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RN Aircrew- Rejected!!

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RN Aircrew- Rejected!!

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Old 12th Apr 2005, 15:56
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Arrow RN Aircrew- Rejected!!

I left a new topic yesterday asking about whether I would still possibly be called up to AIB even though I failed for Observer aptitude test, but passed Pilot and ATC with good scores...

Just to let people know, I found out today I wouldn't be considered as Pilot, as I failed Observer and it is a requirement in the FAA to pass both Observer and Pilot to proceed to AIB as a Pilot candidate.....

However, my heart is still set on becoming a Pilot..... does anybody know if I have any chance going for RAF Pilot selection, even though I failed Observer for the FAA?? If anybody could help, It would be hugely appreciated, as I am unsure on my next step!!
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Old 12th Apr 2005, 17:05
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The RAF used to be the same - you had to pass both pilot and navigator aptitudes to be accepted as a pilot. I'm not sure if this is still the case, but I suspect it is. Have you thought about the Army Air Corps?
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Old 12th Apr 2005, 17:08
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Fellow brummie:

Always worth trying, it's your life and career. After all, you've now got a little bit of experience of what the tests involve now, which might help.
As long as you're fit, young enough and have some idea of what you're letting yourself in for, anyway.

Trouble is, the RAF aren't exactly lapping up new pilots at the mo.

6'
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Old 12th Apr 2005, 19:09
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If at first you don't succeed ........

If you are committed enough keep trying all avenues, have your reasons in line for the interview questions.

Even whilst the driver and platform numbers are being reduced 'we' do still need fresh blood.

edited for poor dexterity
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Old 12th Apr 2005, 21:12
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give it a go, the worst thing they can do (assuming you haven't taken the aptitude too many times) is tell you to come back in a year

I-C

Last edited by idle-centralise; 12th Apr 2005 at 23:30.
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 08:55
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Im in the same prediciment, albeit on the different side of the world

Only just failed pilot selection ( failed instrument reading by 5/8s)
I was offered any other airecrew position but politly told the shrink "thanks but no thanks"

here's to another yr of waiting. But it's going to be a good yr of waiting i can tell u.

Idle: if you are really after it wait the yr. Take some time off to relax, i know i need some more, i was studying my arse off for a few months before, mainly maths s/t/d.

Just have a fun few months then get back into it a few months before re-testing, u know what to expect now and where u went wrong. Two good things to be able to focus on.
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 09:24
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Not sure if it's still the case but myself and a mate both applied for flying scholarships, I was awarded one but he was rejected as he failed the Navigator aptitude tests.

However when we applied for Pilot selection apparently he still failed the Nav tests but they had changed the rules governing entry and was given the nod. First tour was as a Hawk QFI. Wonder what his Nav was like

Should be easy to find out for sure.
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 10:31
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I'm not sure if its any help now but in 2000 I was accepted by OASC for pilot having failed nav but passing the other 5-4(?) tests.
Good luck
Rgds Plum
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 10:42
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Hey EF2020,


If you’re still adamant on becoming a Pilot in the Mil why not ask to take the tests again in a year’s time, as long as your age isn't a factor you should be alright.

I'm 23, turning 24 in July and have re-applied for a Commission with the RN for aircrew. On Mon 18/4 I go to RAF Cranwell for my 3rd attempt at FATS!!!!!!

This will actually be my fourth time there as I visited in 97 for my RN Gliding Scholarship, 99 for FATS which I failed miserably, 02 where I passed for Pilot with an apparently amazing score (Go Figure???) but failed Observer.

In order for me to get another go I had to write a very detailed letter to the Admiralty covering aspects such as, why they should let me take the tests again, what I can offer the RN, Chronologically ordering events such as my attendances on RN Gliding Scholarship, Staff College Sea Day Visit and POAC at RNAS Culdrose. Eventually ending the letter detailing my desires to become an RN Officer FIRST and WHY, then why I want to fly with the FAA. It worked as they obviously see something in me of potential.

My advice is if you want something..... and you want it REAL BAD (like me) then put that Passion and Determination into a drive and a will to succeed. I think that sort of attitude will get you anything you want in this world.

All the very best with your applications and Good Luck for the Future.

John
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 10:56
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My main advice is never say "never".

It was a long time ago and slightly different when I applied to the Navy for a university Bursary as a pilot. I failed pilot but was offered a place at Dartmouth prior to Observer training. By then I had started my degree and decided to see it to the end (grants and no tuition fees then).

I came to my senses and realised that on a grey ship for weeks on end I wouldn't be able to go to the pub and chase women on a regular basis so applied for the RAF. I passed both pilot and nav this time (same tests as FAA but I'd prepared) but I was offered Nav as the scores were better. Politely declined saying I would reapply to be a pilot as long as age was on my side but not shutting the nav door (Remember that they want you to be an officer first and pilot/nav second). Got in as a pilot, convinced I'd be chopped and go Nav but determined to enjoy the flying in the meantime. Imagine my surprise when, despite many hoorendous faux pas, it was other guys getting chopped and I ended up with the best job in the world.

Alot has changed in the world since then but some things remain the same.

