Asthma & the RAF
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Asthma & the RAF
Hi
I'm 13 and looking to go into the RAF as a FJ pilot when I'm older, however I do suffer from asthma, albeit lightly. Would this affect my chances as a FJ pilot much. The last time I had any serious effect of it was when I was about 7 however my GP reckons it may catch up with me in later life. How would the RAF react to this do you think?
It would be rather upsetting if this would be a problem as I'd have little problem passing officer selection (according to what people tell me!), and I've flown a bit in a Russian Yak52 at RNAS Yeovilton (about 2 hours total) and a RN Lt (Yak pilot & 15yrs on the FA2) says that I could do very well in FJs with some good training.
I'm 13 and looking to go into the RAF as a FJ pilot when I'm older, however I do suffer from asthma, albeit lightly. Would this affect my chances as a FJ pilot much. The last time I had any serious effect of it was when I was about 7 however my GP reckons it may catch up with me in later life. How would the RAF react to this do you think?
It would be rather upsetting if this would be a problem as I'd have little problem passing officer selection (according to what people tell me!), and I've flown a bit in a Russian Yak52 at RNAS Yeovilton (about 2 hours total) and a RN Lt (Yak pilot & 15yrs on the FA2) says that I could do very well in FJs with some good training.
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I was asthmatic during my childhood, suffering the atopic (allergic) type. I now require a bronchodilator inhaler (the blue one) and this is ok for civil flying. I didn't get into the airforce when I applied ten years ago because of this but as far as I am aware the position has changed in line with current GA thinking. I think you will find that if they are now in line, if you have had no admissions to hospital for asthma, do not take any oral steroids (tablets) and your asthma (or occassional wheeze) is well managed with acceptable drug therapy, you'll be ok.
My other bit of advice is to ask them directly. Whatever happens you will have to admit your medical history so you may as well be direct with them. Right them a letter or go to your nearest RAF recruitment office. They will get back to you even though you're only 13, the Fleet Air Arm would always answer my questions when I was your age (and send me poster too!!).
Good luck and best wishes for the future.
Nige
My other bit of advice is to ask them directly. Whatever happens you will have to admit your medical history so you may as well be direct with them. Right them a letter or go to your nearest RAF recruitment office. They will get back to you even though you're only 13, the Fleet Air Arm would always answer my questions when I was your age (and send me poster too!!).
Good luck and best wishes for the future.
Nige
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Nige
I've been is hospital for asthma twice I think, when I was below 3 years of age. I only use the blue inhaler when I need it and that is very rare.
I'll get in contact with the RAF and the FAA for a poster
The RN recruitment seems a lot better, they sent me a book about all their ships while the RAF sent me a leaflet!!!
I've been is hospital for asthma twice I think, when I was below 3 years of age. I only use the blue inhaler when I need it and that is very rare.
I'll get in contact with the RAF and the FAA for a poster
The RN recruitment seems a lot better, they sent me a book about all their ships while the RAF sent me a leaflet!!!
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My daughter used to have asthma when she was around ten. It mysteriously cleared up when the moggy died. Subsequently she is fine provided she keeps well away from felines.
The point is, your problems may have been allergy based and this wasn't detected at the time. There is always a chance-so bear it in mind sport!
The point is, your problems may have been allergy based and this wasn't detected at the time. There is always a chance-so bear it in mind sport!
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asthma
im ex raf, as far as im aware if you have asthma then you cant join up. imagine having an asthma attack in nbc conditions,or on board a submarine which have very basic medical facilities. but the best thing is to contact your nearest careers office.
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No need to upset you or turn you down, but I applied last year, and got turned down because I had mild hayfever 3 years ago...basically, I sneezed every now and then but they didn't like it.
I don't think they take to a history of asthma to easily either. This is one of the questions they asked me prior to aptitudes, along with a very strict "Have you had a migraine in the past 24 months". Seems as though they are looking for a SUPERHUMAN!
Don't worry, there's always Civil/BizJet's
I don't think they take to a history of asthma to easily either. This is one of the questions they asked me prior to aptitudes, along with a very strict "Have you had a migraine in the past 24 months". Seems as though they are looking for a SUPERHUMAN!
