My first post on this website so hopefully it's in the right place, sorry if it isn't
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I am 16 and about to start sixth form and desperately want to be a fighter pilot after I've finished my education.
I went to my local AFCO today and discussed my future in the RAF etc. I asked the AFCO guy whether gaining a PPL before applying as a pilot would help me or not. His reply was "It certainly wouldn't harm you, but it may not necessarily help you during the selection process." Not really the answer I was hoping for
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My dad seems to think a PPL will benefit me greatly (because they cherry pick pilots during recruiting) but I think spending all the money on a PPL is a waste as you have to go through EFT in the RAF anyway. I believe it won't help me during OASC but may benefit my during EFT.
Also before anyone asks the reason I havn't got a sponsorship during sixth form is because I am attending a sixth form college in the Netherlands and the sponsorship policy regarding recidency says the sixth form must be in the UK.
I am elegible for the RAF before anybody starts questioning that issue
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Have a look through this thread. You may also find that an "official" response could be forthcoming in here. Moderators.