Royal Navy pilots please come in!

[Speedbird283]

This post won't be original.
I've recently had my fifth Royal Navy interview, and it looks very likely that after 6th form i'll be going to Navy college on pilot officer training and general Navy study,and then onto University.

Has anybody been through this and is willing to share any thoughts or comments??:confused:

Also as so many my ultimate goal is to be in the left hand seat of a certain four engined jet from Boeing.....one day.
I've heard so many stories that the chances of getting there through flying fixed wing in the RAF is so much better!-is this so or....??
Please help im a confused seventeen year old, RAF or Navy??
(Sorry about the length of this post, thanks to anybody who reads it)
cool:

Sorry anybody reply not just Navy pilots:D

[J-Heller]

I'd say your post is fairly original!

I just wonder if its possible to enter the forces as a professional military pilot with an underlying motivation centred on flying airliners!

Good luck to you,


JH

[Speedbird283]

I kind of get what your saying, if i was in the military i'd be 100% commited no questions asked, i don't know what life will hold for me i could stay in the military for the rest of my life, or i could break my back tomorrow playing Rugby and that would be it for me.
Ideally an airline career would be my goal, but hey im not fussy AT ALL and any chance to fly i could get i would grab with both hands.

[rivetjoint]

Ask WEBF, I think he's been to see the Navy.

[timzsta]

Do you want to be in the Navy or do you want to have the MoD pay for your flying training so you can leave as soon as you have enough experience to be attractive to the airlines?

Training in the military is extremely tough, mentally and physically demanding. If you are not 100% up for it you will struggle. Far from everyone who starts the military flying training makes it to flying fast jets. And if you make it you will be required to remain in the service for at least 5 or 6 years from when you make it to the front line, which is a long time if you dont really want to be there.

If its Boeing you really want, perhaps thats where you should go to start with and leave the Navy to those who really want it.

[MaxAOB]

S283, you will be going to Dartmouth to conduct officer training not pilot officer training! Concur the sentiments expressed above - what exactly do you want? If it's free flying training you will get found out PDQ and you will struggle, especially when stuck on dartmoor with the biffs, cold, wet, hungry, tired, pissed off etc. It won't seem that glamourous then! If - If you make it through you will then be stuck on one of Her Majesty's finest greys trying to muster the Naffi spirits, write up your division, fend off sh*te from the jimmy and oh then worry about going flying. I suggest that you find out what is really involved by going to a POC and speaking to some that are already there. Even sitting in a shiny commercial jet ain't all that it's cracked up to be -especially since last year.

Good luck whatever you do though :p

PS and judging by the way President Tony is going you'll get your backside shot down before you even sit your ATPL exams! :confused:

[J-Heller]

"If it's free flying training you will get found out PDQ and you will struggle, especially when stuck on dartmoor with the biffs, cold, wet, hungry, tired, pissed off etc. It won't seem that glamourous then! "

Thats what I was looking for someone to say to you, Speedbird!

I really think to succeed in the armed forces you are going to need to WANT to fly only for whatever force you choose and nothing else.......and you WILL get found out if your motivation is otherwise!

Mind you, your last post made a bit more sense.

Just do it for the right reasons - perhaps try and realise that within the forces you will be able to fly a variety of aircraft in a variety of situations (for want of a better expression) and it certainly wont be airline SOP's!!

It'll be good! So go for it in its own right! Also - look around you at the civil market if you've been on the forum a while!

All the best, and good luck


JH

[Speedbird283]

First of all a VERY BIG THANKS to everyone who replied, this forum is fantastic compared to some out there you guys(or girls) really know what your on about.
If i got into the Navy/RAF i'd be so grateful or content, and i'd be 100% commited, but come on how many pliots go through the military with the airline career at the back of there mind??-quite a few i expect.
Oh and as regards Dartmour, i just came back on thursday from 4 days/60 miles of walking for Gold DofE at Ben Nevis, so im starting to get accumstomed to that area of the military, allthough its A LOT harder in the Military i know.

