Jet Jones
I think you may be refering to myself. (27 with ATPL-I'm actually 26) Like Jump Johnny Jump, I was put forward for pilot (although for the RN), but failed the final selection. My liason officer said that although my AIB scores were good, they were not good enough to make the cut. He advised me to either reattend the AIB or join directly as a Warfare Ofiicer (Ships Officer)and sub-specialize as pilot later. As I wanted a longer career in the RN, I decided to take the latter option.
I joined BRNC last year and, to my absolute amazement, was offered a Pilot slot on my second day after my DO had read my file (its all flying and more flying). However, five weeks later, the same DO said that he had been in error and I would not be permitted to train as a pilot, as they had just changed the upper age limit for pilot training from under 26 on entry into Dartmouth, to under 26 on commencment of JEFTS- I was two months beyond this age criteria.
After a further four weeks, I VOLWFS.
The Flight Officer at Dartmouth told me that "older guys" did not train very well (I must assume then that their aptitude tests are not valdating!) and dismissed any opportunity for flying in the future. Nevertheless, there was a considerable ammount of ambiguity about this when I submitted my request for withdrawal, as two senior officers asked me if I would consider staying if I was offered a pilot slot.
Making an assesment based on my experience, I think that the training back log which places many pilot condidates on "hold over" for some considerable period, raises their concerns for useful return of service when pilots finally come out of the training pipeline. The oldest pilot in my entry (apart from me!) was 24 and most were under 23.
Out of curiosity, a few weeks ago, I asked what experiences military IPs had with training "older guys". I only got one response, but Cooperman was kind enough to say (in summary), that he could not see that age really made a difference, especially if you were pre-qualified (I was already a COM/IR FI) when I joined. I just asked as I may have an opportunity to join the US National Guard as they consider candidates for pilot training up to 32, if you are already a proffesional pilot- I guess F-16s are easier learns to fly!
Anyway, my advice is to give it a shot if you want, don't take anything less than Pilot and get everything in writing. However, Definitely DO NOT JOIN IF YOU DO NOT LIKE CRAMPED SHIPS OR THE OGGIN! You will spend most of your time as an officer, in a cramped ship, on the sea and only about 200 hours a year in the blue yonder (a quarter of what I fly as a civvie).
Good Luck
[ 22 August 2001: Message edited by: CAVU ]