Becoming an RAF pilot....

[kanehp]

Hi all,

First things first, I'm 5'11" and very sporty. I've just finished my first year at sixth form so I've got one year to go (studying Physics, Maths (mechanics), Economics and P.E). I intend to go to go to uni to study aeronautical engineering as I think this would be benificial and I will generally enjoy it anyway.

I'm going down to have a look at RAF Odiham soon as it's nearby, thought this would give me a general feel of what the typical base is like. I've been to a careers office for an unformal meeting and I was told to start 'knocking on the door' from september '11 onwards (ideally want to join the UAS). However there were a few things I didn't clear up.

1) What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?

2) Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?

3) Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?

4) I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.

Finally, I'm new to this so I apologize if this has already been posted.

I would really appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

[Really annoyed]

I'm 5'11" and very sporty. What colour are your eyes?
I intend to go to go to Do you stammer a lot?
What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot? Better off enjoying yourself at Uni. The degree means naff all in the RAF.
Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?Well that depends. You might need to go again.
Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic? Realistic? Do you have blonde hair and big tits?
I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around. Perhaps you should just concetrate on your degree first.

[Romeo Oscar Golf]

Helpful as usual RA.
Kanehp, there's been much information on the questions you ask, try the search button and read the sticky above.

[Airborne Aircrew]

I'm 5'11" and very sporty. This thread is no good without pictures...

Unless you're a male... :ugh:

[muppetofthenorth]

Regarding degree choice and UAS The Student Room is probably a better place to ask the questions.

1) What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?

As good as any other.

2) Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?

Go back.

3) Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?

Depends on you. Not a silly answer, btw.

4) I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.

No, 'they' haven't.

[The Old Fat One]

Kanehp

Ignore the first poster...we all do.

I would advise you to get your sight checked out fully before you do anything else...you may be chasing an impossible dream.

Assuming it is OK, the next question would be what, if any aviation experience do you have? Air Cadets, gliding etc. That's not to say these things are a prerequisite, but at some stage somebody is going to probe into your motivation, substantiation and commitment to becoming an RAF pilot...it will be handy to have the answers (hopefully truthful) ready.

I have no experience of the UAS but I know a lot of people who have. They are seem to find it immensley enjoyable and rewarding...not sure what you mean by realistic??? Flying is about as real as anything ever gets.

As far as your type of degree and sports go...yeh, all these things count for something, but the RAF selection procedure is more about discovering your aptitude for flying training and your potential for leadership. Those are the things you must focus on.

[Pontius Navigator]

As far as degrees go, the lists of RAF Graduates in the papers shown if they have degrees. I haven't checked but it appears more have degrees than don't.

Of the degrees there are a few Masters in the list. There is also a significant number of BEng. An aeronautical degree is only a degree and a degree is not a prerequisite. Later on however an aeronautical degree may qualify you for things other degrees do not.

[Halton Brat]

Really Annoyed

I too have suffered from ingrowing anal hairs; the discomfort one has to endure is tremendous, and is beyond the comprehension of those who are not afflicted thus. It is true to say that one's entire outlook on life is jaundiced by this pain in the .........

If you care to PM me, I will gladly furnish you with the contact details of Dr Rajiv Sphincteramabad, that truly sainted man, whose surgical intervention allowed me to once more be re-united with the saddle of my racing bicycle.

I have the honour to be, Sir, etc etc

HB

[airpolice]

Halton Brat, I was going to write "thanks for sharing" but have decided that "too much information" is more appropriate.

[kanehp]

"They are seem to find it immensley enjoyable and rewarding...not sure what you mean by realistic???"

Does it give you an insight to RAF life is was I was getting at, or is it just simply the flying. Either way i'd love to join.

Thanks for all the feedback guys really appreciate it. Can't really see why someone would waste their own time slating people on this though to be honest!


This thread is no good without pictures...

Unless you're a male... :ugh:


Airborne Aircrew, I'm male. So i hope your no into that sort of thing:=

[Halton Brat]

kanehp

Don't take it to heart fella; if you do eventually succeed in your ambition ( & I hope that you do), you will have to deal with industrial quantities of mickey-taking/banter etc.

Follow your dream; Per Ardua ad Astra.............

HB

[diginagain]

"Through Adversity to the Cinema."?

[Airborne Aircrew]

Airborne Aircrew, I'm male. So i hope your no into that sort of thing

You'll be unable to acquire any degree I'm afraid. You clearly lack a basic level of comprehension. I'm clearly "not into that sort of thing" or I wouldn't have written "Unless you're a male..." now would I?

