Err.....can I ask a question about your job?

[Tom L]

Hi I'm new here,I came to ask...uh....what's the score with army or navy helo pilots, Is it incredebly hard to get in, are there many other candidates to compete with.Most importantly what can I do to boost my chances (I'm only 14)
regards Tom
p.s I'm British but would value all advice

[Pontius Navigator]

Tom, first off you should consider joining a cadet force - Army Cadet Force or Sea Cadets. You will learn much that will help.

[Saintsman]

Tom,

As you are new, please read the second from top thread. You'll find lots of answers there.

The RAF also fly helicopters btw.

[Let's try that again]

You could also join the Air Training Corps

Air Cadets - Find a squadron (http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/findasquadron/)

[TorqueOfTheDevil]

The RAF also fly helicopters btw


...and has a cadet corps.

[Sook]

Quote:
The RAF also fly helicopters btw
...and has a cadet corps.


...which will offer you more chances to fly that the other cadet forces.

[Postman Plod]

Also known as the Air Training Corps, or Air Cadets. (soon to have a new logo dontcha know...:})

Air Cadets - Home (http://www.aircadets.org)

or an unofficial forum at

Air Cadet Central • Index page (http://www.aircadetcentral.net/forums)

[Chicken Leg]

Tom,

As you are new, please read the second from top thread. You'll find lots of answers there.

The RAF also fly helicopters btw

Yeah, but it seems he's interested in joining the Military!

[Pontius Navigator]

Few good bites there Chicken :)

[Tom L]

Thank you guys, I used to go to army cadets :) I have been asked to come along to my local air cadets by My Mate and his mates.My main fear was they are a year ahead but i got to grow up and just go.I might also see if there are private heli pilots at Aberdeen airport and ask if I can wash their chopper a couple of times and tag along sometime they fly, but I don't wanna impose.TBH being that close to a heli would do me.Thanks again you have been most welcoming.ps I might pop into the Recruiters for some info cos my mate did and is trying out for the marines when we finish 4th year.

[Pontius Navigator]

Tom, spot on. Starting with the ACF is no bad thing as you learn very basic army skills. I can still remember the fire control orders and the ammunition load carried in a platoon although that bit is now well out of date.

Washing a helo is a good move too. They will undoubtedly be happy to talk with you.

[chippy63]

Ah, yes, Pontius, it all comes back now- we had to do Cert A pts l and ll before going into the RAF contingent. You're right, it was worthwhile- now, let's see,
Group
Range
Indication
Type of fire

[Floppy Link]

Tom,
unlikely to find private helicopters at the airport - try the Peterculter helipad - do a google search for HJS Helicopters. In fact, try here HJS Helicopters Ltd Flying School, Helicopter Charter, Tours and Maintenance in Scotland (http://www.hjshelicopters.co.uk/)
Good luck!

[Chicken Leg]

Joking and bating aside, it's good to see a young man with such a proactive and positive attitude. Good luck Tom, with which ever direction you choose to take.

[Pontius Navigator]

Chippy, and to lie straight behind the Bren but bent to the left, behind cover with the SMLE. To have one's feet spread and heels flat. Fire and movement. We even had a beautiful sand table model of our valley and did TEWT. And that 55 years ago :)

[teeteringhead]

But if the poor lad (sensibly) wants to be a helicopter pilot ONLY - then the RAF can't offer him that!

From an early stage of training - certainly a long way pre-wings on JPs, probably even on the Chippie - I decided I wanted to fly helicopters. But I still had to demonstrate competence in flying said JP upside down at 35 000 ft before they'd let me near a helicopter. :ugh::ugh:

[Tom L]

Thanks guys,As a matter of fact we did fight a fire at army cadets,Some idiot put a hexy burner beside a bush and well you know.The pi punted it into the open took our canteens and chucked the water onto them.Until a cadet sargent got the fire beaters.Oh those were the days *dribbles*

EDIT: oh was half a sleep you mean like ten rounds at the target to your front .Sorry can't multitask.I I thought you mean blue flashy light fire control:D

[DME MILOS]

Tom, all sage advice on here, but please, please, never EVER offer to wash a pilot's chopper for him.................;)

[chippy63]

Ah, yes, Pontius, the bren. That was a special treat on arduous training at Holcomb Moor in Lancashire- 1961, so a bit after you.
Marksman qual on the .303 was 73 or 77/80, I think, and I remember receiving the badge- and 5/-. Joining the RAF section, they had to send out for the marksman badge RAF style.
First AEF flight from Woodvale, the pilot noticed the marksman badge and asked where I got it. Told him, and he flew me over said Moor. Great guy.

[Pontius Navigator]

The nearest we came to firing the bren was the wooden rattle popular with football fans who bought them as army surplus.

[phil9560]

Did an ATC camp at Holcombe Moor in 83.Flew from Woodvale around the same time as well.Long way for an AEF though.We just got the half hour though..Quick whizz round Formby beach and back.