RAF pilot training ...... yes or no?
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Haven't posted for ages, but after reading the numerous golden nuggets posted by Danny M, I just had to!
If he hasn't got the initiative to get off his own backside and find out the route he needs to take to do his dream job, he's wasting his/our time. How did we all cope before the internet? As potential Officers we used a bit of initiative. If advice is given be humble in your responses!
Still haven't answered the question as to your degree Danny?
Difar (Masters degree in Aero Eng by the way, 4 A-levels: Maths, Chem, Phys, Further Maths +2500hrs mil flying)
If he hasn't got the initiative to get off his own backside and find out the route he needs to take to do his dream job, he's wasting his/our time. How did we all cope before the internet? As potential Officers we used a bit of initiative. If advice is given be humble in your responses!
Still haven't answered the question as to your degree Danny?
Difar (Masters degree in Aero Eng by the way, 4 A-levels: Maths, Chem, Phys, Further Maths +2500hrs mil flying)
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Originally Posted by Danny_manchester
i do appreciate constructive comments. (operative word being contructive)
I think you've mistaken "constructive" for "what I wanted to hear".
Fair play to you for asking in the forum, but it's not really on to flash up when you don't get the answer you want to hear. I mean, supposing the met brief is doggers but you really want to fly? Do you flash at the met man because his brief wasn't 'constructive'?
BM8
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Temper Temper
Danny, not only has your thread entertained me for at least half an hour. You've managed to drag me from being an occasional viewer of these boards to a Poster, congrats. Although, I do have to agree with the venerable Dirty Sanchez that this all smells of a fishing expedition by someone bored at Linton or maybe even Valley?
That aside, I too have a heart condition that sounds a lot worse that it is. I was diagnosed with a Heart Murmur during my pre-IOT medical, which came at a rather inopportune moment in my life. Turns out everything is hunky-dory and I just have an abnormally large heart, so all is not lost. After a short stint in the training world (Four and a half years) I am now flying front-line Fast Jets.
I'd keep going with your single-minded determination. It's only mere mortals that read high confidence as arrogance and indifference. I should know, I've met several of them in my short career. I'd tone it down a little for your OASC and/or UAS interview and actually get some achievements under your belt before you 'big yourself up' too much.
I didn't comtemplate joining the Rotary world before signing up, although by all accounts it's rather rewarding. What I did do however, was to see whether or not my youthful bluster was up to much by completing EFT on the UAS before commiting. You can gain some idea whilst at University of whether you'll be monstering the Low-Flying system or flying Sentry Racetracks for your commission.
By the by, with my somewhat limited experience I've found that it doesn't matter much which Degree people (especially pilots) have achieved, indeed it doesn't really matter which university they've attended (helps if it's one of the blue ones of course). It just matters whether they've got what it takes, both mentally and physically. Having lost half of my FJ training intake to the knife I can't tell you what 'it' is. Confidence is in there, but so is grit, determination, hard-work, sense of humour, a bit of ability and smattering of luck.
Keep up the enthusiasm, it is a great job, although it takes an absurdly long time to get into it and ready to do anything of any use. The rest of you, chill out; someone'll learn him. Especially you Sanchez, stop foaming at the mouth with rage, too easily baited that one. Get in your Chariot and hang out over some approach lanes, see if you can pick up something that you can usefully turn with. Don't stray too far from home though, no danger of that I'm sure.
That aside, I too have a heart condition that sounds a lot worse that it is. I was diagnosed with a Heart Murmur during my pre-IOT medical, which came at a rather inopportune moment in my life. Turns out everything is hunky-dory and I just have an abnormally large heart, so all is not lost. After a short stint in the training world (Four and a half years) I am now flying front-line Fast Jets.
I'd keep going with your single-minded determination. It's only mere mortals that read high confidence as arrogance and indifference. I should know, I've met several of them in my short career. I'd tone it down a little for your OASC and/or UAS interview and actually get some achievements under your belt before you 'big yourself up' too much.
I didn't comtemplate joining the Rotary world before signing up, although by all accounts it's rather rewarding. What I did do however, was to see whether or not my youthful bluster was up to much by completing EFT on the UAS before commiting. You can gain some idea whilst at University of whether you'll be monstering the Low-Flying system or flying Sentry Racetracks for your commission.
By the by, with my somewhat limited experience I've found that it doesn't matter much which Degree people (especially pilots) have achieved, indeed it doesn't really matter which university they've attended (helps if it's one of the blue ones of course). It just matters whether they've got what it takes, both mentally and physically. Having lost half of my FJ training intake to the knife I can't tell you what 'it' is. Confidence is in there, but so is grit, determination, hard-work, sense of humour, a bit of ability and smattering of luck.
