Could he be a pilot?

[John-P]

Hi,

I'm looking for some information for my grandson.


What pilot licence does he need to fly Learjet 45 aircraft for a company such as "Gold Air" for example
Will he need academic qualifications to pursue this careerRegards,
John

[GusHoneybun]

Suggest that you check out the wannabe's professional training forum. Lots of info in there. Good place to start your research is in the sticky threads at the top of said forum

[longarm]

Could also try the following link

http://www.balpa.org/intranet/How-to-bec/index.htm

[boogie-nicey]

He will indeed require professional licences and associated ratings. However in terms of academic qualifications it's rather obvious that good grades will only make life somewhat easier later on, perhaps 2 A levels would provide for a good foundation. (But that's just my opinion and certainly not gospel).

He'll need to decide where he wants to fly Europe, US, Asia, etc and find out about those countries individual licencing requirements from the respective authorities. Essentially the minimum would be Commercial Pilot's Licence and Multi Engine Instrument rating but this is once again a generic answer only.

In terms of flight experience he'll need to build up about 1-2000 hours flight time before heading to a Learjet Right hand seat (RHS).

Hope that helps but that's just my opinion and a simplistic overview.

[John-P]

Thank you for your help, very appreciated.
He does not have any academic qualifications, he was bullied at school and would not go back.

I had a quick look on the easyjet website at the "career section" and found this information:
(easyjet pilot requirements)

1) Air Transport Pilots Licence (or frozen ATPL) (UK or JAA)

2) Class 1 Medical

3) The ability to work and reside in the EU or Switzerland depending upon your base preference

4) Under 60 years of age (our current retirement age is 60 due to French airspace regulations)

How much does all this cost?
Although difficult, is it possible/would a airline employ someone in the situation my grandson would be in having obtained this frozen atpl licence?
If not, is there any type of flying career he could peruse with a frozen atpl or cpl with no academic qualifications?

Regards,
John

[apron]

Hi haven't really got that many qualifications myself......except I now possess a FATPL.
Finished the course at an integrated school in the UK and now after a few months finishing fly B737 for a low cost carrier.

The course was just under £60,000 and on top of these fees was living expenses. Didn't really know how to secure the funding until I spoke to my bank, the HSBC, and they put together a lending facility secured against my property. I will advise that you cannot borrow all of the fees so some savings would be a help.

Regards

[5150]

1) Training from zero experience to Frozen ATPL (which is a commercial pilot's licence with an instrument rating on multi-engine aircraft) - you're looking at not less than say £35-40K, and that's assuming you pass all written exams and flight tests first time.

2) A Class One medical is around £400 and you have to go to Gatwick to the CAA's HQ for this - don't do anything until you've got the medical! There are some horror stories of people going through all the training only to learn that they're colour blind or something that effectively grounds them.

Regarding academic qualifications - some airline's do not specify any requirements for this - if you've managed to pass all 14 written exams then you've displayed you have some level of intelligence - as for not having ANY qualifications, he may find he'll get a grilling at interview as to why he hasn't..... On top of this - chances are he'll be up against similarly qualified pilot's with all sorts of academic qualifications (good 'A' levels/GCSE's and degrees (higher level in some cases)).

Worth considering all the above before taking that step - plus it's not all blue skies, decent night stops and good looking crew!!

All the best...........

[John-P]

Once again, thank you for your help. I shall get him to register on this website to get more information for himself.

Regards,
John

[Martin4]

Hi everyone, my grandad requested this info for me. So ill explaine my situation a little better.

Im going to the royal air force regiment as a gunner in a few months time (couldnt chose pilot because of my glasses/asigmatism and no qualifications)

The minimum service time is 9 years so that would make me 26 when i could leave (young enough to still follow the pilot dream right right?)

What i though was that when in the RAF Regiment to get some GCSE's and maby A levels (if i can), and at the same time use my pay to first get the class 1 medical to see if i could fly for a airline, then build up my licences to frozen ATPL and possibly full/un-frozen ATPL.

