Wader2

Thirteen actually although you were consistent in spelling aptitude so nine might be true too.

Try reading through the OASC sticky at the top of the page; there is discussion about preparation there. Also you might look at thestudentroom.co.uk which, I am told, also covers OASC.

airborne_artist

I know a lad who applied, as is also waiting. I'm seeing him on Sat., so I'll report back.

airborne_artist

PM me your email address and I'll send you a FATs guide, which will give you an idea of what you need to work on. Much of it can't be improved through training, I reckon, with the exception of the mental maths, and perhaps some Xbox time to hone your hand/eye/brain co-ordination a bit.

EFH

Haha nice one, im actually dyslexic so even though my spelling and reading isnt fantastic i am however very good at visualising things in my head i.e thinking outside the box, this enables me to think in different ways, for example im good at multi-tasking and good at "doing things" i.e sports etc to give you a few examples albert einstein, richard brason, leonardo da vinci are all dyslexic, thanks for your constructive input though guys. (is my spelling ok? i failed to use a spell checker again, sorry)

thanks airborne, pm sent.

Wader2

EFH, dyslexia may be a problem although you can over come it. At my age it creates a mild diversion as I read newspaper headlines in random order.

Just a few definitions, I am sure you know these though:

impaired ability to learn to read
a learning disability that makes itself manifest primarily as a difficulty with the visual notation of speech or written language ...
difficult to read and write
dyslexic - dyslectic: having impaired ability to comprehend written words usually associated with a neurologic disorder

a reading disorder characterized by reading ability below the expected level given a child's age, school grade, and intelligence.

fullafterburner

Hi, My friend is doing Biomedical Science for his degree, he want to become a Pilot with the RAF. Will the RAF think that his degree choice is Odd, since he wants to be a Pilot??

Wader2

FAB, not at all. We once had a physiologist on the sqn. The RAF would not promote him as a pilot to sqn ldr so he joined the RAMC in the rank of major.

Takes all sorts. That degree is merely an enabler.

airborne_artist

FAB - as Wader says, it's irrelevant. We had a qualified barrister on my course, who'd read Law, not surprisingly. He ended up on the Sea Harrier and is now a grande fromage in BAe.

My daughter is lining herself up for aircrew, and will be reading Zoology and Psychology next year.

What is of far greater interest to the interviewers is the use made of the time at university. Did they sit around for three years doing the minimum and watching Countdown, or did they get out and make something of their time, getting involved in the running of a sports team or similar, for example?

rich2cool4u

Hi everybody, long time reader of PPRUNE here firstly saying hello everybody!

I have just been scanning the RAF website and I recently recall the upper age limit for pilot being moved to 25, it is now showing 23. Was it just an error in the first place or have the limits changed that quickly, up and then down again?

It is not so important to myself but thought I would point it out here as I know many people are concerned about this particular restriction.

Cheers,
Rich

soundwave

In answer to RICH2COOLFORYOU - The age limit is 25, it just hasn't been updated on the site yet. I spoke with the careers office just the other day and they confirmed this.

Now for my question....

I'm looking to apply to the Royal Air Force as a pilot by November.

I was just hoping that some of you on here maybe able to give me some pointers and tips for the application.

I know my fitness will have to be exceptionally good, thats not a problem, but what academics am I expected to have a good grasp of? Maths in particular... what types of math am I going to have to brush up on?

I'm very excited and eager to get the application going but I'm giving myself these next 2 months to get myself up to level so I can attempt to fly through the application and selection.

Melchett01

Soundwave -

Speed distance time calculations will be the most useful, closely followed by 60x tables and variants of i.e 30x, 15x, 20x etc. Should help with some of the maths questions.

If you need a calculator, get rid of it now and start practicing without using one; you can create your own DST problems when driving round. Fractions and decimals are also handy to have in your back pocket, as would an understanding of the principles of calculating relative velocities.

Do some of those spatial awareness problems and start to improve your short term memory - upto 10 or so digits should see you fine.

Make sure you aren't too good at working out angles / bearings etc on a screen - pass that one and you're half way there to becoming a Fighter Controller or whatever they are this week!

Above all, don't worry - it isn't rocket science - you will make the questions harder than they actually are. It's called self-induced pressure, and it crops up in spades during IOT. I believe there is a site called the student room or something like it, which has lots of aptitude / maths stuff on it.

Aerouk

Succeed at RAF OASC

I got this a while ago, it has a lot of maths examples although I'm not sure how accurate it is to the real thing.

Pontius Navigator

I recall one of the earlier applicants a couple of years ago who created this site. Shows some initiative but I am not certain that he got through.

Anyway Example 6 is quite interesting. The maths is easy but it is holding the number in memory and manipulating them where the trick lies. As Melchett said, improve your short term memory.

jordanpolonijo

25??

I have spoke to several people inc 2 x Local ACLO (Bristol and Southend).

I also personally telephoned RAF Cranwell officer selection board and asked about the change and they said no it is still current.

I find this really unfair if it has been changed as I am now too old BUT have been keen to apply since May 2008 (aged 23), so it was just the Navy for me.

soundwave

Thanks for the info AEROUK and MELCHETT01, much appreciated

b.a. Baracus

so the age limit has not changed to 25?

Aerouk

Website says 23 again.

fullafterburner

I Can Confirm The Raf Careers Site States 25 Years Is The Upper Age For Pilot

Pontius Navigator

FAB, PRINT THE PAGE

Pilot - Aircrew jobs - RAF Careers

Weapon Systems Officer - Aircrew jobs - RAF Careers

Note that the 'usual service' for a pilot is 18 years or 38

For a WSO usual service is six years!

funkyt111

Your application would be rejected if:
you suffer chronic blood disease, such as sickle cell disease, congenital spherocytosis, thalassaemia, HIV, AIDS, you carry hepatitis B or C, or you have had leukaemia or malignant lymphoma;

Hey guys. Im a 22 year old student and have been undergoing treatment for leukemia for the past 2 n half years. It clearly says on the RAF website that if you have had leukemia then my application would be rejected. However, I went into my local RAF careers office and they explained that once I had finished treatment (in 8 months), and im out of treatment for 2 years then I would be able to apply. I have some slight concerns over this. I really do not want to wait 2 years to apply to the airforce and then get told that I'm unable to join. Can anyone offer any advice or does anybody know anyone who has had such a condition like leukemia in the past, where there application has been accepted.

Replies greatly appreciated.