AAC Pilot selection board.

[engr_elec]

Hi all,

Having recently passed flying grading, i will soon be attending the pilot selection board at middle wallop. I have done a search of the forum and found a small amount of information, but was wondering if any had any more advice.

Any advice on how best to prepare would be gratefully received.

Regards

Dan

[ralphmalph]

Dan,

When you go to Wallop, you will be assessed for the duration of your visit, both by Directing Staff and Officers and SNCO's you will meet.

Your motivation for application for a Commission in the AAC will be probed. The AAC is not interested in Pilots with a Commission, they want Officers with Helicopters on their backs.

A contentious subject, but if you are driven only by a desire to fly, that might not be enough to get you through a year at RMAS, and to finish in the top third.

Be yourself.

Remember that the AAC wants an Officer with a broad range of skill sets, and a desire to lead. Have a long look at the future AAC career profile you are likely to lead, and realise that unless you specialise, you wont be flying for ever.

Ralph

[Floater AAC]

Hi Dan,

Looking at your info Engr Elec, it seems you may already be a serving soldier (REME). If that's the case, the AAC really want NCO pilots. Officers are a short term stint on the sticks, unlike the other services. Are you serving?

[engr_elec]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, i appreciate it.

Yes i am currently serving, so going down the NCO route. I am at the top end of the age restriction (30) but im hoping this wont be to much of an issue.

[Floater AAC]

Good luck with the course. It is a long old process so accept the fact that you will be in training for a while, just stick with it. Some people don't take criticism well so if your one of them, get your head around the fact that there will be debrief points during/after each sortie. If however you are married this won't be an issue.

Have fun, it will be hard work, exciting, tiring, frustrating and totally worth it.

[parabellum]

there will be debrief points during/after each sortie. If however you are married this won't be an issue.


Love it!!:ok::D

(Course 173 at MW, oh so long ago).

[hihover]

Comment of the year mate! Excellent. I'll share it with wife, one of these days, maybe after a Cognac ot 3.

Tam Macklin

[breakscrew]

Hi E-E,
The board consists of 3 people, the Regimental Colonel, The Chief Flying Instructor and the SO1 MCM from Glasgow, and off to one side (with voting rights but who does not sit on the interview panel) is the SO1 Personnel for the AAC. The Regt Col will ask you questions about your background and life (hobbies and interests etc), the CFI will ask about flying motivation and why you want to do something as daft as being a pilot (we all know, but few non-pilots have that feeling and sense of wonder), and the Personnel Officer will be concerned that you know what the career implications are for you. In your case (at 30ish) it will be a blight on promotion for a couple of years, you will have to spend almost a year away from the family concentrating on learning to fly, so home life will suffer, and if you have a pretty wife and young children, how will you be able to devote sufficient effort and dedication to passing the course without distraction).
They are taking a punt on you, because they are committing nearly a million quid of taxpayers money on your ability to pass, and that you will not fail or give up. Also, it is important that you will 'fit into' the AAC, since on gaining 'wings' you will transfer. Although the AAC works closely with their REME brothers, there is a distinct temperamental difference in outlook and lifestyle. (No detriment to either party, but they are different.)
You have to come across as confident, relaxed, aware of the implications of your career choice and lastly passionate about flying (and that you loved grading).
The Board considers your grading reports and your last three CRs before they see you, and they give you a score before you even enter the door. If they are short of places on the next 2 APC courses, then they will try to fill them, if you are suitable. If you are not suitable, then that is a no brainer. However, if there are only a few places left on the courses, they spend a great deal of time after the interview discussing the pros and cons of the eligible people, and choose the top ones. Thats when it is hard, because some good people are turned away because of a lack of places.Conversely, you will see some pretty marginal people being passed because they have to get the training places filled (although, I am happy to say that this does not happen very often).
REME Techs always do quite well because they are smart and intelligent, so you have a slight inbuilt advantage. As they say in the books- be yourself. The board have all been there themselves. And lastly, the officers get a much harder time of it!
Lastly, good luck and I hope you make it. It is a brilliant achievement whenyou get your wings.

[Gnd]

Totally agree with all the above, be motivated to fight an aircraft, fly safe but effectively and be part of a team that is getting progressively more complex and focused (cut the gibes, we all have stories about non-professionals from all services!).

Your background will help you but probably, more importantly, your piers - use it and they will support you.

Good luck and hope to see you wiz past one day!

[lasernigel]

Good luck with your application. I do like the comment...

REME Techs always do quite well because they are smart and intelligent

Was a CET for 13yrs so that has put a smile on my face.:ok: