RN Aircrew Application...... Or Not???
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Raffles,
I can only echo BL's post, do your homework, you have the benefit of the RN's website with a wealth of information and more importantly really current news of what we are doing.
Make sure you read around - not just aviation but also what the navy does, how the different helicopters/jets are employed as weapons systems etc - this will impress the board.
I also recommend subscribing to a publication such as 'The Week' which gives you an intelligent round up of current affairs. Jane's Defence Weekly would also be worth looking at.
I was in the same 'boat' as you having been RAF-centric until university and found that a few days on a frigate opened my eyes to what the RN was about, and more importantly what the ethos of the team you will be working with is like.
Finally, if you do go RN you must be prepared to be a chopper pilot (I wanted to). It's worth thinking about whether you would be happy with that. Although, providing you have the capability, I would think that with JSF coming on line I would think a rotary to fast jet crossover would be pretty likely.
The rumour are that shortly all 'Flight' (Pilot, Observer, ATC) joining Dartmouth will do so having been judges capable of flying JSF. Those who don't make the grade through the process will become Rotary Pilots, Observers ATC etc).
There is no doubt that the future is bright for the FAA and that with the current tempo of operations you will be quickly doing it for real somewhere.
I can only echo BL's post, do your homework, you have the benefit of the RN's website with a wealth of information and more importantly really current news of what we are doing.
Make sure you read around - not just aviation but also what the navy does, how the different helicopters/jets are employed as weapons systems etc - this will impress the board.
I also recommend subscribing to a publication such as 'The Week' which gives you an intelligent round up of current affairs. Jane's Defence Weekly would also be worth looking at.
I was in the same 'boat' as you having been RAF-centric until university and found that a few days on a frigate opened my eyes to what the RN was about, and more importantly what the ethos of the team you will be working with is like.
Finally, if you do go RN you must be prepared to be a chopper pilot (I wanted to). It's worth thinking about whether you would be happy with that. Although, providing you have the capability, I would think that with JSF coming on line I would think a rotary to fast jet crossover would be pretty likely.
The rumour are that shortly all 'Flight' (Pilot, Observer, ATC) joining Dartmouth will do so having been judges capable of flying JSF. Those who don't make the grade through the process will become Rotary Pilots, Observers ATC etc).
There is no doubt that the future is bright for the FAA and that with the current tempo of operations you will be quickly doing it for real somewhere.
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Where's Si Clik when we need him!
Collating info posted by the above on various threads I think the following is fairly accurate:
Age limit aligning with RAF ie 23.11
Candidates will need to pass for both P and O.
Both P and O will be graded for pilot aptitude at BRNC (ie treated as potential fast jet pilots)
Os that grade well will join the P EFT pipeline until the point they demonstrate they do not have FJ aptitude whence they will return to the O stream.
Application details on the Royal Navy website.
Team spirit in the RN is v high, in the Fleet Air Arm it is even higher. Best flying club in the world bar none and you still get to see the world on the right side of a pink gin!
Sign up right now!!!
Collating info posted by the above on various threads I think the following is fairly accurate:
Age limit aligning with RAF ie 23.11
Candidates will need to pass for both P and O.
Both P and O will be graded for pilot aptitude at BRNC (ie treated as potential fast jet pilots)
Os that grade well will join the P EFT pipeline until the point they demonstrate they do not have FJ aptitude whence they will return to the O stream.
Application details on the Royal Navy website.
Team spirit in the RN is v high, in the Fleet Air Arm it is even higher. Best flying club in the world bar none and you still get to see the world on the right side of a pink gin!
Sign up right now!!!
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FJ Age Limit
Sorry to also hijack the thread, but...
Does anybody know if there are any particular age limits set in stone for starting the FJ courses at Linton/Valley? I know that being old is generally frowned upon, but is it a hard and fast rule that if someone (like me, for example) joins at the tender age of 25.5, then they definitely can't go fast jet no matter how good they are or how many places there are available?
Not that it's going to bother me. I'm the clumsiest oaf that I know, and there's no way I'd be streamed FJ. I am curious though.
Does anybody know if there are any particular age limits set in stone for starting the FJ courses at Linton/Valley? I know that being old is generally frowned upon, but is it a hard and fast rule that if someone (like me, for example) joins at the tender age of 25.5, then they definitely can't go fast jet no matter how good they are or how many places there are available?
Not that it's going to bother me. I'm the clumsiest oaf that I know, and there's no way I'd be streamed FJ. I am curious though.
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Pielander,
See my post above. According to Si Clik shortly you will not be able to join at 25.5 so your question may be irrelevant.
FLY NAVY- young - join the most flexible and, size for size, effective maritime air force in the world. The only UK air force to record FW air-air combat kills since WW2.
