RAF pilot training ...... yes or no?
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RAF pilot training ...... yes or no?
Hi folks, here is my dilemma, basically looking to go into the RAF, looks like a good idea to me at this moment in time, want to go to Uni first, get a degree then start with the RAF, just have a few questions for you RAF lot on here 
:-
1) medical requirements, i have a heart condition, i am guessing this could possible put the blocks on my ideas at the start?
2) I wouldn't want to be in the RAF as a rotary pilot, what are the chances of being put onto rotary a/c? would i be informed before i signed up after aptitude tests etc.. ?
Thanks guys, thanks in advance!
:-1) medical requirements, i have a heart condition, i am guessing this could possible put the blocks on my ideas at the start?
2) I wouldn't want to be in the RAF as a rotary pilot, what are the chances of being put onto rotary a/c? would i be informed before i signed up after aptitude tests etc.. ?
Thanks guys, thanks in advance!
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What job are you looking to do in the RAF? Chances are that with a heart condition you will be offered something in Admin. You may not want to fly RW but with a heart condition yr not gonna fly anything...sorry !
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1. Go to your Doctor and get a precis of your condition and present it to the Recruiting Office.
2. See if that is a bar to employment as aircrew.
3.THEN see how that would affect your prospects.
2. See if that is a bar to employment as aircrew.
3.THEN see how that would affect your prospects.
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In fact I'd be quite surprised if the RAF, or any of the Services, took you at all, even in a non-flying role, I'm afraid. They wouldn't want to take the risk that your existing condition worsened.
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well it has been 'stable' for 17 years, and i have an appt to check it out, i have lots of things to offer, and am a very strong academic also.
Thanks for the input people.
Thanks for the input people.
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You may not want to fly RW but with a heart condition yr not gonna fly anything...sorry !
You say that asif its fact, when it clearly isn't. each individual will be looked at as an individual case i would imagine - not very constructive SS.
You say that asif its fact, when it clearly isn't. each individual will be looked at as an individual case i would imagine - not very constructive SS.
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I wouldn't want to be in the RAF as a rotary pilot
You should consider yourself lucky to become an RAF pilot of any variety, and you'd bloody well enjoy it.
Good luck in your future career.
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Im sorry but experience has shown me that if you have so much as a flutter during your ECG you are handing in your ID card the next day. I can recall countless stories of guys walking back from the sickbay with their shoulders drooped having been told that the ECG has picked up a very slight abnormality and thats it.... grounded.
You may be right...and he may have some sort of genetic heart defect which will allow him to fly but I'll be surprised...
and whilst Im at it..... concur Fg Off MS...
You may be right...and he may have some sort of genetic heart defect which will allow him to fly but I'll be surprised...
and whilst Im at it..... concur Fg Off MS...
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With an attitude like that, sonny, you'd be out the door of OASC and in the bus back to Grantham station before they found out about your medical condition!
LMAO, im sorry but i would look at the situation this way :-
The RAF would be lucky to have me as an applicant, may seem to be big headed, and i know that many people will not agree with me, but i would want to be in the RAF, not for any other reason bar the training quality.
I think i am definatly better off asking a professional in the recruiting process for the RAF - i do appreciate your time in replying, but your replies are far from constructive.
"With an attitude like that, sonny, you'd be out the door of OASC and in the bus back to Grantham station before they found out about your medical condition!"
^ Now that is definatly not a response from a person with a single brain cell, never mind huge brain-power, Im guessing academic req's. were not 'in' when you got into the RAF? (presuming you are in the RAF)
LMAO, im sorry but i would look at the situation this way :-
The RAF would be lucky to have me as an applicant, may seem to be big headed, and i know that many people will not agree with me, but i would want to be in the RAF, not for any other reason bar the training quality.
I think i am definatly better off asking a professional in the recruiting process for the RAF - i do appreciate your time in replying, but your replies are far from constructive.
"With an attitude like that, sonny, you'd be out the door of OASC and in the bus back to Grantham station before they found out about your medical condition!"
