RAF Medical at OACSC for Pilot Selection

[BigAir]

Do the RAF check your complete medical history when making an application to join as a pilot, or do they only do this if they find a problem in the tests?

I am looking at making an application as a pilot, but thought that I had childhood asthma. However, on taking my initial CAA class 1 medical a few years ago, I declared this and they investigated it thoroughly and I was told I had no signs of being Asthmatic. As such I would look to declare on my application form that I have no history of Asthma. My problem is that within the last 4 years I still have had repeat prescriptions for Inhalers (not many, about 1 per year). I have used these when having colds etc and I find I used to get replacements more often for losing them than them running out - I am sure that this was even more a psychological thing than a required thing because I had had them since I was about 8. My fitness is more than up to par, and I feel confident that I would not have any problems in service, and could pass the selection test fine - but will they check my records even if there are no signs, and could this be a problem? What would the view be if my records "disappeared"?

many thanks


BigAir

[BarryMonday]

Don't be so bloody dramatic and mysterious!!!:D

You have already declared it to the CAA Yes? Your original Class 1. (You now say you are considering making an application as a pilot? What was your initial "Class 1" for?).

If it it has already shown up on a form you submitted to the CAA then you can only, (IMHO), show it again and it will be evaluated and disregarded, (assuming no major changes?). If you leave it off your form and they discover it then it will be worse for you.

I had a form of Asthma that was due to a nervous disposition at the time, when the cause for my anxiety went away so did the asthma, never to return.

Best of luck.

[BigAir]

BarryMonday,

I think you are confused, I have a CAA civilian class 1 that is renewed and I have no problems with.

I am looking to apply to the militery (RAF) as a pilot, and they do their own medicals which are a bit more stringent, and hence I am trying to see if I am wasting my time in applying, or wether with enough determination I can get round them.

BigAir

[Inverted81]

big air,
I've been to OASC at Cranwell for selection, not for the RAF but for one of their Flying scholarships... basically the same though. I decalred i had Asthma, but because it wasn't a major problem it was ok. You'll have to have an electrocardiogram as you did for the Class1 so as long as that was clear you should be fine. I got through no problem. worst thing is trying to pee to give a sample but i cant do it on request, highly embarassing!! :O Go for it mate, whats the worst that can happen?? at least you'll know.... Good luck and let us know haow you get on!!

C:p ;) :cool: :D

[Speedbird19]

BigAir just bloody apply to the RAF.....

What have you got to loose, yes the RAF are very stringent I know becasue lots of my friends have done and some have been knocked back the silliest of things and I've seen the Medical application form!!!!
But so what you only get two chances to do the apptitudes at OASC for Pilot anyway, just go for it and see what they say!!!

If nothing else its an interview which you can learn alot from.

[HalesAndPace]

Try OASC (01400) 261201 extension 6793 (JNCO i/c Medical Reception); he/she should be able to either answer your enquiry, or hopefully, put you through to a specialist.

[BarryMonday]

Very sorry, you are absolutely correct, I totally got hold of the wrong end of the stick - a classic case of not RTFQ on my part.

Best of luck.

[BigAir]

Just to give an update should someone be searching this in the future. Had a few chats with some RAF bods, both in recruitment and Pilots/Navs. It seems the RAF are very strict re Asthma, any medication for it at any point in your life and you are screwed for Aircrew. You can join another branch if you have had nothing in the 4 years prior. Lying is useless, because they will check your medical records - When you are in the services, instead of having a GP, you would go to see the RAF doctor (who will have your files) if you had any complaint. so there you are with the flu, about to see the doctor who reads through your files before seeing him. You see him, he asks what you do, you say pilot and thats it, game over - pilot with history of Asthma, and they are going to check that with someone.

I know it seems rough, but this is what I have been told - please advise me if I am wrong.


Back to the civil route then.

BigAir

[sss]

the best thing you can do is stop listen to chit chat and worrying, phone them direct and get it from the horses mouth not chinese whispers, all done then.

[witchdoctor]

Big Air

My bro' is a pilot with the RAF and has been for 20 years. He uses an inhaler due to mild hayfever and an allergy to cats and has done for years quite openly without problem. Just ask the question and stop being so wet.

[jonathang]

Big Air could you check your private messages ?

I know it seems rough, but this is what I have been told - please advise me if I am wrong.

Your right they are very strict.

For good reasons, I spoke to one Wing Commander who said they just can't lower the Standards they tried it at one point and was counter productive.

They like to skim from the top.

Anyway not stopping me appealing . I have history of suspected Asthma causing me problems.

Good Luck

JG

- WicthDoctor - I think the situation is very different when you are in. They will not drop you on medical basis as easily as they have heavily invested in training.

But like any organisation if you havn't paid yet and its faulty, Don't employ it .

Harsh but the Truth. The RAF is also exempt from the Disability and Discrimination Act.