Flying in the Navy

[Sagey]

Hi there,

The RN have been in touch re a Naval flying career but I have a few questions if you could kindly answer.

What is the selection like, saw apptitudes first day, second day gym exercises (?) (what are you expected to do there), then interview.

Can you say no if they only offer you observer or does that come later down the line, when you have already committed yourself.

If you are flying rotary, do you also hold a fixed wing license as your original training is on fixed wing aircraft.

What is the 36 or whatever week start of training (Non flying like)?


Many thanks for your time.

Sagey

[Tourist]

The gym exercises are lots of leadership tests where you have to get your team across imaginary chasms etc. You do not have to accept observer, and I strongly suggest you dont, and you can bang out any time before you go front line. You do not get ANY form of civilian license from military flying, though once you have 2000 hours there is now a fairly easy route to an ATPL(H) Good Luck :)

[Sagey]

Tourist thanks alot.

Sorry the word license was probably the wrong word, as I know you don't get civvy licenses. What I really mean is, your original training is on fixed wing. Are there opportunities to fly fixed wing aircraft, for example in own time even if you are posted onto rotary aircraft. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity if you could experience both elements of flight!

Thanks for the advice, I had visions of gym exercises being miles and miles of runs, lots of press ups etc.

Sagey

[oldpinger]

Sagey,
As far as I can remember they actively discourage concurrent fixed and rotary wing flying, particularly when you are in the initial rotary bit. This is because of the pretty big differences between the controls and their effects.
After you've finished training and gone front line I think it's game on, fill your boots as they say.
As far as the AIB goes- I'm pretty sure they haven't changed the format in the last 30yrs or so. You could try to get a work experience visit to Yeovilton/Culdrose and poke a midshipman or two in the chest in the bar and ask them all about AIB, Dartmouth and flying training.

Good luck and be careful what you agree to, on my course at Dartmouth there was a guy who until he got there thought he was going to be a Pilot- they told him on arrival that he was an Obs- he wasn't very happy!
:(

[TimC]

Tourist, I've just applied to the RN for Observer. Have I missed something? :D

Would any observers like to air their views on flying in the RN?

Edited coz I forgot to ask the second question :).

[ 27 September 2001: Message edited by: TimC ]

[Sagey]

Pinger did he leave?, as I believe you have the right to leave. I have set my cards out anyway, the Navy got my CV off a website and in it is categorically says want to work towards pilot licenses and seek a career as a pilot.

I have put in OEQ in interests, above all am eager to find a career as a pilot.

Will harp on about it at Advisory interview and whatever next. Will say no to observer lol. Crickey, I wonder how he got tricked into observer when he thought he was going to become a pilot!

Sagey

[oldpinger]

TimC

DON'T PANIC (Written in large friendly letters on the cover)

Obs in the Navy is a good job, I don't think you've missed anything at all. I preferred pilot, also something to do with the fact I was too thick to pass the Obs bit of the apptitude tests..... used to struggle to add up the 3 SKJ fuel guages!! :rolleyes:
Observers get as much bad press/banter as RAF Navs do, but when it comes down to it the pilots usually shut up when it's a ****ty black night and the only way back to 'mum' is the guy on the radar. They also have fun telling PWOs and other assorted fish-heads to f### off when they're 'running' the ASW battle -all good fun
(Standing by for comments from the cheap seats) :p

Sagey,
That guy got chopped downstream and at that time he was 'happy' just to have a career in military aviation even in a job he didn't prefer.
So what are you going to say at the AIB if they tell you , OBS or nothing?
Don't forget also that some elements of the RN still believe the "Naval Officer first, Aviator second idea" so it shouldn't matter what you do.....

Hope this helps

[Sagey]

MMM, well at the moment only pilot has been mentioned to be honest.

If at the interview they says OBS or nothing, and you say their apps are as hard if not harder then I would seriously have to sit down and review the situation to be honest(ie would take pilot drop of the hat, obs would have to sit down and consider options, way up positives and negatives). At the moment I am applying to become a RN pilot and will say so at interview that I want to be a pilot. I have been informed by others on this board and other contacts that you have to say no politely if they offer you something that you are less keen on.

