Pontius Navigator

which, quite possibly could be an Airbus A380 with 600 previously happy passengers and you are ordered to "Typhoon 23 Xray 6100 now Hostile 6100 Splash Hostile 6100"

I said: Having taken advice the answer is NO CHANCE.

Flik Roll

People have bee binned from filters, UAS interviews and OASC interviews for a 'wishy washy' warfare attitude - be warned!

dave_perry

I find its an iffy one. I would actually have no problem if the time came, to carry out an offensive or defensive mission. However in my interview what would be th correct reponse. I don't have a problem, would don't want to sound to barbaric or eager to kill somebody. How can I put it subtle to the interviewer that I have no problem?

Dave

MrFlibble

Phrase to remember for OASC, it worked wonders for me when I was asked this question:

"It's a necessary evil."

No point waffling on about chains of command, rules and regulations or morality if you've got 3 seconds to decide 'whether to attack'. In the end, attacking and killing other people is not a mission you should enjoy, but it is a mission that needs to be done.

Thats about it.

dagowly

you're joining a service that tells you to jump - you just ask them how high

Ben_AirD

Thanks for the advice folks

Biggles525

I'm up for the OASC at in a few weeks, applied for pilot although have put engineering officer as a secong choice, as i have just graduated from uni. What is the current situation with the requirement for pilots, after reading the posts on here it is clear that there is no shortage. Therefore is it more likely that they are more interested in me becoming an engineer, and just trying to keep me interested by letting me think i have a chance of being select to train as a pilot.

Secondly, what are the thoughts of current service men/woman on which force is the best to join in hope of becoming a pilot, and provides the best opportunities and benefits, basicly which is better the RAF or Royal Navy for flying? (please answer genuine mature thoughts, don't want to start a slagging math here.

Regards

Pontius Navigator

Biggles, there may be no shortage of applicants for pilot but the need for quality applicants continues. I don't have the 08/09 figures to hand but I expect it will be similarly large to 07/08.

If you have the qualities required for officer but also those for pilot it will be pilot that you will be offered first.

Which service?

The Army may fly more helicopters than the RAF or RN but I do not believe they offer the best opportunities.

The Navy naturally offer the chance of sailing to foreign parts but many aviating in the Navy wear light blue uniforms.

For the RAF OTOH flying is their core business. They operate a greater range of types in more roles than the others.

Certainly if you want to fly attack helicopters - Fly Army.
If you want to fly Harriers, but more likely helicopters - Fly Navy.
If you want to fly fast jets, transports, helicopters or even trainers, well work it out.

Flik Roll

As you will also hear in your welcome brief from Gp Capt OASC:

They are trying their best to give you your first choice unless there is a reason you can't (medical) or you aren't godo enough for it e.g. pilot or WSO. They won't just give you your second choice because they need engineers or suppliers.

So they say....

ex-ranker

HI all,

I was wondering if you may have some advice on the following:

I am a serving Airman who has recently put my application forward for a commission. I passed my filter interview and have been recommended by OC careers office for selection.

I had to complete an eyesight test and forward it to the department of Optomtetry at Cranwell. Unfortunately my fitness report barred my from pilot and WSO branches. I was under the impression my eyesight was within the limits for WSO as I took the standards with me for the eye test.

I have been informed by the careers office that I am entitled to appeal against the findings. Does anyone think this is a wise choice of action? may it harm my application if I were to do so?

Additionally I have been informed that Cranwell may offer a waiver for ME WSO only if my eyesight were within the limits. Is this something you have heard of? or is someone trying to wind me up? Just curious.

I have however been deemed eyesight fit for WSOp and have forwarded my application to reflect that. I hope to hear from Cranwell if they deem me a suibtable candidate to attend OASC.

Fortunately my section has been very accomodating with visits to a certian maritime base for a flight and sim FAM, and even allowed me some time off to visit 55 (R) for a look round and one or two briefs. Current affairs has been underway since July and my friendly PTI's have increased my fitness dramatically since August, so in all I feel very prepared if I am offered a place at selection.

