RAF WSOp application advice
I know, but it adds significant time to an already not-exactly-rapid application stream. If he does go away and then gets caught up in that when he returns he might time out before getting a chance to start training.
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I did a tour teaching AAITC as a secondary job. Those students over the age of 25 struggled mentally and physically compared to the young thrusters. That there is any debate with regards to application timings with the OP demonstrates a lack of commitment. To succeed as NCA requires focused commitment with no distractions. Those students that got themselves recoursed or chopped invariably had a conflict of interest that prevented 100% focus on their brevet. Furthermore; it does not matter how fit you are: You are not fit enough to cruise AAITC.
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I did a tour teaching AAITC as a secondary job. Those students over the age of 25 struggled mentally and physically compared to the young thrusters. That there is any debate with regards to application timings with the OP demonstrates a lack of commitment. To succeed as NCA requires focused commitment with no distractions. Those students that got themselves recoursed or chopped invariably had a conflict of interest that prevented 100% focus on their brevet. Furthermore; it does not matter how fit you are: You are not fit enough to cruise AAITC.
Tiger mate makes a good point. When I did the PSO course I learned that there was a distinct correlation between age and success in any of the aircrew branches. The younger you are at the start the better. Of course there will always be exceptions to this rule.
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TM I partially agree with what you say, I was 30 when I went through AAITC (Now NCAITC) in 1990 and had already served 12 years, I wished I had applied earlier but was realistic enough to realise I wasn't ready mentally until then. Never having been a gym bunny, I trained for 6 months before the course start, just running (read jogging a mile then throwing up in the early days) with and without webbing kit. Yes, I struggled badly physically but was encouraged, dragged, pushed by my fellow coursemates, for which I will always be grateful, plus I think we were the only course upto that point that never got a weekend off during the period, mainly due to the facist flight cdr, the only voice of reason being the AAITC DI FS (he knows who he is and we are still in touch). I reciprocated for the help given to me physcally, by assisting those younger members that were struggling mentally with the course. Don't get me wrong, they all had the apptitude, but some found the regime and the mental pressure very tough. With maturity, I found this aspect a breeze, and entered the course knowing that it was all scripted even down to the various bollockings we recieved, so could react with an appropriate sense of humour (OK, and sometimes an innapropriate level of sarcasm, but that was down to me sussing that the Flt Cdr was a w*nker very early on in the course, since born out by all those who knew him). So bottom line, the best course I've ever taken, it is most definately not an attendance course, and I made friends there for life. Everyone will find some aspect of the course very challenging, but play to your strengths, and remember 'nil carborundum illigitimae'
I've read this thread with some interest. I left the service some 27 years ago and I have to confess that I haven't got a clue WTF people are talking about. NCA - non commissioned aircrew?? AAITC - not a Scooby, likewise NCAITC (unless it's non- commissioned AAITC), PSO course - used to be Personal Staff Officer. AAITC DI FS - is that something to do with Flight Sergeant Drill Instructors?
Come on guys - give us oldies a chance to keep up!!
Come on guys - give us oldies a chance to keep up!!
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
Come on guys - give us oldies a chance to keep up!!
Mea culpa.
PSO in this context is Personnel Selection Officer or it was in my day !
ALM is airloadmaster as it was in my day. S/L is Squadron Leader and Spec Aircrew is Specialist Aircrew.
It is all too easy for some of us to assume everyone else is au fait with some of the abbreviations.
PSO in this context is Personnel Selection Officer or it was in my day !
ALM is airloadmaster as it was in my day. S/L is Squadron Leader and Spec Aircrew is Specialist Aircrew.
It is all too easy for some of us to assume everyone else is au fait with some of the abbreviations.
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AAITC Airmen Aircrew Initial Training Course which became
NCAITC Non-Commissioned Aircrew Initial Training Course
DI Is and always has been Drill Instructor
DS Directing Staff
FS Is and always has been Flight Sgt
Flt Cdr Flight Commander
ALM Air LoadMaster
AEOp Air Electronics Operator
Eng Air Engineer
WSOP Some new fangled title that devalues the original trades, they now wear a badge not a brevet
NCAITC Non-Commissioned Aircrew Initial Training Course
DI Is and always has been Drill Instructor
DS Directing Staff
FS Is and always has been Flight Sgt
Flt Cdr Flight Commander
ALM Air LoadMaster
AEOp Air Electronics Operator
Eng Air Engineer
WSOP Some new fangled title that devalues the original trades, they now wear a badge not a brevet
Darkened Room
Hi all, I'm currently very conflicted on whether the time is right for me to apply for a WSOp position with the RAF and am wondering whether anyone on here could give their thoughts.
Essentially, I am 26 years old, torn between whether to apply now with the RAF or take 2 years working abroad. Up until recently, I had always planned to go to Canada on a temporary work visa for 2 years, return when I was 29, and apply with the RAF. Recently however, I have heard from several people that you are less likely to pass selection if you are closer to the maximum age restriction. If anyone on here had any insight on this I would be incredibly grateful? In an ideal world I would be able to do both but with age deadlines on both options I recognise this might not be possible.
One more query, I recall reading somewhere that if you pass stages of selection then your results stand for a year if you do not accept a position immediately. My reason for asking is that if I go through the selection process now, after applying for the visa I am interested in (which there is no guarantee of receiving), I can then make a more informed decision end of the year when I know for certain which paths are open to me.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Essentially, I am 26 years old, torn between whether to apply now with the RAF or take 2 years working abroad. Up until recently, I had always planned to go to Canada on a temporary work visa for 2 years, return when I was 29, and apply with the RAF. Recently however, I have heard from several people that you are less likely to pass selection if you are closer to the maximum age restriction. If anyone on here had any insight on this I would be incredibly grateful? In an ideal world I would be able to do both but with age deadlines on both options I recognise this might not be possible.
One more query, I recall reading somewhere that if you pass stages of selection then your results stand for a year if you do not accept a position immediately. My reason for asking is that if I go through the selection process now, after applying for the visa I am interested in (which there is no guarantee of receiving), I can then make a more informed decision end of the year when I know for certain which paths are open to me.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
As one who turned left, rather than right, many years ago - take note. If you have the ability, you will probably get there. If you take the Canada option, you may find the WSOp may have been pulled when you get back. Be assured HMG will do what they want.
If you try WSOp first and it doesn't work out, Canada will still be there (providing Trump is controlled😁
.If I were you, I would put Canada into second place - 100mph. Believe me, I have been there - in more ways than one. Good luck with whatever choice you make - life normally works out, but as has been alluded to above - what if could come into play here in 25 years time.
All The Best,
TN.
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Some "non-aircrew" trades get a badge and more money than NCA.
e.g.
IA 's who are on flying duty, say on 5 Sqn, get supplement 3 wages and RRP.
e.g.
IA 's who are on flying duty, say on 5 Sqn, get supplement 3 wages and RRP.
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I haven't bothered reading all the replies but I was the same age as you when I decided to join. It's not too late. Applied at 26, initial app rejected, told to wait a year and do some stuff to make me "more rounded", which I did. Re-applied, great success, started at Halton 2 weeks before my 27th birthday. Had a ball since - 2 tours on rotary and now on my second fixed wing tour. Just go for it and enjoy it, leave the cynical bollocks for later. The flying will be awesome and the mates of all ages you will meet and share experiences are true mates for life.