Sagey

[ 28 September 2001: Message edited by: Sagey ]

[Mavrik]

Right Fellas,

We seem to be missing the point. I'm a fixed wing pilot in the navy. The first thing is why not go for fixed wing in the navy? I can assure you it's easier than it used to be. The second thing is go for pilot an accept nothing else. I have friends who are Obs in the navy and from the moment i met them at Dartmouth they have been trying to transfer across to become pilots ... and they've all been refused. You'll always wish you'd gone for pilot if you don't. As for the AIB when they ask you that question would you accept observer .. the answer is no ... i'd rather be a warfare officer! That covers the officer over aviation horse**** that they like to hear. Anyway thats what i did and i got pilot.

All those dudes who said they weren't sure are being flown around by the dudes who said they rather be poked in the eye with a sharp stick rather than being an Obs ... ps make sure you look at the dudes arm before you start spouting this at AIB ... if he's an observer your ****ed!!!!!!!!

Hope this helps?

As for fixed wing flying if your a rotary mate .. never heard of peeps doing that apart from out of their own pocket. But you'll be doing so much flying during the week the last thing you'll want to do in your spare time is fly some more.

Advice for Dartmouth ... smile all the time ... don't let the bastards get you down and never never bad mouth anybody to anyone no matter how tired and pissed off you are ... and you will be ... it's only about a year of your life ... and after the first couple of months Dartmouth's alright if your aircrew

Cheers

[Tourist]

Didnt mean to bad mouth observers. What i was trying to put across is that if you want to be a pilot, being an observer instead is a completely diferent job. It has its own rewards I'm sure, but you dont get to pole an airraft around. :)

[Bri Uggin-Out]

You are getting some good info there. Lets see if I can help some more. I'm in the training system at the moment.

After JEFTS you can spend some of your own money, tick the right boxes and the CAA will get you a PPL. It is not automatic. But the system will not let you do any fixed wing spare time stuff while going through rotary training.

Opt for pilot first, then Obs if you have any desire to drive whatsoever. I know a lot of frustrated people out there and you won't get a transfer. The piloting is probably the easier job anyway.

But as stated before, you are an officer first and then an aviator - thats what they like to hear.

I think you need to read up a bit more on what you want to do. No offence, but you sound very unsure about the whole process of getting in and how, where it is done. Get hold of the careers info and jump on the RN site which has a lot of up to date info.

Best of luck

[BEagle]

The 'system' might think that it can restrict the activities of an individual in his/her/its spare time, but I think that this would certainly be viewed as an unreasonable infringement of the rights of the individual in this day and age. It's the same sort of nonsense which, a few years ago, wouldn't allow holding aircrew waiting months for a Hunter TWU to fly Chipmunks to keep current as that would 'slow them down'!
If U/T naval RW pilots are so prone to skill fade, best that they don't drive cars, ride bikes or wet shave either by that stupid generalisation!!

[Sagey]

Bri-Uggin I have read all the info.

The bit about Aircrew is interesting however, my questions were more in line to rumours that I have heard.

Things like Gym exercises are not explainned in the booklet, and IMO first hand knowledge of people actually been through the process is by far the best method of learning about these things.

RN people on here have informed people going through the process that do not accept things you do not want. A booklet won't!! I think the advice given has been superb, especially about not accepting Observer even if pilot is promised down the line.

Some of my questions were also relating to opportunities to fly fixed wing if you are rotary, people have said you can but the RN discourage it or would like to try too. I am trying to gather some information for myself and I hope that this thread is interesting to all those that are considering a career within the RN.

This is what pprune should be about IMO

Sagey

[ 01 October 2001: Message edited by: Sagey ]

[Flatus Veteranus]

Some subtle differences of light blue/dark blue culture here. The "naval officer first, aviator second" has its costs. In my encounters with the FAA in the Med in the '50s and at CFS, I met many admirable officers but none that I would describe as an outstanding pilot. On the other hand the outstanding pilots I have flown with (an Israeli and an American) were not obviously officers. The finest RAF pilot I flew with was a Polish Master Pilot.

