helidriver

VP

The only difference is the anthrometric assessment. RAF select almost exclusively for fast jet and therefore an individual must be in proportion for that type, otherwise limbs get lost in ejection. Rotary and Multi-Engine are more anthrometric forgiving. I was borderline rotary for my knee to backside measurement and at the time, early 90's, was only suitable for Buccaneer in the fast jet world.

The AAC now also look at weight very carefully. Too light and the Apache 'stroking seat' will not activate, too heavy and you go through the floor, either way sustaining injury.

However, for the sickly child type issues the 3 services are in line.

h

airborne_artist

Work hard at school - aim to get GCSEs in Maths, English Language, English Literature, a modern language such as French, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography/History, and one or two more. Then aim to get A-levels in Maths or Physics plus two more subjects.

Join the Air Cadets , do Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards, and play lots of sport.

Let us know how you get on!

VigilantPilot

helidriver - I stand corrected. Thanks.

Pontius Navigator

Matt - Sorted.

1. You need an AFCO interview NOW as this means you might get some sponsorship through university.

2. You could fly to UK and go to the AFCO at Chatham (Gatwick) or Tottenham Court Road.

3. Alternatively you can apply to be interviewed by the Stn Cdr at Gibraltar.

4. Finally you can approach any British Embassy or High Commission.

Pontius Navigator

What A_A has specified exceeds the minimums by a fair margin however experience shows that 5 GCSE Grade C including English and Maths and 2 A-levels in underwater basket weaving and domestic science at Grade c do not make a strong candidiate.

Follow A_A's list and you will be well placed for a military career or any other.

coolblackcat

Gibraltar, brilliant, that really solves a couple of problems; I live 4 hours away from gibraltar. I forgot completely about it.
I was going to contact the RAF to ask about UNI sponsorship tomorrow, I still will, of course, but thank you very much!
Very helpfull.

coolblackcat

Now, I've never had a chance to join ATC, and I realize how much it would of helped me to get into the RAF; ATC should be your priority nº1 because, apart from preparing you for the RAF, they will guide you in other qualification aspects also.

Also, join sport teams, like football or rugby, and try to get in many tornaments with the team, that really helps. I've joined the only team this village has, and I wish I could join more.

Be social, have fun, and more importantly; dont give up

Tiger_mate

I was a Staff Cadet with 635 VGS; Thirty years ago!! The present OC was also a Staff Cadet at that time and just before then the present Grp Capt Flying Training was a Staff cadet there. He is an ex Jaguar (Sepecat) driver and I also know of an ex Harrier mate (Hi Matt) who started his aviation career there. So you could do worse for yourself.

seafuryfan

Yeah, talking to someone face-to-face would be your best bet, over a coffee, in the crewroom. They might even take you flying to shadow the job.

Or, if you can get released, you could detach to an SH sqn, there's always one or two crewmen knocking around, and its no problem having you around.

Get out there!

samuraimatt

Don't forget that 55 Sqn at Cranwell run a monthly visit to see the training for WSOP's.

Gainesy

If you can afford it, get a top level doc (Harley Street or equiv) to give you a medical/ CAT scan or whatever, and get him to bat for you.

Safety_Helmut

I believe that they're also really keen on the body measurements they get from the anthropometric assessment.

S_H

snapper41

I had a very similar experience, and paid for a second opinion. Despite the private doc's report that there was nothing wrong with me, the RAF medic's word was final - no flying for you, young snapper (strangely, some years later, the same RAF doc cleared me for fast-jet back seat flying). I suspect you'll be in much the same boat - sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I was given the thumbs-up for a PPL, much like yourself.

howard_hughes

Well guys I graduated this week so the time has come to apply for the RAF. I'm hoping to join as an officer but theres a few jobs within that area which interest me. My first choice is weapons systems officer, I'm currently putting the finishing touches to my CV then I'll apply. Just a few questions really about what I should do to prepare for my first meeting at the AFCO.

1. Should I already have an extensive knowledge of the job I wish to apply for, I've studied the raf careers website but is there anywhere else I can get more info from (perhaps this is what the first meeting is for?)

2. Will I have a selection interview at the AFCO before I go to OASC, if yes I assume this won't be during my first contact with them?

3. Other than looking presentable and being enthusiastic on the day is there anything else I should be doing at this early stage?

thats all thankyou

Sinjmajeep

You could look here..........The Student room..............Lots of stuff from people who have applied recently and been through the selection process.
Good luck and don't let them fob you off with anything other than what you want to do. BTW why not apply for Pilot.

diginagain

During my medical at Biggin the doc said I'd failed for aircrew, because I had a broken nose (rugby injury).

"You'll have problems with an oxygen mask" he opined.

"Look", says I, "I'm wearing jeans and dessies, not a collar and tie, and I've been flying Army helicopters for the last six years as a crewman without once having to resort to oxygen".

It still took a phone call to the SAM at Middle Wallop to convince him.


Go for a second opinion.

howard_hughes

Yeah I've been doing some research on that site too, also on E-goat but this place seems to be as good for advice as any.

Unfortunately as I've just turned 23 I'm getting on a bit for a pilot but thats the compromise I had to make to get the degree (which will be a good safety net if they decide I'm not whats required!)

thanks mate, hopefully I'll get accepted for my first choice.

Pontius Navigator

Congratulations. At 23 you are not out of time for pilot training yet. You just need to make sure that you don't waste any time. If you come across well at AFCO, and make them aware of your burning desire to become a pilot but you are worried about the time. You won't have been the only 23 year old graduate.

You should have a comprehensive knowledge commensurate with your age, experience and desire to join. The basic websites will give you a lot of info.

Yes to both. The AFCO interview is a filter to test suitability and compliance with the criteria.

Not that I can think of except to brush up on current affairs and improve your in depth knowledge of your specialist subject . Ie if you profess to be a football fanatic know tha game. I didn't and hadn't a clue. Cricket OTOH

ALM In Waiting

Hi All,
Just back from my filter interview at the AFCO. All went well and my case has been forwarded to OASC for consideration. However a question of etiquette has arisen in my mind. As a serving airman, would it be appropriate to offer a handshake to the boarding officers at the start of the interview? My instincts don't consider this a good idea, but all points gratefully considered.

PS I'm fully aware etiquette this is likely to be the least of the challenges I face at Cranwell.

howard_hughes

Oh that could be interesting, I thought you had to be under 23 on your first day of training for pilot, not sure where I picked that one up! I've already had a trial flying lesson with the local flying club so that would lend weight.

I might need to do a bit more reading on current affairs.
For revision purposes I don't suppose you would know what timescale there would be between me contacting them and the interview taking place? Anyway thanks again for all your help, I'll keep you lot updated with the progress