UASs CUT
"Will a flying instructor who teaches the NPPL syllabus truly still be a CFS-worthy QFI?"
Not sure what you mean by that, Uncle G.
Only flight instruction conducted by a current QFI-on-type or the holder of a current and valid civil FI Rating may be counted towards licence issue.
Anything else will be considered just passenger flying. As the CAA are already only too aware....
Not sure what you mean by that, Uncle G.
Only flight instruction conducted by a current QFI-on-type or the holder of a current and valid civil FI Rating may be counted towards licence issue.
Anything else will be considered just passenger flying. As the CAA are already only too aware....
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: here and there
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Joe,
Don't jump on this melodramatic bandwagon. Did you really want to compete on streaming with guys who were doing EFT full time when you were earning a degree as well? This change works out to your advantage.
People here are recommending looking at the OTC/URNU. Some of them were commending this even before the change because of the EFT issue.
If you do decide on the UAS:
You will receive 10 hours flying training on an aircraft that would cost you a shedload to hire if you could find a flying club that had a comparably well-equipped, perfectly maintained aerobatic machine.
You will be taught by RAF QFIs with a wealth of experience that you would be hard pushed to find at a Civilian club. I was taught by a former F-16 QWI. You don't find many of those instructing PPLs.
You'll be treated like an adult, not a squaddie.
It's the best way to set yourself up to do a job that most people would give their right arm to do. (They'd find it difficult to do without their poleing arm though.)
You'll develop friendships for life with like-minded people and experience a level of camaraderie which you probably won't have encountered before.
You can go ski-ing, sailing, canoeing or pretty much whatever you fancy that's outdoors or sporty for a stupidly cheap price.
We'll pick up any travel, food or accommodation costs.
And we'll pay you.
The UAS remains the best thing you can possibly do as a student.
Dave
PS- on the UAS, you'll have plenty of chances to go and get cold and tired with the OTC for the weekend, or to arse around on the URNU's dinghy (make sure it's not your turn to blow it up.) When the OTC are offered a 20 minute AEF trip, they give it to their one of their top Cadets as a prize. Nuff said.
Don't jump on this melodramatic bandwagon. Did you really want to compete on streaming with guys who were doing EFT full time when you were earning a degree as well? This change works out to your advantage.
People here are recommending looking at the OTC/URNU. Some of them were commending this even before the change because of the EFT issue.
If you do decide on the UAS:
You will receive 10 hours flying training on an aircraft that would cost you a shedload to hire if you could find a flying club that had a comparably well-equipped, perfectly maintained aerobatic machine.
You will be taught by RAF QFIs with a wealth of experience that you would be hard pushed to find at a Civilian club. I was taught by a former F-16 QWI. You don't find many of those instructing PPLs.
You'll be treated like an adult, not a squaddie.
It's the best way to set yourself up to do a job that most people would give their right arm to do. (They'd find it difficult to do without their poleing arm though.)
You'll develop friendships for life with like-minded people and experience a level of camaraderie which you probably won't have encountered before.
You can go ski-ing, sailing, canoeing or pretty much whatever you fancy that's outdoors or sporty for a stupidly cheap price.
We'll pick up any travel, food or accommodation costs.
And we'll pay you.
The UAS remains the best thing you can possibly do as a student.
Dave
PS- on the UAS, you'll have plenty of chances to go and get cold and tired with the OTC for the weekend, or to arse around on the URNU's dinghy (make sure it's not your turn to blow it up.) When the OTC are offered a 20 minute AEF trip, they give it to their one of their top Cadets as a prize. Nuff said.
Last edited by Large Dave; 22nd Sep 2005 at 21:10.
Gents
As with any 'change management' (to poach from the thread on management bolleaux) the devil is in the detail. Does anyone have a copy of yesterday's MOD Press Release? There is a lot of rumour and supposition being posted here as an example:
Just where did that come from? The AEF task remains and will likely increase.