At the RAF Selection Board at Ramridge House in 1949 I was asked the usual question about becoming a Nav or non-GD officer and gave a firm NO. Now if they had told me that I was too much of an oik or couldn't eat my peas correctly, but they would recommend me for NCO pilot, I would have had a real problem. Because a jet fighter pilot was what I wanted to be.

[TimC]

Yes it is useful! Keep it coming :).

I have read a fair bit about the FAA and have come across one thing that seems to crop up everywhere - universal banter about pingers. Why is this and what's it all about?

[oldpinger]

BEagle,
It's not the skill fade as such, but rather the confliction between trying to teach two totally different set of reactions to external events, ie throttle vs collective. Once training has finished, in my view no sweat, fill your boots.

Sagey and TimC, if you want a giggle try to find books by John Winton, "We joined the navy" and "We went to Sea", both about joining the navy and Dartmouth in the 50s. Funny in that some bits hadn't changed when I got there in the late 80s :rolleyes:

Fully agree with Mavriks comments, afterwards you'll realise how much fun you had and how much more you could have had. If you get stuck into everything the staff will also be impressed- do they still give out seniority for good performance- anyone?
Seniority=early promotion to Leut=more dosh!

Good Luck!

TimC, just read your post ref banter about Pingers- what can i say, they're all just jealous!
Baggers=Sore arse from flogging around in 60kt orbits for 3+hrs
Junglies= Sir doesn't live in a trench....
Stovies=Not a bad job if you like working like a one armed paper hanger and landing on in an a/c that need water injection to keep it in the hover!
Standing by for incoming....
:p :D

[ 02 October 2001: Message edited by: oldpinger ]

[Mavrik]

Yeah they still do give seniority for doing well at Dartmouth. I got 6 months ... which is quite a bit of dosh actually! I spent it wisely down at the Castle in the town .. or was is the Darmouth Arms ... too pissed to remember!

I left Dartmouth in '97 ... it used to be discouraged to try fixed wing in the FAA but now it's actively encouraged ...

Sagey i'll be happy to answer any direct questions you want mate ... if you want my advice join to be a pilot and nothing else ... maybe i'm just a control freak!!!!!

As for the gym tasks ... say the following "My plan is to get from platform A to platform B (and back again) and this is how we're going to do it ... our alotted time is X mins ... any questions? no then lets get started!" Memorise this saying mate ... say it loudly with conviction and you can **** up the actual exercise in spades and still pass with flying colours .. beleive me i ****ed it huge!

Hope this helps mate?

[TimC]

Pinger me old,

Not heard any banter about those who fly the lynx, is there any :)? Isn't the Lynx a bit of a lonely existence for aviators? Would a frigate or destroyer normally have just 1 pilot and 1 obs on board?

Am I right in saying that the pingers have a secondary tasking which is SAR cover? Who does the cross-decking? Do the baggers do any of this?

Not having a dig at anyone with this one (as I'd dearly love to be a pilot), but isn't being an AEW pilot very very boring?

Sorry for asking so many questions :D.

[oldpinger]

TimC-
regarding the Life as a lynx pilot, not a lot of experience, I was only ever on carriers, but has it's own attractions, you're correct most of the time 1 Crew on board therefore a bit more autonomy :)
I'm sure there are a few lynx type people out there who could help. Don't forget the mighty Merlin, also to be seen on a frigate near you- a VERY big a/c and looks like a lot of fun to fly.
Ref Sea King tasking- in the future- not too far away, Merlin will be taking over all roles on board Carriers from the ASW Seaking, so they may change, however SAR,VERTREP (vertical replenishment) and 'hash and trash' will all still need to be done. AEW aren't all that suitable, have a look in the back of one and you'll see why.

Don't forget, in aviation, particularly military, there's no such thing as a stupid question!

[snafu]

Sorry OldPinger, but while Sir might not live in a trench, neither do the Junglies!

Pinger - if you want to spend your life deployed on a CVS, moving from one point hovering over the water to another point hovering over some different water for three hours, often at night and then having to sit in the port wait for 20 minutes because there´s a SHAR within 100 miles of the carrier who might needs to get back on the deck before you!

