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Joining the RAF with a CPL

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Joining the RAF with a CPL

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Old 8th Nov 2009, 11:09
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Joining the RAF with a CPL

Has anybody had experience on joining the RAF as a pilot after already holding a CPL/IR and a flying instructor rating?

I had always wanted to fly fast jets, but after being knocked back by the RAF a few years ago it affected my confidence to apply again. Anyway, I went on to get the civilian licences through my own finance and scholarships, and I feel that my confidence has returned enough to try again.

Am I likely to get turned down because of the fact that I have trained in a civilian environment or would this be welcomed?
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 11:25
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It depends why you were knocked back in the first place.

Having pursued alternative aviation goals is commendable, and it shows that you are ambitious, and that you really do enjoy flying.

However the fact that you have a CPL etc is almost worthless in respect to the military flying lessons that you will undergo. You have to forget what you think you know, and be willing to accept the 'new' way of RAF flying. Having done both myself it's a whole new ball game. It could almost be worthwhile keeping your CPL a little known secret once you get past the selection board.

So you won't get turned down because of it, you just have to realise that your attitude has to be willing to start from scratch
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 11:47
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This was covered a while back;

any experience will be beneficial-you won't jump any courses but we had a chap through BFJT a few years back who had an ATPL and bizjet experience. He sailed through the course, quite unsurprisingly.

Your training will demonstrate dedication and commitment. Just be yourself at the interview stage.
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 12:25
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Are you within the age reqs?
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 13:00
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Thanks for the replies guys. I was 19 the last time I applied, and I am 25 next May, so should be ok on the age side of things. Time for a trip to the careers office then.
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 13:16
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There is no need to join the RAF with a Corporal, as they already have plenty of their own.
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 13:26
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You'll be pushing it age-wise. You have to be through your training and in service BEFORE your 26th birthday.
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 14:09
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Jumping in here for a sec.

Why is the age limit 25 if you have to be trained and on the frontline before your 26th birthday?

People looking to join at 25 are basically wasting their time then!
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 14:25
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Pretty much!
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 14:36
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PN

I presume its the same for the navy then?

Looks like the engineering sector will be my target now!
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 15:28
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So if I am 25 in the first half of next year, is it likely that I would make the age limits, or is it already too late?
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 15:37
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FL1985

There's one thing you may not have considered. You're already flying, but not fast-jets which is what you really want- fair enough.

Whats happens if you get accepted and at some point in training you're selected for multi-engine rather than fast jets. After a while you're flying pax to hot sandy destinations in a sweaty flying suit rather than round Europe in a nice clean collar and tie (or whatever).

It's a possbility - would that still be a good result?

Last edited by Tankertrashnav; 8th Nov 2009 at 21:54.
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 16:07
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Pontius,

In service before 26 is impossible.
I've a guy approaching the end of his first tour at 24. He is the exception, however.
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 16:12
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Farfrompuken, I think PN was refering to the fact that Flightlevel1985's age makes it impossible for him to be in service before his 26th birthday.
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 16:15
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Doh!

I'll get me coat!

I always thought the age limit referred to end of IOT. But it'd be a tight timescale to get through OASC and IOT before 26 but not impossible. He's got just over a year.
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Old 8th Nov 2009, 16:16
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Aircrew officers can join the RN up to 25 yrs and 11 months on the day of commencing BRNC.

IIRC that the RAF recently changed officer aircrew entry ages - are they now exactly in line with the RN? It seems not.
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Old 9th Nov 2009, 14:38
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flightlevel1985 - You are not too old!

Age Limits for Pilot and WSO

Direct Entry. Candidates from civil life are normally selected so as to be able to enter officer training as a pilot or WSO (Nav) before their 26th birthday.

That is enter Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell. Recent rule change.
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Old 9th Nov 2009, 16:45
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So if I read the previous post correctly, you can now be a month older to join the RAF rather than the Andrew......???
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Old 9th Nov 2009, 17:08
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Please accept my humble apologies. I stated earlier that you would need to be out of training and in service before your 26th birthday. Of course, this should read IN TRAINING before the 26th birthday.
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Old 9th Nov 2009, 17:21
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teetering head,

I think the rules are exactly the same - when they say 25 yrs 11 months, they mean under 26.

25 yrs 11 months and 28 days, for example, would still be classed as 25 yrs and 11 months.
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