To be or not to be...
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To be or not to be...
Hi there,
I have recently got back from a pretty intensive couple of days at OASC, and to my relief, was delivered the ‘heavy’ envelope through the door. Thank you Please. A career in the RAF as a Pilot is only a step away... but… I get the sense that I am standing on the edge of precipice, and once I take that leap…?
Whilst becoming a fast jet pilot has been an ambition of mine since I can remember, a 16-year commission is an intimidating prospect nonetheless (in particular for my long time girlfriend, who although is happy for me, is not too keen on the prospect of living on a base somewhere...). So, I was wondering if might gain a few 'pearls of wisdom' from any of you out there, with regard to what life as a Pilot in the RAF is really like… Any information at all about life in the RAF, experiences, life ‘avec girlfriend’ in the RAF etc. would be much appreciated. (Big ask, I know).
Also, on a more specific note, whilst I know that the process of streaming is performance based, I am curious as to a few points. How and on what exactly are pilot’s marked/judged during this streaming process? Is there any preparation that can be done prior to training that might improve ones chances of being streamed fast jet? What proportions of pilots are sent down each stream? And what are the current needs of the RAF in terms of pilots?
Many thanks (and apologies for the ‘Dear Diary…’ tone of this message),
'Stupendousman'
I have recently got back from a pretty intensive couple of days at OASC, and to my relief, was delivered the ‘heavy’ envelope through the door. Thank you Please. A career in the RAF as a Pilot is only a step away... but… I get the sense that I am standing on the edge of precipice, and once I take that leap…?
Whilst becoming a fast jet pilot has been an ambition of mine since I can remember, a 16-year commission is an intimidating prospect nonetheless (in particular for my long time girlfriend, who although is happy for me, is not too keen on the prospect of living on a base somewhere...). So, I was wondering if might gain a few 'pearls of wisdom' from any of you out there, with regard to what life as a Pilot in the RAF is really like… Any information at all about life in the RAF, experiences, life ‘avec girlfriend’ in the RAF etc. would be much appreciated. (Big ask, I know).
Also, on a more specific note, whilst I know that the process of streaming is performance based, I am curious as to a few points. How and on what exactly are pilot’s marked/judged during this streaming process? Is there any preparation that can be done prior to training that might improve ones chances of being streamed fast jet? What proportions of pilots are sent down each stream? And what are the current needs of the RAF in terms of pilots?
Many thanks (and apologies for the ‘Dear Diary…’ tone of this message),
'Stupendousman'
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Mate your girly will love you being a pilot..........On a serious note, things arent always ideal for having a girlfriend, like living in places like Valley for a year or so (if you get there) and obviously once you get onto the OCU/front line then there is huge potential for spending significant time away from significant other. All you can do is suck it and see. Its not all doom and gloom though.
With regards to streaming, you will do EFT on UAS somehwere post IOT and be streamed at the end of that. You will have the advantage of having contiunity and doing the 60hrs or so in a few months. Based on your scores from EFT yours and every other report will be reviewed and places given out on merit. If you do slightly better than the average you stand a good chance of getting jets, however in the current climate with reduced IPS then this is going to be tougher. Just work hard at EFT and do your best, the rest is well out of your control, and at the end of the day they will put you where they need you. You will get used to that.....
Good luck
With regards to streaming, you will do EFT on UAS somehwere post IOT and be streamed at the end of that. You will have the advantage of having contiunity and doing the 60hrs or so in a few months. Based on your scores from EFT yours and every other report will be reviewed and places given out on merit. If you do slightly better than the average you stand a good chance of getting jets, however in the current climate with reduced IPS then this is going to be tougher. Just work hard at EFT and do your best, the rest is well out of your control, and at the end of the day they will put you where they need you. You will get used to that.....
Good luck
Last edited by PPRuNeUser0172; 7th Feb 2005 at 16:16.
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Well done.
