Mmmmnice

Yeargh - as Neeps said, don't get bunched about the anthropometry. If you are a truly funny shape then they will work it out soon enough! I have known several folk who were nowhere near the centre of the curve who flew all sorts of things without any problems - although the taller ones tend to end up in multis/helos..stick with it

Yeargh

Well... that was the plan. It is just me being paranoid.. I guess my thighs are not THAT long, just a little long for my height - I noticed it when fitting into a seat on an old bus.. Thanks guys

Neeps

Post away, there seems to be a few helpful sorts around. Someone will know the answer.

scroggs

You could start by reading through the 1151 posts in this thread. The answers you want are almost certainly contained here. After all, that's why it's a 'sticky'.

Remember, a demonstrable level of intelligence and resourcefulness is required of an RAF pilot applicant. Finding information isn't rocket science.

Scroggs

luigi_m_

I have three quick questions, and I know I should really go to an AFCO, but I don't have time at the moment:

+ Does anyone know the length of the length your arms have to be to be a pilot (this is my only worry about not being accepted)

+ I want to join the RAF regardless of the job, but would there be any possibility of joining in, for example, Personnel Support, and then changing to another area (not specifically aimed at going from Administration to air crew).

+ Is there any chance of flying inside the RAF?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jumpsuit

After much deliberation I decided beyond doubt that joining the RAF was what I wanted. Not only to join the RAF, but to become a pilot; like most people who approach an AFCO I imagine! I want to emphasise this is not done on a whim, but I had to think seriously about it.

As a result I'm suddenly concerned, after reading several posts, that I've left it too long. As I understood it the maximum age was 24, but then I read the age was 23. Having graduated from uni this year (with a 2:1), I decided to go travelling and experience the world whilst seriously considering my career. As I speak I'm travelling solo for 6 months, but when I return I'll be the terrible age of 23.

In many ways I think I have what the RAF is looking for; during my 4 year university career I captained the seconds rowing team after just one year, was part of the hockey and skydiving teams (where I ran for president), and succeeded in numerous academic competitions. I'm also a qualified skydiver, scuba diver, and experienced snowboarder. I was also a member of the ATC, but didn't make the UAS (for good reason in hindsight; I was far from prepared).

Will any of this make any difference being the ripe old age that I am? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ProfessionalStudent

Nope.

The RAF very rarely bends it's rules as it has more than enough people like you ready to step into the fray.

Soz.

Cmn2644

I would completely agree with the above statement.

When I went to OASC, I wasn't 100% sure that I knew what they were looking for or if I had it. However, my attitude was if you dont try, you dont get. Taking that chance in life was the best thing I could have done.

When you get to OASC, give it your all and be yourself. Most importantly, try to have fun !!!

Good luck

ProfessionalStudent

Pontius

I have no problems with your comments. It took me 14yrs to get my wings (some would say I was a slow learner!) and was told "No way" several times.

However, would OASC really bend the rules for an abo applicant, no matter how motivated? In my experience the rules would appear to be very hard and fast. Good luck to the lad all the same, but...

Neeps

If I remember correctly the upper age limit for Pilot is 23 years and 11 months upon entering IOT. I'd get yourself to an AFCO as soon as your travels are over. (or perhaps cut them short?)

From what I've seen if you pitched up to an AFCO at 24 for pilot, you wouldn't even be given the forms to fill in.

Wader2

Neeps, agree. As Jumpsuit will not be 24 then that should not be a problem.

BUT that means he needs to get through AFCO, through OASC, through the various filters and sifts, and wait for his letter, so that he arrives at Cranditz before his 24th BD.

It has been suggested that he should allow 6 months for processing unless he is exceptional .

Mmm some pluses and minuses, one of the minus points in plan ahead or failure to.

so lessons learnt?

Anyway, reading between the lines, you are 22 now and will be less than 23 yrs 6 months when you return. This suggests you have plenty of time in hand for one shot at OASC.

Captain Ratpup

Simple question, probably harder answer:
Air Traffic Control or Fighter Control?

For somebody who passed OASC aptitude for both but has to rule out aircrew, what would you choose?

ATC: broader and better variety of postings, post-service civvie opportunities with conversion training

FC: limited postings , incompatible with civvie/mil ATC, but unlike ATC there's a small chance of some AWACS time.

Ratpup

Neeps

Do the aussies/americans still snap up FC's? There's also 1ACC as well as AWACS if you like that sort of thing.

To be honest you should take a trip down to Boulmer to get a small taste of FC, and another trip somewhere to see how ATC works.

Captain Ratpup

Ratty,

Sadly, despite aptitude being fine and hawk-like 6/5 aided vision, without contacts I'm not far behind Stevie Wonder. But I've known this all along so there were no disappointments at OASC. It amused me and many others no end to overhear a bloke with milk-bottle glasses say he wanted pilot and nothing else. One of those "I wanna be in the Red Arrows in two years" types. My preferences at the moment are ATC, FC, Flt Ops.

Out of interest, I asked for a fam to Boulmer on Friday and a chirpy Cpl at the AFCO rang me confirming a visit on the Monday. Stellar customer service. Just goes to show that, despite all the moaning, sometimes things work efficiently.

PPL152

Hi guys

I'm from a European country and could have the potential to hold a dual British/other nationality.

My dream was to fly as a pilot in the military, and the country I live in, we only fly 2 single-engine aircraft - that's our air force!, and thus my aim is to join the RAF.

Does anyone think I stand a chance to join them as a pilot?


Regards
PPL152

ProfessionalStudent

PPL

I don't see why you shouldn't have as much chance as anyone else with a British Passport.

Read the rest of this thread to give yourself the necessary pointers and look at the RAF website to find the age/qualification criteria.

You'll need to call the RAf department within a suitable AFCO (I would suggest one in London) to arrange visits/interviews and to clarify whether your EU equivalent qualifications will suffice.

Regards and good luck.

Pro Stu

PPL152

Thanks for the reply.

One other thing, to what extent does being in the UAS help with your application to join the RAF? I never had the opportunity to join the UAS as I never lived in the UK.

Thanks

WizzopWannabe

just a quick one, i'm too old to be pilot or wso i fancy wsop, but not really anything else, applied for wsop only, waiting result, anybody got any views on whether i should have gone for any old commision or just wsop (as i did) too late now anyway but hey, i just wondered what people thought, and is it a higher level/standard for acceptance as nca to commision?

Pontius Navigator

PPL152, in your case none at all. As you are not UK domiciled and did not attend a UK university it is irrelevant.

The question you must answer will be:

"What have you done to further your interests in a career in the Royal Air Force?"

Pontius Navigator

In a word, Yes.

To get a commission they look at you for one week and train you for 32.

To get a commission as NCA they look at you, train you for ages, assess you in your job against all your peers and then . . .

As you see there is a difference.