1. Perserverance - enough said. All the above was after 2 previous attempts at RAIB so it took me about 5 attempts in the end - but worth it.
2. Check what the rules are and what is expected. Then work to those rules. So be polite in "temporarily" declining other offers to perservere for what you want but remember to stress (whatever you really think) that you want to be an officer in the RAF (or RN) first and foremost but you think you'd best reapply for pilot as you think you can do it. etc etc.
3. Don't be fooled by the "aptitude" title of the tests. You can prepare for them. It's not cheating it's using your brain - the most important tool of an aviator. You've done one set of aptitude tests so you know what to expect. I don't know how they do it now but there was plenty you could do to practice beforehand (for 2nd attempts at least). Also find out when you sit the tests if it still a case of no negative marking. If there still isn't any, with 30 seconds to go on the paper tests, just guess all the remaining answers. It is a case of getting the best score.
4. Don't fall for the "change branches once you're in" line from recruiters. There are a few examples but very few.

It was in the late 70's early 80's I did all of the above. Many things will have changed but I expect the basic principles will still apply. Finally, best of luck. I may not get even one number in the lottery every week, but I will never deny that I was, and still am, a very lucky man to do what I do for a living.

All the best .

Blakey
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 15:19
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Cheers guys- They told me, due to the fact I am 21, I wouldn't be able to take the FAT's again, and that I wouldn't improve, but it's so obvious that I would, as I know what is involved- I am trying to find out if the RAF would still possibly accept me for pilot, as I got a good FAA pilot pass, but failed observer......What about the AAC? Would I reach their matriculation requirements?
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 16:43
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EF2020 you failed observer aptitude tests. You did NOT fail navigator atitude tests. Let OASC decide whether you are fit or not.

Then remember they are recruiting officers before aircrew. You will be an officer all of the time and aircrew only some of the time.

If you apply to be pilot or bust then they will happily assess you as pilot or bust. If you then failed pilot aptitude they would not offer you nav.

Not sure what is now involved in nav apptitude as they have fially stopped recuriting for the Lancaster force and there is precious little difference betwixt back and front of a 2-seater and lots of the ME are also 2-seaters!
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 16:55
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Hi EF202. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you have just failed the first hurdle in a marathon of hurdles....

There is a reason that you failed and that is pure and simple that you are not the correct calibre of person.


The flying training system is a long and arduous route and chances are that you wouldn't have made it...thats why the selection process stopped your flying training before it began....sorry fella but thats the way it is
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 17:21
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re: Rafloo

Sorry Rafloo, but I think that is a little bit of an overstatement and your statement was extremely negative.... I know I have what it takes, and who are you to try and put me down and force me to "face facts"....... I'm sure there are plenty of pilots out there who were in the same position as me....
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 17:31
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Hey EF202,


Good reply,

Just remember, if you fall from the Horse you have got to get back on it.

Tell me Rafloo, when I failed FATS in 99 with abysmal scores I was told that I would never fly, 6 months later I was in SA getting my PPL going solo after 8.5 hours of flying in a TMA of all places.

It was the case that I 'Faced Facts' and new exactly what I wanted to be and nothing was going to get in my way.

You explain to me why I got one of the best Pilot Scores the RN has ever had at OASC when 3 years previous my score was so low that the RN didn't even consider me for a re-try.

I'll tell u why, because I pulled me Finger From My Ar*e!! and new what I had to do, and how to go about doing it. Pity I was so young and naive that I failed AIB, but that’s a different matter all together.

It is people like you that inspire a major lack of faith in people, especially when it comes to them lacking a realization in Potential.


I rest my Case......
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 18:21
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Just one point,
some people will try to tell you that you are an officer first an a pilot second in the Military.
B@llocks!
I know some damn fine pilots who are so un-officerlike they make me look professional!
It only matters if you are interested in promotion, which the vast majority are not, except that we'd all like the extra pay.
This officer first rubbish is always put around by the weaker pilots, GL types to excuse their poor performance in the air by saying it is the lesser part of their job. I know who I'd rather go to war with out of the choice between the excellent staff work, smartly turned out broadening jobbed snivelor or the gash shag scruffy aviator who is competent at his job, ie flying
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 18:27
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Thanks Vector, I can't stand people who try and put others down....If I didn't have potential to be a pilot, I don't think I would have got a good pilot pass for FAA otherwise.....Maybe I'm not good enough for the Navy, but I think I have a good chance elsewhere.....
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 18:33
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Have another go EF2020, they can only say no, and if you just join the crabs instead you will always know you went for second best.
I failed observer aptitude, and I wear it as a badge of honour, freaks that they are.
The rules have changed at the moment which I think is mad since we are so short of pilots, and you passed for pilot. Try again, and ignore rafloo. for some reason he is being a d1ck
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 18:43
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Cheers Tourist- They say they won't give me a second shot due to the fact I am 21 though....I do sort of understand their needs for the next gen. of Pilots to be not only Pilots, but Observers, but I only failed by 10 percent ish on Observer.........

My Careers Liaison Officer told me I won't get a second shot, as there is an exponential learning curve from the age of 15-20, and over 21 apparently, learning curve decreases, which I find hard to believe, as apparently some of the aptitude is said to be innate, but you can train yourself to improve....
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Old 13th Apr 2005, 18:49
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Tourist, I am sorry you think what you do but I have it from very well connected sources. You were quite right that 'pilots' were waved through the system as they would not need to be that much of an officer.

That has all changed.

We no longer need that many pilots. Those that enter in to training and then fail may, if they are very good officer material, be offered a new branch. CAS, only the other day, gave the good news which was that civvy street was a high probablity for failed aircrew. Could be 'cause they were not good officer material?

Sad, but true.
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