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OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!

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OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!

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Old 16th Jan 2009, 15:19
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do you need to know kts and mile conversions and things? everytime we go up on AEFs when I ask how fast we're going they say it in knots, and that doesn't mean anything to me
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Old 16th Jan 2009, 16:13
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do you need to know kts and mile conversions and things?
No, no conversions needed.

A nautical mile is about 15% further than a statute mile, so a knot will be....
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Old 16th Jan 2009, 16:36
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1.15 miles! thanks!
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Old 19th Jan 2009, 11:30
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Selection for WSOp derivative

I'm interested to know the type of personal, physical attributes that are predominantly considered when assigning WSOp trainees for their further training. Could anyone shed some light on this for me please?

I understand willingness to commit to whichever post is assigned is vital, (I can definitely tick this box,) however I imagine my self most suited to the role of Crewman.

Brief summary of myself-
29yrs old, 187cm, 87kg, fit as the proverbial fiddle
Manufacturing Design/Process Engineer by trade
Working as Dept. Manager for an automotive components supplier,
Educated to HND Engineering, BAHons Business Mgmt + GSCEs etc
Play Rugby at reasonable level (D&N1),

I understand there is no clean cut answer and the needs of the force are all that need be satisfied, however if anyone would be willing make some points I'd appreciate it.

Many Thanks
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Old 19th Jan 2009, 11:37
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55 Squadron hold open days, I believe. Use your comms skills and initiative to arrange a visit.
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Old 19th Jan 2009, 20:41
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55 open days

Last thursday of every month at Cranwell...

Try calling the 55(R) Sqn Adj...

I guess the pay rates on your other thread were attractive eh...

Good Luck

CS
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Old 23rd Jan 2009, 22:09
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Hi all,

Recently I had my filter interview for pilot. To cut a long story short, I failed. The good news was that they said I had potential and would like me to come back in 6 months and reapply. I was told that I lacked leadership experience and to go away and gain some! Does anyone have any good ideas as to what I could do? I have looked into becoming a leader for the Duke of Edinburgh award which seems to be what they are looking for.
Do you guys know of any other things I could get involved in to improve my experience?

Thanks in advance
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Old 24th Jan 2009, 08:21
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Mike, DoE is good but will take longer than 6 months. Try and get involved in the organisation of something like team sports or whatever. Doing an outward bound course was a good staple.

OB is a more concentrated form of leadership and self-discipline pursuit than DoE.
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Old 24th Jan 2009, 18:16
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Hi, a quick post in relation to the previous post about leadership etc.

I can definitely sell my current job as having a lot of responsibility and a level of autonomy and initiative, but have never been in charge or had to lead any staff.

However about a year ago I was one of the key members of a campaign to get a skate park built in my local town. It involved a lot of commitment in my own free time, driving a lot (as I don't live nearby), and meeting and working with members of the council. I also created a short documentary style video to be played at a public meeting which went down quite well, and was contacted by the local media and ended up getting my opinion printed on the front page of the paper.

Is that the sort of thing I should consider mentioning at an interview to show I have the commitment and potential to succeed?

And myself and a few mates are planning an adventure into Europe (not just a p*ss-up), which I could possibly try to plan and 'lead'.

Any tips or advice on things to do with leadership/generally carving myself into a more suitable character for RAF life? - personally I'm quite confident I'd be able to cope with it but I know it really is necessary to have examples and evidence to show my capability.
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Old 24th Jan 2009, 21:43
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Stuart, yes.
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Old 25th Jan 2009, 19:06
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Hello again,
At school, we've been given forms to apply for our 6th from, where we have to indicate 4 subject choices for the next 2 years. As I'd like to be a pilot, what would be the most helpful?
My favourite subjects are Design and Technology (Product Design) and Chemistry, and they are my best. I speak fairly fluent german and know 2 years worth of Spanish.
I don't like writing essays and hate biology.
I'm in the RAF section of our CCF and working towards a CVQO bTec Diploma in Public Services, and at DoE Silver so far.
Thanks!
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Old 25th Jan 2009, 19:10
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Your A-level choices really do not matter, nor does a degree subject, unless you want to be an engineering officer, legal specialist, doctor/dentist/nurse etc.
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Old 25th Jan 2009, 19:31
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I meant to say what will make my job easier, for instance Geography = Navigation?
And as for Uni, I'm planning on joining up straight after 6th form. Don't think it's for me.
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Old 25th Jan 2009, 20:37
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Geography = Navigation?
Frankly, no. Almost no comparison between the contents of a Geography A-level and the skills/knowledge needed to navigate.
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Old 26th Jan 2009, 21:38
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Low FATS score

Dear all,

I come from an Army background (Dad, brothers etc. are all serving with different regiments). As a result, I too went on to pass the Army Officer Selection Board and I also completed aptitudes for the Army Air Corps. Additionally, I was fortunate enough to pass Army Flying Grading with a decent overall score/write up.

