OFFICER and AIRCREW 'CANDIDATES' PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
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I went to the AFCO last year and they pretty much told me not to bother until I had finished my degree, although it wasn't an officer that told me that.
I'm trying to get my fitness levels and maths skills up, I've been using a calculator for far too long! Once I feel ready I'm going to push on with the application.
I'm trying to get my fitness levels and maths skills up, I've been using a calculator for far too long! Once I feel ready I'm going to push on with the application.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Aerouk, that was last year. You are now well in sight of your degree. At the time they were hardly likely to say come back 11 weeks before the end of your course.
And for everyone else too.
The same holds good for A-levels. People apply to university based on expected grades. The Services use exactly the same criteria. If you are good enough then you may get a qualified acceptance - simple.
There is a risk that you (I am talking generally) don't get the A-levels, so why would they go to the trouble of assessing you early?
Two reasons:
a. To 'capture' a good qualitity candidate before they are snapped up elsewhere.
b. To smooth out the assessment process at OASC.
And for everyone else too.
The same holds good for A-levels. People apply to university based on expected grades. The Services use exactly the same criteria. If you are good enough then you may get a qualified acceptance - simple.
There is a risk that you (I am talking generally) don't get the A-levels, so why would they go to the trouble of assessing you early?
Two reasons:
a. To 'capture' a good qualitity candidate before they are snapped up elsewhere.
b. To smooth out the assessment process at OASC.
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OASC Bulletin 2
During this submission we will address 3 areas raised in, or related to, recent posts: the Weapon System Operator (WSOp) branch, the Sixth Form Scholarship and Bursary Scheme - and the academic qualification and age limits for application to the RAF.
WSOp Branch
This option is closed for the Financial Year 11/12. However, it is important that those who aspire to join the WSOp Branch continue to register their interest with the AFCOs and thence to the CIL so that when the branch re-opens they are well placed to react and apply quickly.
Sixth Form Scholarship
The RAF Sixth Form Scholarship still exists, although the competition for this year is closed. The scheme is now administered through the AFCOs, and there is no requirement to attend the OASC.
The Defence Sixth Form College, Welbeck
Year 11 students may wish to consider RAF sponsorship through the Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC), Welbeck. The DSFC educates students from all backgrounds to achieve their ambitions to become Engineering or Logistics officers in the RAF. It is one of the top performing sixth form colleges in the country with exceptional results at A-level. The tuition is paid for by the Ministry of Defence and in addition to the state of the art facilities, leadership training opportunities are provided. To gain entry to the College, candidates will be required to attend the OASC for the standard 3-day selection process. Further details regarding the college and the scheme may be found at http://www.dsfc.ac.uk and also at the Altitude link http://www.raf.mod.uk/altitude/educationandcareers/welbeck.cfm . DSFC Scholars will move on to the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) and further information for Engineering and Logistics officers may be found in the relevant job section at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs .
University Sponsorship
An application for university sponsorship can be considered once you have received your AS results. Each application is initially processed through the AFCO and, subject to the A2 predicted grades (or equivalent) being strong enough to support the UCAS application to a university affiliated with a University Air Squadron (UAS), candidates may be invited to attend a 3-day selection board at OASC. Remember, this is a competition and high academic standards are required.
For those applicants entering Year 13, or already at university, the start date for awards in the 2012 academic year is 1 September 2012, with a closing date for all applications of 2 December 2011; by this date, the AFCO interview and application paperwork, including an academic reference from your school or college must be complete. The UAS Bursary Scheme award is currently £6,000, but higher awards may be available for Dental Officers. More information on UAS is at http://www.raf.mod.uk/universityairsquadrons
The DTUS provides a higher award for Engineers and Logisticians at participating universities. Confirmation of an award is delayed until A2 results are announced and the university place is confirmed. Further sponsorship for Medical and Dental officers is available through the Cadetship Scheme and details are available on the RAF Careers web site.
For the Financial Year 11/12, new sponsorship awards will be limited to Engineering, Logistics, Medical and Dental Branches. The number of places in a given university graduation year will be limited and competition will be fierce.