Why only 7.5 hours in Scotland? It is 10 hours per student per year. Those that are keen will get more (assuming that some do not take up there current allocation - quite a few current students don't make 10 of their 20 currently!)
We need some fact here and need the press release.
Beags Q qualified as in QFI.
As with any 'change management' (to poach from the thread on management bolleaux) the devil is in the detail. Does anyone have a copy of yesterday's MOD Press Release? There is a lot of rumour and supposition being posted here as an example:
So it's goodnight from the UASs and therefore it's goodbye to the AEFs.
10hrs a year - or 7.5 in Scotland!
We need some fact here and need the press release.
Beags Q qualified as in QFI.
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: here and there
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Press Release
21/09/2005 10:58
Ministry Of Defence (National)
REVAMP FOR UNIVERSITY AIR SQUADRONS
The future of the University Air Squadrons has been reaffirmed under
new plans announced today by Defence Minister Don Touhig.
A review of the shape and size of University Air Squadrons has
determined that the undergraduate programme can be made fairer for
University Air Squadron (UAS) students, who will no longer have to
juggle a degree with achieving the high standards expected during
formal elementary flying training.
From now on, UAS students will be offered a fuller range of personal
development and leadership training while at university. UAS students
who decide to become RAF pilots will undertake their elementary flying
training after graduation at the same time as all other pilot entrants
to the RAF.
This will provide a greater continuity of training for UAS graduates
than the current system. Currently, elementary flying training is
provided to university students during their degree.
UAS flying will increase at some bases as the training is centralised,
and it will cease at a number of bases. The changes will not of
themselves drive any airfield closures.
Up to 10 hours a year of light aircraft flying will still be available
to all UAS students. The reduction in UAS flying will allow for an
increase in Air Cadet air experience flying.
Defence Minister Don Touhig MP said:
"The changes I'm announcing today will increase the effectiveness and
efficiency of the successful University Air Squadron programme, by
making it the right shape and size for the modern RAF.
"University Air Squadron students support the changes, as the system
will become fairer. The changes will resolve the students' conflicting
pressures to achieve a good degree and the highest standard during
their elementary flying training. Instead, they can achieve both, as
well as receiving first-class personal development at university from
the RAF.
"The University Air Squadrons themselves, in turn, will now be able to
put more emphasis on the personal and leadership development of all
potential officers regardless of which branch of the RAF they wish to
enter."
Notes to editors
1. The results of the Air Cadet experience flying review will be
announced to Parliament after the recess.
2. Following these changes, the following airfields will no longer be
used for University Air Squadron Elementary Flying Training: RAF
Benson, RAF Cosford, RAF Leuchars, Colerne, RAF Leeming, Glasgow
Airport, Boscombe Down, RAF Woodvale and RAF St Athan. RAF Cranwell
will see a slight reduction in flying, due to a reduction in
instructor training, while RAF Wyton and RAF Church Fenton will see
some increase due to the establishment of new training squadrons to
meet the elementary flying training task.
3. University Air Squadrons currently have a total undergraduate
membership of some 1,000. Elementary flying training is the first
stage of RAF formal pilot training. The training is coordinated
through RAF Cranwell.
4. 21 RAF posts will be abolished as a consequence of the review. Post
holders will be moved to other duties.
5. This is one of two studies; the other focused on Air Cadet flying.
It is anticipated that the second study will bring benefits to cadets,
and these will be announced to Parliament shortly.
Client ref 202/05
GNN ref 121327P
Ministry Of Defence (National)
REVAMP FOR UNIVERSITY AIR SQUADRONS
The future of the University Air Squadrons has been reaffirmed under
new plans announced today by Defence Minister Don Touhig.
A review of the shape and size of University Air Squadrons has
determined that the undergraduate programme can be made fairer for
University Air Squadron (UAS) students, who will no longer have to
juggle a degree with achieving the high standards expected during
formal elementary flying training.