However, although I DO want to be commissioned in to the Forces, I also want to fly. This has been a life long dream but because of my family and the Army, I never really considered the other two services. To cut a long story short, I turned down the offer of attending Sandhurst (there is no guarantee of getting a place with the Air Corps and competition is fierce) and attended various Navy presentations/visits instead. I researched thoroughly in to life as a Fleet Air Arm pilot, passed my filter interview and have just sat my FATS.

The problem is that I got an awful score of 113 (scraped a pass). However, I have still been given an AIB date. I am inclined to think that no matter how well I do at AIB, it is unlikely that I will be considered for pilot due to my uncompetitive aptitude? Is it daft of me to hope that my Army Flying Grading report may support my application and suggest to the board that I do have potential for further military flying training?

Sorry about the long post - any advice/suggestions would be appreciated!
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Old 26th Jan 2009, 22:01
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Low FAT score - chances?!

Dear all,

I come from an Army background (Dad, brothers etc. are all serving with different regiments). As a result, I too went on to pass the Army Officer Selection Board and I also completed aptitudes for the Army Air Corps. Additionally, I was fortunate enough to pass Army Flying Grading with a decent overall score/write up.

However, although I DO want to be commissioned in to the Forces, I also want to fly. This has been a life long dream but because of my family and the Army, I never really considered the other two services. To cut a long story short, I turned down the offer of attending Sandhurst (there is no guarantee of getting a place with the Air Corps and competition is fierce) and attended various Navy presentations/visits instead. I researched thoroughly in to life as a Fleet Air Arm pilot, passed my filter interview and have just sat my FATS.

The problem is that I got an awful score of 113 (scraped a pass). However, I have still been given an AIB date. I am inclined to think that no matter how well I do at AIB, it is unlikely that I will be considered for pilot due to my uncompetitive aptitude? Is it daft of me to hope that my Army Flying Grading report may support my application and suggest to the board that I do have potential for further military flying training?

Sorry about the long post - any advice/suggestions would be appreciated!
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Old 27th Jan 2009, 07:25
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Ireland, my gut feeling is as you believe. The facts are that you got a pass and a low aptitude. This suggests that your aptitude is inconsistent and you would be a high training risk in an exacting environment.

Go to AIB. Make them aware of your ambitions and convince them that you have what they want. I met some parent's yesterday. Their son could not fly in the RAF because of poor eyesight, so he joined the RN and is not a sub-lieutenant and enjoying every minute.
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Old 27th Jan 2009, 07:38
  #2458 (permalink)  
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Agree with PN - and I spoke to the SO3 FAA at Directorate of Naval Recruiting not so long ago, and he confirmed the 130 threshold is current. Blimy, a member on here, got a 120 score, and despite being in the pool for twelve months he did not get a place at BRNC.

He went to OASC, and is now at Cranwell on the pilot stream, on the same score.

AIB would be concerned - despite 12 hours of flying, which should improve your aptitude, you've only got to 113 - so I can't see them hiring you when they have lads/lasses easily making 130 who have far less/zero time in an aircraft.
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Old 27th Jan 2009, 07:49
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OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!

Your problem will be that the weighting is heavily in favor of the FATS so even if you well at AIB you will go into the mixing pot with everyone else. I’m sure you’re aware the selection process works by creaming off the top guys from the pool, so if your FATS were poor you will almost certainly not be in that group at the top.

At AIB they will try their hardest to push you into becoming an observer or push you into another branch they are in need of. I don’t know how you feel about other branches but if you want pilot do not even hint that you might be interested in anything else!

I’m not sure how the grading report will help your application, they may consider it, but unless it says you can walk on water it probably won’t hold much stock.

You said you completed aptitudes for the Army Air Corps, are these not the same tests that everyone took for RAF, Navy, and Army? I remember from years gone by that the army would take people with lower aptitude test marks and just chop more in grading. What was your score when you took these tests the first time round with the army?

Believe me competition for FAA is just as competitive as the AAC
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Old 27th Jan 2009, 08:14
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Stude 101

Are you really sure about the statement that the Army accepts lower scores as it chops more on grading? I was informed at Biggin Hill during my selection that AAC criteria was lower as we don't and will never have any Jets, and therefore only need to select for Rotary and prop driven Fixed Wing, which resulted in lowering of the scores.

All of that aside I have to say that competition is fierce, especially at Sandhurst and those wanting to join need to be ready for that, and not fed some mumbo jumbo on here that if all else fails try the AAC as the marking system is lower.
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