Academic Qualifications and Age Limits
For information regarding age limits and academic qualifications for the various branches on offer in the RAF, please consult the RAF Careers website http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers. Candidates need to be aware that the GCSE Maths requirement has been raised to Grade B or better for the aptitude branches (Pilot, Air Traffic Control (including Senior Non-Comissioned Officer), Aerospace Battle Manager, Intelligence and WSOp/WSOp(L). Also, the A-level criteria have been raised to a minimum of 2 A2 subjects at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.
Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
WSOp Branch
This option is closed for the Financial Year 11/12. However, it is important that those who aspire to join the WSOp Branch continue to register their interest with the AFCOs and thence to the CIL so that when the branch re-opens they are well placed to react and apply quickly.
Sixth Form Scholarship
The RAF Sixth Form Scholarship still exists, although the competition for this year is closed. The scheme is now administered through the AFCOs, and there is no requirement to attend the OASC.
The Defence Sixth Form College, Welbeck
Year 11 students may wish to consider RAF sponsorship through the Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC), Welbeck. The DSFC educates students from all backgrounds to achieve their ambitions to become Engineering or Logistics officers in the RAF. It is one of the top performing sixth form colleges in the country with exceptional results at A-level. The tuition is paid for by the Ministry of Defence and in addition to the state of the art facilities, leadership training opportunities are provided. To gain entry to the College, candidates will be required to attend the OASC for the standard 3-day selection process. Further details regarding the college and the scheme may be found at http://www.dsfc.ac.uk and also at the Altitude link http://www.raf.mod.uk/altitude/educationandcareers/welbeck.cfm . DSFC Scholars will move on to the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) and further information for Engineering and Logistics officers may be found in the relevant job section at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs .
University Sponsorship
An application for university sponsorship can be considered once you have received your AS results. Each application is initially processed through the AFCO and, subject to the A2 predicted grades (or equivalent) being strong enough to support the UCAS application to a university affiliated with a University Air Squadron (UAS), candidates may be invited to attend a 3-day selection board at OASC. Remember, this is a competition and high academic standards are required.
For those applicants entering Year 13, or already at university, the start date for awards in the 2012 academic year is 1 September 2012, with a closing date for all applications of 2 December 2011; by this date, the AFCO interview and application paperwork, including an academic reference from your school or college must be complete. The UAS Bursary Scheme award is currently £6,000, but higher awards may be available for Dental Officers. More information on UAS is at http://www.raf.mod.uk/universityairsquadrons
The DTUS provides a higher award for Engineers and Logisticians at participating universities. Confirmation of an award is delayed until A2 results are announced and the university place is confirmed. Further sponsorship for Medical and Dental officers is available through the Cadetship Scheme and details are available on the RAF Careers web site.
For the Financial Year 11/12, new sponsorship awards will be limited to Engineering, Logistics, Medical and Dental Branches. The number of places in a given university graduation year will be limited and competition will be fierce.
Academic Qualifications and Age Limits
For information regarding age limits and academic qualifications for the various branches on offer in the RAF, please consult the RAF Careers website http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers. Candidates need to be aware that the GCSE Maths requirement has been raised to Grade B or better for the aptitude branches (Pilot, Air Traffic Control (including Senior Non-Comissioned Officer), Aerospace Battle Manager, Intelligence and WSOp/WSOp(L). Also, the A-level criteria have been raised to a minimum of 2 A2 subjects at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.
Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
Last edited by OASC; 8th Jun 2011 at 08:30.
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aeroUK, You've had since last year to get your fitness levels up... why have you left it until now to worry about it?! Also, you make a point that it wasn't an officer that told you to wait until you had your degree. Does that matter? The officers do exactly the same recruiting course as the corporal careers advisers. Normally, at your first call to the AFCO, it would be the corporals you would speak to as a matter of course anyway and their advice given by them is equally as valid. (And are you sure you weren’t advised to return to the AFCO TOWARDS the end of your degree, not when you had actually completed it, as that is the usual advise given and the line the advisors are given.)
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OneFifty,
Thanks for your reply.
When I attended the AFCO (I'm going down the RN route) I asked her about joining as an officer, qualifications, pay etc. and she just didn't seem to know a lot of the answers so I assumed that perhaps the NCOs dealt with certain types of roles and the officers dealt with officer roles. I was able to speak to a recruitment officer by email and he answered a lot of my questions. Sadly all I got from AFCO was a brochure and told to come back once I had my degree.
Perhaps it was my fault, I was extremely nervous on the day! Dream job and all that...
