OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
During WWII sqns were brigaded into functional wings such as the Bannf Strike Wing and later, after D-Day into numbered expeditionary air wings. After the was the wing system was dropped but slowly re-emerged with the Bomber Command and Fighter Command sqns being refered to as the Waddington Wing or Akrotiri Bomber Wing in recognition to the fact that the aircraft belonged to the station under centralised servicing rather than to individual sqns.
After the end of the Cold War, about 1989, and the Gulf War in 1990/91, it was recognised that the RAF needed to re-focus as an expeditionary air force rather than as a UK based operational one. Gulf War 2 and Afghanistan, and the continuing detachments to the Falklands reinforrced this new focus. Deployments to the Falklands, the Gulf and Afghansitan, and the Balkans before that, are known at OOA or Out of Area operations and were manned by personnel drawn from other units on an ad hoc basis to man the detachments as NFU - non-formed units. Sqns were then deployed to these bases as required.
It was felt that morale of the NFU personnel was lower than those in formed units and creation of expeditionary air wings - EAW - would give such NFU personnel a sense of identity.
At the same time the main bases - the Coninsgby Wing, Marham Wing etc were given EAW numbers too, numbers related to WWII units as an historical link with the past. One thought had been that a UK EAW could be deployed as an entity to an OOA location. For various reasons this is a non-starter, for instance it would be rare for a wing's entire complement of aircraft to deploy. The training role for new crews continues and peacetime, or home base, manning is insufficient to man both an OOA detachment and the main base. For that reason the OOA EAW numbers are different from the main base ones. You could argue that the main base EAW numbers really signify nothing, especially since almost all personnel now wear blues and do not display the UK EAW patch.
Well, that is my take on it, lets see if I get shot down in flames.
After the end of the Cold War, about 1989, and the Gulf War in 1990/91, it was recognised that the RAF needed to re-focus as an expeditionary air force rather than as a UK based operational one. Gulf War 2 and Afghanistan, and the continuing detachments to the Falklands reinforrced this new focus. Deployments to the Falklands, the Gulf and Afghansitan, and the Balkans before that, are known at OOA or Out of Area operations and were manned by personnel drawn from other units on an ad hoc basis to man the detachments as NFU - non-formed units. Sqns were then deployed to these bases as required.
It was felt that morale of the NFU personnel was lower than those in formed units and creation of expeditionary air wings - EAW - would give such NFU personnel a sense of identity.
At the same time the main bases - the Coninsgby Wing, Marham Wing etc were given EAW numbers too, numbers related to WWII units as an historical link with the past. One thought had been that a UK EAW could be deployed as an entity to an OOA location. For various reasons this is a non-starter, for instance it would be rare for a wing's entire complement of aircraft to deploy. The training role for new crews continues and peacetime, or home base, manning is insufficient to man both an OOA detachment and the main base. For that reason the OOA EAW numbers are different from the main base ones. You could argue that the main base EAW numbers really signify nothing, especially since almost all personnel now wear blues and do not display the UK EAW patch.
Well, that is my take on it, lets see if I get shot down in flames.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: in my combat underpants
Age: 53
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nearly.....
The EAW is the Command and Control plus generic support functions from the base. These are held at a different readiness cycle to the aircraft based there - these are Force Elements At Readiness (FE@R). We've not got enough seperate bases holding different aircraft types for these to match up.
More official blah:
RAF - Expeditionary Air Wings
The EAW is the Command and Control plus generic support functions from the base. These are held at a different readiness cycle to the aircraft based there - these are Force Elements At Readiness (FE@R). We've not got enough seperate bases holding different aircraft types for these to match up.
More official blah:
RAF - Expeditionary Air Wings
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Manthorpe
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aptitude Test Scores
Dear Gavin,
The cut-off for each test would mean nothing to you without understanding how the aptitude test system works. So instead of giving you meaningless figures, below is my attempt to explain how it works.
Ideally, all OASC candidates would sit every aptitude test before entering the selection competition. However, to maximise the throughput of OASC, suitability to sit the tests is determined by the age of the candidate and the time elapsed since their last attempt (if appropriate). Each branch in the RAF has differing specific requirements and the aptitude tests have been developed to attempt to provide a measure of predictability to pass the specific branch training. Unfortunately, not all branches have, as yet, lent themselves to aptitude testing. Those that do have a specific branch test ‘battery’ made up of a selection of the individual tests set within the ‘domains’ of verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate, attentional capability and psychomotor ability. The weighting placed on each domain within the battery depends on the specific branch. In other words, the same test or tests may be used across a number of batteries but the calculated score will differ depending upon its weighting within the battery.
