just been offered WSO..

[rise_above_the_desk]

I've been lurking on pprune for a couple of years now but this is my first posting!. .So, i've just been offered Nav (after having been offered WSOp last year - i rejected it to try for officer aircrew again and it paid off..)and i'm after some advice. Regarding IOT - can anybody give me any hints or tips other than to get as fit as possible..? and how long is the F3/GR4 going to be in service for ? also, i've got an application in to the Navy for Pilot and i've been offered a date for the AIB - i'm in two minds as to whether to just stick with the RAF or at least have a go at the Navy as i've got nothing to lose - although my age may count against me (i'm 24) any idea's?? Thanks for any input!. . <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[bakseetblatherer]

To answer your questions:. .1. You only have to be moderately fit, IOT ain't that hard physically.. .2. The F3 will be in service til (officially) 2009 but this depends on the EF2000 working so it might slip. The GR4 will be about til around 2020 so a long time to go yet.. .3. Although pilot is a better way to go in the long, long term (esp jobs in civvie life) I would personally go to the RAF (I am ex-RN) 'cos life at sea sucks the big one! More time away and in larger chunks and little or no contact with home is not great. Before my WAFU mates start hurling abuse this is a personal opinion and some people really enjoy it. When at home the FAA and RAF are very similar and good fun. :) . Fast jet is more fun than rotary as well (once again in my opinion-others will disagree!) <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> . . .Still if you really want pilot maybe the RN is for you.. .Good Luck whatever <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[ 11 February 2002: Message edited by: bakseetblatherer ]</p>

[L J R]

Agree - Pilot job [no matter what type] is more 'retailable' outside military.

Air Force life is Better than Navy [My 'tainted' Opinion!]

Nav jobs [WSO whatever..] exciting [I used to be a FJ Nav] and enjoyed it. Was lucky enough to get a crack at pilots course - but don't count on this as an option - you may get lucky, you may not.

You may not get a FJ WSO slot. bummer!. .You may get Sea Harrier Go For it!. .You may get Navy Rotary [Cant say if this is good or bad, but it is Pilot Time]

Seek the advice of the Naval types as to Ship-Board Life - Some apparently like it.

Who cares about IOT. Just put up with it and do what they say.

. ........ confused yet

. .Good luck

[rise_above_the_desk]

Thanks for the advice, i'll have to draw up a list of pro's and con's.....!One more thing, Is it possible to gain civilian qualifications whilst in (or through)the Air Force? ie do you get discounted flying rates anywhere to build up hours etc.? In an ideal world it would be good to leave the force with some sort of civvie qualifications to try for airline jobs...idealy....!

[BEagle]

You can fly recreationally at a number of RAF Flying Club Association clubs - e.g. £55 per hour all-in for a PA28 at the Secret Oxfordshire Airbase.

As a mil pilot (but NOT as a wheezo), you can qualify for ATPL accreditation after providing a decent return of service and having accumulated apropriate hours - see the DGTA website. The accreditation is more generous (fairly obviously) for ME pilots than for FJ or RW because their job more closely matches their civvie counterparts!

So prospective pilots, come in, set your hair on fire with 10 years on FJs, then pay for the extra bits at a civilian training provider which you will need over and above your 'free' accreditation to obtain your ATPL, then go fly boring people tubes from Lootnairpawt to Oybeefa - or instead take a retention incentive and do a few years more hooting and roaring - then leave at 38. Or take another retention incentive and decide whether you want to become a career pen-pusher in the MoD-box or have another 17 years miltary flying as a a Professional Aviator.....retiring with a good-ish pension. Go to your Dining-Out, give back your watch - and then do something boring like a few years' airline flying if they'll put up with your fighter-pilot humour.....

[ 13 February 2002: Message edited by: BEagle ]</p>