From now on, UAS students will be offered a fuller range of personal
development and leadership training while at university. UAS students
who decide to become RAF pilots will undertake their elementary flying
training after graduation at the same time as all other pilot entrants
to the RAF.
This will provide a greater continuity of training for UAS graduates
than the current system. Currently, elementary flying training is
provided to university students during their degree.
UAS flying will increase at some bases as the training is centralised,
and it will cease at a number of bases. The changes will not of
themselves drive any airfield closures.
Up to 10 hours a year of light aircraft flying will still be available
to all UAS students. The reduction in UAS flying will allow for an
increase in Air Cadet air experience flying.
Defence Minister Don Touhig MP said:
"The changes I'm announcing today will increase the effectiveness and
efficiency of the successful University Air Squadron programme, by
making it the right shape and size for the modern RAF.
"University Air Squadron students support the changes, as the system
will become fairer. The changes will resolve the students' conflicting
pressures to achieve a good degree and the highest standard during
their elementary flying training. Instead, they can achieve both, as
well as receiving first-class personal development at university from
the RAF.
"The University Air Squadrons themselves, in turn, will now be able to
put more emphasis on the personal and leadership development of all
potential officers regardless of which branch of the RAF they wish to
enter."
Notes to editors
1. The results of the Air Cadet experience flying review will be
announced to Parliament after the recess.
2. Following these changes, the following airfields will no longer be
used for University Air Squadron Elementary Flying Training: RAF
Benson, RAF Cosford, RAF Leuchars, Colerne, RAF Leeming, Glasgow
Airport, Boscombe Down, RAF Woodvale and RAF St Athan. RAF Cranwell
will see a slight reduction in flying, due to a reduction in
instructor training, while RAF Wyton and RAF Church Fenton will see
some increase due to the establishment of new training squadrons to
meet the elementary flying training task.
3. University Air Squadrons currently have a total undergraduate
membership of some 1,000. Elementary flying training is the first
stage of RAF formal pilot training. The training is coordinated
through RAF Cranwell.
4. 21 RAF posts will be abolished as a consequence of the review. Post
holders will be moved to other duties.
5. This is one of two studies; the other focused on Air Cadet flying.
It is anticipated that the second study will bring benefits to cadets,
and these will be announced to Parliament shortly.
Client ref 202/05
GNN ref 121327P
Avoid imitations
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
Posts: 14,573
Received 418 Likes
on
221 Posts
It's understandable that some don't see how the RAF will be able to recruit the "right stuff".
You're all missing one bit of information. They're bringing back national service next year......
You're all missing one bit of information. They're bringing back national service next year......
"The University Air Squadrons themselves, in turn, will now be able to put more emphasis on the personal and leadership development of all potential officers regardless of which branch of the RAF they wish to enter."
But what precisely do those empty words mean? Muddy pine pole romps and wet tents, plus turgid 'air power' lectures on training nights?
Large Dave, you are attempting to defend the indefensible. The whole problem started when some idiot decide to introduce UAS streaming.
As I said it would.....
But what precisely do those empty words mean? Muddy pine pole romps and wet tents, plus turgid 'air power' lectures on training nights?
Large Dave, you are attempting to defend the indefensible. The whole problem started when some idiot decide to introduce UAS streaming.
As I said it would.....
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So they want UAS's to concentrate on officer development. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that was what IOT was for, and that was a big enough nause when it used to be six months, never mind now that it's been extended by eight or so weeks. 4 years of IOT style $hite whilst at Uni? No thanks, I'd rather go out and enjoy myself with my mates. Going to a freshers fair and walking up to some random and asking if they want to do some "officer development"; they'll laugh in your face!
Incidentally, I don't buy all this stuff about degrees detracting massively from your performance at EFT. If you can't do a decent degree, get a reasonable grade and devote a day every two weeks to flying and most of your summer and still do well enough in the flying then you are not good enough to be in the RAF as a pilot, and the sooner someone lets you know that the better. The training only gets harder. Much harder. And in the future you won't have a couple of weeks to read up on the next stuff you are doing, you'll have a couple of hours.