THANKS TO EVERYONE:cool:

[jockspice]

Speedbird
I agree with Timszta and J-Heller. If you join as a flyer in the RN or RAF, you will be an officer first and a flyer second. In the Army you are a soldier, first and foremost, above everything. There are a great many other things that will be part of your everyday life that will push flying further down the list of the day's tasks. It won’t be a case of turn up, fly, and then poke off home - if that is your intention then the forces are not for you. Being able to walk Dartmoor is a small part of what is required - you will be expected to lead men and women in areas and situations you may have thought possible only in war stories.

If you are joining any of the flying forces with a view to joining the airlines, I think you are very forward thinking in mapping out your life. However, don't join the forces and take up the place of someone who wants to fly in the forces as a career rather than a stepping stone to their next job. Joining the airlines is most definitely not in the back, front or any part of my mind and I joined to do what I do now. Circumstances may change and I may change the direction of my thinking, but I am focused on now and my next couple of appointments continuing to fly in the RN.

If you want to be an airline pilot, then apply to the training school and join the airlines. If you join the forces, you may find that the flying and life far outweighs anything you will do in civvy street and decide to stay, if you get that far. Do beware, however, that the man who focuses on the last hurdle usually falls at the second.

Good luck in whatever you do. :D

[Speedbird283]

Don't get me wrong at all i am well aware that when your in the Armed Forces you there for a reason,and being called into action is an occupational requirement, don't worry i haven't overlooked that, i fully understand the duties of a military pilot.

Jockspice, thanks for the reply in particular, your where i want to be,would it be possible for you to tell me are you a fixed or rotary flyer,and is the RN everything you expected it to be or more?.
Sorry if i'm intruding a bit but it would be nice to get some.... i suppose inside information , the path you took etc.

THANKS:cool:

[Flatus Veteranus]

I do not wish to be a pompous old fart, Speedbud, but if you really want to fly with the RAF or RN, which involves being commissioned, you might consider brushing up your written English. You could practise writing proper English sentences, with correct use of capitals, apostrophes, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Text messages will not impress the Board.:(

[Tbird]

Speedbird, if you want to join the RN as a pilot then you first have to go through the recruitment process. The AIB in particular is an assessment of your personality and the powers that be on that course, with the amount of young recruits going through, will know exactly whether your heart is in joining the military or not. Of course this is all after you have passed your Aptitude Test, which is yet another hurdle to jump.

Remember they spend millions to train you to be a pilot and naturally they want to keep hold of you as long as possible. Especially as they are so short of pilots at the moment. It strikes me that if you are thinking about the airlines at this short distance along the track, then perhaps you should examine that option more fully.

Fly the fun stuff first and then go and watch over a computer doing the work. The military is a life experience that cannot be matched, but as everyone has said, it only works if you REALLY want it.

[Speedbird283]

Thanks for your comments Flatus Veteranus, I did not realise School started a week early, thanks for the English language advice. By the way its "Speedbird", not "Speedbud" if were going to get all critical, say hello to everybody in Devon for me, was in Ilfracombe last week, and lets just say the sunny homelands of Staffordshire seemed more appealing. :cool:

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply,i have taken all the points and comments on board.

[mike.oriordan]

I joind the RN a long time ago and have had a really good time. Flown Seakings, Wasps and Lynx and now just finished ATPLA ground exams and hope to get a job next year when I come out. I have seen many friends go through this and the I think it matters little if you have helo or fixed wing back ground. If you want it bad enough, you will succeed. It is true, however, that Virgin do like the Fast Jet boys and will actively recruit when it suits them. I also know some ex rotary boys with that airline.
If you want some excitement and colour go for the Navy. It is true that you are a Naval Officer first, but at the end of the day if you are a pilot then that is what you will do and "all the nice girls like a sailor" and the uniform doesn't harm. The Armed Forces will also give you a much broader perspective on life and enable you work alongside some real 'top drawer' people.

If the Navy offer you a job, I would take it and then look to the airlines later on. They will recognise your ability and experience and many of the chief pilots have a military background.