Basically you need to decide how much you want to be a pilot. You are one of the lucky few who have ben accepted for the RAF especially at this time of not really recruiting. There are plenty of others who have lived on pennies and become hangar rats to make it into some form of flying. If you have doubts, now is the time to decide - do I want to do this so much that virtually any sacrifice is acceptable.
Thats the down side. The life as an officer in the RAF is very pleasant for both you and your girl friend.
Good luck
ACW
Basically you need to decide how much you want to be a pilot. You are one of the lucky few who have ben accepted for the RAF especially at this time of not really recruiting. There are plenty of others who have lived on pennies and become hangar rats to make it into some form of flying. If you have doubts, now is the time to decide - do I want to do this so much that virtually any sacrifice is acceptable.
Thats the down side. The life as an officer in the RAF is very pleasant for both you and your girl friend.
Good luck
ACW
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Stick with it mate. No better choice of career but it does require 100%.
Once you are through the IOT bit have no fear of being denied the right to live out with your girlfriend (if she is worth hanging on to and wants to hang on) the RAF has no hang ups about that these days and many take the option to live in their own or rented accommodation whilst they go through the training.
If your girl is with you and up for the challenge then explain to her that it is for your dream and hers that you make this step.
Remember 100% commitment and I don't mean to your girlfriend.
Splash
Once you are through the IOT bit have no fear of being denied the right to live out with your girlfriend (if she is worth hanging on to and wants to hang on) the RAF has no hang ups about that these days and many take the option to live in their own or rented accommodation whilst they go through the training.
If your girl is with you and up for the challenge then explain to her that it is for your dream and hers that you make this step.
Remember 100% commitment and I don't mean to your girlfriend.
Splash
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If ya want it that bad (and to do it, you really do need to want it), why you questionning it? The fact you doubt it maybe shows you don;t want it bad enough?
But as everyone else has said... go for it!!!
But as everyone else has said... go for it!!!
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If you have any doubts whatsoever, please find something else to do, and give someone else a chance. To be honest, I am amazed you've got this far if you are struggling to choose between a career as a pilot and your girlfriend.
Of course, if you had been offered a slot as an Admin Wallah, there would be no choice
.
BA
Of course, if you had been offered a slot as an Admin Wallah, there would be no choice
.BA
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Being nothing but a Blunty, I cannot add anything on the flying side. However, being a dedicated Blunty, I can say that you are about to leave home and move in with a Mistress far more demanding than your girlfriend. This Mistress will introduce you to some nasty people, some great people and some people you could ultimately go to war alongside and depend upon to 'cover your six'. She will get you fitter and fill your mind with so much stuff it will feel like it will burst.
This Mistress will make demands on you that your girlfriend may never understand but, after some time, you'll perhaps accept, even though your loved one still thinks it is barmy.
She is going to have to share you. If you really want it, then this is more a way of life than the jobs outside - especially for the flying training world. If you have found 'the one' then work with her. She has less idea than you have and just explain stuff to her.
There you go. For what it is worth.
This Mistress will make demands on you that your girlfriend may never understand but, after some time, you'll perhaps accept, even though your loved one still thinks it is barmy.
She is going to have to share you. If you really want it, then this is more a way of life than the jobs outside - especially for the flying training world. If you have found 'the one' then work with her. She has less idea than you have and just explain stuff to her.
There you go. For what it is worth.
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Biggin
A tad harsh maybe? The chap was asking for some advice and thoughts not arsey little comments from a self confessed Admin Wallah. If he had wanted to be a blunty then he would probably be on a different forum.................hint hint
Seriously though, you (original poster) have been offered the chance which is no mean feat so congrats and unfortunately that may raise a few backs around the place from those not in your enviable position. GO FOR IT!
DS
A tad harsh maybe? The chap was asking for some advice and thoughts not arsey little comments from a self confessed Admin Wallah. If he had wanted to be a blunty then he would probably be on a different forum.................hint hint
Seriously though, you (original poster) have been offered the chance which is no mean feat so congrats and unfortunately that may raise a few backs around the place from those not in your enviable position. GO FOR IT!
