OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
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Hi, I was hoping someone may be able to give me some advice.
I have begun my application to join RAF as a pilot but admitted to having hayfever in 2006 although my symptons were mild and i just took clariton allergy or something like that for it. I have now recieved a letter from the medical board saying this rules me out of any aircrew role until 2010 but I have just turned 23 last month so don't have until 2010.
I spoke to a medical personnel at Sleaford and they said I could appeal against the decision and have spoken to my GP who suggested getting an allergy test although the results could be inconclusive and the process a bit time consuming (he also thought I may have mis-diagnosed myself with hayfever at the time). Having this information I spoke to someone on the careers phoneline who said that it was unlikely the appeal would be successful but said I could speak to someone at my local AFCO which I did and they recommended just sending a letter to the President of the Medical Board. On this thread I think I read that if you are already in service you have an extra 2 years to apply.
So my questions being:
1) How long is the appeal process? Should I scarp the allergy testing idea and just go with the letter?
2) Is joining another branch and then reapplying in 2010 an option for me?
(Sorry for my lengthy spiel!)
I have begun my application to join RAF as a pilot but admitted to having hayfever in 2006 although my symptons were mild and i just took clariton allergy or something like that for it. I have now recieved a letter from the medical board saying this rules me out of any aircrew role until 2010 but I have just turned 23 last month so don't have until 2010.
I spoke to a medical personnel at Sleaford and they said I could appeal against the decision and have spoken to my GP who suggested getting an allergy test although the results could be inconclusive and the process a bit time consuming (he also thought I may have mis-diagnosed myself with hayfever at the time). Having this information I spoke to someone on the careers phoneline who said that it was unlikely the appeal would be successful but said I could speak to someone at my local AFCO which I did and they recommended just sending a letter to the President of the Medical Board. On this thread I think I read that if you are already in service you have an extra 2 years to apply.
So my questions being:
1) How long is the appeal process? Should I scarp the allergy testing idea and just go with the letter?
2) Is joining another branch and then reapplying in 2010 an option for me?
(Sorry for my lengthy spiel!)
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1) How long is the appeal process?
In the great scheme of things, not too long in all probability.
a) Should I scarp the allergy testing idea
Depends. Will it cost? How long will it take?
b) and just go with the letter?
Send the letter anyway because the allegy test may go against you. better get the appeal underway.
2) Is joining another branch and then reapplying in 2010 an option for me?
Yes but which do you think? A branch where you are highlt valued and where your contribution is vital may be less inclined to support an application for branch change.
OTOH a less demanding branch may be both a useful stepping stone and less reluctant to lose you.
Finally you may not be accepted so can get on with your life.
Go for it now - appeal and apply.
In the great scheme of things, not too long in all probability.
a) Should I scarp the allergy testing idea
Depends. Will it cost? How long will it take?
b) and just go with the letter?
Send the letter anyway because the allegy test may go against you. better get the appeal underway.
2) Is joining another branch and then reapplying in 2010 an option for me?
Yes but which do you think? A branch where you are highlt valued and where your contribution is vital may be less inclined to support an application for branch change.
OTOH a less demanding branch may be both a useful stepping stone and less reluctant to lose you.
Finally you may not be accepted so can get on with your life.
Go for it now - appeal and apply.
Join Date: Mar 2007
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I would say appeal, i have just had my asthma appeal accepted after being in for 6 months so now im goin pilot instead of Int O! I think one major reason it was accepted was the fact i was committed to coming in anyway and therefore showed i wanted to be a part of the airforce, plus asthma is alot harder to get around than hayfever. Appeal suggesting it might have just been a summer cold as im sure all the possibilities were not thought of before the medicaine was prescribed by your doctor, you could always rebranch after a few years to pilot as a guy i know did this from wsop at age 32 so thats always an option.
Good luck
Good luck
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You have until your 30 i think to get in as pilot from the ranks, so you have no worries, though this path i think isnt that common, though there is one on my course!
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Hi all,
I’m after a little advice about joining the RAF. I’ve spent a good hour or so sifting through this thread and have found some very useful information, however nothing specific to my situation. I’m therefore wondering if anyone would be kind enough to offer their expertise.
At the age of about 13 I developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (perhaps better known as ME). This stuck with me for nearly 4 years and meant that from the second year of Secondary school I was unable to attend lessons or participate in any extracurricular activities whatsoever. After several relapses, I had made a full recovery by the age of 17, where I dropped an academic year to study for a minimal set of GCSE’s, these being English Literature, English Language, Maths and French, in which I gained 3 A’s and a B. I went on to gain 2 B’s and a C at A level and am currently studying English Literature and Business Management at Newcastle University.
