A few Questions from a Wannabe.

[woody0381]

Hello all,

I was wondering if there are any ladies or gentlemen out there who could give me some advice / information?

I'm due down at Cranwell in the next 6 weeks to go through OASC, where my potential as Pilot or WSO shall be assessed. However, since I am aware that requirements for both branches appear to be dwindling and combining that with the fact that I'm not too far off the age limit of 24 - I figured that the chances of being selected as aicrew would be quite slim and hence decided to put Engineering Officer down aswell as one of my branch choices.

I don't want to come across as defeatist as although Pilot and WSO are my preferred choices, I would still jump at the chance to take on an EngO role.

Having been through OASC before (obviously being unsuccessful), I'm aware that I'm likely to get quizzed on all my branch choices and although I feel that I'm fully "clued up" on the Pilot/WSO roles, there are gaps in my knowledge of Eng O's. I have read up on AFCO literature but it is not at all concise.

Therefore, I was wondering if anyone out there could share some information on what responsibilities and roles that an Eng O has. Any accounts of personal experience would be most welcome, as well as information on Eng O training and development.

One final thing that has just crossed my mind - I had been told in the past that the RAF were always short of engineers, but now that 3 squadrons and Coltishall are now being chopped, is this still the case?

All responses will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Woody

[whowhenwhy]

Woody, some will reply requesting simply that you search the web site for all previous replies about OASC. Believe me there have been hundreds of threads.

Our winged master race brethren will tell you to go all out and try to get in the cockpit and accept nothing less. To fly, not wiggle amps (not that out EngOs do much of that-F6000 anyone?). I would tend to agree with them. If that is what you want (and believe me, nowadays you have to really want it to the exclusion of almost everything else) then go for it. As far as I know they haven't stopped pilot/WSO recruitment, just slowed it dramatically. So only the best candidates will get through. Not qualified I'm afraid to talk to you about EngOs, but, if that's what you end up doing, then the guys certainly get responsible and varied jobs. And certainly end up getting out of the country on a lot of Uncle Tony's all inclusive excursions. Guys I know have been JEngOs on flying sqns (great job), OC Propulsion, Airframe and Component Servicing Flts, Liaison jobs with Rolls Royce and other civvy companies, the list is endless. Depending on how much time you've got, ask your AFCO to organize a trip onto a stn for you to chat to guys on a sqn and maybe trip around the engs bays and talk to EngOs. Best wishes:ok:

[The Maintainer]

A good few years ago, I was in exactly the same position you are. Failed the aircrew medical because of my hay fever, joined the Eng branch and have had a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding time ever since. I have never since regretted what happened, not least because I saw what happened to some of my aircrew colleagues after their experiences of the 91 Gulf War - a lot of people suddenly realised that being shot at was going to become a more prevalent part of their job than they had been used to. If aircrew is what you have set your heart on, then you should go for it, but Eng is a good fallback position if you should need it.

There is not, and will not be in the foreseeable future, a reduction in the shortfall in the Eng branch, particularly at junior levels. The loss of sqns and Coltishall will account for a very small number of the posts in the branch (the majority of which are away from the front line) and, while the loss of any stn jobs is regrettable, there are plenty of interesting and challenging opportunities elsewhere. Furthermore, the branch has a good record of identifying and promoting its talent - if you're good, you will get on.

Too much personal experience to list here - if you're interested in hearing more, check your PMs.

[Snakecharmer]

If you really really really really want to fly, don't accept anything less.

I agree with most of what the Maintainer says... I certainly had some very enjoyable times around the world and out in industry as a Flt Lt Eng O. However, the prevailing culture in the branch is still one of engineering... if your heart's elsewhere, is it really for you?

I'm lucky... just got over the medical hurdle that kept me on the ground... off to fly! :-)

[Pontius Navigator]

From an aircrew perspective there are engineers and engineers much as there are aircrew and aircrew.

They come in specialist flavours, electronics, avionics, armament, mechanical, comms and IS and I am sure there are far more. You would be trained as an 'engineer' but streamed before your first posting one way or the other. Once directed on the road you will be either on the flying side or the ground side.

My son-in-laws first tour was as OC CIS Eng with a second tour at DCSA. Both very much comms orientated as benifted his previous training.

What no one has asked however, are you qualified to be an engineer?

One of my nav studes was a chopped pilot. He didn't so much as fail nav but got washed out medically after a week. He had a B Eng and remustered Eng. He is now a Supply sqn ldr so has cascaded through several specialisations and branches but still prospered.