AIB

[Sambo P]

Hi,

I am hoping to become a FAA pilot and my AIB is approaching fast.

It was suggested by my AFCO that I visit this site and it's been helpful.

Are there any need-to-knows and handy tips for a successful AIB?? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

Sam

[ProfessionalStudent]

Sambo

Trust you've loooked through the sticky thread at the top? There may be stuff re AIB in there. I'd look through it myself, but it's your job and I can't be arsed.

Good luck.

[airborne_artist]

Search the forum (hint, try both AIB and Admiralty ...) and pay attention to anything written by Cobaltfrog. Try PMing him.

I had the great pleasure of passing the AIB for Pilot 29 years ago next week. I can't imagine the objective or the methods have changed that much; when in the group session don't try to get a group decision until everyone has had a chance to put their point across, and if necc., make sure that they guys who don't speak up are given the chance. There will be one guy who tries too hard. Watch him dig himself in for a short while before stepping up.

Take the practical phase at a steady pace, and remember to describe your objective, detail the plan, take questions/criticism, and delegate.

Don't be afraid to speak for/write what you believe in. The essay phase asked us to write for or against conscription. I argued strongly against it, but I expect a few thought they'd better look keen and agree with it.

If they ask you a closed question (ie one to which the answer is yes/no) then expand your answer. If they ask you an open question then get your answer in, and then stop, don't ramble/waffle on. If you've got some info about you that want to get in, do so, when appropriate, without waiting to be asked if you've ever done xxxx.

Try not to try too hard - they want to pass you.

[Haggis37]

Sam

Very sound advice from aa - take heed. I would echo the bit about the group discussions: the worst thing you can do is try to take control - some prat will try that and end up digging deeper and deeper. Put in your two pennyworth, try to ensure everyone in the group gets a chance to put their views across, and don't necessarily follow the crowd. If your view is different to the others', make it known in a respectful way.

Also, have an idea of what's going on in the world. They have a map with no place names - could you point to Afghanistan? Basra? Falklands? etc etc Do you know which RN/RM units are there and what their role is?

Good luck!
:)

[Sambo P]

Thanks for your comments & advice. Much appreciated.

Sam

[GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU]

Also, if you don't completely hear or understand a question, don't be too shy to ask for clarification.

[long]

Hello Sam

Good luck at the AIB. I sat the board just over three years ago - the advice above does indeed remain extant. If you can, try to relax! On the first day of my Board I assumed that a specific test had gone disasterously wrong and so almost resigned to having to re-attend. I think this resulted in me relaxing and picking up what I could for the next time, which in turn resulted in my more natural personality coming through and to my suprise I passed first time.

I hope all goes well for you, I haven't looked back since and although I am still extremely new to aviation I have been in the RN for 9 years - all of which have been enjoyable.

[cobaltfrog]

Hi

Firstly, there is some good advice offered here, take it in it will help you. REad the papers and take in the political thoughts of the day with regard to the military and top stories. Read the broadsheets (Times. Telegraph etc) rather than the Sun!

Relax, they are there to pass you not to fail you. Try and be calm and do not be afraid to pause after they have asked you a question before you answer. In the gym tasks work for the team even when you are not in charge and when you are in charge stand back a bit so that you can see what is going on.

In the interview they like to hear something you have done that is unusual or funny. Hearing the same thing over and over again gets teadious!

Look smart and stand tall, be polite and do not be arrogant.

ENJOY the experience, if you have reached this far you have the potential.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

Regards

CF:)

[harrier007]

Hi Sambo P,

Just out of interest, when is your AIB? I'm heading down at the start of February, also going for Pilot.

[Sambo P]

Harrier007...


Hi, I don't have the date yet. My application form is in the pipeline.

Good Luck!

[mustflywillfly]

There is no longer any need to keep abreast of current affairs for the AIB. There are no political questions and they no longer ask what newspaper you read. The whole process is competency based, i.e do you have the competency to be a Naval Officer. The scoring has changed dramatically too and is now completely objective. They couldn't care less if you are a bloody nice chap who went to Oxford or Mr Average who went to a former Poly etc.

How do I know this? I couldn't poss comment.

Anyway to all those going good luck and just BE YOURSELF or you'll screw up!

MFWF

[airborne_artist]

They couldn't care less if you are a bloody nice chap who went to Oxford or Mr Average who went to a former Poly etc.

The RN (and the RAF, but not the Guards) have taken this approach for a very long time.

Soon after WW2 someone I knew went to AIB. He'd have had a distinct Lancashire accent, and came from a lower-middle class family with no pretensions, not much money, but plenty of ambition. Entry to BRNC was then at 13, and he got a full fees scholarship. His fellow cadets were largely from the upper-middle classes (or better), and they came from families that had independent means. He made Captain some 30 years after starting at Dartmouth, and many were surprised that he didn't go much further.

You'll have guessed by now that he was my Dad ;)

[str12]

Sambo

I sat my AIB in '95 and would thoroughly recommend a booklet the RN provided called Ships, Guns and Missiles' or something similar. The latest version may be a little bit thinner though :(

Know the different weapons platforms and their capabilities; where the RN are operating; and what the first 3 years of you career will entail. The map of the World without country names is a good one.

Try and organise a visit through your recruitment office. I was fortunate to spend 9 days aboard HMS Dulverton - a Hunt Class Minesweeper - on a foreign visit and had an absolutely fantastic time.

Relax, be yourself, enjoy the experience and Good Luck!

[WhiteOvies]

Sambo,
Similar to Str12 managed to blag a week on HMS Iron Duke and a week on an ex RN minesweeper (Marine Society I think) through the Careers Office. Excellent prep for AIB and gives you a taste of what life at sea is actually like. Remember at AIB they are looking for 'well rounded individuals'. This does not mean being chubby! Have interests, hobbies, ambitions and some knowledge of the RN. One guy on my board failed even though he was a walking encyclopedia of RN info. Also interact with your fellow boardees. You are being watched more than you think and they are looking for someone who will join in, get on with people and not just sit in a corner on their own. If over the age of 18 the Lord Nelson is a good oppurtunity for socialising with the other candidates but go easy as staff drink there and hungover attempts at Leadership tasks are not appreciated. Also remember not to bullsh:mad: t. The Board will pick this up and rip into it, knocking any confidence you have and exposing yourself to doubts over integrity.

Apart from that try to relax and come across as the normal person you probably are.;) Good luck.

[Slider1]

Hi Sambo P,

Just out of interest, when is your AIB? I'm heading down at the start of February, also going for Pilot.

Harrier,

I have my AIB on Tuesday, going for pilot as well. Just wondered whether we would be there together?