So... by the time i come out thw RAF Regiment i should: be 26 with say 5 GCSE's, 2 A-levels, frozen/unfrozen atpl and a good background with a career in the armed forces (which i believe a lot of employers like)

Id like peoples oppinion on my "idea" please,
Thanks,
Martin

[ManfredvonRichthofen]

I am not a commercial pilot, but I went through the process and started the modular route to the ATPL before leaving it for pastures "different".
So you will get better advice from others, but here's my tuppence...

Firstly, well done on coming up with a well thought out plan of action. For someone in your position I think you have showed a good deal of maturity and come up with a well considered way forward to reach your goals.

26 is not too old, but I personally wouldn't want to leave it much longer. Not saying it couldn't be done if you are older, but it'd probably start to get harder.
The academic qualifications can only stand you in good stead. Some employers may not require them, but I would strongly advise you to get them - gaining employment as a commerical pilot is highly competitive and they could give you the edge. Subjects you should do are: English, Maths, Physics, anything else techy/science-based and maybe even something business related (its a while since i have done gcses/a-levels so i don't know what's on offer), as airlines tend to like their pilots having some business nouse. There is also the potential that things won't go as planned. If so you will have these to fall back on.
I also think that experience in the military would be a plus point for many employers.

Good luck
(this could be moved to the "Wannabes" section of the site, so look there if it disappears from the "Questions" area).

[scroggs]

Martin, welcome to Pprune Wannabes.

Your chances of getting into commercial aviation hinge on one rather important detail: could you get a Class 1 medical? You mention astigmatism, which may, if it is severe, prevent you getting this important qualification. I strongly suggest that, once you are in the RAF Regt., you see your SMO and get him or her to test you to the CAA's standards (actually, if you can get hold of the standards, you could probably do this at Specsavers!). It may be OK, it may not, but you need to know as early as possible.

I'm interested that you chose the Regiment as your way into the RAF. I'm not knocking it - my brother spent 17 excellent years in the Regiment - but it's about as far from aircraft as you can get in the RAF, which seems a little strange for one who wants to fly.

Your other concerns: academic qualifications are increasingly required of young ab-initio pilots but, as with most professions, the older you are the more life counts! At 26, you may find that A -levels and the like are less important than at 18. That said, it is always good to see a candidate who has made the effort to get extra qualifications after leaving school, particularly if school wasn't a great success.

As for finances, this is an expensive business to join. The least you can expect to spend in 2006 is around £40,000. Most spend a good deal more, and it looks like it may get more expensive still. At 26 you are likely to be on the old side for getting any kind sponsorship (though it's not impossible, and the market changes rapidly), so you must be prepared to find this cash yourself. The Regt. is not well known for offering an extravagant salary, so you will have to work hard to save the money. I'm not sure if the RAF still runs its flying club at RAF Brize Norton; if it does, and if you're based near there, you may be able to save some money at least up to PPL level by training with them when you can.

Good luck!

Scroggs

[Martin4]

Thanks Scroggs,

Class 1 Medical - :( might be a problem there, iv just had a look on google, i believe the visual requirements for astigmatism are 2.00. On my glasses prescription is has the following:

Right Eye:
Sphere = -0.50
Cyl = +2.50
Axis = 10

Left Eye:
Sphere = -0.50
Cyl = +2.75
Axis = 165

Can anyone give me more information on this!!! i hope it wont stop me get the medical!

Qualifications - Yeah A levels might not matter when getting a job at the age of 26 but its good to have and everything helps :)

Finance - Yep, regiment isnt the best pay in the world but ill find a way.

Why the regiment - You said about not havign anything to do with aircraft, a career in the regiment, after 1 years service you can specialise onto say a helicopter squadron, parachute out of aircraft, and every job involves the airfield with things like security of the aircraft, things like that. Thats why i chose it.

