OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
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Two attempts at anyone battery. If a new test is introduced before a 3rd application at OASC then you will be able to take that.
For 23 at start of IOT it is actually 24. In practical terms you should be well under 23 at OASC.
For 23 at start of IOT it is actually 24. In practical terms you should be well under 23 at OASC.
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Age limits - pah!
For ex Non-Commissioned Aircrew (NCA), the age limit for crossover to pilot/WSO is 31 ON APPLICATION - effectively 8 years older.
This is because the RAF already has good knowledge of how you perform in the airborne environment (lower training risk to gamble the big bucks on), and as a Senior NCO you are already a proven leader.
I have given several people this piece of advice and I still stand by it: If you really want to be a pilot in the RAF and you are unsuccessful keep trying until you reach the upper age limit (or get really fed up with your existing job), then consider NCA as another choice. It makes a great career anyway, is just as well (if not better) paid than a ground officer branch and once you have completed a productive tour can give you a whole load more attempts at pilot.
I joined up just turning 25 so was already too old for pilot, and was a Loadie. Once in I found out about the higher age limit for ex NCA and put my paperwork in as soon as I had done a tour. I turned 31 during IOT. Yes, I wish I had applied a lot younger and would advise anyone else to do the same, but if you are a bit older when you wake up from a dead end job as I was, there are ways and means.
This is because the RAF already has good knowledge of how you perform in the airborne environment (lower training risk to gamble the big bucks on), and as a Senior NCO you are already a proven leader.
I have given several people this piece of advice and I still stand by it: If you really want to be a pilot in the RAF and you are unsuccessful keep trying until you reach the upper age limit (or get really fed up with your existing job), then consider NCA as another choice. It makes a great career anyway, is just as well (if not better) paid than a ground officer branch and once you have completed a productive tour can give you a whole load more attempts at pilot.
I joined up just turning 25 so was already too old for pilot, and was a Loadie. Once in I found out about the higher age limit for ex NCA and put my paperwork in as soon as I had done a tour. I turned 31 during IOT. Yes, I wish I had applied a lot younger and would advise anyone else to do the same, but if you are a bit older when you wake up from a dead end job as I was, there are ways and means.
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Aptitude Tests
There have been new tests introduced post-2004. There are definately 2, possibly more tests that those who took the tests pre-2004 are eligible to take.
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TeBoi
Great information..thanks. I'm just wondering (although this might sound a bit daft), if it is possible to transfer over to aircrew/NCA if you went in as a ground branch officer? Also, do you really have to get experience (say a couple of years) or a tour under your belt in the NCA role before applying for pilot/WSO - would a recommendation also be needed?
Thanks.
Great information..thanks. I'm just wondering (although this might sound a bit daft), if it is possible to transfer over to aircrew/NCA if you went in as a ground branch officer? Also, do you really have to get experience (say a couple of years) or a tour under your belt in the NCA role before applying for pilot/WSO - would a recommendation also be needed?
Thanks.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Casino,
You ask a difficult question.
This is not, historically, an impossible route but I don't know if it has been done while still serving with a commission. The problem, as a gnd branch officer, would be amortisation of the not inconsiderable training costs.
Not sure what you are asking here. If, for the sake of argument you had an admin sec commission but also the necessary aptitude for pilot then you could apply at any time - no need to be NCA first.
As NCA you would need a recommendation, but I don't think they can stop you applying with a negative recommendation but the omens would be there.
You ask a difficult question.
Great information..thanks. I'm just wondering (although this might sound a bit daft), if it is possible to transfer over to aircrew/NCA if you went in as a ground branch officer?
Also, do you really have to get experience (say a couple of years) or a tour under your belt in the NCA role before applying for pilot/WSO - would a recommendation also be needed?
As NCA you would need a recommendation, but I don't think they can stop you applying with a negative recommendation but the omens would be there.
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Hi,
im 16 and going to sit my GCSE's in may
i want to join the RAF as a engineering officer but don't realy know what they do (i know they do maintenance but what else do they do and what kind of maintenance do they do?)
Also if you sit certain ALevels (say physics) and then a certain degree would you stand a better chance of getting in or not?
any help would be appreciated.
im 16 and going to sit my GCSE's in may
i want to join the RAF as a engineering officer but don't realy know what they do (i know they do maintenance but what else do they do and what kind of maintenance do they do?)