^ Now that is definatly not a response from a person with a single brain cell, never mind huge brain-power, Im guessing academic req's. were not 'in' when you got into the RAF? (presuming you are in the RAF)
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The RAF would be lucky to have me as an applicant, may seem to be big headed, and i know that many people will not agree with me, but i would want to be in the RAF, not for any other reason bar the training quality.
Hmmmm.... The RAF would be lucky to have you...??????
You only want to join because of the quality of training..??????
I think that the next time I come across you I'll be asking you....
"Can I have Fries with that please?"
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Oh Dear...
You have asked for some advice, and received it from serving members of the Forces who know the score. It would appear that if you don't agree with what they say you simply discount it. With the attitude that is coming across in your threads you won't even get to OASC - they have filter interviews first you know! The RAF is not 'lucky' to have someone like you interested in a career - they have done well enough without you so far haven't they? There is more to being an officer (or airman) than intellience/academic achievement.
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Danny,
There are around 10,000 applicants each year for less than 100 spaces. If any applicant has the minor of medical 'issues' they'll be out the doors. I'm afraid that's the way the system works.
The fact that it is SO hard to get in, anyone is happy to get any pilot role, whether multis or rotary.
It's ok to feel a bit big headed, i know many who still are and are in. But just because you have a lot to offer, so do all the other applicants-- some of the highest calibre of individuals this country has to offer. So dont think that you deserve a place with the raf! or they have to thank you for applying (cause they dont give a toss, with over 10,000 applicants!!!)
I may be wrong but you sound like you are one who wants to be 'raf trained' then head off down civvy street? If this is the case, joining the raf is more than just about being trained as a pilot.
Get an interview with a raf careers officer and apply to OASC, good luck!
There are around 10,000 applicants each year for less than 100 spaces. If any applicant has the minor of medical 'issues' they'll be out the doors. I'm afraid that's the way the system works.
The fact that it is SO hard to get in, anyone is happy to get any pilot role, whether multis or rotary.
It's ok to feel a bit big headed, i know many who still are and are in. But just because you have a lot to offer, so do all the other applicants-- some of the highest calibre of individuals this country has to offer. So dont think that you deserve a place with the raf! or they have to thank you for applying (cause they dont give a toss, with over 10,000 applicants!!!)
I may be wrong but you sound like you are one who wants to be 'raf trained' then head off down civvy street? If this is the case, joining the raf is more than just about being trained as a pilot.
Get an interview with a raf careers officer and apply to OASC, good luck!
Just to be different.
Since everyone else is giving the lad negative vibes at the moment I'll just spread a quick ray of sunshine.
I was found to have a 'left axis deviation' on my initial ECG and still got in once they realised it was a very minor and irrelevant problem (I think it means my heart tilts slightly to the left and sounded a bit funny as a result!).
Hasn't stopped me so far!
Good luck anyway fella, though remember to listen to guys when they offer advice and don't jump down their throats. It'll get you absolutely nowhere!
BV
I was found to have a 'left axis deviation' on my initial ECG and still got in once they realised it was a very minor and irrelevant problem (I think it means my heart tilts slightly to the left and sounded a bit funny as a result!).
Hasn't stopped me so far!
Good luck anyway fella, though remember to listen to guys when they offer advice and don't jump down their throats. It'll get you absolutely nowhere!
BV
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Aero, you seem to be a pretty cool chap, you obviously understand the situation. I know that i am recieving views of people who should have a general idea about requirements etc. which, believe it or not i do appreciate, however i do not think that some of the things people come out with are constructive comment.
I will contact my careers centre at college, and have her give me some information - hopefully talk with somebody from the RAF, and i will post on this thread the result of any developments.
I am still not convinced that a medical condition such as the one i have will count me out from a career as a pilot in the RAF - but hey, thats my un-qualified opinion!
I know a place in the RAF is not based on academia, thats pretty evident, and i do not believe that i am somehow entitled to a place in the RAF, but i wouldn't say that i should be lucky to get a sniff in at the RAF, as the RAF need people who are strong academics, allbeit coupled with a pilots attributes.
Anyhow, i will post as soon as i get some more info. on my current situation!
Thanks people.
I will contact my careers centre at college, and have her give me some information - hopefully talk with somebody from the RAF, and i will post on this thread the result of any developments.