DS
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DS
OK, I'll admit to being jealous! But, in all seriousness, I believe anyone taking this option is doing neither themself nor the Service justice if they can't comit 100% to their choice.
BA
OK, I'll admit to being jealous! But, in all seriousness, I believe anyone taking this option is doing neither themself nor the Service justice if they can't comit 100% to their choice.
BA
I find it quite worrying that someone who has done very well to get through OASC has so little idea of what he's let himself in for.
In answer to your questions though:
Life in the RAF is what you and your girlie make it. You will be hard pressed to find an employer who will pay you £36,000 within 3 years of starting, as well as offering you very cheap housing should you require it. Not only that but they are fine with you living out, even during training.
I think it is rather blinkered of your girlfriend to assume she won't enjoy living life on an RAF base unless she has had a taste of it already. RAF Valley is nowhere near as bad as people will have you believe. Like I said, it's what you make of it.
To increase your chances of being streamed FJ you must apply yourself 100% to everything you do and no less. You will be streamed against your peers and your flying marks will be used in that streaming. Your flying marks, however, are not enough on their own and you must also prove yourself to be an all-round good chap.
It is rather competitive but I can guarantee you it is worth it.
TF
In answer to your questions though:
Life in the RAF is what you and your girlie make it. You will be hard pressed to find an employer who will pay you £36,000 within 3 years of starting, as well as offering you very cheap housing should you require it. Not only that but they are fine with you living out, even during training.
I think it is rather blinkered of your girlfriend to assume she won't enjoy living life on an RAF base unless she has had a taste of it already. RAF Valley is nowhere near as bad as people will have you believe. Like I said, it's what you make of it.
To increase your chances of being streamed FJ you must apply yourself 100% to everything you do and no less. You will be streamed against your peers and your flying marks will be used in that streaming. Your flying marks, however, are not enough on their own and you must also prove yourself to be an all-round good chap.
It is rather competitive but I can guarantee you it is worth it.
TF
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If you live out during training does that include being able to live out during basic at IOT? And you can have you house back when everyone moves into Chom? Or can you live out right from the start?
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As far as I am aware, during IOT you have to stay in the same mess as everyone else. All part of the training. Only under very very very exceptional circumstances are you allowed to stay in other accommodation/off base. Flying training etc I think is ok. Best off waiting for a response from the guys who have been through it.
I can't wait!
I can't wait!
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Many thanks to those of you who replied to my post,
To answer some of your queries, I get the part where: when in as a pilot, only 100% stand you any chance of success – otherwise its 'flying a cargo plane full of rubber dog s**t out of Hong Kong' - get that bit.
Also I do have a pretty good idea of what 'I'm' going to in for..... just not so much of what 'we/she' is. We've been together for years now and its been quite hard getting a real indication of what life for her/us will be like once I get started, and this is an area that I have found hard to get unbiased opinions about. Had some useful comments though, so thanks (whether I pass them all on or not is to be decided).
Thanks also for the info on EFT.
Also (and now I’m beginning to sound like someone whose completely under the thumb ) does anyone know what the deal is for getting housing when you aren’t married… or does that not happen? (I know your thinking 'what a p
y'... just dont say it)
Once again, thanks,
‘Stupendousman’
oh, and anyone who was at OASC on the 25th Jan, hope all went well!
To answer some of your queries, I get the part where: when in as a pilot, only 100% stand you any chance of success – otherwise its 'flying a cargo plane full of rubber dog s**t out of Hong Kong' - get that bit.
Also I do have a pretty good idea of what 'I'm' going to in for..... just not so much of what 'we/she' is. We've been together for years now and its been quite hard getting a real indication of what life for her/us will be like once I get started, and this is an area that I have found hard to get unbiased opinions about. Had some useful comments though, so thanks (whether I pass them all on or not is to be decided).
