Aircrew In the RAF

[MMEMatty]

Hi All

First perhaps a bit about myself. I'm 19yo currently studying for a degree in Leeds, just about to finish the first year of an Aviation Technology Degree. Currently im 6'5 a little unfit (but planning on working on that next year) with a slight astigmatism (i occasionally need glasses for Computer Work). Also i have a slight dust allergy that is controlled by a nasal spray (allergic rhinitis if there are any med ppl here). I currently have a PPL A and have had about 4 years in the ATC, rising to Cpl.

Now my questions are as follows. I would dearly love a career as a pilot, but the way i see it im too tall / unfit / too bad eyes etc, so naturally the next best thing as far as i can see is aircrew. I was looking at Weapons Systems Officer (preferably in Sentry or similar) or the NCO version in the Nimrod. would i stand a chance? is there much of a future for this (last i heard the Nimrod was up for retirement)?

any thoughts would be helpful, its just if i want something like this, i should start working for it now, i.e. joining UAS or army OTC.

Many thanks in advance

Matty

[akula]

Forget it fella,
height is no problem, eyesight is not much of a problem but allergic rhinitis presents a major problem. I am pretty sure that you need to have been symptom free(without the use of medication) for a minimum of 4 years before the med board will even consider sending you for further investigative appraisals.
However do not take this as granted, go and speak to the med people you never know what they might be thinking these days.
Good luck!!!!!!



ALWAYS assume NEVER check

[Chris Kebab]

True akula, but you must know people who conveniently "forgot" to mention they suffered from hayfever at the medical.

Worked for me. The doc has been giving me hayfever drugs ever since I first arrived a Linton (many) years ago and innocently went to see him with a bit of a sniffle!

[albert the first]

Research your subect big boy, what makes you think NCO aircrew can be unfit, especially in training. Do you think that Airman Aircrew (sorry - NCA) is an easy option?

Think on !!!!!!

[MobiusTrip]

100% agree with Chris K. You'd be amazed at how many aircrew 'suddenly' develop all sorts of medical conditions after the entry medical - and then go on to have a full career with no problems :-)

I know someone who had what you have, he fessed up and ended up having an exquisitely painful op to tear out the innards of his nozzles. Fixed the problem and he passed the medical shortly thereafter. Painful, but beats squirting Beconase up your hooter for evermore.

MT

[Open Sauce]

Dare I say 'Start at the top and work down'?

Has anyone in the Department of Recruitment and Selection told you, in writing, that you cannot be considered for pilot? If not, and you are serious, apply. Don't mention your eyesight or your allergies, or your penchant for small mammals if you have one.

If you get through the interview/aptitude tests/medical/leadership games well enough then there are ways that the system can be flexible.

I joined with a stigmatism, but the nice optometrist at CME (Central Medical Establishment - now closed) passed me on the proviso that I would require glasses before I started flying.

Let the recruiters find your faults, don't offer them on a plate.

[buoy15]

Normal required minma Medical Cat of A1G1Z1 (Perfect)
Don't apply if you cannot walk home in the dark

[Pontius Navigator]

Matty,

I would not aim at NCA in the Nimrod, which is NOT dead (yet anyway).

The crew positions allow for plenty of movement and at your height you would need it. The best size is a 5 foot 6 gorilla. Two sonobuoys under one arm and the rations under the other. Nav bag in one hand, headset on the bag, and other sundries in the other hand.

I LOVE your resoultion. I'll get fit next year. Never do today if you can put it off tomorrow. Speaks well of your determination.

[MMEMatty]

Pontius Navigator;

when i said i'd be getting fit "next year" what i meant was taking my fitness more seriously. I already run 3 times a week (more for fun than anything else, i dont time myself or anything like that) to try and keep in shape, however next year will be going more often, gym every night type stuff.

Open Sauce;

No, nobody has said "no you cant be a pilot" however i've seen people infinately fitter and better qualified than me fail, so im not over keen on setting my hopes on it. basically im trying to be realistic.


anyway cheers for the replies fellas, it hasnt made my thinking any clearer but i shall mull it over over the summer, and probably decide at the start of next term.

Matty

[samson.]

I believe pilots get 'summer colds'...

[Stitchbitch]

I take it you have never seen the film 'Battle of Britain'? If you had you would know that 'You can teach monkeys to fly.....' :O

Good luck with your application.

And if you're going Airman Aircrew make sure you can spell 'subject' (eh albert?)

[JessTheDog]

Give it a shot, there are plenty of ground or rearcrew opportunities if it doesn't work out. I know a lot of people with PPLs who serve with the RAF on the ground and if you have an aviation tech degree, you could carve an impressive niche in a specialist area.

The aviators get all the kudos - quite right, because their necks are on the line (until we get UAVs:D ) - but any pyramid is bigger on the bottom than the top. Lots of opportunity whether on the ground or air, but remember that the new pension deal screws things up in 2005!

[MobiusTrip]

MME

"i've seen people infinately fitter and better qualified than me fail"

That's not (IMHE) an uncommon thing! If you don't try - you don't get. If you really want it badly enough, you'll keep on and on and on trying 'till you either get in or get 'the hand'.

I had 'a little difficulty' getting in, but canine-like persistance paid off in the end:-)

MT

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"

[Pontius Navigator]

Matty,

OK, you run. With your height that is a weakness. You need upper body strength which I have noticed tends to be a weakness in some taller people.

You need stamina such that ball games will give you. Try to play football and basketball.

The selection board will appreciate what you say about getting fit but will prefer a player to a gym nut.

[the_cyclone]

Pontius,

Your reply makes the RAF sound like it's looking for athletes! Sure you have to be reasonably physically fit for IOT but if you've seen the state of some of the Tornado nav heavyweights around you hardly have to be an Olympian in order to fly!

[Mr C Hinecap]

cyclone - whilst the need for ballast in a Tornado is as great as ever, anyone who wants to succeed at Cranners will do themselves a big favour by being as fit as they can be for it. If you're not hanging out of yer @rse during the exercises you'll do better.

As someone in the V tall bracket, you'd need overall strangth & fitness. Any team sport is looked upon better than solo gym-jock-ing, but it is all good. At your height you'll be pointed at potential rugby & basketball at Cranners (I was), so worth doing both if you can! Keep running but go faster & further. Also, you are competing with the tests - not anyone else.

[Yarpy]

MMEMatty,

I had allergic rhinitis before I joined the RAF. This was over twenty years ago.

I had a successeful operation which cured the problem. The treatment was called 'Diathermy of Turbinates'. This was carried out under general anaesthetic and was a simple procedure.

It got me through the medics at Biggin Hill and I have been free from runny noses and sneezing ever since.

Get a specialist opinion on your condition and don't give up.

[Pontius Navigator]

the_cyclone,

Watch it. I came from RAF Eating Command. I made no statement that the RAF only had athletes. They start out looking for the A1G1Z1 racing greyhound then feed them a 4,000 calorie a day diet whether they are burning it or not.

You need to be fit and sports orientated (or convince them you are). Once in then that is another story. My FS is a fat as butter and not passed a fitness test in years.

So what? He still has to do all the training and do his 6 month overseas tour.

[albert the first]

Stitchbitch

Fanks 4 the spellin leson but iv been under a lot of stress at the moment but that mesage will learn me:8