Any advice reference the above would be greatly received. I realise Cranwell have the final say, but it may be worth a post.

thanks in anticipation

Flik Roll

If you want it badly, appeal it. It won't harm your application and you have nowt to lose.... you should see how many letters they have had from me

Pontius Navigator

NO, NO, NO, YOUhave increased your fitness leveles with the help of a PTI. He didn't come along and tighten your muscles, add an oxgyen tank and do a general overhaul.

Your determination and effort did that. Don't self-deprecate. You need to stand out from the crowd.

Do as Flik says. He who does not ask does not want. He who does not want does not get. The OASC Board are not going to be upset by your appealing to the medics. You may wish to ask Flik for more advice.

Flik Roll

If you want help appealing just drop me a PM.
If not go to 'The Student Room' - there are a few on their who have appealed eyesight.

dave_perry

Im soon going to Cranwell for my Sixth Form Scholarship selection. Would taking the Aptitude test here, count as one of my chances of Aptitude Testing? I am also applying for a Flying Scholarship. I have heard you have to take the aptitude test for this. Again does this count? You can only take it twice to my understanding for pilot.

Dave

ex-ranker

Pontius,


Many thanks for the correction! indeed it is me who has put the effort in to get even this far, and me who have taken the initiative to undertake selection.

And you point ref. not wanting and not getting is also spot on, I have Pm'd Flik-roll for some advice, and shall undertake an appeal.

Fortunatley I live in a part of the UK that offers free eyesight tests, a re-test might be an option...

Many thanks for your help and advice.

ex-ranker

Fake Sealion

A friend's son is applying for entry as RAF pilot and asked me for some pearls of wisdom! As I went through RN Pilot selection via the Biggin Hill and AIB Gosport route some 30 yrs ago I feel my advice is a little out of date!

Nevertheless, looking at this thread it is evident the "officer first, pilot second" policy still (quite rightly) prevails.

But.....some info would be useful please?

He has recently attended a 1 day structured visit to an RAF base - think it may have been Linton?? He is now going for a pre-OASC interview.

Can anyone provide some guidance about this interview? What useful prep can be done? How soon is OASC after this interview?

Incidentally he is applying as non Graduate - straight from A Levels.

Thanks in advance

muppetofthenorth

dave_perry,

Yes, that would count as one of your 2 attempts at the Aptitude Test. It's not limited to two just for pilots, but two for everybody. Even me as someone applying for Engineer only gets 2 attempts.


Fake Sealion,

From the sounds of things this is an AFCO interview or similar? In that case it will be very similar to the OASC interview: roughly split into 2 parts, the first all about the candidate, their past, interests, educational history, etc... the second about current affairs, RAF knowledge, etc.
So, for prep, the best thing to do is write down everything about yourself [especcially those bits you wrote down on the application forms] and know it well. Be able to say names/dates quickly.
As for the current affairs, watch tv news, read newspapers for a good 3 weeks beforehand. Go to the RAF website and get to know the equipment as well.

Fake Sealion

So....is there still a full "board" type interview at OASC in addition to the AFCO interview or is OASC more slanted towards aircrew aptitude, medical, practical leadership exercises etc.

Is the OASC for RN pilot applicants also located at Cranwell and how does it differ in its content.

Flik Roll

Fake Sealion,

The interview at OASC will be on par or harder than you filter, depending on whether your filter includes current affairs.

The only RN selection that takes place at Crawell is the FATS. Everything else is done at AIB, for all branches.

Pontius Navigator

Remember a Fliter is just that. It is also a 'p2 sift' to decide early on whether you have the necessary basic qualities. I believe it is a single interviewer whereas OASC is a 2-man team. One questions and the other scribes and then they swap over.

I was asked a real stinker of a question and I still don't know the right answer. They refered to another candidate and asked whether I could envisage working with him and living in the officers mess with him.

The candidate in question had a 'cut with a knife' accent and was almost impossible (delete almost) to understand. I thought at the time that it was an entirely improper question. I never saw him again. Also the wg cdr, at one point, scored points off the sqn ldr.