Any royal navy helicopter pilots on here?
Red On, Green On
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Helston - the back bar of the Beehive was our second home.
We went there to drown our sorrows after going to the Truro Hospital nurses' monthly disco/horror bash for the second or third time and realising that they hadn't got any prettier. Rod H*nn** nearly needed sutures after his success at grab-a-gronk gouged four 10" scars on each side of his spine as he made the beast with two backs.
Zummerzet has three and a half advantages over the land the wong side of the Tamar - it's three and a half hours closer to London
We went there to drown our sorrows after going to the Truro Hospital nurses' monthly disco/horror bash for the second or third time and realising that they hadn't got any prettier. Rod H*nn** nearly needed sutures after his success at grab-a-gronk gouged four 10" scars on each side of his spine as he made the beast with two backs.
Zummerzet has three and a half advantages over the land the wong side of the Tamar - it's three and a half hours closer to London
AA - I'll have you know aforementioned witch was a nurse at Treliske (Truro) - consider your face in receipt of a cyber slap from a glove, aircrew, chamois leather. What do you choose - swords or pistols? 
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Well done cben for sticking with this post after the flame-grilling you got earlier. I must admit that I had the same reaction as most early posters when I first read your post, due to apparent laziness and lack of research. All is forgiven however, and remember (everyone) that persistence and determination go a long way in flying training, aswell as the RN in general.
Some more info about what stage of life you're at would be useful, so I don't tell you stuff you already know.
What you essentially seem to want is some lifestyle information. I am currently nearing the end of pilot training, and so can provide a bit of an insight into the first 4 years of your career (which may only be 12 years after all).
Be prepared to:
-Be in training for a long time, sometimes just holding for your next course to start.
-Move around the country for every major course, and many small 1/2 week ones.
-Get the best training from some very experienced instructors, and good new ones.
-Work with people who are also highly motivated and good at what they do.
-Work fairly irregular hours, even on training squadrons. E.g. late nights and some weekends, sometimes going home early.
-Work hard to cram lots into your brain. This doesn't seem to stop at any stage of aviation!
As to loved ones, it is somewhat easier if you're married because the mil pays for you to move between quarters, but remember that your other half might not like moving around for a 9 month course! It's even easier if you're single! Get a good car, most courses people weekend to girl/boy friends/parents etc.
Looking ahead to ops, it depends a lot on what a/c you get streamed to. Just look at the different roles, and where they operate and deploy (see RN website). Read between the lines as to what that means for you as a pilot.
Speaking to guys that have just returned from 1st tours in Afghan, they loved it and it was all they hoped it would be. Conversely, Lynx or Merlin people love their jobs too and tend to stay where they are, so it can't be too bad there either!
Pay - See RN website, it depends on whether you are grad or not these days.
Options after - use grant money (from RN) towards getting Civvy recognition for you mil flying quals and experience.
Right, I've ditted on enough there, hope this helps. If you're still interested, get onto an AFCO and ask about a POC course, and I might see you in the bar.
Some more info about what stage of life you're at would be useful, so I don't tell you stuff you already know.
What you essentially seem to want is some lifestyle information. I am currently nearing the end of pilot training, and so can provide a bit of an insight into the first 4 years of your career (which may only be 12 years after all).
Be prepared to:
-Be in training for a long time, sometimes just holding for your next course to start.
-Move around the country for every major course, and many small 1/2 week ones.
-Get the best training from some very experienced instructors, and good new ones.
-Work with people who are also highly motivated and good at what they do.
-Work fairly irregular hours, even on training squadrons. E.g. late nights and some weekends, sometimes going home early.
-Work hard to cram lots into your brain. This doesn't seem to stop at any stage of aviation!
As to loved ones, it is somewhat easier if you're married because the mil pays for you to move between quarters, but remember that your other half might not like moving around for a 9 month course! It's even easier if you're single! Get a good car, most courses people weekend to girl/boy friends/parents etc.
Looking ahead to ops, it depends a lot on what a/c you get streamed to. Just look at the different roles, and where they operate and deploy (see RN website). Read between the lines as to what that means for you as a pilot.
Speaking to guys that have just returned from 1st tours in Afghan, they loved it and it was all they hoped it would be. Conversely, Lynx or Merlin people love their jobs too and tend to stay where they are, so it can't be too bad there either!
