The AAC perspective
If you are considering the AAC I would get in touch with the SO2 Pilot Selection at HQAAC via the Army careers office soonest. It is worth investigating which cockpits you are suitable for as there are different height and weight limits for AH and Lynx. You may even find that although you are in the height and weight limit you may be too long buttock to knee which appears to be more of a show-stopper for pilot selection.
The route for the commissioned AAC pilot will take you approximately 4 years (1 year Sandhurst, 15 months pilots course, AH conversion 9 months AH role conversion 9 months (Lynx conversion 6 months)), notwithstanding holds and operational pre-deployment training.
Your return of service will be 4 or 5 years (4 lynx, 5 AH) on completion of type conversion although most officers serve for at 16 years. You will complete one flying tour of anything from 2 to 4 years if you are graduate and maybe 3 tours if you are a non-graduate. After this you will have to complete 9 months of Staff College followed by a series of staff appointments. You will then be looking for command of a squadron which is highly competitive and is the real decision point for officers to serve beyond 16 years.
So negatives for AAC pilot commissioned service are a long training program with inconsistent flying rate. The positives include flying the AH which speaks for itself!
The NCA aircrew route in the AAC route requires at least 4 years of ground crew before even being considered for pilot duties although you will fly for the remainder of your 22 years service.
I wish you the best of luck in whichever aviation career you select, commissioned or otherwise however, you must use these 6 months to do the research which may stop you regretting your choice. Sounds obvious but so many individuals only see the other options more clearly once they are in and serve with regret throughout their service time. You might even find you don't have anything in common with the officers of a particular service and this shapes your decision. For the record, I have been very happy with my time in the AAC.
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