Lynx - Night flying over the sea, 100 ft, 120 kts, no NVG, no thanks!!!

SHAR - Great job if you´ve got a brain the size of a planet and enjoy working like whirling dervish from the moment you get airborne

Bagger - Look at me, I´m a big, slow radar target!

Junglie - Low level on NVG, troop inserts, gun moves, flying under wires, Norway...(OK, I´ll take the hit for Ocean beore anyone else mentions it)

How many more reasons do you need?? :D

[Gimme300]

DOesnt get lonely on a Lynx Flight, yes there are only 2 of you, but that is all it takes to keep the fisheads in their box :)

Incidentally was in the SE section yesterday having some stuff done and a Stovie came in looking for his helmet. He said it was size small!!! Killick behind the desk did comment when he went that a Stovie without a big head was an oxymoron - I didnt say a word!!! :)

[oldpinger]

So there are some junglies out there! thought you'd all be off ferrying booties found warmer climes :cool:

snafu, you obviously haven't got your cabbage hat, otherwise, in addition to raving about the joys of flying around 'kin massive hills in cack vis at night on nvgs, :confused: you'd be espousing the virtues of snow cave life as well! :D call me a wimp if you like but over the oggin there's only other a/c and ships to hit at night. (bit less chance of meeting a jolly unfriendly chap with some sort of AA gun/missile as well)

[Tiger_mate]

snafu said:

Sorry OldPinger, but while Sir might not live in a trench, neither do the Junglies!

Purple Helmet USA `96

Crabs living in sh^t named "Tenko" after the jap POW TV series, but the junglies lived in sleeping bags under trees watching the cottonmouth wrigglies sliding by.

Perhaps not a trench then, but not exactly a 5* Best bit of the exercise was when a crab bent a SKing big time.

T_M

[oldpinger]

T-M
Oops, I stand corrected, when in doubt, read the F###ing post before replying I suppose!!

Why is it crabs are so good at bending/blowing up navy kit? remember the Ark Royal vs Practice bomb- (bomb1, ship nil)
:D :p

[Tiger_mate]

Why is it crabs are so good at bending/blowing up navy kit? remember the Ark Royal vs Practice bomb- (bomb1, ship nil)

Sadly not always the case! Chinook aft wheels make ***** arrestor hooks ;)

Felt sorry for the booty having a fag below aft as the CH47 wheels did a low overshoot minus their host airframe.

[Tourist]

Snafu, you'll find that there are pingers flying low on nvg, doing troop drops, flying under wires and bridges and going to norway on a regular basis. We call these things secondary roles. We are always surprised to find that junglies consider them to be an entire job! :D

[Mmmmnice]

The sooner you dark blue chaps buy Chinooks with folding fans the sooner the real workers can get back on shore and cut out all this rum, bum and baccy carry-on. Many moons ago a very astute recruiter told me he didn't think the RN was for me (how right); so how come I keep dreaming of some psychopath dragging chains around on the floor above? That's enough rambling.
Ref: the original post - you definitely want to go driver 'cos you get to face forward with a nice view, and a nice handy door if you have to ditch; and Junglie 'cos they don't have O****vers telling them what to do

[TimC]

Is this turning into a "Navigators...." type tread? :eek: :D

[STAN DEASY]

If they offer Observer, politely decline because if you have passed the aptitudes and get chopped you can always retread Observer. sadly the reverse is not true.

Flying the Lynx is probably the best all round job I had, OK the fish-heads are nobbers but then we get to escape the nausea quite often and they dont relly know how to cope with 'eccentric' aviators. Bringing the mail gets you beers in every mess and there is no senior pilot to steal the jollies.

OK, low level at night getting back to the steamer on a shi**y night is not much fun (NVG's do not help that much).

My advice, for what it's worth, is to go Sea Kings first tour and then Lynx second as you will have the experience to hold your own at Sea and have had the benefit of big squadron life in which to make all the early mistakes; learn how to destroy a wardroom with style and absorb the culture which makes our song book very apt. The book HMS Leviathan neatly encapsulates carrier life.