Pay - See RN website, it depends on whether you are grad or not these days.
Options after - use grant money (from RN) towards getting Civvy recognition for you mil flying quals and experience.
Right, I've ditted on enough there, hope this helps. If you're still interested, get onto an AFCO and ask about a POC course, and I might see you in the bar.
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Thank you very much for all of your time and effort put in to the reply's. I apologise for the rather vague original post. Switch on lofty, i am in the early stages of an apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering (Aircraft) in which i have put my all in to so far, and have achieved very pleasing results in all areas. I have researched and spoken to careers advisors, who inform me my qualifications gained from the apprenticeship will be enough to apply as a pilot; However this way the chances are i will be disadvantaged academically compared to other applicants (for example: University graduates). To overcome this i am going to study part-time to gain Maths A levels, as well as start gliding to gain flight experience.
After the completion of the apprenticeship i will have a Nation certificate in Electrical Engineering (at highest level the way things are going), a HNC in Electrical Engineering, A level Maths and experience in gliding and possibly powered flight. This is if all goes to plan obviously, which i am sure it will as i am extremely determined to reach my goal. Even after this i know i will still be an underdog with regards to selection process, and i would be very appreciative of any extra guidance that anybody may have.
My main concern, and the main reason i started this post regards the commitment that the armed services carries with it, especially when you add girlfriends and family into the equation. Its a dangerous world out there, especially with the risk of being blown out of the air.
Apologies to any of you reading who have annoyed due to the start of this post. I know i am just another wannabe pilot who with a dream, but i am sure many of you have shared the same dream at some point.
After the completion of the apprenticeship i will have a Nation certificate in Electrical Engineering (at highest level the way things are going), a HNC in Electrical Engineering, A level Maths and experience in gliding and possibly powered flight. This is if all goes to plan obviously, which i am sure it will as i am extremely determined to reach my goal. Even after this i know i will still be an underdog with regards to selection process, and i would be very appreciative of any extra guidance that anybody may have.
My main concern, and the main reason i started this post regards the commitment that the armed services carries with it, especially when you add girlfriends and family into the equation. Its a dangerous world out there, especially with the risk of being blown out of the air.
Apologies to any of you reading who have annoyed due to the start of this post. I know i am just another wannabe pilot who with a dream, but i am sure many of you have shared the same dream at some point.
Thread Starter
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Also, does anybody know why Bennett's are called "Wiggy" in the Navy ?
I know its been passed down through Navy generations. I just wondered how/why the nickname originated.
I know its been passed down through Navy generations. I just wondered how/why the nickname originated.
Join Date: Apr 2009
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Found this:
Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Davies - Francis : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Gale - I : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Gale - I : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Marsh - Oakley : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Palmer - Ryan : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Saunders - U : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Vaughan - Young : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Davies - Francis : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Gale - I : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Gale - I : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Marsh - Oakley : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Palmer - Ryan : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Saunders - U : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Vaughan - Young : Naval Surnames (Adams - Cooper) : Navy Slang : RN Life : Training and People : Royal Navy
Last edited by Aerouk; 30th Jun 2009 at 00:11.
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"qualifications gained from the apprenticeship will be enough to apply as a pilot; However this way the chances are i will be disadvantaged academically compared to other applicants (for example: University graduates)"
Did the careers guys tell you that? The main thing that they seem to look for is that you have good aptitude scores, are keen and can pass AIB i.e. you shouldn't be at any disadvantage at all just because you don't have a degree. N.B look into "degree in maritime aviation" or some such, non-grads get one essentially on wings anyway.
"study part-time to gain Maths A levels"
Good idea, if you can achieve a maths A-level you should find most of the Officer and Aircrew academic and theory OK.
With regard to flying etc, it is great and will give you more of an idea of whether you really like it. I don't believe however that previous experience of flying helps you to get in, or perform better after eft.
If you don't already, try to get into something that gives you some experience of team work and leadership outside of your studies. Doesn't have to be anything extravagant (heard someone who works at AIB say that if they hear of anyone else who's climbed F'in Kilimanjaro on a gap year they'll scream!).