[king rooney]

The cylinder number refers to the astigmatism, the sphere number refers to short refers to standard short sight.

The CAA limits are:

cylinder, not any more than -2, ie -3 is too much.
sphere, not any more than -5, ie - 6 is too much.

However, the 2 numbers added together must not be greater than -5.
ie, sphere -3, cylinder -2 is ok, sphere -5, cylinder 0 is ok, but cylinder -2, sphere -4 is not.

It would appear in your case that your cylinder numbers fall outside the limits, which might at first glance proclude you from passing the medical.

HOWEVER, do not be put off by this. I had a similar problem, in that my prescription was slightly outside the limits, but I gained a class 1 medical through something the CAA call a "deviation", which is a special loophole in place to allow people who fail to meet the requirements by some minor technicality to get a class 1, provided they are fit in all other areas.
I reckon there could be a good chance of u getting the same, particularly as your sphere number is well within the limits. You are however quite young, so your eyes might not have settled down properly yet, which may be an issue. In fact you appear to be 17, I think you need to be 18 to get a class 1.
The guy you need to speak to is Adrian Chorley in the CAA medical department. He is their eye man, so to speak, and also a very nice bloke sympathetic to a situation such as yours.

Finally, I would advise you to try and get the class one asap, as your eyes might get worse over the next few years, worsening your chances.

Good luck!

[Martin4]

Thanks, im not 17 yet, 17 in June.

Ill be 18 in 2007, which is also the year that the medical requirements are being relaxed a little isnt it? So.... the future looks bright :ok: (well.... brighter:cool:)


You see when it comes to the time of getting the class 1 medical, and at first glance you said it might cause a problem and not pass. What would be the next step after that? What i mean by that is, how do you go about getting a class 1 medical through deviation?

[tailwheel76]

This might be a silly point as you are going into the RAF but have you had any flying lessons yet, this may decide whether you really want to fly for a career and really give you the motivation to get the GCSE's and A-levels?

You can probably join the air cadets to get some flying experience and over the next 9 years if you can gain a PPL that will save some time.

Does the RAF help retrain you to join civilian life? If so can they help towards commercial pilot training?!

Good luck.

[Martin4]

Flying - Iv had a "trial flight" where you were up in the air for a hour, got to take control for a bit then the instructor landed.

RAF help retrain - In a way, yes. They encourage you to get GCSE's and all other types of qualifications that will help you get a job after the RAF, they also help with the cost of the courses

RAF help towards pilot training - I think that one depends on your job in the RAF and where your based. I'm going into the Regiment, I don't think there's great opportunity for flying there as a gunner but like I said, depends where your based

over the next 9 years if you can gain a PPL that will save some time. Yeah, also will gain expirience and build up the hours.

I also saw this on www.multiflight.com (http://www.multiflight.com)
Its a course type thing over a year you go from no flying expirience/licence to ATPL, not sure if that is frozen atpl or what but it sounded like a good idea if there still around when i come out of the RAF.

[scroggs]

You can get a lot of help within the RAF in gaining extra GCSEs and A-levels. Every Station has an Education Centre, where you can sign up to a huge range of educational options. When you leave, if you have served your full contract, you will get some resettlement help, but it won't include any flying training. There are exemptions available for experienced pilots who have completed a Permanent Commission, but these are irrelevent to non-aircrew. There are one or two flying clubs in the RAF, but any training you undertake with them will be at your own expense. You can, however, expect them to be cheaper than civilian clubs.

Martin, this quote:Why the regiment - You said about not havign anything to do with aircraft, a career in the regiment, after 1 years service you can specialise onto say a helicopter squadron, parachute out of aircraft, and every job involves the airfield with things like security of the aircraft, things like that. Thats why i chose it.leads me to believe you haven't fully understood the role(s) of the RAF Regiment, which is primarliy airfield defence these days. The airfield in question may be a forward strip in Afghanistan or Iraq, and may be 'acquired' through offensive action, which could involve (though it never has) parachute assault.