I managed it, lots of my mates managed it, and we're all still in the system, which works the way it is. It's not broke...........therefore........
Would prefer to see everyone go Tucano and then get streamed though, especially with the extra capacity at Linton at the moment and the long holds.
I-C
Incidentally, I don't buy all this stuff about degrees detracting massively from your performance at EFT. If you can't do a decent degree, get a reasonable grade and devote a day every two weeks to flying and most of your summer and still do well enough in the flying then you are not good enough to be in the RAF as a pilot, and the sooner someone lets you know that the better. The training only gets harder. Much harder. And in the future you won't have a couple of weeks to read up on the next stuff you are doing, you'll have a couple of hours.
I managed it, lots of my mates managed it, and we're all still in the system, which works the way it is. It's not broke...........therefore........
Would prefer to see everyone go Tucano and then get streamed though, especially with the extra capacity at Linton at the moment and the long holds.
I-C
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: In the Ether
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry about the abbreviated post:
Beags:
- Referring to the reduction in syllabus content for the UAS QFIs to teach. Will future UAS QFIs be a lesser version of those operating in EFT Schools? If not, how will they keep current in order to be assesed on sorties that they're no longer teaching?
Roly,
Apologies, but i was led to believe that it was a 30hr allocation in toto. Scottish degrees are a standard 4yr duration giving 7.5hrs/yr. Either way - even 10hrs per year isn't enough to keep a stude current under the current regulations. This could lead to 'pulsed' continuity - or flying only happening over Summer Camps. Do the ac then sit dormant for the remainder of the year? Do the AEF have the surge capacity for this as well as their ATC tasking?......
Why couldn't we just wait for MFTS and replan then? We're not saving any money here at considerable f%^kabout-factor.
My main point still stands...the unanswered/unanswerable questions are endless.
Per Ardua
Uncle G
Beags:
Will a flying instructor who teaches the NPPL syllabus truly still be a CFS-worthy QFI?
Roly,
Why only 7.5 hours in Scotland? It is 10 hours per student per year.
Why couldn't we just wait for MFTS and replan then? We're not saving any money here at considerable f%^kabout-factor.
My main point still stands...the unanswered/unanswerable questions are endless.
Per Ardua
Uncle G
Last edited by Uncle Ginsters; 22nd Sep 2005 at 22:49.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Large Dave seems to have hit the nail squarely on the head. This announcement has been met with much melodrama, wailing and collective gnashing of teeth, but with most arguements based on speculation, supposition and emotion rather than balanced reasoning. Surely the inclusion of broader RAF training, not flying alone, should open the UASs up to those seriously interested in an RAF career, including the ground branches. The UASs are, indeed, one of the best societies at uni and are oversubscribed. However, is this because the Nation's undergrads are clamouring to serve Queen and Country or could it be that they see it as a ticket to some free flying, lots of cheap booze and a good social? I don't see any problem with separating the wheat from the chaff and attracting those with serious military (not necessarily flying) ambitions and binning the 'passengers'.
Let's try and remember, chaps and chapesses, that the RAF comprises more than aircrew alone and, whilst flying is our Service's primary role, the other branches need high-calibre recruits too. These changes to the UAS structure, shifting the focus from purely flying to more 'personal and leadership development of all potential officers' should produce more balanced individuals and should be welcomed.
Let's try and remember, chaps and chapesses, that the RAF comprises more than aircrew alone and, whilst flying is our Service's primary role, the other branches need high-calibre recruits too. These changes to the UAS structure, shifting the focus from purely flying to more 'personal and leadership development of all potential officers' should produce more balanced individuals and should be welcomed.
"That was a Party Political Broadcast on behalf of the Yes-man Party and can be heard later tonight on BBC2"
"These changes to the UAS structure, shifting the focus from purely flying to more 'personal and leadership development of all potential officers' should produce more balanced individuals and should be welcomed."