Also if you sit certain ALevels (say physics) and then a certain degree would you stand a better chance of getting in or not?
any help would be appreciated.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
The Glove, you need proper advice from your careers master or the AFCO.
The A-levels and type of degree you will need may be fairly specific and you will possibly not get best advice here.
As for engineering officers doing maintenance, I have no idea what gave you that idea. Engineering officers are certainly taught how to maintain engineering bits but they don't actually do that. Initially they supervise airmen who actually do the work. That supervision is more of an administrative nature than engineering.
Later there will be other openings but more in management than hands on oily stuff.
You should also try and join your local ATC Sqn.
The A-levels and type of degree you will need may be fairly specific and you will possibly not get best advice here.
As for engineering officers doing maintenance, I have no idea what gave you that idea. Engineering officers are certainly taught how to maintain engineering bits but they don't actually do that. Initially they supervise airmen who actually do the work. That supervision is more of an administrative nature than engineering.
Later there will be other openings but more in management than hands on oily stuff.
You should also try and join your local ATC Sqn.
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What the £"$% are you wannabes on about leagalise drugs let all forces people do what they want. You want to be officers!!! Hey the JDF has vacancies. The British armed forces are true professionals ,RAF aviators have to be alert and 100% all the time , not susceptable to flash backs relapses or any other side effects .None of which have truly been proven especially with all the adfdatives that are added nowadays.
I wouldnt fly ,train or even have as a cadet, anyone that has dabbled in drugs .
I might have a strong stance but I call it self discipline, self worth and pride. All the qualities we ask of Officers,NCA and airman. Furthermore above all, aviators.
Be real kids, I know thw world is changing and some celebs and ministers have dabbled , but they aint RAF Officers or avaiators.
Want to do drugs , go do them , but think befroe you do of the consequences!!
all spelling mistakes are sleep deprivation induced!!
I wouldnt fly ,train or even have as a cadet, anyone that has dabbled in drugs .
I might have a strong stance but I call it self discipline, self worth and pride. All the qualities we ask of Officers,NCA and airman. Furthermore above all, aviators.
Be real kids, I know thw world is changing and some celebs and ministers have dabbled , but they aint RAF Officers or avaiators.
Want to do drugs , go do them , but think befroe you do of the consequences!!
all spelling mistakes are sleep deprivation induced!!
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Casino (and anyone else interested),
To crossover from NCA to commission you need to have completed one productive tour. You don't need permission but you do have to get a form signed by your boss. This is still worded as a request to apply however they cannot stop you as such, it is really so ensure they are aware you are applying.
After that you go to your station admin section who pass you onto the local careers office, from which point you get treated exactly the same as all other applicants, ie. AFCO presentation, interview, OASC etc.
The biggest difference is that once you get to OASC they will have been sent a copy of your annual assessments and flying assessments, which will obviously play a large part in their final decision.
The general boarding officers do not see these (I have been reliably informed), however the President of the Air Board, who efectively makes the selection decision does, therefore if you are a cr@p SNCO or WSOp, then you will not be selected for commission. However, if you are maybe borderline but are a good SNCO and above average at your flying job, this can ensure you get selected over another direct entrant who is borderline as you will be a known quantity and therefore probably more worth 'gambling' the few pounds it costs to train an officer.
As regards crossing from commissioned to NCA, I would think this would be nigh on impossible as it would be seen as a step backwards in terms of career progression. There would probably have to be some other conditions. I do know of a couple of guys chopped during pilot training, already commissioned, who were sent back to OASC to look at a rebranch and they ended up resigning their commissions and becoming NCA.
Also the chance of crossing over from another branch to pilot is very rare, although it has happened a couple of times. if you really want to fly in the RAF, try for as long as you can for pilot or NCA. Don't forget WSO too, there will still be a job for thise boys and girls for a good few years yet!
Good luck to you and feel free to PM for any more info.
The Glove
When you contact the AFCO, ask for details of the Engineering Liaison Team at Cranwell. They are set up to tell people like you about Engineering Officer roles and can arrange visits to Cranwell, which I believe also includes a trip to Waddington or somewhere else nearby. They can also advise on Uni sponsorship schemes, Welbeck Sixth Form College (or whatever it's called) and other nuggets of priceless info for someone like yourself!
