RAF route into Aircraft maintenance

[msaaim89]

Good evening folks.

Before I ask questions, I should provide a little detail on what I am planning to do. I'm applying to the RAF as an aircraft mechanic at the ripe old age of 25. I am expecting to do 12 years (minimum is 9) so I can work on aircraft whilst self studying during the last 2/3 years for a B1 License. Upon leaving the RAF I will hopefully find somewhere where I can work for 1 year on the aircraft I am looking to get my type rating on. When I am 38, I should hopefully have a B1 License.

1) I understand new recruits have to do a recruit training and then a specialist training (Aircraft Mechanic in this case). I am aware recruit training takes 6 months but cannot find anything on the length of specialist training. Anyone know how long specialist training takes?

2) How difficult is self studying? Is two-three years a reasonable time frame to revise for and complete all exams for the B1 License? Bear in mind I have a Mechanical Engineering degree.

3) Is a B1 license attractive on it's own to employers or would I need to put in the extra effort and obtain a B2 License?

4) I know I am doing this quite late in my career, would my age be a problem? I mean at age of 38-40, what are the chances of getting hired? I'd like anyone answering this question to be honest and say (if you really believe it) that I should forget aircraft maintenance as a career and stick with Mechanical Engineering.

Would very much appreciate if anyone here who has been through the RAF route into aircraft maintenance could share some knowledge and give some advice.

[snakepit]

Have you considered an apprenticeship in the civi world and save yourself 9 years or so? Joining the military should really be done because that's what you want to do not to obtain a licence, because as you already know they won't give you one.

[msaaim89]

Hi snakepit.

I have considered the apprenticeship route, however the problem is my age and I am a graduate so I am automatically knocked of most airlines candidate list.

Of course the RAF does not provide the license, but you can study for the license in your own time during the last few years.

I am not joining the RAF so I can I leave after gaining experience; I would prefer to stay on till retirement, however having spoken with ex-RAF, I have been warned to leave as soon as possible and move towards the civilian world due to the government policies on retirement in the RAF. As far as I am aware, the maximum age you can work in the RAF as an aircraft mechanic is 50. Leaving the RAF for civilian at 50 and trying to find work will be really difficult.

[spannersatcx]

the best they can offer you as a graduate is a mechanics position! I'd seriously think about doing something a bit further up the food chain.

There may be no licencing system in EASA in 5 years time let alone 12!

[winglit]

Exactly as spannersatcx says. Wouldn't you want to join the RAF as an officer? As a graduate, you're pretty much there. You just need to read the Times and Telegraph for a while to make sure you're proper "officer" material.

Right wing views and a double-barrelled surname and you're in!

[emergency000]

I can't speak for the civilian operators in the UK/Euro, but here in Australia, some large operators (like Qantas) will happily take on "mature age" apprentices, that is, those over 21 years old when they begin their apprenticeship. I was one such apprentice and was paid roughly 90% of full wage for the duration of my apprenticeship. Another upshot to the civilian world (besides not getting deployed) is your employer may pay for you to acquire your B1/2 license, saving you the cost of self-study and self-funding your exams.
I agree with the other sentiments expressed here: as a uni grad, you're in with a good shot as an officer IF you want to be in the forces. If aircraft maintenance is what you really want to do, ask around to some civi operators and you may be surprised.
As I said, I'm in Australia and so can't speak for operators in the UK, but the days of apprentices being only 16, 17 or 18 are either going or gone.
Of course if you're happy enough to move overseas, Qantas is recruiting right now! ;)
Best of luck and keep us informed!

[snakepit]

Try the helicopter operators too not just fixed wing. I know at least 1 of the big operators regularly take appos above what's considered normal

[hive_world_junkie]

Hello Msaaim.

I am a serving member of the RAF and I am doing exactly what you want to do.

A1) you are NOT a technician after your initial recruit training I must stress you are only a spanner monkey lighting fires and kicking tyres so to speak. You will undertake basic at halton for 9 weeks learning to soldier, then 6 months learning to become an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic(AMM) which is purely servicing aircraft depending upon the posting you receive. The new AMM's are spending anywhere between 18 months to 30 months before going back to cosford to embark upon 12 months of trade specific (avionic or Mechanical). You then get posted as a technician and begin working as a technician on a higher pay band, nearly half way through your career.

A2) I am also studying whilst working, self study is hard and with deployments i have undertaken I have found it difficult to devote time to myself, family and study due to work commitments. It is not an easy task as I am finding out. That said it is do-able!

A3) I am currently doing a B1.1 and I have a friend doing his B2 in civi street. He has worked the circuit as an avionic system tech and hasnt had any problems finding work unlicensed. That said having spoken to another friend who is a B1 he recommends both for a bit of versatility however, if you get the right type rating where either licensed engineers are in short demand you should be able to remain in a stable job situation. But working on aircraft for the last 7 years, I would advise working as either a B1 or 2 in industry before going for the other licence purely because of the amount of experience you need to become good at your job.

thats all i can offer, however in my opinion i think you would be best off staying away from the RAF with a mechanical engineering degree, i see it time and time again that people join up with degrees and are more qualified for the job than their peers! that said there are some highly skilled engineers in the RAF with alot of experience to learn from, it will take you the best part of 4 years to become a technician which you might find frustrating, like i did. If you want any more information i will give you as much as i can.

I hope this is helpful.