Flying Engineers

[cyemm]

Afternoon everyone,

Everything going to plan... by June I should have finished a Mech Eng degree. As with most people the RAF has been an interest since childhood (Grandad etc) so I'll be applying then.

I went to OASC a while ago for 6th form scholarship but was unsuccessful (not enough experience etc) - but my question is (assuming I get to OASC again) do you think a degree in engineering could be a hinderance rather than a help when applying for pilot - if I exaggerate the fact that the RAF is number one choice then might I be more likely to be offered Engineering Officer if that's what they need at the time at the expense of them failing me for pilot?

I'd be grateful for any opinions you've got, even if they're just those!

One more thing, 23 year cut-off is looming in November so does anybody know when the exact cut off is - do I have to reach IOT before then or just get selected?

I've seen a lot of wannabes get roasted on here so hope I haven't asked anything too stupid - if I have, my apologies but bring it ;-)

Thanks in advance everyone

[talk_shy_tall_knight]

if I exaggerate the fact that the RAF is number one choice then might I be more likely to be offered Engineering Officer if that's what they need at the time at the expense of them failing me for pilot?


Notwithstanding it's Friday and my brain is already heading for the local, I'm struggling with this. What are you applying for, Pilot or EngO?

[airborne_artist]

Tstk, he says:

do you think a degree in engineering could be a hinderance rather than a help when applying for pilot.

To answer your Q, cyemm, they won't fudge your aptitude scores to get you to apply for EngO. If they are good enough, then fine. If they are borderline or worse, then you can change at your request. It's not the Navy in the 18th C.

[talk_shy_tall_knight]

Oh aye. Like I said, brain headed to the bar about an hour ago.

[cyemm]

Notwithstanding it's Friday and my brain is already heading for the local, I'm struggling with this. What are you applying for, Pilot or EngO?

I'd be applying for pilot - was just wondering about (as 'airbourne_artist' put it) them 'fudging aptitude if they need engineers rather than pilots.


It's not the Navy in the 18th C.

:-) It's a relief to know you can change if your priority is the RAF life over the specialisation. Thanks

[cyemm]

Thanks, nice to know a change is an option! With regards to the age...any ideas?
Cheers

[airborne_artist]

You have to enter Cranwell aged no more than 23 and 11 months - and it will take four/five months to get through the application process, so no problem. Waivers on age have been given before, we believe.

[Safety_Helmut]

OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
It's at the top of the thread list, the place to ask your question that is, or are you different than everyone else ? :ok:

[cyemm]

I read it mate but no b*gger said I had to post there ;-) Thought it might start an interesting discussion about selection filtering - apologies

Thanks for the age verification by the way airbourne

[Olly O'Leg]

Cyemm,

Good luck with the finals!

I've got a Aero Eng degree (so not too dissimilar from Mech Eng) and had absolutely no problems whatsover with pilot selection. Primarily (I've been led to believe) they're looking for officer first, job second, but don't worry - if you apply for pilot, there'll be a very good reason if you get told no (or yes!)

Good luck!

:ok:

[Bluntend]

I too have an Aero Eng Degree (Aeronautical Systems Engineering to be precise). At OASC I was advised that my aptitude test results would have easily allowed me to apply for aircrew, however, not being able to reach all the buttons in the cockpit was always going to be a problem and no matter how hard I tried, getting the seat high enough to see through the HUD always caused difficulties. In the end I graduated from Cranwell as a future Engineering Officer and its my personal belief that of all the branches in the RAF, its one of the most challenging and rewarding. Yes, you don't get to fly every day, but I had plenty of back seat trips when I was a JEngO. If you end up as an EngO, you should know you could have done a lot worse.

Having said all of that though I once worked with a pilot who also had an engineering degree. He was a bloody nice guy and was generally regarded as a fine pilot. He was, however, a pain in the arse when it came to argueing over technical snags.

Bluntend

[Bravo2]

If you look around most of the front line FJ pilots seem to have engineering degrees of some flavour or other so you will be in good company. That said an EngO job isn't the worst option in the world - but I'd definitely keep pilot as your top choice.... you'll have to find some way of spending all that flying pay though :)

[glad rag]

Been taking the nasty pills again AIDU?

[Bluntend]

Don't worry about it Glad Rag. I know that good pilots and aircrew appreciate the role the Sqn Engineering team play in getting them up and down safely, even if AIDU doesn't.

;)

[cyemm]

Thanks for all the posts everyone, really appreciated and a lot of good info - nice to see you're such a communicative bunch :ok:

Worry not... I'll keep you updated about my progress (hopefully positive) - and thanks again for being accessible, sometimes it can seem like you're facing an information brick wall...wow they have a face for that :ugh:

Cheers! Chris