Keep up the enthusiasm, it is a great job, although it takes an absurdly long time to get into it and ready to do anything of any use. The rest of you, chill out; someone'll learn him. Especially you Sanchez, stop foaming at the mouth with rage, too easily baited that one. Get in your Chariot and hang out over some approach lanes, see if you can pick up something that you can usefully turn with. Don't stray too far from home though, no danger of that I'm sure.
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argh, well must say that this thread has made my night! Rather amusing! Fact is Danny, you can never really tell who is going to get through or who isn't, although I do know that the RAF can afford to have the 'pick of the bunch' when it comes to applicants. I was sat at OASC just recently, chatting to a young lad who was waiting for appointment with the doctor. Very confident guy who had always dreamed of being a pilot in the military. A few minutes later, he had seen the doc, and came out with tears in his eyes. Not heavy enough for his height and he had suffered migranes in the past apparently. Sad to see someones dreams swept away in a few moments.
I remember seeing guys at my OASC who I thought 100% they would make it through. Good grades, confident etc etc...but they didn't! The RAF want people who are well rounded, not just good at maths or english etc. It really is a matter of having the 'whole package'. You need to intergrate well into a group and judging by the amount of stir you have caused, this may be an area you need to improve on (always room for improvement).
Reference the rotary comment I give it time before you voice too stronger views. I remember changing my mind several times through pilot training, but also remember thinking that I'd be absolutely over the moon to just finish and get to stay in the RAF. As it transpired, I ended up as a FJ pilot but have never looked down at the other roles (banter excepted). Each role has it's purpose and the guys do a brilliant job with the limited resources they have.
In any case, best of luck, but don't kiss off the advice, positive or negative, you get on here. RAF aircrew are, by nature, generally well sorted guys who are willing to help you out, however, beware, if you get it wrong (and it appears it may be too late) we/they can come down fairly hard. The advice you got was from guys who know the system, have seen it all before and are just saying the way it is. It may not be what you want to hear but that's just life. I'm no doctor and I don't know enough about your condition. My advice is, go ahead with your application and fairly shortly you will find out whether it's a go or no-go item!
KMAGYOYO
I remember seeing guys at my OASC who I thought 100% they would make it through. Good grades, confident etc etc...but they didn't! The RAF want people who are well rounded, not just good at maths or english etc. It really is a matter of having the 'whole package'. You need to intergrate well into a group and judging by the amount of stir you have caused, this may be an area you need to improve on (always room for improvement).
Reference the rotary comment I give it time before you voice too stronger views. I remember changing my mind several times through pilot training, but also remember thinking that I'd be absolutely over the moon to just finish and get to stay in the RAF. As it transpired, I ended up as a FJ pilot but have never looked down at the other roles (banter excepted). Each role has it's purpose and the guys do a brilliant job with the limited resources they have.
In any case, best of luck, but don't kiss off the advice, positive or negative, you get on here. RAF aircrew are, by nature, generally well sorted guys who are willing to help you out, however, beware, if you get it wrong (and it appears it may be too late) we/they can come down fairly hard. The advice you got was from guys who know the system, have seen it all before and are just saying the way it is. It may not be what you want to hear but that's just life. I'm no doctor and I don't know enough about your condition. My advice is, go ahead with your application and fairly shortly you will find out whether it's a go or no-go item!
KMAGYOYO
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Come on chaps.. It is the right of youth to dream.. why didn't you??
Danny boy only wants to 'Start with the RAF'!!
Now tell us Whats all this about Psychology A level?? What fun eh?
Danny boy only wants to 'Start with the RAF'!!
Now tell us Whats all this about Psychology A level?? What fun eh?
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How amusing, am sure we used to pick on kids like this one and nick their lunch money. Sounds like a geek to me......
Danny, you seem to be lacking in humility, which is fine for humility is advisory only for FJ crews. This does however come with experience. I had that particular lesson beaten into me upon leaving uni early. Those who know me will know the story, but before that I thought I was invincible. Since then, suitably humbled I have gotten on with things and they have gone my way, confident but willing to listen to the advice of others.
On the subject of ac choice, there was a lad I knew who was convinced that he would be flying F3s from the first day I met him on IOT. Just the other day I belted passed his C130 in my Hawk.... Flying training is like a box of chocolates.... nutty!!!
TTH.
You know who you are RatBoy the Ascotteer. Was nice to hear you. Hope all's well.
Danny, you seem to be lacking in humility, which is fine for humility is advisory only for FJ crews.
This does however come with experience. I had that particular lesson beaten into me upon leaving uni early. Those who know me will know the story, but before that I thought I was invincible. Since then, suitably humbled I have gotten on with things and they have gone my way, confident but willing to listen to the advice of others. On the subject of ac choice, there was a lad I knew who was convinced that he would be flying F3s from the first day I met him on IOT. Just the other day I belted passed his C130 in my Hawk.... Flying training is like a box of chocolates.... nutty!!!
