RAF Filter Interview

[ben0]

Hi all

Ive started this thread for more of a discussion about the filter interview part of RAF application process

I have mine coming up in a few weeks and wondered if there was any other wannabes out there? Or people that have just done it, with any advice?

I realize, their going to be pretty hot on RAF bases, aircraft, current operations etc but is there any other little gems that I should research

Cheers all

Ben

[Pontius Navigator]

Ben,

You asked a very similar question back in Dec 09. You were given advice then. This is your first post 9 months later. Do you expect a serious answer?

[ben0]

Very true I did ask a similar question and I appreciate the helpful feedback. However this is now and im asking about the filter interview in the RAF application process.

I don't want to start off on a bad note, just seeing if anyone's in a similar boat

Ben

[Herc-u-lease]

I realize, their going to be pretty hot on RAF bases, aircraft, current operations etc but is there any other little gems that I should research

Perhaps spelling, grammar and punctuation?

[Biggus]

If by "....coming up in a few weeks ...." you mean somewhen after the 20th October (or maybe a few days later) perhaps the question you should be asking is if there is any point in actually going to the interview in the first place.......?

[Pontius Navigator]

Ben,

You still missed the point. You made one previous post; you received good advice; you did not follow it up.

Now 9 months later you try again. As you didn't follow up the first piece of advice received I shall help you:

You have failed at the first hurdle, twice.

You will soon be inundated with posts about the search function on PPRuNe but also, in the FAA you will be navy first, Pilot second and in the Army, Soldier first, Pilot second. Whilst I understand you aspiration to fly, you need to have a long chat with yourself first. Do a search and you will find many similar comments regarding this.

Answer the following question:

"What have you done to foster your ambition to be a pilot in the Royal Air Force?"

[ben0]

Course_profile,

Many thanks for the feedback. Luckily my interview will be pre-SDR, however im sure it will be a topic of conversation.

Yes I was also feeling that Nuclear and UAV topic would be brought up, it's going to be a very prominent issue for the RAF of the future.

PN,
I have had the ambition of flying since being a whipper, from airshows and the grandfathers RAF stories in the war, till the present, I have had a fascination with military aircraft. In terms of fostering my ambition? I have not been a cadet or attended University Air Squadron, but I have got a damn lot of determination and a genuine interest in flying. (..and a PPL)

cheers again chaps

[muppetofthenorth]

Call it a hunch if you want - I might just be a genius, who knows? - but the thread at the top of the page labelled "OASC CANDIDATES AND WANNABEES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST" might just be offering one or two hints. Maybe.

[Pontius Navigator]

C_P, you are of course correct in what you say. I stand by my question however as Ben is not demonstrating any initiative and is expecting to be spoonfed. MOTN has explicitly told him to look at the sticky and he was previously told to search for what he wanted.

I concede that the sticky was created after his first post but that does not excuse his lack of initiative searching for an answer.

[Pontius Navigator]

Originally Posted by ben0

I have had the ambition of flying since being a whipper, from airshows and the grandfathers RAF stories in the war, till the present, I have had a fascination with military aircraft. In terms of fostering my ambition? I have not been a cadet or attended University Air Squadron, but I have got a damn lot of determination and a genuine interest in flying. (..and a PPL)

Good.

So capitalise on the first bit, be prepared to answer why you didn't join ATC/UAS, and demonstrate the latter.

And DO READ THE STICKY.

~~~~~~~~~~

EOSM, the advice was not intended to be unhelpful but to encourage him to do the research that had been recommended previously. Many, such as Iranair777, come on here on blind fishing trips where it is just another avenue to a flying licence.

I loved a quote on another forum:

All flying training is expensive. For civil aviation it is hard cash; for the military you pay in other ways.

[ben0]

PN,

Apologies for any wrong doings on the last thread, I will be more strict with my reply's from now on!!.

EOSM37, your response is exactly the reason I started this thread. I have done a vast amount of research and Ive not heard of that question being asked before, makes sense though. If you have anymore potential subjects, please share!

[cargosales]

C_P, you are of course correct in what you say. I stand by my question however as Ben is not demonstrating any initiative ....

But P_N, nobody told him to ......

CS

[DeepestSouth]

Writing as an ex-filterer (albeit many, many moons ago) who still does a bit of selection in civilian life, PN is making a good point about preparation and actions. That you researched on here 9 months ago shows initiative which others may not show - but it is pointless initiative if you cannot SHOW YOU DID SOMETHING ABOUT THE ADVICE YOU WERE GIVEN. If you cannot show you did something about it ... what conclusion do you think might be drawn from that? I recall the frustration of meeting many series of allegedly keen (or said they were) 'possibles' who, when asked what they had done to prepare said very little or nothing. Just as frustrating to interview were those who HAD been given advice or opportunities but squandered them. Those who had researched, listened and acted stood out a mile from the 'herd'. What use you make of what you are told and what you learn can be very telling.

[dallas]

• Mount St Helena erupting,

I don't know much about that one - these interviewers are tough.

[Chugalug2]

Perhaps it is the only instruction listed, all others being merely events, and thus should be at the top of one's list? As you say though Dallas, tough and just a little bit tricky!

[TurningFinals]

I had my interview a few months ago now, and am off to start my basic training at RAF Halton on Wednesday!

• Know what people in your chosen trade do on a day to day basis.
• Know what you'll be doing at RTS at Halton
• Know where and what you'll be doing for trade training
• Know about some bases in the UK and abroad
• Know about the current RAF fleet
• Know about current ops, not just Afghanistan but how else is the RAF working with NATO? IE flying tents and aid out to Pakistan because of the recent floods.
• Know a bit about NATO, what NATO stands for, member states etc.
• What have you been doing by way of research to prepare for this interview? (one of the questions I was asked, I'd had a base visit which went down well)
• Have examples of what you have been doing to prepare yourself physically for joining the RAF (don't just make it up, if you haven't been doing any form of fitness, start)
• What is your motivation you join the RAF?
• What can you offer the RAF?

Don't try to BS them, they will see right through it.

Turn up smart, shoes shined, tie straight etc.

Good luck.