OK - I'll ask yet again. WHAT DOES 'personal and leadership development of all potential officers' ACTUALLY MEAN? WHAT WILL IT CONSIST OF?
The UAS chaps and chapesses I was honoured to instruct were extremely well balanced individuals. If not, they were soon winkled out and binned.
"These changes to the UAS structure, shifting the focus from purely flying to more 'personal and leadership development of all potential officers' should produce more balanced individuals and should be welcomed."
OK - I'll ask yet again. WHAT DOES 'personal and leadership development of all potential officers' ACTUALLY MEAN? WHAT WILL IT CONSIST OF?
The UAS chaps and chapesses I was honoured to instruct were extremely well balanced individuals. If not, they were soon winkled out and binned.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BEagle, m'dear chap,
There was nothing Party Political about my post, nor am I a Yes-man; far from it in fact.
I just feel that shifting the balance from purely the flying aspects of the RAF to inform and develop a broader knowledge of the Service rather than developing the 'head up own @rse' attitude of many of the UAS members, with whom I have come into contact of late, to anything other than flying must be a good thing for the Service, surely?
There was nothing Party Political about my post, nor am I a Yes-man; far from it in fact.
I just feel that shifting the balance from purely the flying aspects of the RAF to inform and develop a broader knowledge of the Service rather than developing the 'head up own @rse' attitude of many of the UAS members, with whom I have come into contact of late, to anything other than flying must be a good thing for the Service, surely?
Developing a broader knowledge of the RAF in general was one of the many reason we used to deploy to an operational RAF station for Summer Camp.
But the UASs don't ven do that any more. Partly because they can't afford it and partly because there are so few operational stations left with sufficent accommodation.
As a student I went to on camp to Thorney Island, Marham, Newton (OK - perhaps not operational but busy with training airmen then), Lyneham and Abingdon. As a QFI, to St Mawgan and Benson. Our students only really started to work as a team during such Summer Camps.
In any case, who the heck really wants to spend 3 years learning about the Royal not-Air Force? It would probably put any intelligent youngster off for ever.
Sorry, but I still consider this dumbing-down to be inexcusable.
But the UASs don't ven do that any more. Partly because they can't afford it and partly because there are so few operational stations left with sufficent accommodation.
As a student I went to on camp to Thorney Island, Marham, Newton (OK - perhaps not operational but busy with training airmen then), Lyneham and Abingdon. As a QFI, to St Mawgan and Benson. Our students only really started to work as a team during such Summer Camps.
In any case, who the heck really wants to spend 3 years learning about the Royal not-Air Force? It would probably put any intelligent youngster off for ever.
Sorry, but I still consider this dumbing-down to be inexcusable.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: In the Ether
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shifting the Problem?
CH,
Whilst it has always been in the interests of the UAS to get away from the 'head up own @rse' (as you put it!) attitudes of studes, things have already changed greatly. In the last few years alone there has been a change in emphasis towards the Leadership, Development and Service Trg side of life - like it or not. This is due mainly (but not solely) to the GTI (SGT PTI) on Sqn strength. None of the other staff are trained in PDT or such things - although we may soon have to be.
Yes - it will be a good thing to develop this further.
However, the outlook for the RAF's Pilot Recruitment plan can only be a more grim one than at present. You only have to look at the quality of some of the DE and 1st year Bursers (all branches) that have succeeded at OASC. It is not by any means as high as someone that we would recommend for entry into the Service apparently they have good raw aptitude though!
"An AGILE and ADAPTABLE Air Force that, person for person , is second to none, and that is able to provide a WINNING air power contribution to joint operations in support of the Defence Mission"
Are these changes going to help the RAF Vision in a flying sense?
The groundies will get a much better service out of the new system, of that there can be no doubt.