I am still not convinced that a medical condition such as the one i have will count me out from a career as a pilot in the RAF - but hey, thats my un-qualified opinion!
I know a place in the RAF is not based on academia, thats pretty evident, and i do not believe that i am somehow entitled to a place in the RAF, but i wouldn't say that i should be lucky to get a sniff in at the RAF, as the RAF need people who are strong academics, allbeit coupled with a pilots attributes.
Anyhow, i will post as soon as i get some more info. on my current situation!
Thanks people.
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Danny, despite our 'direct' comments we're trying to give you good gen. You have asked a question in a forum where a lot of current frontline military aircrew (as opposed to spotters, blaggers etc) hang out. You may not like the answers but you'd do well to take them on board. A few points:
You may think that, but you've got it the wrong way round. The RAF flying branch is fiercely competitive. I think about 1 in 10000 interview applicants ever get to fly a frontline aircraft. Go in with the 'lucky to have me' attitude and you won't make it to OASC.
Actually, you may not like the replies, but they are correct. Also, poor spelling will count against your application.
For a guy who is 'a very strong academic' I seem to have more English Language brain cells than you. In fact I have a degree in Aero Eng from one of the most respected Aero Eng institutions in the world, so if you come looking for help, be careful who you shoot your mouth of to.
You say that asif its fact, when it clearly isn't. each individual will be looked at as an individual case i would imagine - not very constructive
Sorry chap, but there are people here who know more about military aviation than you. That is why you are asking us the questions.
My comment about rotary is based on personal experience. At the end of Initial Officer Training, (Fast Jet Friday, ISTR), when I was told (NB you don't choose, you are told) that I had been streamed RW, I was devastated and came close to requesting voluntary withdrawal, to head off to the airlines. This was based on the FJ or nothing culture - in hindsight a very poor attitude. However, I chose not to be impulsive, stuck with it and discovered that rotary flying is probably the most exciting flying you will ever do. Throwing a big powerful machine around at low level, going on operations to the frontline and beyond (as opposed to a hotel 500 miles behind the FL), and living the SH life is unbeatable. Take my advice, which has been learnt from personal experience:
Southside, for the first time we see eye to eye. I'll pop some champagne!
The RAF would be lucky to have me as an applicant
I think i am definatly better off asking a professional in the recruiting process for the RAF - i do appreciate your time in replying, but your replies are far from constructive.
^ Now that is definatly not a response from a person with a single brain cell, never mind huge brain-power, Im guessing academic req's. were not 'in' when you got into the RAF?
You may not want to fly RW but with a heart condition yr not gonna fly anything...sorry !
My comment about rotary is based on personal experience. At the end of Initial Officer Training, (Fast Jet Friday, ISTR), when I was told (NB you don't choose, you are told) that I had been streamed RW, I was devastated and came close to requesting voluntary withdrawal, to head off to the airlines. This was based on the FJ or nothing culture - in hindsight a very poor attitude. However, I chose not to be impulsive, stuck with it and discovered that rotary flying is probably the most exciting flying you will ever do. Throwing a big powerful machine around at low level, going on operations to the frontline and beyond (as opposed to a hotel 500 miles behind the FL), and living the SH life is unbeatable. Take my advice, which has been learnt from personal experience:
- Don't close off ANY options at your age, or better still, until retirement age.
- Show a bit of respect for the people who actually do what you dream of doing.
- Swallow your pride, get real, wind your neck in and listen to good advice.
- Consider yourself lucky if you get invited to OASC, and continue to count yourself lucky at every stage thereon, until you are in a frontline cockpit
Southside, for the first time we see eye to eye. I'll pop some champagne!
Last edited by Fg Off Max Stout; 14th Mar 2006 at 22:20.
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English isn't my particular strong point, however physics math and chemistry are! 
a degree in Aero Eng? lol, no offence to Aero Eng grads, i was thinking more pure chemistry/physics
.
Anyway, im not here to flame, got better things to do
,
a degree in Aero Eng? lol, no offence to Aero Eng grads, i was thinking more pure chemistry/physics
.Anyway, im not here to flame, got better things to do
,