I want nothing more than to be a pilot in the RAF, but I’m obviously a bit speculative about the potential drawbacks of my medical history. Essentially it’s had a number of knock-on effects – namely only 4 GCSE’s, an inability to participate in extracurricular activities such as cadets, etc. Outside of the academic, I captained my tennis team until the age of 19, am a keen cyclist and gym-goer, but these obviously seem a world apart from some of the achievements people have under their belt here.
The potentially final nail in the coffin is that I suffered from mild hayfever until the summer of 2005.
Having reached the age of 21, I’m trying to look to future career paths and an RAF pilot really is the only thing I can honestly say I am desperate to do – but is my medical history likely to rule me out completely?
Any advice is much appreciated, and thanks for taking the time to read.
I’m after a little advice about joining the RAF. I’ve spent a good hour or so sifting through this thread and have found some very useful information, however nothing specific to my situation. I’m therefore wondering if anyone would be kind enough to offer their expertise.
At the age of about 13 I developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (perhaps better known as ME). This stuck with me for nearly 4 years and meant that from the second year of Secondary school I was unable to attend lessons or participate in any extracurricular activities whatsoever. After several relapses, I had made a full recovery by the age of 17, where I dropped an academic year to study for a minimal set of GCSE’s, these being English Literature, English Language, Maths and French, in which I gained 3 A’s and a B. I went on to gain 2 B’s and a C at A level and am currently studying English Literature and Business Management at Newcastle University.
I want nothing more than to be a pilot in the RAF, but I’m obviously a bit speculative about the potential drawbacks of my medical history. Essentially it’s had a number of knock-on effects – namely only 4 GCSE’s, an inability to participate in extracurricular activities such as cadets, etc. Outside of the academic, I captained my tennis team until the age of 19, am a keen cyclist and gym-goer, but these obviously seem a world apart from some of the achievements people have under their belt here.
The potentially final nail in the coffin is that I suffered from mild hayfever until the summer of 2005.
Having reached the age of 21, I’m trying to look to future career paths and an RAF pilot really is the only thing I can honestly say I am desperate to do – but is my medical history likely to rule me out completely?
Any advice is much appreciated, and thanks for taking the time to read.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Hi all,
a minimal set of GCSE’s, these being English Literature, English Language, Maths and French, in which I gained 3 A’s and a B. I went on to gain 2 B’s and a C at A level and am currently studying English Literature and Business Management at Newcastle University.
a minimal set of GCSE’s, these being English Literature, English Language, Maths and French, in which I gained 3 A’s and a B. I went on to gain 2 B’s and a C at A level and am currently studying English Literature and Business Management at Newcastle University.
Secondly medical. You appear to be a high medical risk. Same answer I suggest, AFCO then apply to OASC and se if the Docs give you a green light.
Red On, Green On
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Problems are:
1. Hayfever
2. History of ME
3. Lacking one GCSE
What is actually in your medical notes, and was it really hayfever? A visit to your GP may help.
The ME is harder, as it's not understood by the medical profession, and clearly the risk as seen by the RAF is that you will have another bout. Very hard to put away, in all honesty, and even if you did an IronMan Triathlon in an Olympic qualifying time, the risk is still there.
The GCSE is easy. Study, and take one.
My suggestion? Stay fit, do some high-quality, ruffty-tuffty extra-mural stuff (cycle a very, very long way, for chariddy
), get the hayfever sorted on paper, and sort the GCSE, and apply to join the Navy as officer aircrew when you are 24 - the upper age limit is 25 and 11 months on joining. I'm fairly certain the RAF will knock you back, as things stand.
1. Hayfever
2. History of ME
3. Lacking one GCSE
What is actually in your medical notes, and was it really hayfever? A visit to your GP may help.
The ME is harder, as it's not understood by the medical profession, and clearly the risk as seen by the RAF is that you will have another bout. Very hard to put away, in all honesty, and even if you did an IronMan Triathlon in an Olympic qualifying time, the risk is still there.
The GCSE is easy. Study, and take one.
