OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
Red On, Green On
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I'd say that joining the RAuxF was being too cute by half, and actually a drain on them anyway if you are not going to stay past OASC. Find a local kids' group - Scouts etc., and offer to help with evenings and weekends - OASC like to see people who are in touch with the real world.
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Military Aircrew Selection Clarkson Video
Allo all,
I posted a similar thread in the military aircrew forum the other day, but no response.
Basically I'm off to do the British Army Air Corps selection before too long, which incorperates the aircrew aptitude tests held at RAF Cranwell - I vaguely remember seeing Jeremy Clarkson going through these on telly a while back, and was wondering if anyone had seen this on the internet anywhere - havn't managed to find it on youtube etc though.
If anyone knows of it, it'd be much appreciated.
Regards,
SS
I posted a similar thread in the military aircrew forum the other day, but no response.
Basically I'm off to do the British Army Air Corps selection before too long, which incorperates the aircrew aptitude tests held at RAF Cranwell - I vaguely remember seeing Jeremy Clarkson going through these on telly a while back, and was wondering if anyone had seen this on the internet anywhere - havn't managed to find it on youtube etc though.
If anyone knows of it, it'd be much appreciated.
Regards,
SS
A PPL shows you're keen about aviation and having acheived it at such a young age shows determination. But as for giving you an advantage in flying training, I would say it was of limited value. You will have to 'unlearn' some of your techniques and get rid of (dare I say) bad habits.
I base this on two tours as a QFI where I saw many people such as yourself. You will have a bit of an advantage over your peers at first, but after about 30 hours or so, ability will show through and you may possibly find yourself dropping behind others on your course. As an aside, I found those students with gliding experience to have a slight advantage over those with PPLs.
However, don't stop flying now you have the PPL. Stopping now will speak volumes to the selectors. Do enough to stay current, but don't expect it to give you an advantage if (sorry, when!) you start your flying training. And when you do, keep your PPL quiet. Your QFI will know you have a PPL, he will have read your file. But don't say "When I was flying the C150, we did it like this". I can guaretee it will annoy him quite quickly!
Good luck.
I base this on two tours as a QFI where I saw many people such as yourself. You will have a bit of an advantage over your peers at first, but after about 30 hours or so, ability will show through and you may possibly find yourself dropping behind others on your course. As an aside, I found those students with gliding experience to have a slight advantage over those with PPLs.
However, don't stop flying now you have the PPL. Stopping now will speak volumes to the selectors. Do enough to stay current, but don't expect it to give you an advantage if (sorry, when!) you start your flying training. And when you do, keep your PPL quiet. Your QFI will know you have a PPL, he will have read your file. But don't say "When I was flying the C150, we did it like this". I can guaretee it will annoy him quite quickly!
Good luck.
Your PPL will give you an intial advantage - as well as a sounder base level of theoretical knowledge than you would have received at any new style dumbed-down UAS....
But you will have a lot more to learn during RAF flying training! Good luck!!
But you will have a lot more to learn during RAF flying training! Good luck!!
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Pilot Training
Just a slight caution regarding your flying training. When you get as far as OASC at Cranwell I believe there is a cut off point as regards previous pilot hours where the results of the aptitutde tests become a problem. I think it may be 150 hours. Others on the this site will no doubt clarify the matter and whilst it may not preclude you from taking the tests, it is certainly going to be easier if you 'fit in ' with others on the selection visit.
As has been said earlier the RAF are looking for a complete package and there is a great deal more that you can do to prepare for the selection process. The plus point as far as your previous flying experience is concerned is that at least you have a clear idea about your career choice.
As has been said earlier the RAF are looking for a complete package and there is a great deal more that you can do to prepare for the selection process. The plus point as far as your previous flying experience is concerned is that at least you have a clear idea about your career choice.
Red On, Green On
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When you get as far as OASC at Cranwell I believe there is a cut off point as regards previous pilot hours where the results of the aptitutde tests become a problem. I think it may be 150 hours.