Thanks also for the info on EFT.
Also (and now I’m beginning to sound like someone whose completely under the thumb
) does anyone know what the deal is for getting housing when you aren’t married… or does that not happen? (I know your thinking 'what a py'... just dont say it)Once again, thanks,
‘Stupendousman’
oh, and anyone who was at OASC on the 25th Jan, hope all went well!
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'Stupendousman'
Congrats on the thick envelope- I can remember that day myself! Firstly, what everyone else has said about 100% commitment is bang on. There's no way you'll make it if you're unsure- you just won't. BFJT was the hardest thing I've done so far and it tested my resolve to the max at times. (And when you pass it there may not be spaces in the Fast Jet world anyway...
)
Secondly, be aware that you're really lucky to get a place in current times, and you'll always wonder what might have been if you don't give it a go.
Thirdly, whilst the RAF is pretty girlfriend-friendly (ie lots of good parties and weekends mostly free during training), its not quite as easy as previous posters have led you to believe. Yes it is possible to live out during flying training, but it is done on the quiet and certainly would not be approved by those in the driving seat at places like Linton. It is tolerated lower down the food chain, but its a risk you have to take. And you'll have to keep your room in the mess to avoid awkward questions = 2 addresses on Fg Off salary = v. expensive. I know people who have done it, and you must accept that it may have to be shelved if you're flying is suffering, and you may have to move back into the mess. Whilst the new rules to accommodate homosexual relationships are supposed to make it possible to get a house with a 'significant other' without being married, it rarely materialises. (I know someone who was recently rejected for a house application despite new rules)
Don't let this small point put you off though, as I'm sure you're girlfriend will support you, and she'll definately be proud of you when they pin on your wings! And if not, as has been said, girlfriends will come and go, you're love of flying will remain.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
Congrats on the thick envelope- I can remember that day myself! Firstly, what everyone else has said about 100% commitment is bang on. There's no way you'll make it if you're unsure- you just won't. BFJT was the hardest thing I've done so far and it tested my resolve to the max at times. (And when you pass it there may not be spaces in the Fast Jet world anyway...
)Secondly, be aware that you're really lucky to get a place in current times, and you'll always wonder what might have been if you don't give it a go.
Thirdly, whilst the RAF is pretty girlfriend-friendly (ie lots of good parties and weekends mostly free during training), its not quite as easy as previous posters have led you to believe. Yes it is possible to live out during flying training, but it is done on the quiet and certainly would not be approved by those in the driving seat at places like Linton. It is tolerated lower down the food chain, but its a risk you have to take. And you'll have to keep your room in the mess to avoid awkward questions = 2 addresses on Fg Off salary = v. expensive. I know people who have done it, and you must accept that it may have to be shelved if you're flying is suffering, and you may have to move back into the mess. Whilst the new rules to accommodate homosexual relationships are supposed to make it possible to get a house with a 'significant other' without being married, it rarely materialises. (I know someone who was recently rejected for a house application despite new rules)
Don't let this small point put you off though, as I'm sure you're girlfriend will support you, and she'll definately be proud of you when they pin on your wings! And if not, as has been said, girlfriends will come and go, you're love of flying will remain.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
Hi
Unfortunately the RAF is still in the stone age as far as living with your partner is concerned, unless of course you tell them you are lesbian...gay...transexual...or all three! I reckon that should get you a house!
Seriously though, the RAF will not entertain personnel living with their partners in married quarters unless they are actually married.
Best of luck whatever you end up doing.
TF
Unfortunately the RAF is still in the stone age as far as living with your partner is concerned, unless of course you tell them you are lesbian...gay...transexual...or all three! I reckon that should get you a house!
Seriously though, the RAF will not entertain personnel living with their partners in married quarters unless they are actually married.
Best of luck whatever you end up doing.
TF