Only No. 2 Sqn RAF Regt. has an active para role. Unless things have changed since I left (and the Regt website (http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafregiment/index.html) doesn't suggest it has), no RAF Regiment Sqns are attached to helicopter Sqns, and the Regt does not operate any aircraft of its own - other than Rapier missiles! For most Gunners, the nearest they'll get to an aircraft is positioning to Iraq in a Tristar, or being in a trench on an airfield.

Scroggs

[Martin4]

I think your right.

I'm not very far in the application process, still more than enough time to select anther job. I'm now thinking more on the lines of "Painter & Finisher" Which i read on there website is the repainting of the RAF aircraft and ground vehicles, which looks like (in terms of having something to do with aircraft) a great job to go into.

In April i go the careers office when i can talk to the staff and get more information on this job.



Martin

[scroggs]

Martin, despite what it says on the website you would not have much to do with aircraft or air operations as a painter and finisher. If you just want to touch aeroplanes, you can go to a museum. If you want to have a trade which will teach you useful stuff about aviation, consider Flight Operations Assistant (Air Traffic Control) (http://www.rafcareers.com/jobs/job_files/jobfile_flightopsassistairtrafficcontrol.cfm). You will be directly involved in aircraft operations, and may become an Air Traffic Controller in time. If your GCSEs aren't adequate for this, you can join as a Flight Operations Assistant (http://www.rafcareers.com/jobs/job_files/jobfile_flight_operations_assistant.cfm). It's not quite as directly involved with aircraft, but you will be dealing directly with pilots in their flight preparations - and you can obtain your GCSEs in the RAF and later transfer to ATC.

Either of these trades will be useful should you subsequently manage to start training as a pilot, and are likely to be more fulfilling for an aviation enthusiast than Gunner or Painter & Finisher.

Scroggs

[Martin4]

Thanks Scroggs,

In the RAF i want a job that's involved with aircraft. The Flight Operations Assistant sounds like a good way to go, but it doesnt really appeal to me from what i read. (unless im not fully understanding the role) Do you have any more information about it?

[smith]

When you leave, if you have served your full contract, you will get some resettlement help, but it won't include any flying training.

Are you sure about this? When I did my PPL in the States there was a whole bunch of military guys (RAF and Army) using their resettlement grants/ bursaries or whatever it's called, to get their PPL's.

The guys said the RAF/Army had paid for/towards the PPL, travel, accomodation and books etc. These guys were not officers either. A lot of them had intentions of becoming airline pilots at some stage. Maybe the rules have now changed.

[scroggs]

Smith most people who leave after completing a contract get a lump sum. It's up to them how they spend it. As far as I remember, the acceptable resettlement courses (paid for directly by the Service) did not include flying training, but it may be different now.

Martin, my own time in the RAF is now a few years in the past (I left in 1998). To help you, I'm going to move this thread to Mil Aircrew where those currently in the Service can give you the up-to-date info. You might also have a good look around in that forum (use the search facility) to get a feel for the RAF, the Regiment and any other topics that might interest you. I think we've probably exhausted what Wannabes can offer you for now.

Scroggs

[king rooney]

Martin4,

to get a class one with deviation you just need to book a medical and turn up at the CAA, in the same way as anyone else would. They will examine you, inc ur eyes, and decide whether they will pass you as you are, pass you with deviation or not pass you at all. The awarding of a class1 through deviation is their decision and is instigated by them, all you need to do is turn up and see what happens.