Uncle G
Whilst it has always been in the interests of the UAS to get away from the 'head up own @rse' (as you put it!) attitudes of studes, things have already changed greatly. In the last few years alone there has been a change in emphasis towards the Leadership, Development and Service Trg side of life - like it or not. This is due mainly (but not solely) to the GTI (SGT PTI) on Sqn strength. None of the other staff are trained in PDT or such things - although we may soon have to be.
Yes - it will be a good thing to develop this further.
However, the outlook for the RAF's Pilot Recruitment plan can only be a more grim one than at present. You only have to look at the quality of some of the DE and 1st year Bursers (all branches) that have succeeded at OASC. It is not by any means as high as someone that we would recommend for entry into the Service apparently they have good raw aptitude though!
"An AGILE and ADAPTABLE Air Force that, person for person , is second to none, and that is able to provide a WINNING air power contribution to joint operations in support of the Defence Mission"
Are these changes going to help the RAF Vision in a flying sense?
The groundies will get a much better service out of the new system, of that there can be no doubt.
Uncle G
Last edited by Uncle Ginsters; 23rd Sep 2005 at 13:56.
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Liverpool based Geordie, so calm down, calm down kidda!!
Age: 60
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
6 Posts
This news is not great, but there is one important thing that I can see happening. Correct me if I am wrong, but this means EFT is not going to be done at UAS. This has to be a good thing. The graduates I joined with many years ago all raved on about how UAS was great fun with a bit of flying thrown in. When EFT was introduced to UAS, the pressure was on and the fun factor reduced. Could this be a compromise??
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: wiltshire
Age: 48
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its been a couple of years since I've logged in to this site as I get bored enough with all the bitching at work. It's nice to see the same uninformed people spouting b*******, (BEagle).
I am in the middle of the changes at the moment and for the actual students, it will be a much better deal.
1. They are not limited to 10 hrs/yr. That is just how the hrs are calculated for the sqn. There should be enough people who try it once and get sick or just don't want to fly for the ones who do to fill their boots. Its for everyone as well.
2. They don't have to stick to a set in stone syllabus. If they want to do aeros, they can do them. If they want to get a PPL accreditation, they can do that. If they want to have a look at LL nav then they can do that. It is much more flexible for them.
3. There is no pressure for them to complete difficult coursework and then have to do a whole nights work to remember how to start the thing and then get bollocked for forgetting to set 1013.
4. They get loads more AT. For everyone.
I am a product of EFT on the UAS's and I coped but I would have far rather done it in 1 go in 4 months to get the continuity.
I await the wrath of the old timers. He he
I am in the middle of the changes at the moment and for the actual students, it will be a much better deal.
1. They are not limited to 10 hrs/yr. That is just how the hrs are calculated for the sqn. There should be enough people who try it once and get sick or just don't want to fly for the ones who do to fill their boots. Its for everyone as well.
2. They don't have to stick to a set in stone syllabus. If they want to do aeros, they can do them. If they want to get a PPL accreditation, they can do that. If they want to have a look at LL nav then they can do that. It is much more flexible for them.
3. There is no pressure for them to complete difficult coursework and then have to do a whole nights work to remember how to start the thing and then get bollocked for forgetting to set 1013.
4. They get loads more AT. For everyone.
I am a product of EFT on the UAS's and I coped but I would have far rather done it in 1 go in 4 months to get the continuity.
I await the wrath of the old timers. He he
Sorry, Hercules child, it is you who is sadly misinformed. I have had, shall we say, a reasonable amount of correspondence from people over this issue and all have been unanimous in their criticism of this proposed change. In fact some very heavy guns are beginning to mobilise....
The PPL or NPPL accreditation WILL be reviewed - particularly the credit for theoretical knowledge.
Increased low level flying to give ground branch candidates air experience might well prove to be a political hot potato. "Horse rider killed by joyriding air force" might be a future headline, perhaps? Structured low level flying training is one thing, joy riding quite another.
And surely you've been in the RAF long enough to be able to spell that infamous Cypriot beverage....
Well, I suppose it is Friday evening....