Once you have the 2 types under your belt then you can choose to go beefing.

Dont let the Junglie/Pinger bit get in the way, franky there is not a Rizzlas thickness between the two. Recently, being a Pinger has been the more sought after as the predictability of Ship deployments whilst not certain, is far far more reliable than last minute deployments to the Adriatic or other 'hot' spots.

Whatever you choose you will be sure to have a varied and interesting career with some terriffic people who still adhere to the work hard , play hard ethos. For me the Fleet Air Arm was the best Rugby club I was alowed to join.

Equally, you will end up being a far more rounded and personable character so that should you desire a career change in later life will find that you are surprisingly well equipped for life outside the pusser. My experience is that not all the services can boast that.

I shall now don a flak jacket and retire!

[Sagey]

Well thanks for all the input, I have been reading all of them with fascination.

I am waiting to switch recruitment places atm, and they will be in touch shortly.

Thanks for the offers of help, and will be in contact with those that have offered if the need arises.

All I can say is keep these posts coming, certainly a fascination thread!.

Fly safe

Sagey

[Biz]

Have to agree with Sagey on this one. Been hooked reading this thread!

Seems to be a bit of a bias towards rotary! I know this is reflected in the Navy, but I'd also like to hear about fixed wing aviation in the FAA.

How are you streamed? Is it the top 99% of any intake through Dartmouth, or is it, to a degree, down to preference?

Just one more question. At the AIB, how could you convince those that matter that you wanted to join the Navy when you already have a rejected application from the RAF?

Would appreciate the input folks.

[Gimme300]

Funny old thing it being bias towards rotary! Something to do with the large number of helo aircrew, as opposed to the very small number of Fw aircrew in the Navy! (which incidentally have been given to the air farce anyway!)

You get streamed on a mixture on your ability/aptitude and the logistics of bums on seats and spaces available. It is nothing to do with Dartmouth - the flying instructors at JEFTS decide which have the aptitude to go fixed wing - 1 or 2 per course. The ones with crew concept, good looks and team spirit get to fly rotary :)

Easiest way to get through the AIB is to be yourself! If you dont pass, then the job isnt for you probably. The Navy will expect more on the leadership side than our air farce collegues as when you are at the sharp end, you are quite literally all in the same boat :) so no - oh I possibly couldnt do that, I am just here to fly attitude.

[Frank Spenny]

Sagey...
have been reading the thread, and jut wanted to say that I went down to Cranwell for selection in about '94, and after the board, having strongly made my case for pilot, I waited. About nine months (defence reviews apparently) later I was offered Nav. Unsure about all this I asked for an interview with the Wing Commander about what to do. In no uncertain terms I was told that I should take the bursary through university I was offered, as it was a 'foot in the door' and a branch change was easy. I probably should have taped the conversation, as in the four years I was attempting a branch NOTHING happenned.
Sure, give them what they want to hear, but remember what it is that YOU want, and until they hand you the bit of paper saying yes, then don't sign.
I'm probably sounding bitter here, I don't mean to, I left because I couldn't get the pilot slot I wanted, and was chopped because I couldn't be arsed doing a job I had been tricked into doing. All a free-will thing and I thouroughly enjoyed my time in the forces, made load of great mates anddon't regret it at all.
I would give at least a digit or two for a crack at pilot, but if reintatement as nav was offered I wouldnt take it.
Cue rants from loads of navs who love their jobs...
Good on ya, I couldn't cope with having to put my CDs in alphabetical order (Joke).
All I'm trying to say is that if you want something really badly only take that, and don't be pressured into what they want - If you are offered observer (and you didn't arse up your tests,) they're probably hoping that if offered, you'll accept the banter seat. Give it all, and remember, they need you more than you need them.

Best of luck..
;)

Edited because my S key is knackered. Was going to write $tuck but I can't $pell it.