[L1A2 discharged]

Martin,

Good initiative to display the interest. If you want to be involved in RAF aircraft engineering there are 2 ways in: 1. join as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic, having been pre-selected into either (M) mechanical trade or (Av) Avionic and electrical. or 2. Weapons technician.

under (1) you join, do basic at Halton then go to Cosford for AMM training - about 18 weeks or so. Then out onto a squadron to carry out flight servicings and minor, supervised rectifications for a period between 18 months and 4 years on low pay, being the brunt of much extraction of urine and being accused of being a 'Flem'. Then, subject to performance, back to cosford for another 12 months to be trade trained, then back out to a squadron as a tradesman.

under (2) you join, do basic at Halton then go to Cosford for Weapons trade training for about 12 months, then out to a unit on the low pay band until you achieve Q-OPS which brings a huge pay rise and the oportunity to progress further.

Best bet is to get all the info from the Careers office, get any promises put in writing!

Good luck.

[Martin4]

Originally i asked them if i could do the aircraft technician but i dont have any gcse's and they said they dont accept anyone anymore for that if they dont have 3 gcse's :(

[Martin4]

However, looking ahead to what you want to do, I would certainly consider Flt Ops Assistant as a possible option. You would be very much involved with a wide range of aspects, including a multitude of flying-related tasks - useful for the future perhaps?

I'm actualy quite interested in this job, but i need more information on it. Ill give the careers office a call on monday morning, see what information they can give me about it.

[Time Flies]

Martin4

It is encouraging and refreshing to see a young lad like yourself with some ambition and drive. :ok:

I'd much rather have you on my squadron than that :mad: wannabe Danny_manchester.

I wish you all the luck in reaching your goals and please do not hesitate to ask for any more information!

TF

[Tourist]

Totally concur Time Flies.

I have to warn you that I think you are planning a long hard route to becoming a pilot Martin.

It may seem unpalatable, but someone with your obvious drive and determination has a far better, and in the long term easier, chance by going back to school/sixth form college/tutoring(still cheaper than buying your licenses the hard way) and getting some quals.
That way you could join the RAF/RN/AAC as pilot and get someone else to pay.


This is again dependant on your eyesight issues, obviously.

Best of luck!

[airborne_artist]

Martin - I agree with Tourist - get back to college ASAP. Arkroyal, who is now a Captain with a civilian airline, was a London bus driver. He went to night school, got the academic quals needed, joined the RN with weeks to spare before the age limit, served as a Junglie pilot and on leaving the RN got his ATPL and so to the airlines. He was on the course ahead of me at Dartmouth, so I've known him (and Toddington Ted, but that's another story :} ) since April of 1978.

[Martin4]

This is again dependant on your eyesight issues, obviously.

Best of luck!

If i had the qualifications i still couldnt be a pilot in the forces, i dont have 20/20 vision and have glasses. This way in becoming a airline pilot may be the long way but, to me, it appears to be the best way of gaining some qualifications and earn some money.

I can do a good job for 9 years minimum service, get some qualifications at the same time for a little bit cheaper, and be paid at the same time :)

And whilst in the RAF if i did a bit of saving i could afford to fund myself for the pilots licences when i came out (age would be 26)

[Tourist]

What's the latest on laser eye surgery anyone?
I seem to remember being told by "Bob" at Henlow that they were going to allow one type of surgery.

But don't quote me on that.

[Martin4]

I'm actualy quite interested in this job, but i need more information on it. Ill give the careers office a call on monday morning, see what information they can give me about it.

Hi Guys,
Well... I went to the edinburgh AFCO today, Going for FOA ( Flt Ops Asst), i scored 62 in the airman selection tests and 58 was needed. BUT, the position is closed at the present time so i have to wait until its open again for a interview :(, should be open soon they thought with the new financial year starting in april and things so.... just got to wait i guess.


