RAF route into Aircraft maintenance
Good evening folks.
Before I ask questions, I should provide a little detail on what I am planning to do. I'm applying to the RAF as an aircraft mechanic at the ripe old age of 25. I am expecting to do 12 years (minimum is 9) so I can work on aircraft whilst self studying during the last 2/3 years for a B1 License. Upon leaving the RAF I will hopefully find somewhere where I can work for 1 year on the aircraft I am looking to get my type rating on. When I am 38, I should hopefully have a B1 License.
1) I understand new recruits have to do a recruit training and then a specialist training (Aircraft Mechanic in this case). I am aware recruit training takes 6 months but cannot find anything on the length of specialist training. Anyone know how long specialist training takes?
2) How difficult is self studying? Is two-three years a reasonable time frame to revise for and complete all exams for the B1 License? Bear in mind I have a Mechanical Engineering degree.
3) Is a B1 license attractive on it's own to employers or would I need to put in the extra effort and obtain a B2 License?
4) I know I am doing this quite late in my career, would my age be a problem? I mean at age of 38-40, what are the chances of getting hired? I'd like anyone answering this question to be honest and say (if you really believe it) that I should forget aircraft maintenance as a career and stick with Mechanical Engineering.
Would very much appreciate if anyone here who has been through the RAF route into aircraft maintenance could share some knowledge and give some advice.