OASC 'CANDIDATES' and WANNABES, PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
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Matt,
Good luck with your application to university and well done for taking the time to investigate your options via PPRuNe - please make sure you have a pinch of salt ready when you read the responses!
I note that you intend to go to university to read physics and join the UAS - good luck, but be aware that, dependant of which UAS you attempt to join, there may be up to 10 other undergraduates trying to fill each of the few places that are available!
all the best,
Duncs
Good luck with your application to university and well done for taking the time to investigate your options via PPRuNe - please make sure you have a pinch of salt ready when you read the responses!
I note that you intend to go to university to read physics and join the UAS - good luck, but be aware that, dependant of which UAS you attempt to join, there may be up to 10 other undergraduates trying to fill each of the few places that are available!
all the best,
Duncs
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Good Luck Matt.
With a degree in physics, I can't see why you would want to join the RAF, but thats your business.
Prepare thoroughly for the OASC interview. Long time ago, but it was the interview that saw most people on a bus to Newark station when I went through.
Funnily enough. I must have managed to blag it!
WM
With a degree in physics, I can't see why you would want to join the RAF, but thats your business.
Prepare thoroughly for the OASC interview. Long time ago, but it was the interview that saw most people on a bus to Newark station when I went through.
Funnily enough. I must have managed to blag it!
WM
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airborne_artist, in my personal experience, flight simulators are beneficial, due to the fact that they are the next best thing to actually flying.
I frequently practice lessons on there to reinforce the real lesson i had and to help me develop and correct any mistakes that i may have done before hand.
As for being a snitch, pfft!
As for the ACTUAL topic, at the end of the day a good personality goes a long way. Your in the age range to have your first interviews which ideally you should do ASAP, this will not only get you known but will build confidence and get a relationship with the careers officer.
From my interviews with the RAF they went very well, and i believe i could do reasonable well, one of the factors is that i was the youngest there and had experience in flying, on top of that i put a smile on and tried best and the outcome was good. I decided not to further myself with the RAF for many reasons.
So the best bet is at least go to an RAF presentation, they will tell you what is needed and everything you'll need to know at that current stage for joining the RAF (interviews, wars, aircraft etc)
Just make sure you have a back up plan (civil instead of military), in addition if you have not got a trial flight in yet, try get one booked (if you have the cash) as many people find that after their trial flight they decide not to go through with an aviation career anymore which can be due to a range of factors, scared (flying in a light aircraft is completely different to an airliner), possibly to hard, not what its cracked up to be etc.
PM me if you want any details about the RAF interviews or anything
Regards and best of luck, Nathan
I frequently practice lessons on there to reinforce the real lesson i had and to help me develop and correct any mistakes that i may have done before hand.
As for being a snitch, pfft!
As for the ACTUAL topic, at the end of the day a good personality goes a long way. Your in the age range to have your first interviews which ideally you should do ASAP, this will not only get you known but will build confidence and get a relationship with the careers officer.
From my interviews with the RAF they went very well, and i believe i could do reasonable well, one of the factors is that i was the youngest there and had experience in flying, on top of that i put a smile on and tried best and the outcome was good. I decided not to further myself with the RAF for many reasons.
So the best bet is at least go to an RAF presentation, they will tell you what is needed and everything you'll need to know at that current stage for joining the RAF (interviews, wars, aircraft etc)
Just make sure you have a back up plan (civil instead of military), in addition if you have not got a trial flight in yet, try get one booked (if you have the cash) as many people find that after their trial flight they decide not to go through with an aviation career anymore which can be due to a range of factors, scared (flying in a light aircraft is completely different to an airliner), possibly to hard, not what its cracked up to be etc.
PM me if you want any details about the RAF interviews or anything
Regards and best of luck, Nathan
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Nathan, thanks.
Visiting an ASAP is a bit of a problem because the nearest is thousands of miles away (i live in Spain).
But, the next time I visit England I'll visit an ASAP, and when I'm in UNI I wont have any problems.
Here's another question; What interview would I do if I did visit an ASAP at this age, years before planning on joining the RAF?
Visiting an ASAP is a bit of a problem because the nearest is thousands of miles away (i live in Spain).
But, the next time I visit England I'll visit an ASAP, and when I'm in UNI I wont have any problems.
Here's another question; What interview would I do if I did visit an ASAP at this age, years before planning on joining the RAF?
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Mattd, at 17 the AFCO is interviewing applicants for direct entry. That you are intending to go to university first is not a problem. The interview therefore would be identical to one you would get later on.
If you want to join a UAS you are going to need that interview sooner anyway.
You say you are thousands of miles away. New Zealand perhaps but for Spain that is a bit of an exageration. A RyanAir flight, at the right time, will cost you not a lot and take only 2-3 hours. With the right timing, nearest AFCO etc you could even do it all in a day. Now that would be good to demonstrate keeness, initiative etc.
PM me if you wish.
If you want to join a UAS you are going to need that interview sooner anyway.
