airborne_artist

For AAC info your best bet is:
SO2 Recruiting
HQ DAAvn
Middle Wallop
Stockbridge
Hants
SO20 8DY

Tel: 01264 784302

nigegilb

This might help;

Asthma

Asthma and its implications on flying

JAA Class 1 and Class 2 certification

Asthma affects approximately 5% of the adult population. An attack is caused by narrowing of the small airways in the lung, leading to symptoms of cough, breathlessness and tightness of the chest. It can be associated with an allergy. Childhood symptoms often improve in early adult life, but up to 75% may recur in middle age. Asthma can range from a single episode which does not require any treatment, to a constant disabling condition requiring intensive medication and sometimes hospital admission. Its course and severity are unpredictable, and sudden incapacitation is an uncommon but potential hazard for all asthmatics.

The implications of asthma in a pilot are several:

Distraction or incapacitation due to an acute attack
The presence on the flight deck of ‘triggers’ to an acute attack (dust, cold, smoke and fumes)
An attack may be caused by anxiety (operational delays and difficult flying conditions)
Attacks may be precipitated by emergencies such as the sudden hypoxia (lack of oxygen)and cold air following cabin decompression
Class 1 Requirements

Initial Class 1 certification may be possible provided that:
There is a minimum period of 5 years since the last acute attack, and no significant hospital admissions
Lung function tests are acceptable (the FEV1/FVC ratio should be greater than 70% with no appreciable drop after exercise)
The asthma is well controlled on treatment with an inhaled steroid (“preventer”), with or without an inhaled bronchodilator (“releiver”). Treatment with steroid tablets is disqualifying.
There is no bronchospasm (wheeze) on examination
There is no bronchospasm with a mild respiratory infection (e.g. common cold)
A comprehensive report detailing the above is provided from a Consultant Chest Physician
Existing Class 1 certificate holders who develop asthma require similar evaluation and may be restricted to multi-crew duties.

Class 2 Requirements

Initial Class 2 certification may be possible provided that:
There is a minimum period of 2 years since the last acute attack, and no significant hospital admissions
Lung function tests are acceptable (the peak flow rate, a simple test that can be carried out by your GP, should be more than 80% of the predicted normal)
The asthma is well controlled on treatment with an inhaled steroid (“preventer”), with or without an inhaled bronchodilator (“releiver”). Treatment with steroid tablets is disqualifying.
There is no bronchospasm (wheeze) on examination
Bronchospasm with mild respiratory infection (e.g. common cold) is easily controlled
A comprehensive medical report from your General Practitioner or Consultant Chest Physician is provided for your AME detailing the above.
Existing Class 2 certificate holders who develop asthma require similar evaluation and may need a safety pilot limitation.

In summary, the diagnosis of asthma does not mean a blanket ban on flying, but the individual is assessed in conjunction with reports from his/her treating doctor. The risk of an incapacitating event is assessed and suitable individuals can fly subject to regular follow-up.



December 2006

Arty Fufkin

I would be very suprised if it was common practice for OASC (or whatever it is called these days) to look at candidates civilian medical records. The organisation required to gather the documents of an entire selection intake would be well beyond anything I've seen from either the NHS or RAF Medical branch.

I suppose they may ask for a look at them if the medical throws up anything contentious, but I seem to recall that you have the right to be consulted if they decide to do that.

Provided you are not a wheezy kid and have no reason to believe you will become one, my advice would be to keep schtum. It worked for me, and after 15 years of flying if they want to kick me out for lack of integrity they are welcome to try (it would please Mrs Fufkin no end!!)

Good luck

Arty

Roland Pulfrew

Arty

The authorities at Cranwell do write to every GP for every candidate selected to go to OASC. Can't remember the name of the form but they even used to do it for every UAS applicant.

Mr C Hinecap

I'll try to spell this out for you. The guys and girls who apply to join the RAF to fly REALLY WANT to fly in the RAF. They have burning ambition, they have focus, they have drive and determination. They have worked towards this goal for some time without thinking about airlines, ATPL or anything else of a lesser nature. They don't pursue something else then wander over to the surly egotistical corner of the internet and declare their slightly wheezy interest while they get their breath back.
If you get the nuances of my subtle message, you will understand the general attitude around 'these parts'. I understand why they have a certain attitude - getting to punch holes in the sky with the biggest boys toy strapped to your ass inculcates a certain view.
You'll have to work hard to convince far more trying people than this lot that you deserve a crack at that. I think they are all gits, but they are my gits for now

garywoodrow

I'm currently working at liverpool airport and saving for my pilots licences, but i have always wanted to join the RAF as a pilot since a young age. For various reasons i was put off by my family and teachers at school from applying. I just want an honest answer from someone in the RAF or knows about the selection process if its worth me applying.

I'm worried about my qualifications really, i dont dought my ability but i didnt get very good grades at A-level. I have 8 GCSE's and 2 A-levels but the fact my teacher left 1/2 through the year without a replacment left me with D grades (predicted A's and hopefully i can improve them in the next few months to atleast B's).

Thanks for any advice.

