircrew aptitude tests and medical so I suggest you apply directly now to see if you are suitable (whether RAF, AAC or FAA). Otherwise you run the risk of joining up, going through various elements of unneccessary training and then finding you can't be aircrew because you are colour blind (or something similar). Joining the Army won't let you become a pilot by the back door (ooerrrr missus) as the criteria are the same and the tests are the same (all done at RAF Cranwell for all 3 services.