The PPL or NPPL accreditation WILL be reviewed - particularly the credit for theoretical knowledge.
Increased low level flying to give ground branch candidates air experience might well prove to be a political hot potato. "Horse rider killed by joyriding air force" might be a future headline, perhaps? Structured low level flying training is one thing, joy riding quite another.
And surely you've been in the RAF long enough to be able to spell that infamous Cypriot beverage....
Well, I suppose it is Friday evening....
Last edited by BEagle; 23rd Sep 2005 at 19:40.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Under the boardwalk
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just so you have something to go on, this is the proposed outline syllabus. As has been said many times already, this is not concrete and can be extended by the use of hours not used by those who may not be interested in doing the "structured flying".
___________________________
Familiarisation 0:45 (dual)
Effects of Controls 1 & 2 1:00 (dual)
Straight & Level 1 & 2 1:00 (dual)
Climbing & Descending 1/Medium Turns 1:15 (dual)
Climbing and Descending 2 1:00 (dual)
Stalling 1:00 (dual)
Stalling 1:00 (dual)
Consolidation 0:45 (dual)
Circuits 0:45 (dual)
Circuits 0:45 (dual)
Circuits – First Solo 0:50 (dual) 0:05 (solo)
Circuits - Dual/Solo 0:30 (dual) 0:30 (solo)
Circuits - Dual/Solo 0:30 (dual) 0:30 (solo)
Circuits - Dual/Solo 0:30 (dual) 0:30 (solo)
Forced Landings 1:00 (dual)
Forced Landings 1:00 (dual)
Sector Recce/Consolidation 1:00 (dual)
Solo GH/Sector Recce 1:00 (solo)
Steep Turns 0:50 (dual)
Solo GH 1:00 (solo)
Basic Instrument Flying 1:00 (dual)
Solo GH 1:00 (solo)
Basic Instrument Flying 1:00 (dual)
Solo GH 1:00 (solo)
Navigation 1:00 (dual)
Solo GH 1:00 (solo)
Navigation (Landaway) 1:15 (dual)
Navigation (RTB) 1:15 (dual)
Navigation 1:15 (dual)
Solo Navigation 1:15 (solo)
___________________________
Familiarisation 0:45 (dual)
Effects of Controls 1 & 2 1:00 (dual)
Straight & Level 1 & 2 1:00 (dual)
Climbing & Descending 1/Medium Turns 1:15 (dual)
Climbing and Descending 2 1:00 (dual)
Stalling 1:00 (dual)
Stalling 1:00 (dual)
Consolidation 0:45 (dual)
Circuits 0:45 (dual)
Circuits 0:45 (dual)
Circuits – First Solo 0:50 (dual) 0:05 (solo)
Circuits - Dual/Solo 0:30 (dual) 0:30 (solo)
Circuits - Dual/Solo 0:30 (dual) 0:30 (solo)
Circuits - Dual/Solo 0:30 (dual) 0:30 (solo)
Forced Landings 1:00 (dual)
Forced Landings 1:00 (dual)
Sector Recce/Consolidation 1:00 (dual)
Solo GH/Sector Recce 1:00 (solo)
Steep Turns 0:50 (dual)
Solo GH 1:00 (solo)
Basic Instrument Flying 1:00 (dual)
Solo GH 1:00 (solo)
Basic Instrument Flying 1:00 (dual)
Solo GH 1:00 (solo)
Navigation 1:00 (dual)
Solo GH 1:00 (solo)
Navigation (Landaway) 1:15 (dual)
Navigation (RTB) 1:15 (dual)
Navigation 1:15 (dual)
Solo Navigation 1:15 (solo)
Much of that syllabus meets NPPL Phase 1 to 3 requirements - but it begins to diverge in the latter stages and there are a considerable number of omissions when compared with the NPPL syllabus. Particularly with regard to the navigation section.
For a course spread over 3 years, there's precious little dual GH in the latter stages....
