Just to put Jayteeto’s comment into perspective. Yes, RPAS pilots wear the same flying badge as the other pilot streams. Yes, there is a plan to offer cross-overs to the manned ISTAR fleets in the future - after completing the 6 year initial training return of service (TROS)
and achieving a recommend for cross-over
and achieving above average assessments
and having the correct CBAT stanines for multi-engine flying. It is only expected to be offered to 1-2 per year, just as there are cross-overs for FJ and RW pilots.
As for my original post - there is no way that you will be allowed to cross-over until you have completed your TROS. You were employed to be a Pilot (ISR) RPAS and so that is what you will be expected to do. You
were not successful in achieving entry into the RAF for the other Pilot streams and so why would they change their minds? They won’t. Also, you will have read in the Press that there are significant holds for EFT (1-2 years) and so the annual intake has been wound right back. The RAF will have rejected your application for those places either because you didn’t pass your CBAT/Leadership/Interview/Medical stages or that your combined scores were lower than your cohort. That’s just how it is and hence I say “no chance”.
gijoe Don’t be a chimp. You can’t leave until your TROS is complete, which for a first OCU/FTU is 6 years after successful completion. It’s the same for any Aircrew and anyone is free to go if they so wish after that (normal waiting time is 1 year). So if you want to leave a job ~10 years in, then go ahead, slide down the snake in your new service, have to go through a whole bunch of tests/training and start qualification for promotion/pension all over again. The wise person makes that decision to go to Aus before going through all of the RAF’s shenanigans!