You say you are thousands of miles away. New Zealand perhaps but for Spain that is a bit of an exageration. A RyanAir flight, at the right time, will cost you not a lot and take only 2-3 hours. With the right timing, nearest AFCO etc you could even do it all in a day. Now that would be good to demonstrate keeness, initiative etc.
PM me if you wish.
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Hey there,
I have been looking at this post for quite a while now and there is some very good advice. I am looking to join the RAF as a pilot. I have just finished my GCSE's and am working towards getting things ready for when I go to my Scholarship interview in August. I am in the Air Cadets and have a strong interset in the air force.
I have been researching on the net for information on current operations and getting the gen on some aircraft.
My aptitude is up to scratch after taking a mock one and acheiving 88%.
It's generally the interveiw that I am having trouble with. I can't find anything to do with the interview in terms of what they will ask and how to answer them.
Apart from commitment and a personality. What else do they look for?
Many Thanks
Dave
I have been looking at this post for quite a while now and there is some very good advice. I am looking to join the RAF as a pilot. I have just finished my GCSE's and am working towards getting things ready for when I go to my Scholarship interview in August. I am in the Air Cadets and have a strong interset in the air force.
I have been researching on the net for information on current operations and getting the gen on some aircraft.
My aptitude is up to scratch after taking a mock one and acheiving 88%.
It's generally the interveiw that I am having trouble with. I can't find anything to do with the interview in terms of what they will ask and how to answer them.
Apart from commitment and a personality. What else do they look for?
Many Thanks
Dave
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Hi, Im new here!!
Good evening one and all!!
Basically my question/story is this:
I am currently serving as an Airframes Techie at Brize and with two years of sevice to go, i have looked at remustering to WSOp(Crewman) / old money Loadie,
I have made enquiries about the training at Cranwell but the RAF seems to be keen not to give too much detail away about the course content (Frustrating, but i can see their point - it would keep me on my toes!!).
So this question is aimed at any Loadies who have been through Cranwell in the last year or so - can you give me any gen or a heads up as to what to expect.
Also any 'children' that have remustered to 'adult', please let me know how the remustering process went for you?
Any gen is good gen
Cheers guys
Basically my question/story is this:
I am currently serving as an Airframes Techie at Brize and with two years of sevice to go, i have looked at remustering to WSOp(Crewman) / old money Loadie,
I have made enquiries about the training at Cranwell but the RAF seems to be keen not to give too much detail away about the course content (Frustrating, but i can see their point - it would keep me on my toes!!).
So this question is aimed at any Loadies who have been through Cranwell in the last year or so - can you give me any gen or a heads up as to what to expect.
Also any 'children' that have remustered to 'adult', please let me know how the remustering process went for you?
Any gen is good gen
Cheers guys
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Pez, I think you must have missed the interview tehnique messages here for there are many.
They will want to know about you, school, hobbies, etc. What you have done to further your interests in a career in the Royal Air Force. A high point in your life - and why. They will ask about the RAF to test the depth and breadth of your knowledge. Don't worry, they will expect you to know less than a serving airman although more than someone who has not been in the ATC.
They will be looking to see how you have used your opportunities - what rank and responsibility did you achieve in the ATC. Were you a team player or a team leader in sports etc.
It is all here in the thread.
They will want to know about you, school, hobbies, etc. What you have done to further your interests in a career in the Royal Air Force. A high point in your life - and why. They will ask about the RAF to test the depth and breadth of your knowledge. Don't worry, they will expect you to know less than a serving airman although more than someone who has not been in the ATC.
They will be looking to see how you have used your opportunities - what rank and responsibility did you achieve in the ATC. Were you a team player or a team leader in sports etc.
It is all here in the thread.
Join Date: Mar 2007
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How about grabbing one of the many Loadies at BZ? I'm sure there must be at least 1 first tourist on the C17 who could help.
Failing that, organise a trip to Odiham, Lyneham or Benson off your own back. Looks good on paper when you visit OASC.
Failing that, organise a trip to Odiham, Lyneham or Benson off your own back. Looks good on paper when you visit OASC.
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Failed selection...
Well, just got back from OASC a day early.
Basically I applied for Pilot and WSOp and passed the aptitudes with not much of a problem.
The problem came when I got to the medical, something I had pretty much overlooked as an obstruction to aircrew.
When I was 10 I was suspected of having a fit (as witnessed by a family member) and was subject to a lot of tests but without a problem being found I was cleared by two consultants.
Later gone on to complete a class 1 Medical under the CAA but apparently that single event 11 years ago means I am permanently unfit for any aircrew position in the RAF.
Somewhat of a disappointment considering I felt fairly well prepared for the interview and part 2 of selection.
Anyhoo, the point of this post is does anyone know if the Army Air Corp or Naval air service operates as strict a policy? There was some ambiguity in policy regarding this area and the president of the medical board made a few phone calls but it was eventually ruled not in my favour.
Do I have a future as aircrew in the other services? Or shall I start looking at ground trades?
Basically I applied for Pilot and WSOp and passed the aptitudes with not much of a problem.
The problem came when I got to the medical, something I had pretty much overlooked as an obstruction to aircrew.
When I was 10 I was suspected of having a fit (as witnessed by a family member) and was subject to a lot of tests but without a problem being found I was cleared by two consultants.
