tomw19

Hello, im looking into applying as a WSOP, im just wondering if anyone knows how long the wait is between completing the filter interview and going on to OASC

Thanks Tom

muppetofthenorth

How long's a piece of string?

There's no telling. If you get through the Filter Interview [which isn't a given] it's then down to the efficiency of the AFCO and of OASC at the time as to when you'll get an invitation.

Wader2

Nonsense.

It is entirely down to the footfall at the AFCO and the capacity of the system to process applicants through OASC.

OASC running at full capacity can, I believe, process 80 people per week. As applicants in all the AFCO do not get filtered in neat 80-people packages each week it follows that there will be delays.

There may also be downstream constraints too. IOT may be fully subscribed so a brake may be imposed before AFCO or OASC. Quotas may be under subscribed and potential applicants may be pulled forward.

The AFCO and OASC will strive to work at their best rate.

soundwave

Regarding Speed, Time and Distance test;

I know calculators are of course not allowed but are we allowed to use a pen and paper or is it strictly working everything out in your head?

In that case, if it's mental arithmatic, how hard would the test be?

There's just some examples you really need a paper and pencil to carry out the long divisions with.

airborne_artist

All the testing for FATs at OASC is done at a computer terminal, and no paper/pencil is provided, AFAIK.

The SDT work is normally easy to simplify - eg 27 nm in 20 mins is .....kts

nickyboy007

Just come back from OASC last week.

There is one test with SDT questions which are slightly more complex, where they will provide you with pen and paper. This will then be removed.

Best of luck

Nick

soundwave

Thanks for the heads up.

How complex are we talking?

And FAT's stands for what?

Pontius Navigator

Google is your friend. The answers to 99.99% of questions asked here can be answered on Google.

How do you think we know everything?

onrey_oleuk

Hi,

I am looking at joining the RAF straight after A-Levels to be an officer. I intend to go for Pilot and i was just wondering what the pay is like during training?

cheers

airborne_artist

dave_perry

Hi guys, I went to Cranwell on Tuesday for FATS for RN Aircrew. I have always, since I can recall, wanted to be military aircrew (Pilot preferably). I applied for the RAF 6th form Schol. a year and a half ago and passed the aptitude for pilot but failed for WSO. However this time I only passed for Observer.

I am obviously quite distressed about it all but have made the decision to go onto AIB with the intention of going Observer. My question is:

Is all lost on the pilot front now?

I was told I had to wait another year to try again, but I have spoken to the parents and don't want to be hanging round the house for another year (if only to fail FATS again), I wan't to start my career. I was too tall for Pilot/WSO in the RAFand tried at the RN - and too my dissmay, I have failed a test I had previously passed.

I am not looking for any sympathy or particularly specific advice - but only thoughts on what you guys would do if in this predicament.

Cheers,

Dave

Melchett01

Dave -

How long is an aptitude pass valid for? Might be worth checking. I can't honestly comment or advise otherwise, other than to say I had a similar experience going through OASC.

I initially applied for a University Cadetship and passed the aptitude tests although didn't quite make the grade for a Cadetship. I then went back a couple of years later for DE and was told I had to re-do all my aptitude tests; my concern was failing them second time round having passed them first time round. When I asked I was told not to worry, it was just a formality and they would consider my highest score obtained from either of my test sittings rather than just looking at my last set of scores. Fortunately I passed again, so not a worry, but nice to have that knowledge in the bank when you sit the tests.

Not sure if the same applies to FAA, but might be worth asking.

Pontius Navigator

Dave,

I might just be inclined to argue my case at AIB. Provided you base an arguement on facts and logic it will work as an interview point even if they maintain the Observer offer alone.

Crucial really to evalute that failure point.

airborne_artist

DP - what was your best P score?

Bear in mind that that at the moment AIB are only certain to offer a P place at BRNC to someone with 130 or better. The pass is 112, but AFAIK no-one has got in on less than 118 for some time, and 120-125 is often not adequate unless they have really wowed the Board.

My thoughts are that you should go to university, and have another stab in three years time. You have plenty of time to apply through UCAS for a place in Sep 2010. Aim to get into a uni that has a UAS/URNU/OTC .

In the mean time, work hard, go travelling next Spring/Summer, and round out a bit.

CleartoFire

Dave,

Don't discount observer so quickly. Look into the role and its training. I did 7 years as an observer and had a great time. The flying was awesome and I even got to do quite a bit of "poling" (i.e. flying the aircraft). I found myself in the same boat as you for slightly different reasons and opted for Obs because,at the end of the day, I really really really wanted to be aircrew.
It has been possible in the past for Observers to go Pilot. I know of one case only (although there may have beenone or two more recently,more up to date individuals may give you some accurate figures) and that particular individual had a tough job just to get the opportunity.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide.

CTF

Aerouk

I agree with airborne_artist that you should consider going to University and going for the position again once you've got an education behind you.

I've been thinking long and hard about the OBS position, I don't know if I could do the job knowing that the guy to the right of me is doing the job I actually wanted to do - but then again it's still a fantastic role.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do! I went to University and don't regret it.

ElSupremo

Today I finally went to the AFCO and inquired about the asthma issue. The RAF representative basically said that any record of asthma in your history is a bar to joining as aircrew. However, he said that if I was able to get a letter from my GP or a specialist saying that I'd never needed an inhaler (which I'm confident of) it would pretty much be enough to get in (although Cranwell would have the final say). So the message is simple, a history of asthma is a problem although you will probably be ok if you prove that the asthma is/has never been an issue.

On a separate note, if the flying falls flat on its face I'll consider a career in the legal service... it seems to pay well enough!

Mr C Hinecap

HALLELUJAH!

Aerouk

Did you get a chance to speak to the RN about it?

ElSupremo

Hey Aerouk, I only saw the RAF bloke but I did ask about the Navy. He said he wasn't exactly sure but that he thinks the rules are the same as the Navy ask the same questions (re asthma since the age of 4) and have the same sheet of paper to fill in. Don't take that as fact though as he wasn't 100% sure.