Royal Navy Aircrew AIB

[JamesTigris]

Good evening all,

Back in 2005 a Mr. Andrew McAllister was kind enough to post a detailed and very helpful synopsis of the Noyal Navy's AIB for Aircrew Selection.

I wonder if anyone who as been through the process recently could give a similar post, or (to avoid repetition) a few pointers on the differences between now and then.

I'm at the initial stages of applying to the Fleet Air Arm and I'm sure there are plenty who's appreciate it. At the end of the day most of us know roughly what its about but it is always good to be as prepared as possible, it looks like the least predictable part of the process.

Thanks,

JT

[airborne_artist]

JT - check yr PMs - I may have what you need for AIB.

[Peerucks]

Check your PM.

I was at AIB last May and should be hearing by mid-July if I get to Fly Navy!

[nmrn]

Hey all,

Whilst on the topic of the FAA, I am a hopeful RW pilot, and I am due to return to the careers offcie soon armed with a bit more research. From what I can tell there is a really high chop rate for pilots?

If you get chopped I should imagine that you cannot be restreamed for observer or any other specialisation? I have been told that a lot of guys who go for the AIB as a pilot get offered obs, not pilot. I really want to fly for the navy, but the thought of flying as an observer does not really appeal to me. Is it likely that if I do get throught the AIB, that I will be offered obs not pilot?

On the side, at the moment I am sailing in the Merchant Navy with 8 hour days, single ensuite cabin - pretty cushy but not nearly enough of a challange for me. I should imagine it's quite different with the navy, can anyone tell me what life is like for aircrew onbaord ship?

Cheers!

[anotherchopride?!]

Short answer -
Not THAT high a chop rate - define high....
I was offered observer twice after AIB, politely refused twice but said I was available for the next BRNC entry as pilot if they would consider me. So third job offer I got was as a pilot.

Not sure what the recruitment policy is like at the moment, last I heard you are just offered "Aircrew" and then you do a grading phase for both Pilot and Observer whilst at BRNC, which will determine which seat you sit in...