Later gone on to complete a class 1 Medical under the CAA but apparently that single event 11 years ago means I am permanently unfit for any aircrew position in the RAF.
Somewhat of a disappointment considering I felt fairly well prepared for the interview and part 2 of selection.
Anyhoo, the point of this post is does anyone know if the Army Air Corp or Naval air service operates as strict a policy? There was some ambiguity in policy regarding this area and the president of the medical board made a few phone calls but it was eventually ruled not in my favour.
Do I have a future as aircrew in the other services? Or shall I start looking at ground trades?
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Get ye olde second opinion fella. You can't let this defeat you, especially if the historical data is unsubstantiated! Incidently, the RN and AAC use the same locums at OASC and the aircrew medical input standard is the same for all 3 services.
You say you have a Class 1. Does this mean you have considered civvie flying? I know of a few people that joined, left through training and went the CTC route. It may seem expensive, but if you see the cost as an investment, then it is worth it.
You have nothing to lose by giving the FAA a go. I'd research career routes though if your aim is to fly and you join the army.
Helidriver - are you sure? Unless I am mistaken, I've come across a few pilots who failed RAF but entered the FAA.
You have nothing to lose by giving the FAA a go. I'd research career routes though if your aim is to fly and you join the army.
Helidriver - are you sure? Unless I am mistaken, I've come across a few pilots who failed RAF but entered the FAA.
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I want to be a Pilot!
Hello,
I am 13 years of age and I have my heart set on being a pilot. I have decided that I am going to join the RAF. But I don't know what qualifications I need to study at school and university etc. Could anyone tell me what opportunities there are available in the RAF and help me to take a step forward?
I am 13 years of age and I have my heart set on being a pilot. I have decided that I am going to join the RAF. But I don't know what qualifications I need to study at school and university etc. Could anyone tell me what opportunities there are available in the RAF and help me to take a step forward?
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Visit the RAF Careers Information Office and get lots of booklets. Keep your fingers crossed that the world of politics will change before you are 18, and work bloody hard at school. The aiircraft you seek will only come after many hurdles have been crossed, and your education is the first big one.
Join the ATC, get a Glider Pilots course and a Flying Scholarship. Live life to the full and dance outside your comfort zone on occasions.
Finally do not allow anyone to tell you that aircraft will be unmanned robots when you come of age ot that you are too young to chase your dream. You have set your sights, now go and get your dream.
Downside: OASC are pretty good at what they do, and the bottom line is that you have either got it or you havn't, but hard work will play dividends in any walk of life.
Good Luck
Join the ATC, get a Glider Pilots course and a Flying Scholarship. Live life to the full and dance outside your comfort zone on occasions.
Finally do not allow anyone to tell you that aircraft will be unmanned robots when you come of age ot that you are too young to chase your dream. You have set your sights, now go and get your dream.
Downside: OASC are pretty good at what they do, and the bottom line is that you have either got it or you havn't, but hard work will play dividends in any walk of life.
Good Luck
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
The lesson here, for parents, is keep your young fit, healthy and away from the quacks.
By that avoid at all costs having notes written up on a speculative basis - may be fitting - possibly asthmatic - possible ear problem etc etc.
Most of the time the GP will be making a stab in the dark and covering all the options.
One doc, years after I was in, had the bright idea of giving me an inhaler for some problem or other. As my problem is chronic backache I can't remember why he gave me an inhaler. Now had it been before I applied to join . . .
By that avoid at all costs having notes written up on a speculative basis - may be fitting - possibly asthmatic - possible ear problem etc etc.
Most of the time the GP will be making a stab in the dark and covering all the options.
One doc, years after I was in, had the bright idea of giving me an inhaler for some problem or other. As my problem is chronic backache I can't remember why he gave me an inhaler. Now had it been before I applied to join . . .
Go for it.
I've said this a few times before, but just go for it and don't let anyone put you off.
Join cadets, get good GCSE results (they don't have to be amazing, but you will need good maths and English), do the A-levels that interest you (not the ones you think the RAF want you to do) do a degree if you fancy it (I did and loved it, but it's not essential). Apply when you're ready for it and work hard (OASC is not as scary as everyone makes out!).
Moreover, don't get put off by any of the whinging Jessies that spout off on this site and good luck.
I saw Top Gun (required watching for any wannabee pilot!!!) when I was 12 and 18 years later I'm loving my job. I didn't get to fly the Tomcat of my dreams, but I got the next best thing (honest!!).
BV
Join cadets, get good GCSE results (they don't have to be amazing, but you will need good maths and English), do the A-levels that interest you (not the ones you think the RAF want you to do) do a degree if you fancy it (I did and loved it, but it's not essential). Apply when you're ready for it and work hard (OASC is not as scary as everyone makes out!).
Moreover, don't get put off by any of the whinging Jessies that spout off on this site and good luck.
I saw Top Gun (required watching for any wannabee pilot!!!) when I was 12 and 18 years later I'm loving my job. I didn't get to fly the Tomcat of my dreams, but I got the next best thing (honest!!).
BV