My suggestion? Stay fit, do some high-quality, ruffty-tuffty extra-mural stuff (cycle a very, very long way, for chariddy
), get the hayfever sorted on paper, and sort the GCSE, and apply to join the Navy as officer aircrew when you are 24 - the upper age limit is 25 and 11 months on joining. I'm fairly certain the RAF will knock you back, as things stand.
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That was a bit below the belt, both to the lad and to the Royal Flotilla. As we've said before, pilots going into the Albert have higher scores than the RAF pond life (
). The only way to find out is to apply fella. You're certainly more literate and more observant than half the guys that come on here with 11 GCSEs and start a new thread saying something along the lines of:
hi u lot i rlly rlly want 2 join the r.a.f. and b a pilot in the red arrows. wkd!!
Best of luck,
Al.
(by the way the Fleet Air Arm are better than the CrabFats)
). The only way to find out is to apply fella. You're certainly more literate and more observant than half the guys that come on here with 11 GCSEs and start a new thread saying something along the lines of:hi u lot i rlly rlly want 2 join the r.a.f. and b a pilot in the red arrows. wkd!!
Best of luck,
Al.
(by the way the Fleet Air Arm are better than the CrabFats)
Red On, Green On
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1.4G - why post here if all you want to do is wave your willy?
My suggestion to the OP (and one of the best first posts we've seen here for a while) was based on the fact that it will take time for him to a) prove his fitness and b) sort the GCSE while c) getting some personal development time under his belt. All that may well take him past the RAF's age limit, so rather than rush it, why not go Dark Blue (or even Green?) at a more sensible pace?
My suggestion to the OP (and one of the best first posts we've seen here for a while) was based on the fact that it will take time for him to a) prove his fitness and b) sort the GCSE while c) getting some personal development time under his belt. All that may well take him past the RAF's age limit, so rather than rush it, why not go Dark Blue (or even Green?) at a more sensible pace?
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1.4G. You are a shining beacon of hope. If only you could interpret past and present tense correctly.
To those who wrote the helpful and constructive replies, thank-you.
As suggested, it sounds like a logical step would be to contact the AFCO to find out where I stand medically.
The relapses in ME (of which there were 2) occurred within periods of no more than 3 or 4 weeks, so I can say with near certainty that the danger there has completely passed – however I do obviously appreciate that the RAF may be somewhat more dubious. Hayfever is unfortunately down in my medical notes but I'll contact my GP regarding the possibility of having that expunged.
The RN is certainly something I would consider as the next best alternative – I haven’t done much research but I suppose I should at least hope that 1.4G’s insightful comments do actually have an element of truth to them. As a final point of enquiry – do the RAF cap the entry age strictly at 23 (i.e. and 0 months)?
In the meantime I’ll take your advice and get involved with as much of the extracurricular as I can, and might post again once I’ve been in touch with the AFCO.
Thanks again.
To those who wrote the helpful and constructive replies, thank-you.
As suggested, it sounds like a logical step would be to contact the AFCO to find out where I stand medically.
The relapses in ME (of which there were 2) occurred within periods of no more than 3 or 4 weeks, so I can say with near certainty that the danger there has completely passed – however I do obviously appreciate that the RAF may be somewhat more dubious. Hayfever is unfortunately down in my medical notes but I'll contact my GP regarding the possibility of having that expunged.
The RN is certainly something I would consider as the next best alternative – I haven’t done much research but I suppose I should at least hope that 1.4G’s insightful comments do actually have an element of truth to them. As a final point of enquiry – do the RAF cap the entry age strictly at 23 (i.e. and 0 months)?
In the meantime I’ll take your advice and get involved with as much of the extracurricular as I can, and might post again once I’ve been in touch with the AFCO.
Thanks again.
Red On, Green On
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AW - the RN has been known to be more sensible about hayfever/asthma than the light blue, who are so concerned about their two-winged master race status that even a pimple on the ar$e might be a blemish too much.
As it happens the aptitude score required by the Navy is actually higher than the RAF, it seems. While the pass is 112 for pilot, the actual minimum for getting a place at Dartmouth for RN aircrew is about 130.
The extra-curricular activity should have a team/group, not individual focus, ideally have a leadership component, and should be physically and/or mentally challenging, and be a considerable personal commitment in terms of time. Exposure to people from all walks/backgrounds is particularly good.
As it happens the aptitude score required by the Navy is actually higher than the RAF, it seems. While the pass is 112 for pilot, the actual minimum for getting a place at Dartmouth for RN aircrew is about 130.
