RAF Flying Badges

Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

RAF Flying Badges Obsolete

Pilots' Flying Badge (Queen's Crown)		Introduced in 1952 with the accession of Queen Elizabeth II it was replaced in 2022 with the accession of King Charles III
Observers' Flying Badge		Originally adopted in 1915 by the RFC, its use was continued by the RAF until superseded by the Navigators' and Air Bombers' badges in 1942
Air Gunners Badge		Adopted in 1923, this badge was worn by ground tradesmen who acted as air gunners in addition to their normal duties.
RPAS Flying Badge		Introduced in 2013 for pilots of remotely piloted aircraft, but Withdrawn in April 2019 and replaced by standard Pilots' Flying Badge
Air Gunner		Adopted in 1939 when the role of Air Gunner became a full-time aircrew category. WOp/AG's wore the Wireless Operators sleeve badge as well as this badge.
Navigator		Adopted in April 1942 when the 'trade' of Observer was abolished and split into the two new categories of Navigator and Air Bomber. Replaced by WSO badge in April 2003
Air Electronics Officer/Operator		The expanding array of sensory equipment carried aboard the V-Bombers and Maritime aircraft led to Air Electronics Officers/Operators being introduced in 1956, replacing most Air Signallers by 1963. Replaced by WSO badge in April 2003
Air Loadmaster		The Air Quartermaster was replaced by the Air Loadmaster in 1970. Replaced by WSO badge in April 2003
Air Signaller		With the increasing complexities of airborne electronic equipment, the role of wireless operator was finally separated from that of air gunner in 1943. However, it was January 1944 before this new badge was introduced. Replaced by AEOs in 1963 except in specialist units. Replaced by WSO badge in April 2003
Radio Observer/Observer Radio		Introduced in 1941 Radio Observer (later changed to Observer Radio) was a security name for airborne radar operators, but was replaced by the 'N' badge in 1942, but it had a brief resurgence in 1956-57
Air Bomber/Bomb Aimer		Adopted in April 1942 when the 'trade' of Observer was abolished and split into the two new categories of Navigator and Air Bomber
Air Engineer		Adopted in 1942 with the introduction of the new four-engined heavy bombers. The Air Engineer effectively replaced the second pilot. Training for this 'trade' ended in April 2006.
Meteorological Observer		With the increase in Meteorological squadrons in the later part of WW2, there was an increasing need for aircrew specially trained in making the detailed observations needed. This resulted in the introduction of this badge in 1945
Air Quartermaster		The increasing importance of transport led to the creation of this aircrew category in 1962. Responsible for the safe loading and unloading of such aircraft and the supervision of aerial dropping. Cabin crew on board trooping flights were also recategorised as AQMs
Fighter Controller		Introduced in 1983 and worn by Fighter Controllers serving aboard Airborne Early Warning aircraft. Airborne Fighter Controllers were classed as honorary aircrew. Replaced by Airborne Specialist Badge in April 2021.
Airborne Technician		With the introduction of the Boeing Sentry AEW Mk 1 in 1991, there became a need for a qualified electronics technician to be carried to maintain the mass of electronics systems. Airborne Technicians are actually ground tradesmen who can return to normal ground servicing after an airborne tour. Airborne Technicians were classed as honorary aircrew. Replaced by Airborne Specialist Badge in April 2021.
Image Analyst		With the introduction of the Sentinel R Mk 1 into No 5 Sqn there became a need for Imagery Analysis's and this flying badge was introduced. Image Analysts are classed as honorary aircrew. Replaced by Airborne Specialist Badge in April 2021.