Joining as a SAR Helicopter Pilot/Winchman/Diver

[Chris McCOY]

This question is directed to the persons responsible in the RAF or Royal Navy, HM Coatsguard, Bristows Helicopters, or Bond Helicopters for the recruitment and training of Search and Rescue or Air Ambulance Aircrew. Also, this is directed to serving or ex. SAR Aircrew.

I have a primary interest in pursuing a career as a SAR Pilot, Winchman, Diver, or Medic. I have just turned 28 years old, which is beyond the OFFICIAL entry age for pilot training in the forces. I have some experience medically (EMT, Diver Medic, etc), and flying (including some with ETPS), but do not as yet hold a Pilot's licence, this to be pursued on Helicopters and Aeroplanes this year. I am an MEng(Hons) Degree-qualified Professional Engineer at Boscombe Down. I am currently with International Rescue Corps as a relatively new member, and RNLI Beach rescue and Lifeguards, outside of work hours.

I would very much like to obtain feedback as to the viability of pursuing a future SAR Pilot, Winchman, Diver and/or Medic role with either of your organisations.

Any aid in furthering the pursuit of this aim would be welcomed!

Thank You.

[Seak1ng]

The RAF are now taking people direct from aircrew training and putting them onto SAR. Being so short of people, I think that they MAY overlook the age thingy. You need to try and sell yourself to the Careers Information Office with all your experience.
For Winchman, you need to apply as a Loadmaster. For winch/radar operator you need to be an AEOp. Both trades are very short across the RAF as a whole, but reaching desperate levels within the SAR Force.
Of course there is always the chance that with all your experience you could end up as a Herc puke or burning holes over the North Sea in a Nimrod. Both very noble professions....
As far as being a pilot goes, do not know as I actually work for a living.....

[SARBoy Loser]

I wouldn't bother, as for pilots not working, well I'm not going to bite on that one.

[Spur Lash]

Chris
Check your QinetiQ email.

[Hengist Pod]

Sounds like you're over-qualified! As for SarBoyLoser not biting, you just have mate!

[Rude C'man]

Chris , We have it on good advice that LM branch is actively recruiting there is an age limit but your well in ( 30 up to 35 if they want you) . As already advised you may not necessarily get SAR but if you want it so much then you'll give it a go good luck try ringing Valley or St Mawgan for advice...Its a bloody rewarding job within the fastest advancing aircrew branch. PS you could always try accusing the MOD of being discriminative of age.

[Talking Radalt]

Chris,
Winchman always used to be the realm of those who had previously gained some flying experience in other helicopter roles before volunteering to go SAR. At present it is not possible to apply for that specialisation alone.
As far as I know those (very few) crewmen who have been sent the direct route to SAR have extensive previous medical training, although it sounds as though you are qualified enough. Whether OASC will recognise your qualifications can only be found out one way. The one thing you may have to do is bite your tongue on occasions as through out training there will be those who, despite your previous employment, will simply refuse to admit that it is just possible that you know as much as they do and will do all they can to prove you still have a thing or two to learn.
To be honest, if I were you I'd seek employment in a similar field but outside the military where the experience you already have will be recognised as opposed to the RAF where on the whole only things you have done while serving will count. Sad but true.

[ 07 September 2001: Message edited by: Talking Radalt ]

[Tourist]

No chance of joining specifically for SAR in the Navy I'm afraid. Usually a 3rd Tour sort of job

[Fay Deck]

Chris,

Some good advice above from the likes of Seak1ng, Rude C'man and Talking Radalt; they obviously know what they are talking about. As for SARBoy Losers comment, well, read his other posts and you will see he obviously has a problem with the RAF.
Current retention and recruiting difficulties mean that the RAF is having to take a much more flexible approach at the moment.
Get to your nearest Careers Information Office (or whatever they are called these days) and negotiate.

Good luck,

Fay

[SARBoy Loser]

Cheers Fay Deck! ;)

[Chris McCOY]

Many Thanks to everyone for your help in answering my question ! I've taken on board your advice, all except that of SARBoy Loser of course :p !, and will certainly follow through on my interest. The trade between the Military route, and the Civilian work + RNLI/Mountain rescue route is one which I am considering.

If anyone wishes to add any further comments then please could you do so !

Many Thanks again everyone !