TTH.
You know who you are RatBoy the Ascotteer. Was nice to hear you. Hope all's well.
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Possibly not for me to say, but maybe an apology is in order Danny, to all these gentlemen who:
1. are living your dream;
2. have tried to help you and;
3. may well be the people who will interview you at OASC (I would be surprised if they didn't use the boards).
Ask yourself, would you be talking like this to them face-to-face? If the answer is no, then why are you doing it. If the answer is yes, then I wish you all the best in your interview stages because you as sure as hell are going to need it.
G
1. are living your dream;
2. have tried to help you and;
3. may well be the people who will interview you at OASC (I would be surprised if they didn't use the boards).
Ask yourself, would you be talking like this to them face-to-face? If the answer is no, then why are you doing it. If the answer is yes, then I wish you all the best in your interview stages because you as sure as hell are going to need it.
G
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Originally Posted by Danny_manchester
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Apply and see how you get on. What do you have to lose? Sadly, I'm pretty sure that a heart condition, unless very minor in nature, would rule you out, but who knows."
Absolutly correct, thank you.
Absolutly correct, thank you.
As the famouse saying goes, "Better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are an idiot, than to open it and confirm their suspicions."
Scroggs
Although OASC do look at individuals on a case by case basis, medical selection is not as forgiving. History of asthma or serious heart conditions, poor vision all mean you are a non-starter. Definitely give it a shot, but keep your options open - believe it or not there is more to life than flying.
VP - wash your mouth out and stop playing online poker
But yeah, fully agree that any pre-existing condition can easily lead to you being binned out of hand.
My advice (from someone who has been round the medical tree more than once - heart issue on application for 6th form schol and then another issue somewhat later in life) is to get advice from an external consultant (preferably one who has worked with aviators before) and get him to sign you off if it's what you really want. Then approach the medical board with that report in hand to pre-empt any attempt they may make to bin you. Has the potential to save you a world of grief (also helps if you have a family member who is a cardiologist!)
But yeah, fully agree that any pre-existing condition can easily lead to you being binned out of hand.My advice (from someone who has been round the medical tree more than once - heart issue on application for 6th form schol and then another issue somewhat later in life) is to get advice from an external consultant (preferably one who has worked with aviators before) and get him to sign you off if it's what you really want. Then approach the medical board with that report in hand to pre-empt any attempt they may make to bin you. Has the potential to save you a world of grief (also helps if you have a family member who is a cardiologist!)
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Originally Posted by StevenAins
and congratulations THE LONELYSAC on your promotion to CAS.
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Danny_M
After all the kerfuffle on this thread, I’d be interested to know if you’ll be continuing with an RAF pilot application?
Don’t be too put off by what you’ve read so far – you just need to think about your personal presentation. If you’re really determined, just do it. Good luck.
After all the kerfuffle on this thread, I’d be interested to know if you’ll be continuing with an RAF pilot application?
Don’t be too put off by what you’ve read so far – you just need to think about your personal presentation. If you’re really determined, just do it. Good luck.
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Danny - knew a young buck like you who got through OASC and IOT determined to join the FJ fraternity. Saw him 3 yrs later doing Supply Officer training - and proud to be there.
There are a lot of hurdles beyond the medical - you may fall at any of them but provided you learn from the experience (like him) then that's OK.
There are a lot of hurdles beyond the medical - you may fall at any of them but provided you learn from the experience (like him) then that's OK.
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Selection
Danny M
No matter what your heart condition is (and I do in fact sympathise with that - I was medically unfit for aircrew at selection but am more than happy to serve on the ground), with your attitude and arrogance you'll be lucky to get past the AFCO and definately not past the OASC board.
There are many individuals out there in the same situation as you, don't think for a second that you are better than the rest.
"If you compare yourself to others you may become vain and bitter, as there are always greater and lesser people than yourself"
You want constructive criticism? Try adjusting your attitude. Take on board whats been said and get yourself down to the AFCO. Personally I think you haven't got a gnat's ar$e of a chance.
No matter what your heart condition is (and I do in fact sympathise with that - I was medically unfit for aircrew at selection but am more than happy to serve on the ground), with your attitude and arrogance you'll be lucky to get past the AFCO and definately not past the OASC board.
There are many individuals out there in the same situation as you, don't think for a second that you are better than the rest.
"If you compare yourself to others you may become vain and bitter, as there are always greater and lesser people than yourself"
You want constructive criticism? Try adjusting your attitude. Take on board whats been said and get yourself down to the AFCO. Personally I think you haven't got a gnat's ar$e of a chance.
