Originally Posted by
7779
Hi there,
I'm due to finish my ATPL training in the next year, obviously the natural progression is into the airlines which is/was the primary plan. However, my old first preference was to be a RAF pilot although for various reasons, mainly medical, that was not possible.
I seen a recent job advertisement for Cobham Aviation for the Falcon fleet; I don't know an awful lot about this company, or the civilian side of the defence industry for that matter. I presume Cobham are contracted to provide a simulated enemy for the RN/RAF? I think a few years back a few A330 rated pilots joined the RAF Reserve on the Voyager fleet, another example that springs to mind.
Anyhow, it got me thinking (probably a dangerous thing) and I'm wondering if any of you on here could shed some light on this sector, just what exactly are the opportunities for civilian pilots to get involved in military aviation, if any?
Obviously, I will most likely be too inexperienced as a fATPL holder, I'm sure these jobs would be oversubscribed and perhaps they are maybe too awful to contemplate; but at least if I know what is available then perhaps I could chart a course to get there in the future.
Many thanks for any help/info that can be spared.
Regards,
7779
I suspect 3/4 if not all the pilots in employment by CObham Aviation especially w.r.t threat simulation are ex RAF/RN. They have had experience at the other end and fly the Falcon tactically and at low level close to the flight envelope and limits as military jets.
Likewise with Cobham Helicopter Services instructors with DHFS at RAF Shawbury, Valley etc are ex RAF/FAA/AAC as they are training the next generation of mil RW aircrews.
Simple reason for the above as an example is that they have all been through the military system, done a couple or several operational tours so have had the experience to pass on their experiences and wisdom to the next generation.
Airtanker is the odd one out as any tanking would take place (hopefully) out the danger zone. All the pilots have to do is fly like they do commerically ona racetrack pattern while the drogue (or if wish list gets bigger and bears fruition) boom operator is more than likely to be ex RAF AT WSO who has Tristar or VC-10 experience.
With the British International contract for VERTREP / Flag Officer Sea Training with a couple or three AS365N Dauphins - I suspect most of the company aircrew with this particular contract are probably ex RAF/FAA/AAC trained or maybe there is the odd commercially trained pilot with thousands of hours behind and good at offshore / underslung load working on this. But IIRC, the FOST contract does not only cover delivering the beans to bullets when the flotilla is off the coast of Cornwall - one of my colleagues (I used to work in offshore helicopter maintenance) amongst many who worked for BI mentioned there were other tasks like tactical dropping of 'opposition' troops on a warship deck during NATO exercises.
I also heard a story about one particular NATO ex where a Daupihn pilot nearly got hit by a dummy missile round.....
Probably your best bet is to fly for the airlines, grab a couple of thousand hours as F/O then captaincy in say Airbus A320/330/340 etc and if AirTanker is still kicking around in a a deacde or so thus advertising for pilots who are selected to undergo a RAF VRT Officer course......
Though one question begs curioisty you mentioned there was a medical condition......which would preclude you from being RAF aircrew........??? I am guessing the Airtanker crews would have to undergo RAF medical even though they probably have Class One Medicals...already...
cheers and good luck with completing your ATPL