The equivalent rank in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force was "section officer".

On 1 April 1918, the newly created RAF adopted its officer rank titles from the British Army, with Royal Naval Air Service sub-lieutenants (entitled flight sub-lieutenants) and Royal Flying Corps lieutenants becoming lieutenants in the RAF.

By the time aviators have completed their training, they will have served their 2½ years and typically join their frontline squadrons as flight lieutenants.

This is worn on both the lower sleeves of the tunic or on the shoulders of the flying suit or the casual uniform.

The rank insignia on the mess uniform is similar to the naval pattern, being one band of gold running around each cuff but without the Royal Navy's loop.