Good luck

[Flatus Veteranus]

Well done, "Speedbud", a noticeable improvement already. "Speedbud" was how they used to pronounce it on RT - at least when I was queueing to land behind them at LA and O'Hare. Good luck. ;)

[Cattivo]

Nothing wrong with thinking ahead to a career post-military before you've even got in. I did exactly the same. My attitude towards joining the airlines hasn't changed since joining up and contrary to a lot of the "furrowed brow" responses you've been getting it didn't affect me before, during or after Flying Training. Enjoy mil flying until you've had enough then try something else.

[mutleyfour]

This has to be either :

A wind up (Speedbird - BA, as well as "The Team Works" - RN Sales anecdote).

Or Someone in the RN trying to investigate just how many matelots are on this site etc.



Its all a little too cosy!

If im wrong Speedbird then apologies all around!

If you want too fly, then just get on with it!

:confused:

[jockspice]

Speedbird
Drop me a line at [email protected] and I will answer any questions you have. I don't want to swing the lamp too much on this forum, it upsets the crabs.:D :D

[Speedbird283]

Hi mutley four, your very observant aren't u :D , you could be a Naval Observer, or perhaps a BA observer :rolleyes: .

Not quite sure what you were getting at but i can assure im not "Someone in the RN trying to investigate just how many matelots are on this site etc".

I actually live in California and work for the FBI, i'm just over in Blighty for the crack ;).

[mutleyfour]

Hmmmmmm

Neither BA or RN,

Try "Be the Best" which could also be "Above the best" but definately not "Above the Rest".

I fly in the military cos its easily the best flying you can get!

The team works! means the TEAM and not an individual who wants a fast pass to civvy street!

:p :D

[Speedbird283]

Oh mutley four my dear sarcastic buddy, don't get me wrong i like your style,:rolleyes:.
I'm not "an individual who wants a fast pass to civvy street!", as i have said BEFORE, its simply called having options, i was simply asking about "civvy flying" those damn amateurs they have it so easy dont they!;) .

If im in the RN in 5/6 years then i would be 100% committed to Queen and country and "civvy flying would be at the back of my mind".

[Tbird]

Speedbird, i would give up! You aren't going to win, the hole keeps getting bigger. You might start getting heat like good old WEBF gets ;)

[Speedbird283]

Tbird
Yes perhaps i should give up...but i have to show i'm 100% committed to it, thats what matters in life. ;)

Speedbird283 ( a cocky, but grateful seventeen year old who is years behind certain people as regards humour in this forum:D )

Keep on a diggin!!;)

[mutleyfour]

Speedbird - I only hope the Matelots have something for you to fly when/if you get there!

I know a few RN (Fleet Air Arm) guys who have been waiting a long time to continue through pilots training for one reason or another.

My only advice for you is that as the forces are cut back, so are the airframes as well as their hours!

You might not get exactly what your looking for!



:rolleyes:

[Speedbird283]

mutley four
Im fully aware of cutbacks in the forces, i want to fly in the forces FULL STOP. Im also fully aware that its highly likely i won't get what i'm looking for, but isn't that life!!.
How do you know what i want??-and before you say it its not a fast track pass to BA!

Thanks anyway mutley:cool:

( I won't be posting for a few days, i'm in the Lake District on D of E expedition, so have fun everybody)

[Axel-Flo]

This Speedbird caracter ( strange choice of name for one so committed to military flying and service of Great Britain, while being a member of the FBI). This walter mitty life seems to be the work of The Poster Formerly Known As WEBF.:cool:

[Reichman]

Speedbird,

Don't listen to the miserable, bitter, you've-got-to-be-committed, bunch. I did exactly what you're thinking of doing. Joined the RAF on a Short Service Commission, got an ATPL, was going to leave and join an airline - but then realised I was enjoying it so stayed in (joined in 85). Still got the ATPL, still use it on occasions.

If you're committed to flying you will succeed whoever you work for.

My advice: Get in, get an ATPL, if you like it stay in, if not - you've got an ATPL.