Regarding risk, you need to be able to take a risk and pull it off! Preferably with a back-up plan or two in case you don't pull it off. I think that risk awareness and judgement are things that people in general either have, or do not have.
Regards
Did the careers guys tell you that? The main thing that they seem to look for is that you have good aptitude scores, are keen and can pass AIB i.e. you shouldn't be at any disadvantage at all just because you don't have a degree. N.B look into "degree in maritime aviation" or some such, non-grads get one essentially on wings anyway.
"study part-time to gain Maths A levels"
Good idea, if you can achieve a maths A-level you should find most of the Officer and Aircrew academic and theory OK.
With regard to flying etc, it is great and will give you more of an idea of whether you really like it. I don't believe however that previous experience of flying helps you to get in, or perform better after eft.
If you don't already, try to get into something that gives you some experience of team work and leadership outside of your studies. Doesn't have to be anything extravagant (heard someone who works at AIB say that if they hear of anyone else who's climbed F'in Kilimanjaro on a gap year they'll scream!).
Regarding risk, you need to be able to take a risk and pull it off! Preferably with a back-up plan or two in case you don't pull it off. I think that risk awareness and judgement are things that people in general either have, or do not have.
Regards
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I was looking at the pay scales recently and was talking to one of the career staff about the starting salary.
Can anyone confirm, will you get graduate pay regardless of your University course? The women I was speaking to seemed to think that it had to be a related course, however it doesn't come across like that from the booklet AND she never really knew what she was talking about when it came to anything FAA or Officer related.
I have a Business/Law degree would that mean I would get graduate pay?
Can anyone confirm, will you get graduate pay regardless of your University course? The women I was speaking to seemed to think that it had to be a related course, however it doesn't come across like that from the booklet AND she never really knew what she was talking about when it came to anything FAA or Officer related.
I have a Business/Law degree would that mean I would get graduate pay?
Red On, Green On
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The women I was speaking to seemed to think that it had to be a related course, however it doesn't come across like that from the booklet AND she never really knew what she was talking about when it came to anything FAA or Officer related.
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Cbennett,
Widger has hit the nail on the head with his post. Flying in each of the three services is a challenging but incredible experience and each one has a slightly different approach to it so it is worth finding out about all of them. I have loved my time with the FAA so far and would recommend it to anyone and I wouldn't change it for the world. The many and varied places that you will visit and the number of wierd and wonderful situations you will find yourself in the middle of will astound you. When deployed you are usually the only aviation asset in the area and many times the only aviator there full stop, you need to know your trade inside out and remain flexible. Having not travelled much before I joined the Navy I have been incredibly lucky to go on to visit somewhere in the region of 26 countries in the first two years I was front line and built my flying experience very quickly purely by being thrown in at the deep end with the robust support of the squadron back in the UK.
Good luck with what lies ahead!
Widger has hit the nail on the head with his post. Flying in each of the three services is a challenging but incredible experience and each one has a slightly different approach to it so it is worth finding out about all of them. I have loved my time with the FAA so far and would recommend it to anyone and I wouldn't change it for the world. The many and varied places that you will visit and the number of wierd and wonderful situations you will find yourself in the middle of will astound you. When deployed you are usually the only aviation asset in the area and many times the only aviator there full stop, you need to know your trade inside out and remain flexible. Having not travelled much before I joined the Navy I have been incredibly lucky to go on to visit somewhere in the region of 26 countries in the first two years I was front line and built my flying experience very quickly purely by being thrown in at the deep end with the robust support of the squadron back in the UK.
Good luck with what lies ahead!
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I have a Business/Law degree would that mean I would get graduate pay?
the real Wiggy Bennett
From whence cometh Wiggy? In the mid 60s at RNAS Brawdy.....yes the Pusser owned Brawdy once......a young pilot turning finals hit the slip stream of the Hunter ahead and had a major upset. Frightened him f#rtless. Over the next few months every hair on his body dropped out.
Thereafter he wore an outrageous wig. To see Wiggy Bennett climb out of his Vixen or F4, doff bonedome and don blond wig was a thing of beauty.
Happy retirement Wiggy
Thereafter he wore an outrageous wig. To see Wiggy Bennett climb out of his Vixen or F4, doff bonedome and don blond wig was a thing of beauty.
Happy retirement Wiggy