Tiger_mate

Retake your exams.
Get your application in.
Learn how to spell 'doubt' and use 'I' not i.
Visit the OASC sticky at the top of the page; it has answers to questions that you have yet to even think about.

You will never get beyond being a 'wannabe' unless you get your backside down to the CIO next door to the HM Queen Elizabeth Law Court (there has to be something in that) and sign the dotted line. If nothing else you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you tried. If you want Pilot, then apply for it. Do not wait another day before doing this. Good Luck.

AIDU

Gary, go to the AFCO and ask your questions. I suggest that you ring them first to check to see if they are indeed open.

Persistent if a little dim.

Airborne Aircrew

One could suggest that self assessment in a public forum is something of a self hack. But in your case I'm sure most will simply nod and move on.

zedflyer

I am an FAA ATPL pilot, with 2600hrs total
and capt on the Jetstream at the moment.
With a UK passport.

Would be possible to join the RAF, with the
FAA licence, or would I have to convert to JAR?

Pontius Navigator

Neither.

Read the sticky at the top of the page. Your civil licence will not qualify you to fly one of Betty's aircraft.

You will need to be in the UK, visit an AFCO, apply to be considered, some months later attend OASC for a week. Wait a month or two and then either get on with your life or wait some more months before starting IOT. You will reach the front line in about 3-4 years time.

PS, of course if you are over 24 you are too old and you also need the educational qualifications of 5 GCSE A-C including Maths and English and 2-A-levels or quivalent.

I suspect the show stopper will be the age and AFCO bit.

Wader2

I am answering this question for other wanabees as I think ElSupremo is a lost cause.

"Sports" is an energetic process (not billiards of course) whereby ordinarily sedentary civilians get to raise their pulse rate and oxygen intake requirements.

Servicemen commit "sport" for both entertainment and to get fit.

Unlike many civilians, servicemen then use the additional fitness to undertake more arduous physical activities that many civilians don't. Sticking now purely with aircrew, their flight bags and equipment are not neatly packed in shopping trolleys or on wheels; they have to be humped around.

They pull G. They breathe oxygen under pressure. They perform under stress. Breathing rates unconsciously increase, perhaps in an effort to increase oxygen supplies to the brain.

These are all activities that can lead to stress or exercise induced asthma attacks. "sports-induced" is therefore only one of several causes that might trigger an asthma attack.

From Nigeglib's post it can be seen that "course and severity are unpredictable, and sudden incapacitation is an uncommon but potential hazard for all asthmatics" Even civilian pilots can experience stress. Stress in civilian pilots may be more accute as a stressful situation may occur suddenly such as the BA777 crash or the Quantas depressurisation.

Jlong951

Hi people!

Im seriously thinking about joining the RAF very shortly as a Weapon Systems Operator. I have the min GCSE requirements (English C, Science CC, Maths C, DT B) and 2 A-levels (1 C, 1 D) Ive also got a certificate in leadership and management, and an ASET level 1. Im also doing abit of volunteering work as a panel member for Cancer research for that bit of life experience & extra responsibility Im 18, and was wondering if I would be in good stead when applying having the a-levels (as there not required), although i know people with degree's may apply aswell! All that really concerns me is that im not disadvantaged by my age, aslong as ive got what it takes, both academically, and aptitude wise.. your thoughts? Cheers?

WSOgirl

Optimum age for passing aptitude is 19 so your age will work for you. However leadership usually comes with age (although not always). You have done a course which should help, so I would suggest giving it your best shot and see what happens.

You can now do unlimited aptitude tests, so just apply and see what happens.

Benjybh

When was that change made? Sounds good!

muppetofthenorth

In the past couple of weeks.


The only proviso is you can only do one every calendar year, but certainly no "two strikes and you're out" rule anymore.

UAS students also have the ability to go down to OASC and attempt just the aptitude tests for experience if they wish.

WSOgirl

Change was made a couple of weeks ago, however your newest score now counts, not your best...which one UAS student recently found out to his detriment, after previously passing it twice.

Benjybh

Ah ok thanks for that!

Spam_UK

Hey Guys, this is a question for any ex NCA who have decided to go for pilot in the RAF. Or if not anyone who knows, or has heard of this happening.

I'm currently serving back end on one of her majesty's fine aircraft and am considering applying for Pilot once my return of service is up.

I'm fully aware of the whole application process, and what the job entails, my question is, how do the guys in charge decide what aircraft type you end up on and how much choice do you have in the matter? Is it like NCA where its just a matter of bums on seats, or do you have a little more input where you end up?

The reason I ask is I really enjoy the job that I'm currently in, however would love to try for Rotary Wing Pilot? How like am I to get what I want, and what do they look for in particular?

I appreciate these are very broad questions and I thankyou all in advance for your help (I hope). Look forward to some answers!

P.S Apologies if there are any spelling or grammer mistakes, it's been a long day, and an even longer beer call

Spam

Pontius Navigator

No need to wait. Make you plans known and if they need you they will get you sooner than later.

First it is your aptitude and skills. If you are brilliant as FJ then that is where they would send you.

Secondly you can ask. You will be looked at and considered in that light before they send you to FJ.

Thirdly bums on seats. No seats in RW thenthey will send you ME or whatever.