Any probs getting the number PM me and I'll have a dig for you.
To crossover from NCA to commission you need to have completed one productive tour. You don't need permission but you do have to get a form signed by your boss. This is still worded as a request to apply however they cannot stop you as such, it is really so ensure they are aware you are applying.
After that you go to your station admin section who pass you onto the local careers office, from which point you get treated exactly the same as all other applicants, ie. AFCO presentation, interview, OASC etc.
The biggest difference is that once you get to OASC they will have been sent a copy of your annual assessments and flying assessments, which will obviously play a large part in their final decision.
The general boarding officers do not see these (I have been reliably informed), however the President of the Air Board, who efectively makes the selection decision does, therefore if you are a cr@p SNCO or WSOp, then you will not be selected for commission. However, if you are maybe borderline but are a good SNCO and above average at your flying job, this can ensure you get selected over another direct entrant who is borderline as you will be a known quantity and therefore probably more worth 'gambling' the few pounds it costs to train an officer.
As regards crossing from commissioned to NCA, I would think this would be nigh on impossible as it would be seen as a step backwards in terms of career progression. There would probably have to be some other conditions. I do know of a couple of guys chopped during pilot training, already commissioned, who were sent back to OASC to look at a rebranch and they ended up resigning their commissions and becoming NCA.
Also the chance of crossing over from another branch to pilot is very rare, although it has happened a couple of times. if you really want to fly in the RAF, try for as long as you can for pilot or NCA. Don't forget WSO too, there will still be a job for thise boys and girls for a good few years yet!
Good luck to you and feel free to PM for any more info.
The Glove
When you contact the AFCO, ask for details of the Engineering Liaison Team at Cranwell. They are set up to tell people like you about Engineering Officer roles and can arrange visits to Cranwell, which I believe also includes a trip to Waddington or somewhere else nearby. They can also advise on Uni sponsorship schemes, Welbeck Sixth Form College (or whatever it's called) and other nuggets of priceless info for someone like yourself!
Any probs getting the number PM me and I'll have a dig for you.
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Aptitude test...
I'm thinking about joining the forces (Haha thats why im in here, on this forum...) And I've been advised to do a few things and one of them was to take an aptitude test before I apply for the forces, now if i do this what sort of qualities are they trying to test you on. Plus if anyone has anymore information on the test please feel free to let me know.
Thankyou.
Thankyou.
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If you want to join the "Forces" then the first thing you need to do is go to your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) and ask for advice. They will look at your qualifications and be able to point you in the right direction. If you would like to join the RAF, there are 3 routes depending on your academic ability, personality/manner etc and age. Airman, Non-Commissioned Aircrew (NCA) and Commissioned Officer.
If you decide to go ahead for airman then you undertake aptitude tests for ground trades such as aircraft technician. If you are suitable for NCA or officer, then, is you pass a filter interview at the AFCO you will be referred to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAFC Cranwell, where amongst other things such as interview and team tests, you will get to undertake about 6 hours worth of aptitudes to test your suitability for your branch choice. You can't go with a "blank book" you must have chosen a branch or more and actually know about it.
Does that answer your question?
If you decide to go ahead for airman then you undertake aptitude tests for ground trades such as aircraft technician. If you are suitable for NCA or officer, then, is you pass a filter interview at the AFCO you will be referred to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAFC Cranwell, where amongst other things such as interview and team tests, you will get to undertake about 6 hours worth of aptitudes to test your suitability for your branch choice. You can't go with a "blank book" you must have chosen a branch or more and actually know about it.
Does that answer your question?
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"I was just wondering about age limits for certain jobs within the RAF for e.g. for pilot it states 23 but does this mean you have to apply before your 23rd birthday or can you apply when you are 23?
Also if you apply say a few months before your 23rd birthday is this acceptable?
*Edit* Also while looking on the RAF careers website a lot of the officers jobs are "urgently required" but from reading this site it seems as if there are very few places available for pilots etc, which is correct?"
The cut off for pilot is age 24 on your first day of IOT so if you appear at OASC age 23 7/12, then you are cutting it a bit fine. 23 0/12 is ok.
Competition for pilot is healthy, but we do need more and more. Don't be put off when you hear the competition is tight. Even if it is should it stop you applying? Don't ask don't get. If you are put off by competition, is it for you?