In terms of my fitness levels, I attended the AFCO last November but I've been doing my fitness training for a long time. I'm currently serving with another uniformed service so need to keep fit for that, I'm just wanting to work on it over the next couple of months especially during the summer.
Kreuger flap,
I studied Law at University.
Thanks for your reply.
When I attended the AFCO (I'm going down the RN route) I asked her about joining as an officer, qualifications, pay etc. and she just didn't seem to know a lot of the answers so I assumed that perhaps the NCOs dealt with certain types of roles and the officers dealt with officer roles. I was able to speak to a recruitment officer by email and he answered a lot of my questions. Sadly all I got from AFCO was a brochure and told to come back once I had my degree.
Perhaps it was my fault, I was extremely nervous on the day! Dream job and all that...
In terms of my fitness levels, I attended the AFCO last November but I've been doing my fitness training for a long time. I'm currently serving with another uniformed service so need to keep fit for that, I'm just wanting to work on it over the next couple of months especially during the summer.
Kreuger flap,
I studied Law at University.
Last edited by Aerouk; 24th Feb 2010 at 01:06.
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Sorry AeroUk I am a bit confused now. So you have a degree then. So why not apply now? Is the Royal Navy careers website not good enough to answer a lot of your questions?
In theory, I have my degree but I'm finishing my hons year at the moment.
Are you in the TA?
Red On, Green On
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I am guessing if it is not the TA it must be the RauxAF or the RNR?
You have an LL.B in Law and you are staying on for a fourth year in order to get an honours degree? Which University are you studying at?
Can I ask why you are not bothering to pursue a career in Law, as the benefits will be greater in the long run?
FWIW the second straight-through SHAR pilot was a qualified barrister before he saw the light and joined the FAA. He went on to become a grand-fromage in the defence aviation sector.
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I've never considered a career within the legal industry and never will. I didn't plan on going to University but my parents thought it was a good idea so I went for it.
The only reason I choose Law was because I didn't fancy anything else, turns out it's good when you get into arguments with your mobile phone company - they usually back down when you pretend to know what you're talking about
The only reason I choose Law was because I didn't fancy anything else, turns out it's good when you get into arguments with your mobile phone company - they usually back down when you pretend to know what you're talking about
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Navy/Army Pilot Height Requirements
Got back from OASC a couple of weeks ago whilst applying for Pilot, but unfortunetly the only thing that let me down was my height. Everything measured up except for my sitting height (858mm when 865mm is the minimum 
).
However I was deemed fit for WSO although I don't want to stick with this option if Pilot is still on the cards. My question is what are the height restrictions for Navy Pilots/Army Pilot? The person I spoke to at the medical centre said they were different from the RAF but I can't seem to find them anywhere!
Any help is much appreciated
).However I was deemed fit for WSO although I don't want to stick with this option if Pilot is still on the cards. My question is what are the height restrictions for Navy Pilots/Army Pilot? The person I spoke to at the medical centre said they were different from the RAF but I can't seem to find them anywhere!
Any help is much appreciated
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RN:
Weight - 56.6- 96.5Kg
Functional Reach - Min 720mm
Sitting Height - 865 - 990mm
865 - 990mm
Buttock - Knee
560 - 660mm
Buttock- Heel
1000 - 1200mm
How tall are you just out of curiosity?
Weight - 56.6- 96.5Kg
Functional Reach - Min 720mm
Sitting Height - 865 - 990mm
865 - 990mm
Buttock - Knee
560 - 660mm
Buttock- Heel
1000 - 1200mm
How tall are you just out of curiosity?
Last edited by Aerouk; 26th Feb 2010 at 17:55.
Red On, Green On
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You might find that you could put on 7 mm if you get really fit - and if you are not yet 20 and male you may still be growing.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Anthrophomorphics is the hidden factor in aircraft design. How many of today's youth could fit in the tail turret of a Lanc or the ball turret of a B17?
Aircraft designers need to keep anthrophomorphics in the forfront of design. Women needed new flying suits and many would not fit legacy platforms or bang seat and parachute limits.
When we got the F4 (US well nourished post-war aircrew) it was supremely comfortable and spacious for UK malnourished baby boomers. How many average Brits could get in a Spitfire, or even a Canberra, today?
