UAS Acceptance (or otherwise!)

[Angels 99]

Hi,
I've lurked this forum for a few years now, but as a mere civi student have never felt qualified to post anything - it's been fantastic reading though!

I'm coming begging for help now though. I applied to join my 'local' UAS this yr as a ground branch member (all I have ever wanted to do was RAF pilot - sadly my eyesight's terrible so I'm settled on a career in one of the ground branches) and received a letter this morning turning me down as I don't meet the 'strict medical criteria for selection for the RAF(VR)'. I'm a bit confused by this as afaik eyesight standard is only a prob for aircrew and I have NO other medical problems. I'm pretty gutted by this as I'm very committed to an air force career and have (I thought) a fair CV for UAS entry (Extremely keen on all things flying and RAF and know a fair amount about both, CCF Flt Sgt, Gliding + Flying Scholarships, D of E Gold + Silver, School Prefect + House Captain, doing an aviation based degree etc etc).

Am I wrong re medical requirements for ground branch or is there more to this? I intend to get on the phone Monday morning and speak to the people concerned - any other ideas please?

Thanks for your time!

[Mister Watson]

Angels 99,

The eyesight standards for the Army Air Corps differ slightly from the RAF/RN, it may be worth investigating. Try to find out how you did or just go to specsavers to get a rough idea etc. There is a thread on the military forum somewhere regarding eyesight standards. It suggested this link:

http://www.assoc-optometrists.org/services/services_visual.html

If you think you maybe in with a fighting chance give it a go. Obviously you need to decide what you want: Flying, RAF, Military Pilot, Officer etc.

The AAC want you to be an Officer first, pilot second... all for very good reasons. Also you don't fly as much.

UAS ground pounding isn't much fun, take it from me. Considering most of your "aircrew" mates eventually lose thier heads up thier own ar$e... thats if they can find it without a mirror. Although the UAS is enjoyable and most people would do it again if they had the choice.

In short the RAF isn't the end of military flying. Don't give up! :ok:

Kind regards,
Mr W

[Stonca]

Angels 99,

The eyesight standards do differ. I don't make the grade for RAF pilot, but I do for the RN and Army.

Also, last week I visited a teacher of the Bates Method. This is a natural method used to improve eyesight. I have only been doing the exercises for 1 week and I'm sure there has been an improvement. I will be getting an eye test next month to see if its working. I have -1.25 and -0.75 astigmatism (SP?) which is right on the limit for pilot in the RN and Army.

If you want to learn any more about this take a look at:

www.seeing.org

Does anyone have experience in using this method?

All the best mate, and good luck with the UAS

Stonca

[chippy63]

Angels,
Just curious, didn't you have an eye test for the Flying Schol selection?
Best of luck, anyway!

[Pontius Navigator]

colour perception?

[fidae]

Perhaps they were being polite about your personality!