What ground training is envisaged?
For a course spread over 3 years, there's precious little dual GH in the latter stages....
What ground training is envisaged?
30 years ago, a school leaver with two A-levels was one of the academic elite. Every Direct Entrant was part of the cream.
University graduates were even rarer fish.
Today, even the laziest, thickest, mediocrity can attain a pair of A-levels, while even a degree is not the indicator that two A-levels once were.
And at this very time (when non graduate level people arguably ought to be rejected out of hand) the Royal Air Force is looking to decrease the proportion of graduate aircrew entrants, and to increase the proportion of DEs.
And I'd suggest that many of today's 21 year olds are less mature, less ready to absorb training, and some are less able to 'fit in' as grown ups in a crewroom than yesterday's school leavers. And why should they be? Most of them haven't been allowed the freedom and independence that their predecessors had, and have been cosseted and spoiled by over-protective parents.
The Brass keep insisting that DE's absorb training better, that they reach squadrons younger, and give greater return on service. But the real reason is that PMTC can easily dial in huge holds when the trainee is a youngster, and can camouflage their pi.$$ poor organisational performance .....
There's a place for graduates and DEs in the RAF, I'd have thought. The system of taking a mixture of both 'ain't broke' and doesn't need fixing.
University graduates were even rarer fish.
Today, even the laziest, thickest, mediocrity can attain a pair of A-levels, while even a degree is not the indicator that two A-levels once were.
And at this very time (when non graduate level people arguably ought to be rejected out of hand) the Royal Air Force is looking to decrease the proportion of graduate aircrew entrants, and to increase the proportion of DEs.
And I'd suggest that many of today's 21 year olds are less mature, less ready to absorb training, and some are less able to 'fit in' as grown ups in a crewroom than yesterday's school leavers. And why should they be? Most of them haven't been allowed the freedom and independence that their predecessors had, and have been cosseted and spoiled by over-protective parents.
The Brass keep insisting that DE's absorb training better, that they reach squadrons younger, and give greater return on service. But the real reason is that PMTC can easily dial in huge holds when the trainee is a youngster, and can camouflage their pi.$$ poor organisational performance .....
There's a place for graduates and DEs in the RAF, I'd have thought. The system of taking a mixture of both 'ain't broke' and doesn't need fixing.
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: here and there
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ooh sorry for my late reply, I've been busy beating off very high calibre people wanting to join the UAS with a big stick (crikey) and they still keep coming. I even booked some interviews for a couple of URNU guys who have seen the light but couldn't join last year due med.
Officer Development doesn't mean pinepoles. The new IOT doesn't even get the pinepoles out AFAIK. They're not cool anymore.
What is cool, however, is going Ski-ing, canoeing or whatever AT-ing for cock-all personal contribution, getting CILOR and getting top-notch instruction. This is what is meant by Officer Development.
Example, some of the guys have just come back from a bit of a walk and canoe in the Black Mountains area (Lord Hereford's Knob and all that). Yes, there was an element of damp tents and Rat-packs about it, but they all had a right old laugh getting through it and learnt a load about themselves. And in this increasingly expeditious Air Force, that's just the sort of stuff I believe we need and we’ll be seeing more of it under the New Regime. Hurruh.
Dave
Officer Development doesn't mean pinepoles. The new IOT doesn't even get the pinepoles out AFAIK. They're not cool anymore.
What is cool, however, is going Ski-ing, canoeing or whatever AT-ing for cock-all personal contribution, getting CILOR and getting top-notch instruction. This is what is meant by Officer Development.
Example, some of the guys have just come back from a bit of a walk and canoe in the Black Mountains area (Lord Hereford's Knob and all that). Yes, there was an element of damp tents and Rat-packs about it, but they all had a right old laugh getting through it and learnt a load about themselves. And in this increasingly expeditious Air Force, that's just the sort of stuff I believe we need and we’ll be seeing more of it under the New Regime. Hurruh.
Dave