Pontius Navigator

This is a good test of your ability to evaluate different sources of information. Which is more likely to be up to date? Which is more likely to be accurate?

Final question, where would you do the 1.5 mile run?

_FUBAR_

Pontius Navigator,

Well this was my thinking, I would surmise that the fellow posting on behalf of OASC is the more up-to-date source. But then the question as you stated is where would this 1.5 mile run take place? On a treadmill? That i feel is hardly a test of endurance. Though i wouldn't be one to complain if that is the case.

Either way it makes very little difference as i am training for all eventualities. I was mearly being curious, always nice to know what your up against.

Jamias

FUBAR,

Just want to throw my two pence worth in to your query above.
I'm currently applying for pilot and when I enquired at the AFCO they gave me a free DVD showing the application process for officers and NCO aircrew and 'a day in the life of an officer/NCO aircrew/aircraftsman'. Also quite a detailed look into the OASC.
I'm sure if you go down to your local AFCO they'll be happy to give you said DVD. They seemed to be throwing them at people when I was there.

Spearmint-R33

It's on a treadmill and at a zero degree incline. That's what it states in my blue info book sent to me the other month for my own date at the OASC. Not the hardest of physical tests I agree but at the end of the day you go to the OASC to show your potential.

You'll not start sweating blood and tears until the actual course and that's if you get through. I am aware that on the first day of NCAITC all students must complete the 1.5mile run outside in the same time as decreed by the required standards for their age and sex.

_FUBAR_

@Spearmint
Yeah that is true, it is only a snapshot of your potential.

I was on my SSIC course at Cranwell (Im an Adult NCO with the ATC) and the RAF REG WO that was taking us on the course also took candidates on NCAITC and he said on the first day he liked to start them off with a running tour round the station with their bed packs. Thats got to be a good 2miler with the awkward bulk of a bed pack in your arms!

@Jamias
Thanks for the advise, might try that! I haven't been into my AFCO yet. Ive only spoken with CIL and got the email application so i think i need to go down and have a good chat with them.

Chrisdaman

bit of a setback as of late, my appendix decided it had had enough of my body and wanted to leave, so i'm literally back to fitness training this week, but it'll put cranwell back by 2/3 months at the least

but everything else is now done, ed certs, medical questionnaires etc, just awaiting cranwell now, booked a visit to the station, and my manager at my current job has got an odiham visit sorted pretty much

turns out he was a group captain in the RAF, really useful guy to have around

Arty Fufkin

Group captions can be useful.

changeitnot

Group captions. Good to remember it's a team game!

onrey_oleuk

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anybody could give me some advice on application to be an Apache pilot? I was umming and aaring about whether to go rotary or fast jet in the RAF and have decided to go rotary, but i want to fly the Apache and that is an AAC helicopter... I was just wondering what the route would then be if i wished to fly the Apache?
Any advice would be great...

Thank you

Pontius Navigator

onrey, if you look at the Army Air Corp thread lower down the page it will answer some of your questions. And the chances? Slim to non-existent, but don't let that put you off.

onrey_oleuk

Cheers Nav for the advice... And why slim to non existent? I presume its because they arent recruiting for pilot?

Aerouk

What happens if they end up putting you on a Lynx instead of an Apache? You don't get to choice.

Chrisdaman

typo corrected

Spearmint-R33

It's slim to non-existent across the board at the moment apart from certain priority roles. The recruitment tap has been tightened to but a drip. A job in HM Forces (at the moment) is seen as a safe option compared to menial part-time non-secure work on Civvy Street.

badders2

I'm also applying for WSOp, my application is on hold, still awaiting the e-mail/link to fill in the application for filter and P2 interview, this should be when the trade re-opens. I've been posetd to our basic training at RAF Honington with the expectation that I'll soon be looking at an FT3 (Sgt Gunner) course in 2011.
From what I could gather from our clerk, I'll be stuck as a gunner doing what effectively is a mini return of service as a Sgt, and would be unable to apply for Aircrew. I've been to my chief clerk, PSF and spoken to the drafter about this and none of them would give me a yes/no answer. If I turn down an FT3 while still a gunner I can expect all sorts of fall-out from this. If I take it, then find out I can't apply for aircrew then I'd not be happy stuck as a gunner for 2 years waiting (I'd be 32 by then, with only 8 years left to serve which is why I'm applying now.)
Any gen or a different point of view would be appreciated as my lot aren't happy with what they see as me abandoning my trade.
Thanks in advance.

badders2

i know, it's like i'm bad for wanting to better myself.

spuk87

Hi, I've been watching this forum since around February but never joined up until today (don't like joining every forum under the sun if I can help it).

I'm taking my filter interview for pilot at the end of the month and currently researching all the info to cover the military awareness part of the interview, but one thing I don't seem to be able find an answer to is what the OCU squadron numbers and locations are for RW and ME branches; assuming they have dedicated OCUs that is? The RAF website lists them for FJ branches but not RW and ME. Could anyone help me out with that?

Thanks,
Simon

Pontius Navigator

Spuk, have a look at this thread http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...1-000-a-3.html

You should find information there that will help you help yourself.

_FUBAR_

Spuk,

Its a few years out of date but i dont think its changed much

Armed Forces - r4a2 - RAF Air Command - Operational Conversion Unit (OCU)

Also (Please correct if needed) many Squadrons like 27SQN (Chinooks) have OCF's Operational Conversion Flight's. In which case, they wont be listed with the other SQN's like 203(R) OCU Sea King.

Hope that helps,

FUBAR

back end o' the bus

Gd luck but sort ya english out for pete's sake!