First non-pilot set to lead the Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force is poised to be led by a non-pilot for the first time since the service was formed in 1918.

Speculation is mounting that the next Chief of the Air Staff will come from the RAF’s engineering branch.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, the current chief, is due to step down in June. The process to appoint his successor is underway.

Although any nomination must be agreed by the Defence Secretary before final approval is sought from His Majesty the King, defence sources have suggested Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton is in line for the top job.

AM Knighton currently serves in the MoD as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff in charge of Military Capability. As such he has been exposed to defence programmes across all three services and has made regular appearances in front of the Commons Defence Select Committee alongside ministers.

He earlier served in the finance department of the MoD, experience which has served him well when grilled by MPs.

One defence source with knowledge of the expected appointment told Sky News: “It breaks an important glass ceiling. We have never had a non-pilot before."

In 2013 the RAF was led by Air Chief Marshal Sir Andy Pulford, a helicopter pilot. All other chiefs have been fast jet pilots.

Held in high regard by serving and former RAF officers, if appointed AM Knighton will be the first engineer to hold the top job, with experience on Nimrod, Tornado and Harrier aircraft. He commanded RAF Wittering, home to the Harrier force from 2009 to 2011.

The next head of the RAF will carry on the work of ACM Wigston in bringing into service Britain’s new F-35 stealth fighter, the Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control plane.

If appointed as Chief of the Air Staff, the formal title for the head of the RAF, AM Knighton is expected to continue ACM Wigston’s work to transform the service.

The RAF has recently adopted a number of measures to appeal to a broader section of UK society, for example by using the term ‘aviator’ for RAF junior ranks instead of ‘aircraftsman’.

However, the RAF has been mired in a series of controversies in recent years, partly over its diversity and inclusivity agenda.

Last year the head of RAF recruitment resigned in protest at an alleged "illegal order" to discriminate against white male recruits to meet "impossible" diversity targets.

The iconic Red Arrows have also been criticised for alleged claims of bullying, misogyny and sexual harassment.

The flying training system has also been heavily criticised, with some service personnel waiting around eight years to reach front-line service in fast jets.

An RAF spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation. Appointments of the heads of the military services are a matter for the Secretary of State, Prime Minister and His Majesty the King and will be announced when approved.”