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Pilot Training
There isn't a problem in that the aptitude tests can still be taken but, as I understand it, those with more than 150 hours render the tests less representative than those who have not. Consequently it is better to be under the limit and taking the tests with all the others rather than be dealt with on your own. Might I suggest that you consult with Pontius Navigator on this forum who appears to have a greater depth of knowledge than myself on all things RAF.
Red On, Green On
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PN attended aircrew selection even longer ago than I did. I went to Biggin Hill, so that dates me somewhat. Is the 150 hours thing a bit of a rumour? It's not been mentioned here before, and I'm not even sure how the system could tell the difference between a fast learner with 50 hours and a slow learner with 250. , and then again, 150 S+L is very different to 150 hours of aeros etc.
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Secret Squire -
The tests are OK. I do not know if they are posted somewhere on the net but do not worry about them. Don't listen to the sh**e spouted on here by people who were not able to pass.
Just don't get (too) twatted the night before!
Don't listen to impress - he obviously has a chip on his shoulder ...understandable really as flying a passenger jet - although fairly well paid - must be mind numbingly boring. (I say this having sat in the flight deck a few times..... auto land, auto this, auto that.... they earn their pennies in an emergency but how difficult can it be to turn a dial when instructed to fly a heading or climb and descend?? And you need to have someone else to check that you have turned the correct knob in the correct direction!!)
Just remember - you can buy a civvy pilots licence (no aptitude tests required if self funded) - you earn a military one... I know of lots of people with no flying experience who passed the tests for pilot and Nav/Obs
Do some exciting flying now whilst you are young, then retire to a sedentary airline job to bolster your pension.... good luck
The tests are OK. I do not know if they are posted somewhere on the net but do not worry about them. Don't listen to the sh**e spouted on here by people who were not able to pass.
Just don't get (too) twatted the night before!
Don't listen to impress - he obviously has a chip on his shoulder ...understandable really as flying a passenger jet - although fairly well paid - must be mind numbingly boring. (I say this having sat in the flight deck a few times..... auto land, auto this, auto that.... they earn their pennies in an emergency but how difficult can it be to turn a dial when instructed to fly a heading or climb and descend?? And you need to have someone else to check that you have turned the correct knob in the correct direction!!)
Just remember - you can buy a civvy pilots licence (no aptitude tests required if self funded) - you earn a military one... I know of lots of people with no flying experience who passed the tests for pilot and Nav/Obs
Do some exciting flying now whilst you are young, then retire to a sedentary airline job to bolster your pension.... good luck
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Well said anotherthing.
SS - take a look at the BA DEP selection thread (use the search mode - I think it's in Rumours and News), which will give you an idea as to the content of some similar tests. The tests are equally valid for rotary or fixed wing (we crabs have been doing this selection thing for a bit now, and it's one area we've got pretty sorted), and experience isn't necessary, but investing in a couple of hours at the local flying club may pay dividends later on. Also, have you tried ringing Cranwell and asking for some of their literature/tips? They can only say no, after all....
And the world is full of kn0bs who didn't pass and will try and convince you that the tests are flawed. Do your best and try not to let the pressure get to you, and when you're hosing round at low level with an Apache strapped to your backside you can make your own mind up as to how ar$e the tests were.
Good luck!!!!!
SS - take a look at the BA DEP selection thread (use the search mode - I think it's in Rumours and News), which will give you an idea as to the content of some similar tests. The tests are equally valid for rotary or fixed wing (we crabs have been doing this selection thing for a bit now, and it's one area we've got pretty sorted), and experience isn't necessary, but investing in a couple of hours at the local flying club may pay dividends later on. Also, have you tried ringing Cranwell and asking for some of their literature/tips? They can only say no, after all....
And the world is full of kn0bs who didn't pass and will try and convince you that the tests are flawed. Do your best and try not to let the pressure get to you, and when you're hosing round at low level with an Apache strapped to your backside you can make your own mind up as to how ar$e the tests were.
Good luck!!!!!
There have been many threads on selection in this forum try searching OASC.
A few basic tips,start boning up on current affairs (try reading a couple of broadsheets each day),obviously find out about the service,corps & profession of your choice.Practise a few of the common question they might ask at the interview stage eg: why do you wish to fly in the military (a well thought out answer is important),how would you feel if called upon to use your aircrafts weapon systems in anger.