Don't worry, there's always Civil/BizJet's
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I very recently went to the RAF to enquire about joining as a pilot and was told that as i had a history of asthma i would not be considered for any sort of flying duties. I could however join as any other profession, at the descretion of the doctors, so to put it bluntly, no you will not be able to join as a fighter pilot, or any other pilot for that matter.
Sorry to be so blunt, but i had to sit in the career office and be told, in front of several people that there was no way i would be considered for flying duties, as i suffered from asthma, and that regardless of my qualifications i may not be considered for entry at all.
I have not had any symptoms for several years now, and in my opinion, with rising rates of asthma and hayfever, the RAF will almost certainly run short of aircrew in the near future. I am not just having a dig at the RAF either, as this was only one option for me, but i feel they may have to revise their entry requirements to fullfill their recruitment needs in the future.
Sorry to be so blunt, but i had to sit in the career office and be told, in front of several people that there was no way i would be considered for flying duties, as i suffered from asthma, and that regardless of my qualifications i may not be considered for entry at all.
I have not had any symptoms for several years now, and in my opinion, with rising rates of asthma and hayfever, the RAF will almost certainly run short of aircrew in the near future. I am not just having a dig at the RAF either, as this was only one option for me, but i feel they may have to revise their entry requirements to fullfill their recruitment needs in the future.
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Asthma
Hi,
The only way to really find out is to the aptitude tests and medical when you are older.
As far as I am aware (as an ex-nav) is you have any current asthma condition when applying you will not pass. Harsh I'm afraid but very simple.
If you have had a history but it has now cleared up then you have nothing to lose by trying although I would have a reserve career plan well formulated in case you fail (You can get a JAR and FAA Class 1 medical with controllable asthma if you are interested in civvy aviaition).
If it helps, I kept quiet about my seasonal asthma before going in, got combat ready and then announced I had a problem. I had no problem being allowed to continue flying but you have to get in first.
Not very ethical I know...but it depends how much you want it.
The only way to really find out is to the aptitude tests and medical when you are older.
As far as I am aware (as an ex-nav) is you have any current asthma condition when applying you will not pass. Harsh I'm afraid but very simple.
If you have had a history but it has now cleared up then you have nothing to lose by trying although I would have a reserve career plan well formulated in case you fail (You can get a JAR and FAA Class 1 medical with controllable asthma if you are interested in civvy aviaition).
If it helps, I kept quiet about my seasonal asthma before going in, got combat ready and then announced I had a problem. I had no problem being allowed to continue flying but you have to get in first.
Not very ethical I know...but it depends how much you want it.
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair.
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Try the Army, they seem to have had a pretty open minded view of asthma over the years, I completed basic training and came top of my intake even with a history of asthma and ended up doing everything I wanted.
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Go to the RAF and find out now. Don't spend the next 7-8 years working towards it having set your heart on being a pilot only to find out you can't do it.
Basically though if you have asthma you can't fly planes for the RAF. Not sure on the situation for commercial flying (airlines etc)..... generally the mediacal standards arn't as tough. I didn't get into the RAF as flight crew because of colour vision deficiency but I hold a JAA class 1 (which means I can fly commercially).
Basically though if you have asthma you can't fly planes for the RAF. Not sure on the situation for commercial flying (airlines etc)..... generally the mediacal standards arn't as tough. I didn't get into the RAF as flight crew because of colour vision deficiency but I hold a JAA class 1 (which means I can fly commercially).
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I had asthma or something similar as a child - cleared up totally by puberty- anyway it was called Asthma in my medical file, which, you'd best not forget, is something your Armed Forces employer will get their hands on from your GP fairly quickly...
Admittedly this was 20 yrs ago, but I suspect little has changed:
At age 16 I applied for a RAF flying scholarship and admitted on the form (much against my better judgement but my Dad insisted) to childhood Asthma. Surprise! Bounced.
At 22 joined RN as Pilot. Asthma mentioned as before (lest applications cross checked, as warned) , response was, "Well, if no further since puberty no concern" and following full medical including blowing into tubes no worries mentioned. Passed A1.