Thanks,
Martin

[axel2002]

Martin,

I am currently serving as a pilot in the RAF and have read the threads about your situation. Although getting a footing in the armed forces is a step in the right direction for you obtaining civilian licenses I don't believe that the Regiment is a very wise move; yes they do give you the opportunity to get airborne (and jump out!) but they really have nothing to do with flying wings within RAF structure, especially if you enter the lower echelons as a gunner. I don't know if you have spent time explaining your situation to the staff at your local AFCO. They tend to be knowledgeable but will try to push you in the direction of certain trades in which the RAF is lacking, it is worth being a little pushy yourself and trying to gain information on trade groups that do work closely with aircraft. If you were to do this then the technical knowledge that you would gain would be hugely beneficial if you do eventually pursue a career in aviation, it will put you in better stead than knowing the ins and outs of a rifle!

One huge advantage of joining up, regardless of what you choose to do, is that pretty much every flying base will have a flying club. They offer very competitive rates for tuition and, once you have your PPL, for rental. It is a great deal cheaper to learn to fly with an organisation such as this than a civilian flying club. You can check most of them out on the web. What's more they are a very cost effective way of building your hours in the longer term.

I hope this is of use but I do urge you to consider all of your options before you make a decision on which trade group to join. Good luck.

Axel

[Wessex Boy]

Another angle is to continue joining as a ground trade and then transfer to Senior NCO Aircrew once you have a couple of tours under your belt, most of the guys on my training (admittedly back in '88/89) were ground trades retraining to aircrew.
This way you become Pro Aircrew, learn some real airmanship and earn a bit more towards the Flying Training coffers....

I joined as a Direct Entrant Air Loadmaster and was streamed onto Rotary (the Mighty Wessex at Shawbury) and was then thrown out after 130 hours (long story!!) but I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience, really useful for civvy street and really helped my Private Flying. I also blagged some decent left hand seat time which was slightly different to the C150/172 I was rated on!

[Martin4]

Thanks for the replys guys!

After looking at the other career options i could go for with my qualification level the FOA is the one i concider to be the best option there is. It might not be the aviation side i wanted to aim for but its certainly a lot better than gunner, if things dont work out after the RAF with being a airline pilot and all i believe i could use the skills as a FOA to be a civi ATC - "civillian equivalent - Air Traffic Controller" and theres always the chance to do flying at the flying club :ok:


Martin

[scroggs]

Martin, I'm delighted that your score was sufficient to be considered for entry for FOA when the RAF reopens selection for that trade. I hope you can see that your attitude has impressed a number of people who are doing the job that you aspire to; keep it up. The SNCO Aircrew option is one you should bear in mind for a later date once you've been in for a little while. I have no doubt that you will do well and, if you keep your focus, I would be very pleased to see you succeed in becoming a commercial pilot in years to come.

All the very best with your ambitions.

Scroggs

[Martin4]

Martin, I'm delighted that your score was sufficient to be considered for entry for FOA when the RAF reopens selection for that trade. I hope you can see that your attitude has impressed a number of people who are doing the job that you aspire to; keep it up. The SNCO Aircrew option is one you should bear in mind for a later date once you've been in for a little while. I have no doubt that you will do well and, if you keep your focus, I would be very pleased to see you succeed in becoming a commercial pilot in years to come.

All the very best with your ambitions.

Scroggs
Thanks Scroggs!

The SNCO Aircrew option is one that if I could go into from FOA, I would give it my best shot. I would need to find out how to go about getting this position but when the time comes after a few years in as FOA I'm sure someone will be able to advise me on how to go about doing things like that.

Thanks!
Martin

Edit:
One thing i did want to ask was: The corporal at the careers office said i should find a job or do a course, anything to do with my time so that it looks better in the interview when they ask "what have you been doing with your time?" and you dont say something like "well.... nothing much really..."

There isnt many jobs going around here (i live in a small town) but there is places to do full time and part time courses. I dont know how long it will be before they open the job selection again, it could be a month, it could be several months. What would be the best course to do? Without blowing my own trumpet, i am quite good with computer hardwear so maby a computer course? It might not be of use as a FOA but it would still be a "qualification" and may be of use later in life...