In its simplest terms, a raw score of 100 points with a weighting of 20% translates into 20 points for that test within that battery; whereas the same raw score of 100 points within a different battery but with a weighting of 26% would be calculated as 26 points. The maximum score for any test battery is 180 points and the total numeric sum of the individual weightings applied to the raw scores of each individual test within each domain is 100 (ie 100%).
Even within the flying branch it is quite normal for some candidates to do very well in one sub-specialisation test battery but not so well in another (high for pilot but low for WSO or vice versa). However, passing the cut-off is not the end of the story. OASC runs a competitive process and very few, if any, candidates who reach the minimum score of 112 for pilot training are selected as future pilots. It is impossible to state a true competitive score as this depends on a number of factors such as the candidate’s age, level of success in the rest of the process, motivation and the number of pilots required by the RAF in that year.
The individual score for each test within the battery is also important. Although a candidate may score 130 points overall, a particularly low score in any single domain would raise doubt as to the suitability of the individual to be successful in training. And this is all the aptitude test can attempt to predict; it is a measure of predictability of success in training. It does not guarantee success in flying training. Similarly, there are examples of people in the past who 'failed' aptitude but went on to become successful pilots elsewhere. As I said above, the fact is that OASC is a competitive business and where it does not need to the RAF does not take a chance on those who, unfortunately, do not show that they are competitive during the 3 days they are at OASC.
The psychologists will tell you that you cannot train for an aptitude test; it is a measure of ability not skill. However, if you wish to make the most of your chances then my best advice to you is to make sure that your mental arithmetic is of the highest standard. Not having to worry about getting the sums right frees up stacks of capacity that you can use to concentrate on the more esoteric aspects of the aptitude tests.
Good luck.
The cut-off for each test would mean nothing to you without understanding how the aptitude test system works. So instead of giving you meaningless figures, below is my attempt to explain how it works.
Ideally, all OASC candidates would sit every aptitude test before entering the selection competition. However, to maximise the throughput of OASC, suitability to sit the tests is determined by the age of the candidate and the time elapsed since their last attempt (if appropriate). Each branch in the RAF has differing specific requirements and the aptitude tests have been developed to attempt to provide a measure of predictability to pass the specific branch training. Unfortunately, not all branches have, as yet, lent themselves to aptitude testing. Those that do have a specific branch test ‘battery’ made up of a selection of the individual tests set within the ‘domains’ of verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate, attentional capability and psychomotor ability. The weighting placed on each domain within the battery depends on the specific branch. In other words, the same test or tests may be used across a number of batteries but the calculated score will differ depending upon its weighting within the battery.
In its simplest terms, a raw score of 100 points with a weighting of 20% translates into 20 points for that test within that battery; whereas the same raw score of 100 points within a different battery but with a weighting of 26% would be calculated as 26 points. The maximum score for any test battery is 180 points and the total numeric sum of the individual weightings applied to the raw scores of each individual test within each domain is 100 (ie 100%).
Even within the flying branch it is quite normal for some candidates to do very well in one sub-specialisation test battery but not so well in another (high for pilot but low for WSO or vice versa). However, passing the cut-off is not the end of the story. OASC runs a competitive process and very few, if any, candidates who reach the minimum score of 112 for pilot training are selected as future pilots. It is impossible to state a true competitive score as this depends on a number of factors such as the candidate’s age, level of success in the rest of the process, motivation and the number of pilots required by the RAF in that year.
The individual score for each test within the battery is also important. Although a candidate may score 130 points overall, a particularly low score in any single domain would raise doubt as to the suitability of the individual to be successful in training. And this is all the aptitude test can attempt to predict; it is a measure of predictability of success in training. It does not guarantee success in flying training. Similarly, there are examples of people in the past who 'failed' aptitude but went on to become successful pilots elsewhere. As I said above, the fact is that OASC is a competitive business and where it does not need to the RAF does not take a chance on those who, unfortunately, do not show that they are competitive during the 3 days they are at OASC.