4 yrs later applied to CAA for Class 1 medical. Failed medical on basis of previous history of "Asthma" and "unacceptable" peak flow test, despite having previously passed full RN A1 medical fitness tests several times. Told by (ex RAF) chief CAA doctor "you are at risk of an asthmatic attack following exercise" which following years of the most stringent military physical training in all weathers was utter crap, and he knew it.
Went to see well known AVMED consultant who named that doctor instantly upon hearing my story. Such are the reputations of these people.
Tried again under appeal as advised by AVMED. CAA Doc failed to find fault and went to tell above mentioned ex-crab doc same. I sat outside said chief crab doc's office (no capitals, he doesn't deserve them) and listened to them having a shouting match for 15 mins as I envisioned my new career going up the swannee. Eventually Good Doc (all civvy) emerged to say he had put his career on the line for me as there was no reason to withold my medical, but ex crab boss had refused to allow it. He would not explain how he had persuaded his FRUIT-cake SOUR puss boss to relent, I can only guess.
Nearly 20 yrs later I still have a Class 1 medical and an utterly unprintable opinion of RAF doctors and their prejudices. I will revere the memory of that courageous civvy doctor for all time. I wish I could recall bis name.
If in doubt, I suggest you join one of the pragmatic services, there are two to chose from. In either case you'll have far more fun there than in the RAF.
And for you Civvies,
I don't know the current CAA view on asthma, but if it's genuinely in the past and finished then I hope you would have a good chance.
If so, don't take the CAA's word for it. Make it your business to find out their official policy yourself - I've since had two more major occasions where the CAA got their own rules totally wrong. Find out yoursef, and then fight your corner. They are faceless bureaucrats and cannot stand up to an argument that out - logics them on their own rules. Get to now those rules perfectly if you want to succeed!
Good luck!
Admittedly this was 20 yrs ago, but I suspect little has changed:
At age 16 I applied for a RAF flying scholarship and admitted on the form (much against my better judgement but my Dad insisted) to childhood Asthma. Surprise! Bounced.
At 22 joined RN as Pilot. Asthma mentioned as before (lest applications cross checked, as warned) , response was, "Well, if no further since puberty no concern" and following full medical including blowing into tubes no worries mentioned. Passed A1.
4 yrs later applied to CAA for Class 1 medical. Failed medical on basis of previous history of "Asthma" and "unacceptable" peak flow test, despite having previously passed full RN A1 medical fitness tests several times. Told by (ex RAF) chief CAA doctor "you are at risk of an asthmatic attack following exercise" which following years of the most stringent military physical training in all weathers was utter crap, and he knew it.
Went to see well known AVMED consultant who named that doctor instantly upon hearing my story. Such are the reputations of these people.
Tried again under appeal as advised by AVMED. CAA Doc failed to find fault and went to tell above mentioned ex-crab doc same. I sat outside said chief crab doc's office (no capitals, he doesn't deserve them) and listened to them having a shouting match for 15 mins as I envisioned my new career going up the swannee. Eventually Good Doc (all civvy) emerged to say he had put his career on the line for me as there was no reason to withold my medical, but ex crab boss had refused to allow it. He would not explain how he had persuaded his FRUIT-cake SOUR puss boss to relent, I can only guess.
Nearly 20 yrs later I still have a Class 1 medical and an utterly unprintable opinion of RAF doctors and their prejudices. I will revere the memory of that courageous civvy doctor for all time. I wish I could recall bis name.
If in doubt, I suggest you join one of the pragmatic services, there are two to chose from. In either case you'll have far more fun there than in the RAF.
And for you Civvies,
I don't know the current CAA view on asthma, but if it's genuinely in the past and finished then I hope you would have a good chance.
If so, don't take the CAA's word for it. Make it your business to find out their official policy yourself - I've since had two more major occasions where the CAA got their own rules totally wrong. Find out yoursef, and then fight your corner. They are faceless bureaucrats and cannot stand up to an argument that out - logics them on their own rules. Get to now those rules perfectly if you want to succeed!
Good luck!
Last edited by Agaricus bisporus; 25th Sep 2002 at 00:13.
