View Full Version : RAF Relaxes Rules
Funkie
14th May 2002, 12:28
From The Times, 14/MAY/02
Short-sighted men and women are being invited to apply to become RAF fighter pilots in a relaxation of rules meant to boost recruitment. Height arm-length requirements are also being altered after a study of aircrew medical standards.
With regard to the above, I have recently completed phases 1 and 2 at OASC, but due to the fact that I'm slightly short sighted, my application for pilot could not be considered further in the selection process.
Will this change my situation, completed selection two weeks ago and have be told by the AFCO that a letter is in the post but does not specify which branch........:confused:
What are your thoughts, or am I just damn unlucky...........
Fra ;)
STANDTO
14th May 2002, 18:17
I cannot honestly believe they are that short of applicants, or that those who can see properly and wont have their legs removed by ejection are so thick they cant pass the tests
Always_broken_in_wilts
14th May 2002, 18:51
Fra......accept that for what ever reason you are not up to Sky God status and shoot for an achievable goal.
STANDTO.......................Obviously not though:)
all spelling mistakes are "df" alcohol induced
Tonkenna
14th May 2002, 19:40
Fra
Unlikely, the rules changed a couple of months ago, some went up, some down. The old anthro figures where way out of date and included some very old ac, so they had a re-measure. Sorry.
Tonks
Eagle 1
14th May 2002, 20:21
I also read this article in the 'news in brief' section. Is this accurate or is it some dodgy misinterpretation on the reporters behalf? If it is true however, when will the new regs come into practice?
:) Eagle 1:)
Don't 'spose the buttock-knee length has changed?
Has anything been changed with regard to airman aircrew?
Just been on the 'phone to the OASC Medical people. Apparently the bit about relaxing vision requirements is total bull****. The athro stuff has changed but the neww measurments have been in use for a bit so it depends when you applied.
PS - I take no responibility if the above info is incorrect - it's just what I was told.
STANDTO
15th May 2002, 16:56
good. It brought a whole new meaning to flying blind
AirfixPilot
15th May 2002, 21:12
Impressive StandTo,
You sound more bitter than I am.
Do the sensible thing and join the AAC, they don't get so hung up about 20/20 vision.
Sloppy Link
15th May 2002, 22:00
Vision standards are now under the magnifying glass in the AAC with the introduction of our new toy so I'm not so sure anymore.
raytofclimb
15th May 2002, 22:05
........... but the AAC also don't do 420kt!
As far as I can remember from scanning the latest dross in the crewroom, waiting for more attrocious weather to clear, I don't think it is any easier.
The functional reach requirement has been increased (arm length) and the sitting height limit reduced.
The nav/wso eye limits have been brought up to that of front seater since they (should!) lookout too, and use similar kit around the cockpit.
Colour perception tests (red packman) are being looked at for (I think) blue/ yellow problems and also regular spinal MRI scans have been bid for, with funding expected about the same time as pigs get wings and become UAVs.
Going back to the eyesight I'm not positive but I think you still need to start with suitable uncorrected vision. Plenty guys get specks later but after money has been spent on training.
May check details tomorrow if I remember.
Ray.
Funkie
15th May 2002, 22:20
Well thanks guys.
Today I received a letter from RAFC Cranwell informing me that I have been short-listed for a commission and should have an answer towards the middle of June......here's hoping, intelligence was one of my other options.
I had made contact with the chap who had written the article, and in true journo stylee, the message has been slightly twisted. He had taken an extract from the current issue of RAF news, feel free to read elsewhere as it's too big to write here, and twisted the words.........:mad:
Anyway, I have written a letter to OASC enquiring if these new rules may effect my application.... I hope it will, and if not rules are rules....:(
Always_brok*%$en…what ever…..as for Sky God status, just because I fell at one hurdle doesn’t mean I cant get up and start running again..... to win.....
Kbf1, I have made contact with the AAC, and unfortunately I fall just below their requirements also, a conflict with night vision goggles, (I understand that they are reviewing their requirements also).
Well, I guess my future career as a military pilot will not flourish, but that does not mean I can’t fly.
I would like to extend my thanks to the guys and gals, Scroggs, Tonks, Beagle and Wholigan especially, amongst many others for helping guys like me and giving them the time of day here in the Military Forum.
Fra:D
DuckDogers
16th May 2002, 05:22
All comdey value really because the number of aircrew i know who have far worse eye sight than me is rediculous!!
Dogstar
17th May 2002, 07:42
Its a big man who talks about Sky-God status Broken-in-Wilts. Surely such condescending talk is big talk.? I would reserve that for the day that I knew I could kick every b*gg** around the sky in every air force around the World. It seems harsh talk to use it on a guy who hasn't even started his flying career yet. You never know, he could be rolling into your six and gunning your butt off before you know it. Are you that sure of yourself?? Give us all a Lat Long and we'll see if you are up to what you say you are.
Leave the poor kid alone.