TommyGun
7th May 2008, 08:53
Hi everyone,
When I was at school I was in the CCF (RAF Section), I joined the TA (Royal Engineers) in my gap year, transferred to University Officers' Training Corps when I went to uni, and I have recently transferred back to my old squadron, now that I have graduated. I currently hold my PPL, but I am too old (at 24) to be a pilot in the RAF.
I have recently had my initial 'chat' with my most local Armed Forces Careers Office, with the intention of joining as NC Aircrew Weapon Systems Operator (in particular, Crewman). I have my second chat/interview in mid-June. I was told by the corporal in the AFCO to try to avoid the RAF website and to come onto this website and chat to people who are going through selection, training and are WSOps.
I have a few questions, as there isn't a huge amount of literature on this job role;
- I believe that Crewmen are part of all RAF helicopter crews i.e. Merlin, Chinook, Puma, Sea King and Twin Squirrel, and fixed wing transport aircraft, Hercules and Globemaster. Do Crewmen fly in any other types, and if so, what is their role?
- If anyone has any general advice on Officer and Aircrew Selection, initial training at RAF Halton or Sergeant and specialist training at Cranwell, that would be incredibly helpful.
Thanks for spending the time to read this.
Tommy
When I was at school I was in the CCF (RAF Section), I joined the TA (Royal Engineers) in my gap year, transferred to University Officers' Training Corps when I went to uni, and I have recently transferred back to my old squadron, now that I have graduated. I currently hold my PPL, but I am too old (at 24) to be a pilot in the RAF.
I have recently had my initial 'chat' with my most local Armed Forces Careers Office, with the intention of joining as NC Aircrew Weapon Systems Operator (in particular, Crewman). I have my second chat/interview in mid-June. I was told by the corporal in the AFCO to try to avoid the RAF website and to come onto this website and chat to people who are going through selection, training and are WSOps.
I have a few questions, as there isn't a huge amount of literature on this job role;
- I believe that Crewmen are part of all RAF helicopter crews i.e. Merlin, Chinook, Puma, Sea King and Twin Squirrel, and fixed wing transport aircraft, Hercules and Globemaster. Do Crewmen fly in any other types, and if so, what is their role?
- If anyone has any general advice on Officer and Aircrew Selection, initial training at RAF Halton or Sergeant and specialist training at Cranwell, that would be incredibly helpful.
Thanks for spending the time to read this.
Tommy