RAF Navs (WSO) - the future
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Wilts
RAF Navs (WSO) - the future
After info/advice,
My son attended OASC (going for pilot), passed app tests/interview etc but failed on eye sight, borderline shortsighted in right eye. Been offered Nav. Whilst pleased, and very proud of him, am unsure of what the future holds. GR4 for a while yet but other than that.......
What are current nav mates planning on? No need for any Maccy D jokes please!
My son attended OASC (going for pilot), passed app tests/interview etc but failed on eye sight, borderline shortsighted in right eye. Been offered Nav. Whilst pleased, and very proud of him, am unsure of what the future holds. GR4 for a while yet but other than that.......
What are current nav mates planning on? No need for any Maccy D jokes please!
Guest
Posts: n/a
Tell him to get amongst it!!!!! He's being offered a life most lads his age can only dream of. Although the branch is on the way out and many if not all of its present members might advise him to push harder for pilot, another branch, RN or Army, the GR4 has plenty of life left in it yet.
If I was in his shoes, even given the present situation, I reckon I'd still go for it.
If I was in his shoes, even given the present situation, I reckon I'd still go for it.
Red On, Green On
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,490
Likes: 2
From: Between the woods and the water
Swallow your pride in the light blue, and point him in the direction of the Senior Service. His mum and girlfriend (and his girlfriend's mum...) will love the uniform, and he will have loads of fun.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Wilts
AA
He is fixated on fast stuff at the moment. What are the chances of such in the RN short term? I am aware of JSF, and feel free call me cynical, but don't expect to see it (apart from air displays) for another 10 years minimum.
He is fixated on fast stuff at the moment. What are the chances of such in the RN short term? I am aware of JSF, and feel free call me cynical, but don't expect to see it (apart from air displays) for another 10 years minimum.
Red On, Green On
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,490
Likes: 2
From: Between the woods and the water
I know no more than you, perhaps less. RN still saying 2012, which is clearly nonsense. Given the lead time they'll be streaming post-JEFTS for JSF sometime from 2009 onwards I'd guess, but how many and when is the critical point. My EFTS course in 79 was the second to stream 1 x FW for the SHAR.
Any chance he could go to university - and join in 2010? In the interim it also seems probable that the RN will want/have to take successful first/second tourist RW Ps onto an FW/JSF stream to have some more experienced guys around.
Any chance he could go to university - and join in 2010? In the interim it also seems probable that the RN will want/have to take successful first/second tourist RW Ps onto an FW/JSF stream to have some more experienced guys around.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Can't comment on the future role of Navigators, but I believe the Navy have lower eyesight limits having seen an old Uni buddy turned away from RAF for the very same reason but being snapped up by RN.
50% ish of Joint Force Harrier is now Navy so if he's good he'll have a chance of something fast in the short term future, if not being a rotary pilot has got to be better than Nav-ing!
Ref JSF i'd be surprised to see it before the late 20 teens, and that's if it's not delayed anymore! I'm pretty sure it won't be in service when the new carriers arrive!
PS I'd advise him to join up ASAP, while he still can; ie before his eyesight deteriorates further....Going to Uni before joining up not advised in these circumstances.
50% ish of Joint Force Harrier is now Navy so if he's good he'll have a chance of something fast in the short term future, if not being a rotary pilot has got to be better than Nav-ing!
Ref JSF i'd be surprised to see it before the late 20 teens, and that's if it's not delayed anymore! I'm pretty sure it won't be in service when the new carriers arrive!
PS I'd advise him to join up ASAP, while he still can; ie before his eyesight deteriorates further....Going to Uni before joining up not advised in these circumstances.
Last edited by Spottypilot; 21st March 2007 at 20:13. Reason: additional advice
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: A 1/2 World away from Ice Statio Kilo
Did someone say DCS?
Are they still restreaming Aircrew O's?
