UAS Selection
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: _
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
UAS Selection
I have a question about UAS selection. If you tell the UAS you want to be a WSO do you get any flying training or is it exclusively for pilots? I've yet to ascertain whether or not a WSO gets flying training in the RAF, all the material I've read points to no but I can't think why they'd put a guy (or girl) in the back seat of a Tornado for example that doesn't know how to fly it at a basic level at least surely? But my main question is re the UAS.
Thanks for your time.
Thanks for your time.
UAS WSO Flying
A potential WSO does get to do some piloting on a UAS. The first part of the flying course is the same as for pilots, up to the first solo. After that, WSOs just fly dual.
Beware that the RAF requirement for WSOs is limited right now, so you may wish to check on the prospects, through an AFCO, before you go along committed to this single course.
Beware that the RAF requirement for WSOs is limited right now, so you may wish to check on the prospects, through an AFCO, before you go along committed to this single course.
Last edited by noprobs; 4th Sep 2003 at 20:15.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: _
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the replies guys. AA, I meant from the point of view so that a WSO at least has an idea what the guy up front is doing and why. I didn't know it was all dual after 1st solo, but that makes sense, thanks for that. Whilst I'm on the topic of UAS selection can I just ask one more quick question please? Is the medical up to the same standards as the full RAF? I'm just curious as to the extent of it since if you relaxed the standards for UAS someone might not be able to do the real deal after UAS, so are the tolerances the same (eyesight, hearing, fitness etc)?
Cheers.
Cheers.
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Near a castle!
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I joined (3 years ago) all wanabee aircrew went to Cranwell and did the part 1 medical, so I presume that the eyesight standards are exactly the same. Tonks, do you know any more??
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The UAS medical for aircrew consists of the RAF Pt 1 Medical. You only go for the part 2 when going through OASC for a Bursary, Direct Entry etc. As far as I am aware, the medical requirements are exactly the same as direct entry in to the RAF. (Not through a UAS) There is no fitness test either in the UAS selection.
The UAS medicals are taken at OASC Cranwell, transport normally provided by the UAS. Medical standards equal to that of RAF direct entrants, but only part 1 (basic medical, hearing and eye tests) as already mentioned.
If you can get in as a pilot on the UAS it is the better option as the NAV syllabus only gives you one solo flight.
On a lighter note the UAS Nav training counts for nothing, unlike the pilots side which is your EFT, so stake out your place at the bar and laugh at the unfortunates who have to perform (airborne) in the morning.
If you can get in as a pilot on the UAS it is the better option as the NAV syllabus only gives you one solo flight.
On a lighter note the UAS Nav training counts for nothing, unlike the pilots side which is your EFT, so stake out your place at the bar and laugh at the unfortunates who have to perform (airborne) in the morning.
Pilot Officer PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Further to may last. The medical standards are the same as the RAF, so for UAS pilot you have to pass the RAF pilot standard. All medicals are done at Cranwell and you will be bused down. Deatails if you pass the interview (the hard bit). Note that you will also have to take the appitude tests as well while at Cranwell.
Alas there is no WSO syllabus anymore though you will probably fly if you have a WSO bursary (but don't quote me on that as I haven't heard for sure). WSO members of the UAS will most likely be seen as the same as ground members ie the odd trip when the programme allows, but not as instructional sorties as such.
Not good news for some I am sure, but I guess we don't need as many WSOs as we once did.
Tonks
Pse note this does not imply official policy, so don't quote me.
Alas there is no WSO syllabus anymore though you will probably fly if you have a WSO bursary (but don't quote me on that as I haven't heard for sure). WSO members of the UAS will most likely be seen as the same as ground members ie the odd trip when the programme allows, but not as instructional sorties as such.
Not good news for some I am sure, but I guess we don't need as many WSOs as we once did.
Tonks
Pse note this does not imply official policy, so don't quote me.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: near the squirrel sanctuary
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Further to Tonks' last post, there are still a few WSOs being recruited. The country's premier UAS has a WSO bursar starting in Sep. I intend to fly him on the old Nav syllabus until told otherwise.
Pilot Officer PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Indeed kippermate, we are the same, but WSO bursars are few and far between. I guess you don't have an answer either. Still, 14 days to go 
.
While I am here though, best of luck to all those applying to the UASs this year.
Tonks
. While I am here though, best of luck to all those applying to the UASs this year.
Tonks
Pilot Officer PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sadly I will not be there, which is a shame as I do enjoy the Ed fair as I will be busy packing the house ready for my move. You will meet most of the crew there though. Good luck.
Tonks
Tonks