If I've mis5ed a few, here are a few to 5catter around!
SSss5$$

[ 12 October 2001: Message edited by: Frank Spenny ]

[AdrianShaftsworthy]

Military Wannabees....
Not sure if its been mentioned before on this thread but one of the most important snippets of advice for both shades of blue AIB's, is when the, (totally loaded), question 'if in the unlikely case we are unable to offer you pilot, are you willing to accept nav/obs?' the answer has to be 'no sir', unless of course, you genuinely are!

[Sagey]

Once again all the advice seems to be hold your ground on requesting pilot, rather than anything else they offer. And don't fool for the in 3 years you can change routine either.

Will just have to keep fingers crossed it will all work out ok, and make sure I know enough about the RN Fleet!.

Sagey

[cerberus_the_dog]

Sagey and Tim C...

There's obviously been a lot of good advice and info in this thread. What you have seen is a wide cross section of the FAA all giving you their perspective and selling the merits of each aviation job. (I'm an observer but my two points are not role specific:
Firstly, the AIB/selection tests probably have changed since many of us did them all those dog watches ago! But, a couple of things will be the same; A broad view of military/current affairs is essential and
irrespective of the type of leadership test, the selectors will be looking for common sense and stacks of enthusiasm.
Finally,(sorry if this repeats any comments in the thread) the advice given by those of us currently serving is obviously a present day viewpoint. Your career will hopefully span one of the most exciting development periods that the RN and FAA will have experienced in our generation. New Carriers, Future Combat Aircraft replacing the Sea Harrier, AEW Mk7 coming on-line and progressing down the Future Organic AEW route, continuing introduction of the Merlin and Lynx replacement(?). All of this kit will be cutting edge for once and not put together on the back of 20 Benson and Hedges.
What I'm saying is, don't just focus on what we have now, but look at what fixed/rotary/pilots/observers will be doing over the next 15 years or so and where you'd like to fit in (this will also demonstrate forward thinking on your part during AIB interviews).
Good luck in whichever specialisation you choose...see you in the bar!

[TimC]

Hi again

Unfortunately I have been told I cannot apply for observer as my eyesight is not good enough as the requirement for obs is the same as for pilot(?). I was classed as S2 (was actually borderline S1/S2) in my most recent eye test.

I have, however, been told that my eyesight is good enough for the warfare branch (which was my 2nd choice). So I have decided to go for that, hopefully specialising as a Hydrographic, Oceanographic and Meteorological Officer. I know that this is probably the wrong place to ask about this job, but does anyone have any views/experience of it?

Thanks for all the advice :D

[Bri Uggin-Out]

Sagey,

Fixed wing selection is indeed still done at JEFTS. Everyone does their 60 hr training on the basis that everyone is going rotary and then only towards the end of the course are things more finely assesed. It is indeed a small number that make it through. In the year I went through I think there were only in the region of 6-8 selected. If you think they put through about 60 people a year, its not a great deal. Then you pop off and join the RAF for the next two years and follow their fast jet system, although rumour has been rife that Canada is being viewed as a serious addition to the Navy's fast jet training capability in view of pilot numbers being required for JSF introduction.

What's interesting is how people, throughout the course, change their focus. Initially most people would love to give jets a crack, but after a while motivation drops off considerably and a lot just want to go to choppers. But, not for me to judge why.

Tim C....
sorry about the eyesight situation. With the warfare stuff. You will get plenty of time at Dartmouth to experience each sector thru motivation briefs etc. There is a lot to do before you get the choice....some say that you don't, especially when there is a requirement for sub drivers. Be very prepared for fishead banter, cos aircrew will give you a lot of grief!!!!

Good luck to both of you.

[Tourist]

I stand to be corrected, but I was recently told that in the past decade, only 11 ab-initio pilots have gone fixed wing front line straight through. All the rest have been ex rotary guys converting later.

[Bri Uggin-Out]

Tourist,

I suspect you may be correct with reference to those who have made it all the way through to the frontline without mishap. Sounds shocking though - that's not very many.

I was just talking about who got selected from jefts or UAS.

[ 14 October 2001: Message edited by: Wasted ]

[AllTrimDoubt]

Tourist et al...