The extra-curricular activity should have a team/group, not individual focus, ideally have a leadership component, and should be physically and/or mentally challenging, and be a considerable personal commitment in terms of time. Exposure to people from all walks/backgrounds is particularly good.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
May be it is very dark in the bilges when looking for the GR
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Degree Clasification and OASC
Morning Gents (and Ladies),
I have a quick question for you all.
I'm currently at university studying Biochemistry with the intention to join the RAF as a pilot on graduation (aren't we all!!
). I have all the academic qualifications needed for OASC, but I'm concerned about how my degree classification will be viewed. I should get either a 2ii or a 3rd (i.e. not the best).
The way I see it is, I could have worked my ass off, and not had a social/'extra ciricular' life but walk away with a 1st (top) in a degree that I don't intend to use, OR do what I'm doing and split my time between the degree and social/activities, and not get 'top marks'.
How do you think the RAF will view this, I realise it doesn't make me ineligible, but I don't want the RAF to think I've been a lazy sod and not worked. Biochemistry is a hard one, honest!
Ok maybe not a quick question...
Thanks,
(Takes cover for any incoming
)
I have a quick question for you all.
I'm currently at university studying Biochemistry with the intention to join the RAF as a pilot on graduation (aren't we all!!
). I have all the academic qualifications needed for OASC, but I'm concerned about how my degree classification will be viewed. I should get either a 2ii or a 3rd (i.e. not the best).The way I see it is, I could have worked my ass off, and not had a social/'extra ciricular' life but walk away with a 1st (top) in a degree that I don't intend to use, OR do what I'm doing and split my time between the degree and social/activities, and not get 'top marks'.
How do you think the RAF will view this, I realise it doesn't make me ineligible, but I don't want the RAF to think I've been a lazy sod and not worked. Biochemistry is a hard one, honest!
Ok maybe not a quick question...
Thanks,
(Takes cover for any incoming
)
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
BUPA, your post suggests you have indeed read the sticky but perhaps not too closely.
Now, remind me what are the academic requirements for entry as an officer?
Now, remind me what are the academic requirements for entry as an officer?
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Pontius, thanks for your reply.
I am aware of the entry requirments, which I have, but just wondered if anyone had any suggestions on how a lower classification would look. Surely, in the OASC interview they will 'quiz' me on my time and Uni and therefore my grade?
Thanks
I am aware of the entry requirments, which I have, but just wondered if anyone had any suggestions on how a lower classification would look. Surely, in the OASC interview they will 'quiz' me on my time and Uni and therefore my grade?
Thanks
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Hi all,
I’m after a little advice about joining the RAF. I’ve spent a good hour or so sifting through this thread and have found some very useful information, however nothing specific to my situation. I’m therefore wondering if anyone would be kind enough to offer their expertise.
As some potential insight on the Royal Navy application procedure..
It is very similar to the RAF, however you use RAF cranwell for your aptitude testing, then if successful go to Gosport for AIB (VERY Similiar to OASC).
Allegedly the standards of acceptance are higher in terms of aptitude with the Royal Navy, however, 2 of the guys on my board who passed for pilot had literally scraped through on their pilot aptitude so don't let that dishearten you.
Your determination and dedication to return to study and get those vital A levels and GCSE's is truly remarkable and i am sure that the RAF/Royal Navy/Army would look at this the same way. However.. I would not go into an interview and mention the illness as an excuse for not participating in extra curriculum activity.. they may look at it in the light that if you were determined enough you would of tried.
Anyhow, best of luck, be it AIB or OASC i'm sure you'l have a great experience.
R Mainwaring
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2.2/3rd
BUPA
They won't care much. So long as you don't tell them that you drank your potential away and dream up some credible other activity like UAS, Uni sports etc. As Pontius was trying to point out, they accept lower academic qualifications than a 3rd so it isn't a problem, albeit they might like some reason why it isn't a first.
They won't care much. So long as you don't tell them that you drank your potential away and dream up some credible other activity like UAS, Uni sports etc. As Pontius was trying to point out, they accept lower academic qualifications than a 3rd so it isn't a problem, albeit they might like some reason why it isn't a first.
Red On, Green On
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Allegedly the standards of acceptance are higher in terms of aptitude with the Royal Navy, however, 2 of the guys on my board who passed for pilot had literally scraped through on their pilot aptitude so don't let that dishearten you.
It's not normal to be told your absolute FATs score by the RN, though if told you have a good pass (or better) then you can reckon that you've got 130 figure or above.