TEO an offer in the hand is worth more than could of, should of, would of, if he likes girls it would be unwise to send him dark blue
.
Charlie sends
Are they still restreaming Aircrew O's?
TEO an offer in the hand is worth more than could of, should of, would of, if he likes girls it would be unwise to send him dark blue
.Charlie sends
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Wilts
CL Plus others,
Thanks fellas, will ensure that he gets the benefit of your years of exeperience. Agree that at 18 attitude should be - who gives a !!!!, live life n enjoy it. Wish I had his 'worries'........Carpe Diem
Thanks fellas, will ensure that he gets the benefit of your years of exeperience. Agree that at 18 attitude should be - who gives a !!!!, live life n enjoy it. Wish I had his 'worries'........Carpe Diem
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,582
Likes: 11
From: Darling - where are we?
Tonks
How much does your son want to be RAF or how much does he want to fly? The reason I'm asking - and I never thought I'd find myself advertising the WAFUs (come on, I'm advertising here - had to get some sort of dig in
), however, if your son wants to fly more than he wants to be in the RAF, he shouldn't discount the FAA. They have different selection standards - not lower - just different, and he may find that they would be keen to snap him up.
I only say this as I had a chum on the UAS that applied to Cranwell for pilot and was told in no uncertain terms that he would never make a pilot. Was a bit of a shock to then bump into him again almost 10 years later flying Junglies in Basrah. He went for a debrief and then walked across the AFCO from the RAF to the RN desk and they bit his hand off.
Like I said, different ...... sometimes very different and difficult to understand (the RN procedure for asking to pass the salt has to be heard to be believed!), but still a bloody good bunch and certainly worth a punt if he wants to fly rather than be in a specific branch of the military. However, if he mentions AAC, then I suggest you threaten to write him out of the will
How much does your son want to be RAF or how much does he want to fly? The reason I'm asking - and I never thought I'd find myself advertising the WAFUs (come on, I'm advertising here - had to get some sort of dig in
), however, if your son wants to fly more than he wants to be in the RAF, he shouldn't discount the FAA. They have different selection standards - not lower - just different, and he may find that they would be keen to snap him up.I only say this as I had a chum on the UAS that applied to Cranwell for pilot and was told in no uncertain terms that he would never make a pilot. Was a bit of a shock to then bump into him again almost 10 years later flying Junglies in Basrah. He went for a debrief and then walked across the AFCO from the RAF to the RN desk and they bit his hand off.
Like I said, different ...... sometimes very different and difficult to understand (the RN procedure for asking to pass the salt has to be heard to be believed!), but still a bloody good bunch and certainly worth a punt if he wants to fly rather than be in a specific branch of the military. However, if he mentions AAC, then I suggest you threaten to write him out of the will
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 368
Likes: 21
From: North of the M4
Fattagator
DCS, that takes me back. I was in our engineers line office last week and I noticed them eating a DCS. Hadn't seen one for years and had to ask for a slice. Mmmmm
Do you still eat a whole one each per trip?? 
DCS, that takes me back. I was in our engineers line office last week and I noticed them eating a DCS. Hadn't seen one for years and had to ask for a slice. Mmmmm
Do you still eat a whole one each per trip??
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,292
Likes: 56
From: Lincolnshire
What is the difference between a Gay and a WSO(N)...
..A Gay has a future in the Royal Air Force.
Harrier Pilots like the single seat cockpit, room for themselves and all their friends...
Yep, its been a long day
..A Gay has a future in the Royal Air Force.
Harrier Pilots like the single seat cockpit, room for themselves and all their friends...
Yep, its been a long day
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: .
biddedout
Sadly the days of DCS have now passed. They are no longer available for our in-flight feast. We have to make do with jam donuts and muffins. Terrible isn't it? I used to be able to eat a whole DCS in one, but now I have to make do with a tray of donuts instead. 
Last edited by FATTER GATOR; 23rd March 2007 at 11:58. Reason: Can't spell