If you are too small, take heart, they made the aircraft bigger. If you are too big, wait for JSF
Aircraft designers need to keep anthrophomorphics in the forfront of design. Women needed new flying suits and many would not fit legacy platforms or bang seat and parachute limits.
When we got the F4 (US well nourished post-war aircrew) it was supremely comfortable and spacious for UK malnourished baby boomers. How many average Brits could get in a Spitfire, or even a Canberra, today?
If you are too small, take heart, they made the aircraft bigger. If you are too big, wait for JSF
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Wouldn't the Shorter Pilot be able to sustain G Forces for Longer, as the distance from the Heart to Brain Shorter. Therefore, making G Force sustainess for the Shorter Pilot eating red meat even better with G Suits of today??
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Once trained a baby nav who had to sit on one leg to give him the height to reach the switches. It was something to watch as he spent most of a flight in a semi-standing position.
Red On, Green On
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Chris MacBean (RIP) had to sit on a cushion when flying the Bulldog. Didn't stop him becoming a good Beefer* though. At the time the Dog was the limiting factor in RN aircrew max sitting height.
* Beefer = QFI in Jackspeak.
* Beefer = QFI in Jackspeak.
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OASC Bulletin 3
During this submission we would like to cover the RAF Careers Information Line and the OASC fitness test.
Individuals wishing to gain information about a career in the RAF can do so by looking at the RAF Careers website, visiting their local AFCO or calling the RAF Careers Information Line. The benefits of calling the RAF Careers Information Line are outlined below.
Also, we have seen in the previous OASC ‘sticky’ that many questions arose regarding the fitness test aspect of the OASC selection process; therefore, the current fitness test is explained in detail below.
The RAF Careers Information Line
The RAF Careers Information Line has been providing RAF careers information, on behalf of the RAF, for over ten years. It provides people, who are interested in a career in the RAF, with details about entry requirements and current vacancies. Also, it enables potential candidates to make informed choices about the entry route they would like to take and ensures that they are fully aware of the educational, residency, health, fitness and joining age requirements for entry. In addition, if an individual is interested in a particular role that currently has no vacancies then the RAF Careers Information Line will take their details and email them once a vacancy becomes available. The email will contain a link to an online application form which can then be completed and submitted; then, if the applicant is successful at the initial filter process, they will be invited to their local AFCO for a formal presentation.
Fitness Test
INFORMATION REMOVED - SEE THREAD 79 FOR LATEST FITNESS POLICY
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.
Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
Individuals wishing to gain information about a career in the RAF can do so by looking at the RAF Careers website, visiting their local AFCO or calling the RAF Careers Information Line. The benefits of calling the RAF Careers Information Line are outlined below.
Also, we have seen in the previous OASC ‘sticky’ that many questions arose regarding the fitness test aspect of the OASC selection process; therefore, the current fitness test is explained in detail below.
The RAF Careers Information Line
The RAF Careers Information Line has been providing RAF careers information, on behalf of the RAF, for over ten years. It provides people, who are interested in a career in the RAF, with details about entry requirements and current vacancies. Also, it enables potential candidates to make informed choices about the entry route they would like to take and ensures that they are fully aware of the educational, residency, health, fitness and joining age requirements for entry. In addition, if an individual is interested in a particular role that currently has no vacancies then the RAF Careers Information Line will take their details and email them once a vacancy becomes available. The email will contain a link to an online application form which can then be completed and submitted; then, if the applicant is successful at the initial filter process, they will be invited to their local AFCO for a formal presentation.
Fitness Test
INFORMATION REMOVED - SEE THREAD 79 FOR LATEST FITNESS POLICY
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.
Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
Last edited by OASC; 8th Jun 2011 at 08:33.
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Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm 163cm but it seems my torso is slightly shorter in proportion. But it does make sense, as I might not be able to see over the instrument panel in a hawk.
I'm currently 21 years old but my family are late developers and hopefully I can gain an inch or so in the next few years.
Looks like I'll continue waiting on an offer from the RAF for WSO and start practising yogo or buy one of those chinese racks to extend myself in the hope that I can re-apply when the time comes.
I'm currently 21 years old but my family are late developers and hopefully I can gain an inch or so in the next few years.
Looks like I'll continue waiting on an offer from the RAF for WSO and start practising yogo or buy one of those chinese racks to extend myself in the hope that I can re-apply when the time comes.