See my post above. According to Si Clik shortly you will not be able to join at 25.5 so your question may be irrelevant.
FLY NAVY- young - join the most flexible and, size for size, effective maritime air force in the world. The only UK air force to record FW air-air combat kills since WW2.
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Thanks for the above info guys, its very much appreciated! I'll ring the AFCO and arrange a visit, also maybe see if they can speed the whole process up a tad as I'm 22 now and don't fancy potentially starting Dartmouth after my 23rd birthday (September)- theres no harm in asking, eh?!
Due to having OASC soon I'm squared away on the old current affairs and everything.
Both P and O go for B EFT? Seems like a very good prospect as I'm applying for both!
LJ- I would indeed be happy flying choppers if they were offered to me! I can't believe people with the 'Fast Jet or Nothing' approach who would rather not fly if it doesn't have jet engines and one seat! Of course FJ would be my ultimate goal but if its something I physically can't do such as aptitude/ medical......so be it.
Well, fingers crossed for AIB, FATS and all that! Cheers again guys.
Due to having OASC soon I'm squared away on the old current affairs and everything.
Both P and O go for B EFT? Seems like a very good prospect as I'm applying for both!
LJ- I would indeed be happy flying choppers if they were offered to me! I can't believe people with the 'Fast Jet or Nothing' approach who would rather not fly if it doesn't have jet engines and one seat! Of course FJ would be my ultimate goal but if its something I physically can't do such as aptitude/ medical......so be it.
Well, fingers crossed for AIB, FATS and all that! Cheers again guys.
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Another hi-jack coming up!
Heavily interested in the RAF as a pilot (what a surprise...), however you lot seem to have swung me into the idea that the Navy is the best option for potential aircrew/pilots after cutbacks etc.
All I know is the RAF, I couldnt name a boat/ship/bathtub if i tried however my RAF knowledge is quite good (he says...). Is it possible while at/just after Uni to apply to both, at the same time, and know enough for each service to get through OASC and the RN equiv? (dont know what it's called!)
Heavily interested in the RAF as a pilot (what a surprise...), however you lot seem to have swung me into the idea that the Navy is the best option for potential aircrew/pilots after cutbacks etc.
All I know is the RAF, I couldnt name a boat/ship/bathtub if i tried however my RAF knowledge is quite good (he says...). Is it possible while at/just after Uni to apply to both, at the same time, and know enough for each service to get through OASC and the RN equiv? (dont know what it's called!)
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The RN version is the Admiralty Interview Board based at HMS Sultan in Gosport. Go to the Royal Navy website
www.royal-navy.mod.uk
for info on ships etc. Also have a look at the Navy News website:
www.navynews.co.uk
www.royal-navy.mod.uk
for info on ships etc. Also have a look at the Navy News website:
www.navynews.co.uk
Just a numbered other
Pielander,
I joined at 25.11.5, and was told by my Bulldog QFI that he thought I had FJ skill, but that my age would mean no chance.
Maybe he was just being nice to me, but whichever way, I am just so glad that things panned out as they did, and I spent my time as a jungly.
Finest flying known to man, and the best bunch of blokes to work with.
I joined at 25.11.5, and was told by my Bulldog QFI that he thought I had FJ skill, but that my age would mean no chance.
Maybe he was just being nice to me, but whichever way, I am just so glad that things panned out as they did, and I spent my time as a jungly.
Finest flying known to man, and the best bunch of blokes to work with.
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RN Aircrew
" they are desperate for pilots"
eh?
Are you wanting to be fast jet or rotary? I know of a bunch of zoomies that have been chopped at Linton because they have too many in the pipeline. With Navy cuts etc they are all being thanked kindly and shown the door. Some of those guys are then given the chance to go rotary (awesome!!) so there is not so much desperation for pilots as you may have been led to believe.
The pipeline is very long for the Navy chaps though so it may change.
Best of luck. Some of my best mates are WAFUs and I'd love to do an exchange.
eh?
Are you wanting to be fast jet or rotary? I know of a bunch of zoomies that have been chopped at Linton because they have too many in the pipeline. With Navy cuts etc they are all being thanked kindly and shown the door. Some of those guys are then given the chance to go rotary (awesome!!) so there is not so much desperation for pilots as you may have been led to believe.
The pipeline is very long for the Navy chaps though so it may change.
Best of luck. Some of my best mates are WAFUs and I'd love to do an exchange.
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Get your facts straight fella!
Its the crabs that are getting chopped at Linton from the FW pipeline becuase there are too many. The RN pilots are getting chopped because they are judged not to be good enough to suceed at single seat, therefore they get restreamed.
The Navy are pretty desparate for aircrew this year!
FLY NAVY
Jucky
Its the crabs that are getting chopped at Linton from the FW pipeline becuase there are too many. The RN pilots are getting chopped because they are judged not to be good enough to suceed at single seat, therefore they get restreamed.