[FEBA]

WEBF?

[greenhaven]

Interesting comments, chaps, i remember being in a similar position to Speedbird around 7 years ago. I was lucky enough to get a Flying Scholarship when you were still awarded 30 Hours (much cheaper jump to PPL then). Academically, i wasn't brilliant, scraped A Levels and degree (albeit an Engineering degree) but i was motivated and just a little bit lucky i guess...

Anyway, now a 1st tourist on ASW Sea King Sqn (that narrows it down some then doesn't it!!), still thoroughly enjoying the flying, although as is common with all RN Aircrew, secondary duties / divisional work playing an increasingly large part of my day-to-day work. Not something you think about at Dartmouth that much. Certainly a few of my colleagues are looking to do their return of service and go civvy, whilst an equal number are looking to make the jump to "light blue".
Why is this?
Well, in spite of the fact we are Navy, it still comes as a shock when the ******s actually send us to sea!! Personally i don't mind it but there are some who hate it with a passion. Most of my oppos joined as aircrew first, sailors second (in spite of what might be said "in public" as it were). Not wishing to go down the "why not join the crabs then?" route as i'm merely sounding off here (and RAF go to sea a fair bit now anyway...), but on top of the Dartmouth / training nause to get front line, I hope our aspiring aviator can embrace the "Navy" part of a career flying for the Fleet Air Arm, make that point clear at AIB and above all, remain focused on the end result. ;)

[OMT]

Hi Speedbird,

Sorry that this reply is about 3 weeks later than the last post on this topic, still I hope that it will remain helpful.

Just a small point that if you were to join the Fleet Air Arm you would be in for a lot longer than 5-6 years. This is the period for your return of service ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN AWARDED your wings. Before this you have at least 2 and a half years of training which will actually probably take nearer 4 years to complete because you will not graduate from Dartmouth straight to JEFTS, straight to rotary/ jets, straight onto OFTS etc. Also, if you join when you are younger rather than nearer the upper age limit for aircrew you are more likely to be kept waiting whilst elder officers are put through the training pipeline ahead of you.

Result: You will be in for nearer 10 years, if not more, and whilst if you want to be military aircrew (as has been previously said) it would be a worthwhile 10 years, if this is a way to become a commercial pilot maybe you should take the more direct route.

I definitely agree that going on a POC course would give you a better idea of what to expect of a life where you Fly Navy.

Good luck mate

[Colonel W E Kurtz]

Speedbird 283,

You can get to the last day of flying training before you get your wings.... then resign and go to civy street!

They will try to make you do a year's notice, but there are ways and means of getting out of that...

Remember, the powers that be don't give a cr*p if you get blown to bits, really they don't. You've got to look out for number one!

At AIB just feed them the stuff they want to hear...I really want to fly Junglies(not some forty year old piece of junk with a pop gun in the door) or Merlin(Which is never going to work.. ever..face it).

Dartmouth etc is just a load of b*llocks about learning which knives and forks to use, and how to stand motionless on a parade square for 3 hours, followed by mastering the art of getting cold and wet on dartmoor.

As for flying training, just keep bugging them with how keen you are and they won't suspect a thing!

See you in the friendly skies!

:)

[Kurtz]

Five interviews - and still no acceptance?

I reckon you must be a REAL Feeb, or maybe a BA management.
You don't sound like the sort of person up to conning the AIB, let alone the rest of the RN training system anyway.

Fly Navy, Dig Army, Eat Crabs! :D :p :D

[1 Zulu Alpha]

Speedbird,

I am ex Navy, non flyer.

I say go for it, even if you dont make air crew, which is very tough, the experiences, training and friends that you make will stand you well whatever you choose to do in the future.

Ex military nearly always stand above everybody else when interviewing in civvy street. Get yourself a well paid job and do it yourself. Well thats my plan.

Everbody knows the RN is the senior service :D :D and its the place to be at 18 years old.

Good luck and I am sure you will love it.

1ZA

[mutleyfour]

Bah humbug!!!!!

:D ;) :D