The psychologists will tell you that you cannot train for an aptitude test; it is a measure of ability not skill. However, if you wish to make the most of your chances then my best advice to you is to make sure that your mental arithmetic is of the highest standard. Not having to worry about getting the sums right frees up stacks of capacity that you can use to concentrate on the more esoteric aspects of the aptitude tests.
Good luck.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Play Darts
I meant to post this advice some time ago.
The Daily Telegraph today (8 Jan) has a short article saying that studies have shown that playing darts improves mathematical skills as darts if 33% artithmetic.
We used to play Mickey Mouse and 301/501 interminably during Nav Training. By the late 80s darts boards were disappearing from messes as fast as aircrew from mess committees.
At Nav School we regularly advised those who made simple maths errors, or were too slow, to play darts.
So all you wanabees, as well as becoming a computer gaming wiz, play darts. Darts also hones hand/eye coordination and is good physical exercise too
The Daily Telegraph today (8 Jan) has a short article saying that studies have shown that playing darts improves mathematical skills as darts if 33% artithmetic.
We used to play Mickey Mouse and 301/501 interminably during Nav Training. By the late 80s darts boards were disappearing from messes as fast as aircrew from mess committees.
At Nav School we regularly advised those who made simple maths errors, or were too slow, to play darts.
So all you wanabees, as well as becoming a computer gaming wiz, play darts. Darts also hones hand/eye coordination and is good physical exercise too
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PN
That is interesting, i'm sure being a student and all that it would be reasonably easy to fit darts into my schedule, as of course all we do is go out and get smashed every night of the week!
On a serious note I think we tend to forget the simple things that could improve our math like the above, adding up our shopping bills and using our heads instead of a calculator. We spend to much time looking for fancy technology to improve our skills- myself included. So PN thanks, you've probably saved me forking out for a DS!
That is interesting, i'm sure being a student and all that it would be reasonably easy to fit darts into my schedule, as of course all we do is go out and get smashed every night of the week!
On a serious note I think we tend to forget the simple things that could improve our math like the above, adding up our shopping bills and using our heads instead of a calculator. We spend to much time looking for fancy technology to improve our skills- myself included. So PN thanks, you've probably saved me forking out for a DS!
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Between the woods and the water
Age: 24
Posts: 6,487
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
And if you are not too impoverished to run/use a car, you can calculate miles gone/av speed, miles to go/ETA, miles/gallon/litre etc. Kept me occupied when I took daughter #1 back to Liverpool from darkest Oxfordshire.
(Average speed of 66 mph over 394 miles, as it happens
)
(Average speed of 66 mph over 394 miles, as it happens
)
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
ricester, there is no point in buying a darts board. Buy the darts instead.
You need to go to the pub to play - that's the first part of the exercise regime.
Then you need a bunch of mates as it is their scores you have to add as well as working out what arrows you need to win.
When you get their scores wrong they will barrack you. When you get your's wrong you will lose as they won't tell you when you are diddling yourself.
There is also a strong social element and if you play with a partner, team work.
You may also be surprised that it is a point at interview too. It proves motivation, socialisation, initiative etc.
You need to go to the pub to play - that's the first part of the exercise regime.
Then you need a bunch of mates as it is their scores you have to add as well as working out what arrows you need to win.
When you get their scores wrong they will barrack you. When you get your's wrong you will lose as they won't tell you when you are diddling yourself.
There is also a strong social element and if you play with a partner, team work.
You may also be surprised that it is a point at interview too. It proves motivation, socialisation, initiative etc.
Last edited by Pontius Navigator; 8th Jan 2009 at 17:03.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: England
Age: 33
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi all,
I have heard first hand from two different people that the RAF is less inclined to accept pilots applications if the applicant is AT the upper agelimit of 23. I will be at this age shortly after i graduate university doing aerospace engineering, so would it be worth applying to the Navy instead? Im not too bothered either way over rotary or fast-wizz as a career, although would prefer one of those instead of ME.
Also, whilst talking to the RAF AFCO, he said about how many pilots get ground tours (operations etc), how common is this, and how does the RN compare?
Many thanks.
Sam
I have heard first hand from two different people that the RAF is less inclined to accept pilots applications if the applicant is AT the upper agelimit of 23. I will be at this age shortly after i graduate university doing aerospace engineering, so would it be worth applying to the Navy instead? Im not too bothered either way over rotary or fast-wizz as a career, although would prefer one of those instead of ME.