There are many variations & many other questions they might ask.
Starting your research early is wise!
I was advised to practise the Q's by using IQ type test books,some of the Q's seemed to be of a similar type to IQ test Q's.
Vaguely remember boning up on maths.
A few basic tips,start boning up on current affairs (try reading a couple of broadsheets each day),obviously find out about the service,corps & profession of your choice.Practise a few of the common question they might ask at the interview stage eg: why do you wish to fly in the military (a well thought out answer is important),how would you feel if called upon to use your aircrafts weapon systems in anger.
There are many variations & many other questions they might ask.
Starting your research early is wise!
I was advised to practise the Q's by using IQ type test books,some of the Q's seemed to be of a similar type to IQ test Q's.
Vaguely remember boning up on maths.
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Secret Squire, I too would recommend ignoring impresses advice. The tests are constantly evolving, mine were similar to impresses but they are very different today.
I understand they consist of various different computer simulated tasks that test your hand, eye, and feet co-ordination. Each test has an explanation which you can read and re-read a until your happy to begin the test.
My only advice is to ensure you fully understand each test before beginning it and as said before stay of the old loopy juice and get a good nights sleep the night before.
Finally I dont feel the tests are to ascertain whom is good enough to fly but more who isn't!
I understand they consist of various different computer simulated tasks that test your hand, eye, and feet co-ordination. Each test has an explanation which you can read and re-read a until your happy to begin the test.
My only advice is to ensure you fully understand each test before beginning it and as said before stay of the old loopy juice and get a good nights sleep the night before.
Finally I dont feel the tests are to ascertain whom is good enough to fly but more who isn't!
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Secret Squire
If you have a mind to why not pop along to the AAC museum at the School of All Learning!!! It has some of the old aptitude testing equipment that you can play with plus you can bone up on what you might be letting yourself in for....?
And good luck for the future
If you have a mind to why not pop along to the AAC museum at the School of All Learning!!! It has some of the old aptitude testing equipment that you can play with plus you can bone up on what you might be letting yourself in for....?
And good luck for the future
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Pilot Training
For what it's worth, I failed OASC about 30 years ago. At that time I had a few hours towards a PPL which I'm sure was of little value. I failed because I didn't demonstrate that I had the qualities required of an officer. I would suggest that you take up a competitive sport, be in tune with what's going on in the world and be confident but not cocky. As somebody has already suggested, it would worth getting involved with something like Scouts/ATC etc. The RAF gave me every opportunity to prove myself at OASC and I messed up.
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well i'm a hard working cwo at my local atc., i run a foot ball team at work, i'm studying current affairs like a man possessed, i'm doing two btecs alreay completed another one, silver d of e. Currently studying to be a fire guy at my local airfield aslo i'm going for air to ground operator. I'm tryin alot to get all the ticks, however i'm not going to uni. I want to fly asap.
You guys think i could do more? I want it bad enough.
You guys think i could do more? I want it bad enough.
Congrats on getting the PPL done and dusted .... I have still yet to get my life sorted to get it done.
From what you are saying, on paper at least, it looks as though you are ticking the right boxes and although I'm not a recruiter a profile like yours should at least get you through the first couple of hurdles and down to OASC.
However, and here is a word of caution - remember that OASC is not the RAF. However, it is OASC who call the shots, and OASC are not looking for pilots, they are looking for officers - or at least those people who they feel they can mold into their idea of what an officer should be. The fact that you have a stack of hours under your belt is neither here nor there if you cannot prove your capabilities to be an officer (although it will get you ticks for determination etc etc etc).
The reason I say this, and I am not wishing to be deliberately gloomy, is this. When I was on the UAS, we had a guy that already had a PPL when he started with us. He was a nice bloke - well I got on with him, but he did manage to rub a few others up the wrong way, and importantly, he could fly the wings of absolutely anything. He put his papers in with all the necessary ticks from the instructors and was an almost dead cert to get his wings. Unfortunately for him, OASC didn't like him, and told him never to darken their doorstep again. We were all puzzled that his stunning flying ability didn't win through - after all, he was probably bound for single seaters so team work would never have been a major issue!