[Really annoyed]

Well done Kanehp you got a bite and from a roughty toughty para.:D

[XV490]

"Through Adversity to the Cinema."?

I always thought it was: "After work, we go to the cinema."

Whatever, you sound like a decent chap, kanehp, so best of British to you....

[Halton Brat]

Diginagain

I note, from your profile, that you are a 'Lynx' man.

Please advise if this is the most efficacious deodorant on the market today.

HB

[kanehp]

You'll be unable to acquire any degree I'm afraid. You clearly lack a basic level of comprehension. I'm clearly "not into that sort of thing" or I wouldn't have written "Unless you're a male..." now would I?

AA, simply a bit of banter.

HB, thanks for the advice - well taken note of.

[diginagain]

HB, sadly those days are long behind me. I use a more upmarket 'Submariner's Dohby' these days, but still like to keep up with the banter.............

[5 Forward 6 Back]

So i hope your no into that sort of thing

Where are the once-famous PPRuNe grammar Nazis, and what would they make of this sentence? :E More of a risk to his degree than his perceived comprehension....

[diginagain]

He may well be North British, hoping to get a Degree on the cheap.

[kanehp]

He may well be North British, hoping to get a Degree on the cheap.

No more cheap degrees anymore, Uni fees increasing! :ugh:

[tarantonight]

kanehp................

Mate, follow your dream. Take heed of sensible advice on this Forum - ignore the sh*te.

All the best for the future.

Sadly, certain users here forget they were once 17 and starting off in the big bad world. Hindsight Is a Wonderful Thing as they say.

TN.:D

[Axel-Flo]

Yep, as were most of us. 8500 hrs later i still wish there was more of what we had to do then. Answers to recruiting dilemmas, or solutions to "how do i make it" weren't found on a search engine or by asking the WWW.

If i were you, i realise i am not,

1. Be genuine, and do things because you want to and not because you want to be "seen" to be doing them...
2. Do what you actually want, not jump through the hoops you think you need to or worse, those that someone tells you you need to.
3. Don't forget that when you get there it won't be a dream. Look at the PVR threads, and any looking at how easy/green the grass outside is. Then be prepared to be on call, loose leave, not be there for the family, bitch about it all not being what you want.....et al.
4. If you still think it's for you ... do it, but stay real, love what you do, bitch about those who don't accept the above and pull your weight.

The planners will appreciate you, you'll get fed up of the Jack B**tar*s angling for an easy time and wanting to get out.... and know that no one appreciates you at all. Especially if you want to work at the flying part and not chisel for promotion (more seen to be doing the right thing rather than doing it!....see 2 above) As for me, I still love what i do....recognise all of the above but know fully there is little if anything i will do to change anything from it.

Oh, and the other guys are right too. The first few posts did make me laugh.

Mate, you have two feet, stand on em', just do it and if, in days to come you join, I shall look forward to seeing you try and succeed in all you wish!

BTAC...........Be there and cope. If you can't you shouldn't be there...

Good Luck:ok:

[Alber Ratman]

Go for your dream.. If your eyesight doesn't meet the grade, you will find out soon enough, don't let it disapoint you if it isn't, but don't believe a doctors view of 10 years ago when you were growing put you down now.. Doctors get it wrong still.

Yeah, go to uni. Areonautical degrees are pretty useless unless you want to work for BAE or a Type 21 company or ENGO management (and experience is as important for those). Mechanical Engineering has more outlets IMHO, if the pilot route doesn't happen.

Go and do UAS if you can.. It will give you an insight to the type of people who will progress.

If you apply, do your homework first before applying.. Officer first then Pilot second.. The Pilots trade is known as GD(P).. The GD stands for General Duties!! The leader of men in battle and peace.. Airborne Warrior is only part of what you will do, if you get through the hurdles first!

Good luck.

[5 Forward 6 Back]

Not any more; we're all firmly in the Flying branch instead of GD now!

[kanehp]

Can't thank you guys enough, I didn't actually think i'd get many replies so I really appreciate it!

I know a couple of people in the RAF (one locally), so I frequently speak to them too. They mentioned subscribing to the global economist, an online magazine. Anybody have any thoughts on that? In my eyes it would help with all the world news etc. (and yes I do watch the news too)

Global Economist Review Online Magazine (http://www.globaleconomistreview.com/) <--- That's the link if anybody wanted to have a look.