If you do decide to go for it, have some back up options, such as other flying branches or ground branches. A shocking amount of young people fail the medicals. And the pilot medical is HARD!
Also if you apply say a few months before your 23rd birthday is this acceptable?
*Edit* Also while looking on the RAF careers website a lot of the officers jobs are "urgently required" but from reading this site it seems as if there are very few places available for pilots etc, which is correct?"
The cut off for pilot is age 24 on your first day of IOT so if you appear at OASC age 23 7/12, then you are cutting it a bit fine. 23 0/12 is ok.
Competition for pilot is healthy, but we do need more and more. Don't be put off when you hear the competition is tight. Even if it is should it stop you applying? Don't ask don't get. If you are put off by competition, is it for you?
If you do decide to go for it, have some back up options, such as other flying branches or ground branches. A shocking amount of young people fail the medicals. And the pilot medical is HARD!
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Quote: "Hi there,
Im a university bursar on a UAS (obviously) and graduate this summer. Back in January Cranwell asked for our preferred IOT start dates - either September, November or February ('08). I put down for November and it was confirmed about three weeks ago.
Since then however, the admin officers at cranwell and the UASs have sent out emails asking if people can start in June. These were initially on a volunteer basis but now I have a feeling they are looking to make people whos summer final exams finished by 10th June start IOTing in June. From what I heard, somebody at Cranwell screwed up and at the moment there are not even enough people down in June for the course to go ahead.
I was just wondering if:
1/ Cranwell can tell you that you have to start earlier than the date they confirmed with you?
2/ There would be any circumstances in which, if asked, you could (politely!) refuse?"
You can tell them why you want to defer. You are in the RAF via the UAS, the RAF can tell you to start earlier- this isn't Tescos. I would advise going on the summer course. You'll do the outdoorsy stuff in nice weather and there'll be less of you. The less of you the better training you'll receive.
Im a university bursar on a UAS (obviously) and graduate this summer. Back in January Cranwell asked for our preferred IOT start dates - either September, November or February ('08). I put down for November and it was confirmed about three weeks ago.
Since then however, the admin officers at cranwell and the UASs have sent out emails asking if people can start in June. These were initially on a volunteer basis but now I have a feeling they are looking to make people whos summer final exams finished by 10th June start IOTing in June. From what I heard, somebody at Cranwell screwed up and at the moment there are not even enough people down in June for the course to go ahead.
I was just wondering if:
1/ Cranwell can tell you that you have to start earlier than the date they confirmed with you?
2/ There would be any circumstances in which, if asked, you could (politely!) refuse?"
You can tell them why you want to defer. You are in the RAF via the UAS, the RAF can tell you to start earlier- this isn't Tescos. I would advise going on the summer course. You'll do the outdoorsy stuff in nice weather and there'll be less of you. The less of you the better training you'll receive.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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Adam - Suggest you delete this posting here and re post it in the Military forum, mention your age early on. You will get a lot of genuine helpful advice and a lot of joking, you should be able to spot the difference quite easily!
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I think you will find the RAF is ideal for your purposes.
It is full of people who don't really want to be involved with the more "military" aspects of service life.
Most of the pilots are using the RAF as a route to free training for the airlines in the manner to which you alude.
Join the club!
It is full of people who don't really want to be involved with the more "military" aspects of service life.
Most of the pilots are using the RAF as a route to free training for the airlines in the manner to which you alude.
Join the club!
Adam, whilst Tourist's post is him taking a bit of a cheap shot- first of many- I agree with the first bit. The RAF is much less 'left right, left right' than the army. You'll be very unlucky (or very naughty, and caught) to spend much 'marching' time after training. If you fly helicopters, you will have lots more green possessions that your jet chums, but even they are now tested to see if they do indeed recognise the colour.
CG
CG
Adam
Being in the RAF- even if not like the army -is very different from being an airline pilot. Decide which of the two you want and go for it. If you only join the RAF because you cannot get ATPL training then you will be miserable and probably fail. You will find lots of advice on both courses of action on this website already.
Good luck on whichever route you choose.
TL
Being in the RAF- even if not like the army -is very different from being an airline pilot. Decide which of the two you want and go for it. If you only join the RAF because you cannot get ATPL training then you will be miserable and probably fail. You will find lots of advice on both courses of action on this website already.
Good luck on whichever route you choose.
TL