Just to put the record straight, in the last 18 months or so at least 15 students have been sent from JEFTS to RAF Linton on Ouse for BFJT (tucano - 1st step on the route to SHAR). Virtually all selected have done extremely well there, with good reports also coming out of the next stage at Valley. The early guys are now just about to get their hands on the SHAR at 899. (Good Luck).

Bottom line if you want it? A degree of flying ability and reasonable spare mental capacity BUT a drive and determination to make it as a member of the team counts too.

Sagey - your original question has drawn forth a LOT of good advice. Be as prepared as you can for all aspects of the AIB. Current affairs are a must in today's climate, as is a knowledge of current and FUTURE plans for the Fleet Air Arm and the RN as a whole. Do not forget the joint aspects of service life either. Grab an hour or two if you can at a local flying school - not entirely representative of service aviation but at least you'll be confident that you don't hate it!

Be honest when questioned. Obs is a decent career move (!) but, as one who sits in the other seat, if that's where your true aim lies...stick to it! Good luck. ;)

[Biz]

Good advice from you guys. I'm off to AIB early next year, but I am dreading one particular question I'm gonna' (it's a dead cert!) get asked!

See, I already have a rejection from Cranwell and I just know I'm going to get asked, "...why the Navy when you've previously applied to the RAF?"!! Is this going to be such a hot potato as I'm thinking due to the inter-service rivalry or not?
Any input on how I could answer this would be appreciated. :rolleyes:

[TimC]

Forgot to mention in my last post something that the liason officer mentioned to me.

In his last interview, the applicant had chosen Royal Marines as his first choice and Chaplain as his second :D.

[mgiri]

Biz, Trust me on this one! You are not alone. The vast majority of prospective RN Aircrew officers who appear at the AIB have either tried to join the RAF previously or have dual applications running. The number of applicants who appearto have considered solely the RN for a military flying career is minimal so don't sweat it. They will however be looking for an interest in the sea as well as the air.
;)

[jungly]

AIB..... one last thing. BE YOURSELF. They will see through you otherwise. You will be asked dozens of questions (often in quick succession) and some will be similar...if not actually the same. They are not entirely interested in your answer...but they are interested if your answers differ. You cant bull$hit a bull$hitter!

Just aim to get your ar$e in the door... it doesnt really matter what you fly (as long as you're not a crab or a pinger!)... once in the 'club' you can change roles.... and do exchanges with other services and countries too.

Although I'm now on the A340 and left the military as a fast jet QFI.... I would strongly recommend JUNGLIE 1st! (Im 32)

You can have your cake and eat it too! Their a plenty of rotary boys flying fixed wing in the spare time. (Some even crashing in Wales, TT?) Take it easy. Good luck.

Slit trenches and snowcaves? You forgot to mention the other hardships...of Junglie life. Norwegian university students, Croatian birds, backpackers in Goa, dancing girls in Bangkok, Greek islands, and Cyprus. Sadly no bars in Brunei.

And you should try night-flying without goggles!!!

Mavrik...... ROYAL Navy, shipmate! Too much time on the F3 perhaps?

[rolly]

I asked mon frere..pinger or jungly...Well if you want to sleep in a slit trench and eat cold baked bean sandwiches for tea then go jungly, he replied. On the otherhand you can drink csb in a white shirt, bet on a horse and demolish the cheeseboard on the back of a pusses Invicible boat!

[HBM]

Lots of talk of initial entry (Oooer) - lots of good advice. Stick to:
a) Say no to Obs unless U want it - not a bad job, but it's not a pilot and chances of swapping over are ZERO.
b)Visit the bars of some air stations and chat to the folks - they will show U the ultra-up-2-d8-way. Remember, pinch of salt.

Pinger / SAR / Junglie - I did all 3, in that order, and each has it's merits. It's a matter of what U want and what ur aims are. Each has good and bad bits (Jez sorties, social / autonomy, job well done, fat germans off hillsides in crap weather / fun flyin, UHHH, A HILL!)

Fixed wing - a challenge, but work and not necessarily a lifestyle choice.

Fish-head. Y? :p

Hope it al goes well for U all. Enjoy it and have a f***in good time, fellas!

Llama ;)