Also, whilst talking to the RAF AFCO, he said about how many pilots get ground tours (operations etc), how common is this, and how does the RN compare?
Many thanks.
Sam
You never know unless you try.
Worst the RAF can do is say no, and then you'd still have time to apply to the RN with their upper limit having an additional 2 years.
If you're a good enough candidate the RAF'll sign you up.
Worst the RAF can do is say no, and then you'd still have time to apply to the RN with their upper limit having an additional 2 years.
If you're a good enough candidate the RAF'll sign you up.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
What is a truism though is that aptitude falls off after about 18 so you will be on the down slope at 23 yr and 11 months.
so would it be worth applying to the Navy instead? Im not too bothered either way over rotary or fast-wizz as a career, although would prefer one of those instead of ME.
Also, whilst talking to the RAF AFCO, he said about how many pilots get ground tours (operations etc), how common is this, and how does the RN compare?
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: England
Age: 33
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apply to both at the same time. If you pass one then you will be well placed to pass the other and it will boost your confidence.
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Between the woods and the water
Age: 24
Posts: 6,487
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
There's a Ppruner who recently took RN FATs first, and passed, very well. He also applied to the RAF at about the same time. He sat out the first day of OASC.
He was offered by the RN and RAF, and is now at Cranwell.
So I think you'd only sit them once, unless your applications were some time apart. I don't think you can sit them more than once in twelve months.
He was offered by the RN and RAF, and is now at Cranwell.
So I think you'd only sit them once, unless your applications were some time apart. I don't think you can sit them more than once in twelve months.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Regardless of whether you can take the aptitude test more than once or not, applying to both gives you the experience as far as the whole selection goes. If you pass the first then it will really boost your self-confidence. Should you fail the first you may learn enough to pass the second.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Lincoln
Age: 37
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The "Sift"
Hi guys (first post on here!). I attended OASC in December 08 and have recently received a letter stating my application is being put forward for further consideration i.e. the "sift"! A meeting is being held this month (January 09). Any one else in a similar situation? Or past experience of it. I think OASC went OK but I got mediocre aptitude scores. I've applied for pilot and WSO.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: firmly on dry land
Age: 81
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ollie,
There are effectively 4 grades. Accept, reject, come back later and Sift.
Sift is only just after Accept and the outcome is really one of objective chance. If they need, say, 160 pilots and they have 60 in the accept pool then they would look to top that up from the sift pool.
There is then the informed assessment that come the summer, post-A-level or post-Uni they will get, say, another 40 for immediate acceptance.
The sift for the year is now 60. The pool may be 200 at the moment but they only want 30 right now so . . .
Don't read anything into these numebrs, it is just to illustrate the point that the sift is used to select suitable candidates who, in all respects, have actually met the grade.
There are effectively 4 grades. Accept, reject, come back later and Sift.
Sift is only just after Accept and the outcome is really one of objective chance. If they need, say, 160 pilots and they have 60 in the accept pool then they would look to top that up from the sift pool.
There is then the informed assessment that come the summer, post-A-level or post-Uni they will get, say, another 40 for immediate acceptance.
The sift for the year is now 60. The pool may be 200 at the moment but they only want 30 right now so . . .
Don't read anything into these numebrs, it is just to illustrate the point that the sift is used to select suitable candidates who, in all respects, have actually met the grade.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Oxford
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oasc - Help!
Hi,
I'm doing OASC for the AAC at the start of next month, I'm going in completely eyes closed about what I need to be able to do? Could any body help me! I'd love to know physically what I need to be able to do and mentally,
Cheers
I'm doing OASC for the AAC at the start of next month, I'm going in completely eyes closed about what I need to be able to do? Could any body help me! I'd love to know physically what I need to be able to do and mentally,
Cheers
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Between the woods and the water
Age: 24
Posts: 6,487
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Prepare by doing lots of mental arithmetic - eg Speed/time/distance eg how long does it take for an aircraft travelling at 135 kts to go 22.5 nm?
Tip - the speeds will normally work out as mile/min - 135 = 2.25 nm/min
Bit of time on the PS/Xbox won't do any harm, either.
Tip - the speeds will normally work out as mile/min - 135 = 2.25 nm/min
Bit of time on the PS/Xbox won't do any harm, either.