Your views are VERY welcome!
Martin

[Ben Parkin]

I have been reading with interest this thread and feel im in a very good position to help Martin, I spent seven very happy and rewarding years in the Raf Regiment as a gunner, and am at present working in Iraq for a private security company , earning the money to carry out commercial pilot training, which i will begin early next year. i have read the points presented and wish to reply from as someone who has been there, So here goes, I completed my training and was posted to II sqn , the airborne unit, where i completed parachute selection ( a further test that has to be overcome to be a paratrooper ) on completion and jump training i was awarded my wings, and more importantly at the time the extra 140 pound a month pay rise....... its more now ..... dont know how much though, Spending 4 years on II sqn i flew in many Raf aircraft in various roles, i did land in most of them without the need for parachutes, highlights included hands on flying of c130 Hercules in Africa ......If you ask the pilots will let you, Its the age old adage ,if you dont ask you dont get , numerous parachute jumps :eek: and making friends that will never let you down.
After II sqn i was posted to Raf Odiham and was attached to a Chinook sqn for my final 3 years, The best three years of my life in the RAF, with much of the time spent aboard Chinooks, if work was quiet i would go and jump on whatever sorties were going, 6 weeks in Botswana where 3 feet over the Kalaharie at 140 knots on the ramp was an awesome experience!!!! And i was paid to do this!!!!!!
If you are an active type of bloke then definately go for the Regiment, and you will never regret your decision . So much variation and good times will be had . I have friends from Odiham who are flight ops assistants....... They hate it! all day in an office filling aircrews nav bags etc..... dnt mean to offend any opsies reading this , but they all said to me i wish i had joined the Regiment .....Yes Chris and callum you did!!!
At times i did think what am i doing here! such as in a trench in Germany when it rained all week , But there was always a night out with the lads to look forward to at endex. :ok:
The benefits offered by the Raf are endless, you can go for your PPL at one of the flying clubs they have, at Benson , Halton , believe there are more, but this is basically half price flying lessons at the weekends where you stay on the camp for free , so more expense removed ,
Qualifications can be earned by doing the excellent week long crammer courses provided by the education centres, every camp has one , so have a look in one as soon as you join ,
If you want you can apply for aircrew selection once in and qualified , as a few loadmaster friends will attest to , Essential you sew your para wings on your flying suit!!!!
So there is my biased opinion put to you , i would say join the reggie and have fun while earning cash for your dreams, Every WAF ( girl in the Raf ) loves the Rockapes ( Regiment guys ) YES THEY DO !!!!
By all means consider other trades but steer clear of drivers , suppliers , stewards , well in my opinion every other trade but Gunner .
Also ignore the thicky Rockape stigma , its simply not true anymore , you need a higher apptitude than Police, PTIs supply etc etc, the only ground trade that needs higher apptitude is the Aircraft technical ones, Of which i passed , I always wanted to be a Gunner since i was an Air Cadet so i did what i wanted , And that will be my closing statement to this tome i have written , The money isnt too bad ,regt get techie pay now too, Join the Raf to do what you want to do..... and you dont have to do the full Nine years either , i got out early to chase my goal, Best of Luck
Per Ardua ( Regiments motto ..... Through Adversity )
Ben:ok:

[Martin4]

Thanks for the reply Ben, at the interview they are going to interview me for both FOA and Regt Gunner but my aim is FOA. Good to hear from someone whos been in the regiment though :ok:



Martin

[Ben Parkin]

Sorry i forgot to say , the Regiment hold whats called a PGAC, potential gunners aquantance course, Held at the depot, Before making your final choice i suggest you go and try it, you see the regt , you get a taste of the training and they put you through your paces to see if youve got the mettle , Is a hard couple of days but a good insight for a guy in your situation,
Per Ardua
Ben

[Martin4]

The replies posted in this topic were very helpfull, i started a new topic and would appriciate some replies :ok:

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=219893



Martin