The Navy are pretty desparate for aircrew this year!
FLY NAVY Jucky
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Ahhh yes. Pielander will today, along with 90 or so other new lofties, be marched up the hill dragging their hand luggage by some wildly sadistic and amused seniors as said other seniors observe from the SGR window. Ahhhhhhhhhhh MEMMMOORRIEESSSSSS
Good on you mate. Get right into it. You'll be on ACE at the best possible time too.
BL
Good on you mate. Get right into it. You'll be on ACE at the best possible time too.
BL
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Join The FAA
Bismarck your facts are quite correct and unfortunately are guru Si Clik is currently on leave - or so says his ansafone!!
There have been a few changes in the RN recently wrt recruiting aircrew.
The age is being reduced in line with the RAF for a number of reasons.
For the first time we are not getting the nos through the doors of the recruiting offices so stand by for a few PR drives/initiatives.
It is anticipated that we will grade all aircrew at Dartmouth for pilot potential, with a view to sending them to Barkston for EFT and subsequently FJ. There are some caveats - ie it must be a good pass and the first few have just been put through their paces so watch this space. Failure to make it for FJ at BKH or later will result in reversion to initial stream ie Obs/Rotary etc. Obviously this means FATS are required across the board.
Remember though its not just FAT scores that count so you will need to do well and give of your best at AIB as final selection will be an accumulative score. As noted have a good awareness of what the RN is all about not just the Fleet Air Arm and don't forget JHC and JFH!!
Do not take the stats to heart "when I was on BOC only 2 out of 12 passed to OFT". What about the course of 24 in front of me that only lost 2!! - but that was some time ago!!! It is hard, but dedication and perserverance will pay dividends in the long term.
And whilst yes you are first and foremost an officer and a warfare officer at that, for the vast majority of aircrew there are many years of fun to be had before it starts to get serious in the career stakes.
There have been a few changes in the RN recently wrt recruiting aircrew.
The age is being reduced in line with the RAF for a number of reasons.
For the first time we are not getting the nos through the doors of the recruiting offices so stand by for a few PR drives/initiatives.
It is anticipated that we will grade all aircrew at Dartmouth for pilot potential, with a view to sending them to Barkston for EFT and subsequently FJ. There are some caveats - ie it must be a good pass and the first few have just been put through their paces so watch this space. Failure to make it for FJ at BKH or later will result in reversion to initial stream ie Obs/Rotary etc. Obviously this means FATS are required across the board.
Remember though its not just FAT scores that count so you will need to do well and give of your best at AIB as final selection will be an accumulative score. As noted have a good awareness of what the RN is all about not just the Fleet Air Arm and don't forget JHC and JFH!!
Do not take the stats to heart "when I was on BOC only 2 out of 12 passed to OFT". What about the course of 24 in front of me that only lost 2!! - but that was some time ago!!! It is hard, but dedication and perserverance will pay dividends in the long term.
And whilst yes you are first and foremost an officer and a warfare officer at that, for the vast majority of aircrew there are many years of fun to be had before it starts to get serious in the career stakes.
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Hey all,
Sorry it's a bit late, but I have just received word from the Admiralty that they are going to exceptionally allow me to re-sit all of the FATS on April 18th.
Would just like to thank all those that replied to my post with Positive Feedback and the very best of look to all those with similar aspirations to I.
Regards, John
Bloody Spell Checker.........
I mean the Very Best of \'Luck\' to all in the same boat...
John
Sorry it's a bit late, but I have just received word from the Admiralty that they are going to exceptionally allow me to re-sit all of the FATS on April 18th.
Would just like to thank all those that replied to my post with Positive Feedback and the very best of look to all those with similar aspirations to I.
Regards, John
Bloody Spell Checker.........
I mean the Very Best of \'Luck\' to all in the same boat...
John
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Hey All,
Just another quick up-date in case any are interested.
Attended my 3rd sitting of FATS and apparently got a Superb Pilot Score. I however missed Observer by 2 marks, which I was told being a massive improvement on my previous attempt.
I was also told by my Debriefing Officer that although I did fail O, My pilot score was so good that I do have a 'Competitive FATS Score'. Think this means that Commander Air will have a look, and depending on his decision will either send me to AIB or offer me something else.
Regards, John
Just another quick up-date in case any are interested.
Attended my 3rd sitting of FATS and apparently got a Superb Pilot Score. I however missed Observer by 2 marks, which I was told being a massive improvement on my previous attempt.
I was also told by my Debriefing Officer that although I did fail O, My pilot score was so good that I do have a 'Competitive FATS Score'. Think this means that Commander Air will have a look, and depending on his decision will either send me to AIB or offer me something else.
Regards, John