He is now flying for one of the airlines and last I heard very happy with his lot in life. Whilst it worked out for the best in this case, bear in mind the difference between OASC and the real RAF - they both want slightly different things!
From what you are saying, on paper at least, it looks as though you are ticking the right boxes and although I'm not a recruiter a profile like yours should at least get you through the first couple of hurdles and down to OASC.
However, and here is a word of caution - remember that OASC is not the RAF. However, it is OASC who call the shots, and OASC are not looking for pilots, they are looking for officers - or at least those people who they feel they can mold into their idea of what an officer should be. The fact that you have a stack of hours under your belt is neither here nor there if you cannot prove your capabilities to be an officer (although it will get you ticks for determination etc etc etc).
The reason I say this, and I am not wishing to be deliberately gloomy, is this. When I was on the UAS, we had a guy that already had a PPL when he started with us. He was a nice bloke - well I got on with him, but he did manage to rub a few others up the wrong way, and importantly, he could fly the wings of absolutely anything. He put his papers in with all the necessary ticks from the instructors and was an almost dead cert to get his wings. Unfortunately for him, OASC didn't like him, and told him never to darken their doorstep again. We were all puzzled that his stunning flying ability didn't win through - after all, he was probably bound for single seaters so team work would never have been a major issue!
He is now flying for one of the airlines and last I heard very happy with his lot in life. Whilst it worked out for the best in this case, bear in mind the difference between OASC and the real RAF - they both want slightly different things!
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Dirty Sanchez:
"IIRC the AAC 'pass' mark for pilot aptitude was substantially lower than the RAF's."
With regards to the above statement, the AAC 'P Score' is only 80 and the RAF/RN is 112, however you cannot draw comparisons with the RAF/RN and the AAC as they test different domains. For Pilot aptitude, the AAC test in 6 of the 15 domains and the RAF 5, of which 3 are differant. Also, the AAC places more emphasis on the Flying Grading system (13 hours flying assessment) and its own selection board of interviews and military tests. With an average failure rate of 5% on the DHFS course and the last 2 Apache courses (24 pers) achieving a 100% pass rate on Conversion To Type I think the results speak for themselves!
h
"IIRC the AAC 'pass' mark for pilot aptitude was substantially lower than the RAF's."
With regards to the above statement, the AAC 'P Score' is only 80 and the RAF/RN is 112, however you cannot draw comparisons with the RAF/RN and the AAC as they test different domains. For Pilot aptitude, the AAC test in 6 of the 15 domains and the RAF 5, of which 3 are differant. Also, the AAC places more emphasis on the Flying Grading system (13 hours flying assessment) and its own selection board of interviews and military tests. With an average failure rate of 5% on the DHFS course and the last 2 Apache courses (24 pers) achieving a 100% pass rate on Conversion To Type I think the results speak for themselves!
h
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The current system may all become just a distant memory soon.
The UK £10bn Military Flying Training System competition set to be announced soon:
Training and recruitment:
By Craig Hoyle
http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles...set+to+be.html
The UK is poised to announce the winner of its Military Flying Training System competition. We look at the prospects for the three contenders
The UK Ministry of Defence could be within days of naming the winning team in a pivotal contest to deliver its entire air crew training for the 25 years from next April. Worth a potential £10 billion ($18.9 billion), the MoD's Military Flying Training System (MFTS) requirement has prompted a battle between three consortia vying to become its so-called training system partner (TSP) for the delivery of services across up to 20 aviation disciplines.
Training and recruitment:
By Craig Hoyle
http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles...set+to+be.html
The UK is poised to announce the winner of its Military Flying Training System competition. We look at the prospects for the three contenders
The UK Ministry of Defence could be within days of naming the winning team in a pivotal contest to deliver its entire air crew training for the 25 years from next April. Worth a potential £10 billion ($18.9 billion), the MoD's Military Flying Training System (MFTS) requirement has prompted a battle between three consortia vying to become its so-called training system partner (TSP) for the delivery of services across up to 20 aviation disciplines.