Wander00

However, might get turned down for using the wrong word - in that context "licence", not "license".

Flame Out

When I went through OASC Biggin Hill in '78, I had three points for speeding, 48mph in a 40. Signed the 'Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974' at the recruitment centre and told not to it again, I haven't, well you know undiscovered crime...

NDW

Good Afternoon everyone,

I'm in a difficult situation at the moment so I'm on here to see what advice you guys could give me.

Basically I'm currently studying two AS Level Subjects ; History and Geography. But they at the start of the year, they messed me around with my subjects meaning I could only to do A levels
I am enjoying them both, however I had a desire to study A level Mathematics, but the college I am studying with did not allow it due to the fact that I achieved a Grade C ( they wanted a Grade B or higher)

I Achieved in my Main 5 GCSE's

Mathematics - C - (9 Marks of a Grade B)
English Language - B
Science - Double Award - C x 2
Geography - C

I appreciate that for someone who is aiming for Aircrew, that they are not tip top.

So I was in touch with a school friend who goes to a sixth form near my college, and he said that I can do 4 AS subjects including Mathematics with Mechanics with a Grade C. This was confirmed by the sixth form centre staff, but my main problem is would the RAF Interviewers at both AFCO and OASC look down upon me for taking ages to do my A levels.

I have been talking to my parents today, and they both have different opinions...

My dad says that I should ask whether me grades are suitable for Non- commisioned Aircrew e.g. Crewman, and start my application ; where-as my Mum is saying that I should stay on and do my A levels and go for Navigator / WSO ( which is what I want )

Im nearly 18, and by the time that I have finalised my A levels I will be pushing 20 neary 21 years of age.

I want to go for Navigator / WSO, but another side of me wants to go for WSOp.

That is my concerned situation, so thank you very much for taking the time to read this 'essay', but I would appreciate to see what you guys think.

Yours faithfully

Nathan Wilson

Pontius Navigator

Nathan, see PMs.

OneFifty

The interviewer won't care how long you took to gain the qualification, only interested if you actually have it or not.

BigEddie

Hi Guys,

I've got a few wannabe questions that hopefully someone can help me with:

I am 27 years old and have decided to apply to the RAF; I've thought about it on and off since finishing Uni in 2005 but due to one thing or another I have put it off. I am now in a position to go for it but due to my age I can not apply for WSO but this doesn't bother me as I am very keen on WSOp (Crewman). However I always thought if I applied to the RAF it would be for a commissioned role.

My first question is this: As WSOp is a non-commissioned role what are the advantages and disadvantages of commissioned against non-commissioned roles? What am I missing out on and should the role take proirty over the fact it not a commissioned role? Am I correct in thinking that without doing a different role I couldn't get promoted to an officer

Secondly is the selection process as rigerous for WSOp as it is for Pilot or WSO and does anyone have any stats on pass rates for OASC?

Thirdly what is the best source of information (apart from the usual sources) for the role of WSOp and are there any recommended books to read in prep for the selection process?

Thanks in advance for the replies,

Ed

Pontius Navigator

That hardly demonstrates burning ambition and a single minded application.

More people can b*gg*r you around otoh you have less responsibility - less, but not none!

There will be opportunities especially for people with suitable aptitude and skills. Usually however a serving airman will serve for a few years before being considered suitable for a commission.

Arguably the process is more rigorous than the commissioned route.

camelspyyder

some of the stats you are asking for are in a thread called ""oasc pass percentage" from about 6 months back

CS

muppetofthenorth

Stats are useless. You can make them say whatever you want and back up any argument.


The only stat worth knowing is: If you're good enough, you'll get in.

airborne_artist

Stats are irrelevant to a single candidate; they only mean anything at the end of the quarter/year etc.

Many on here will have got through an application/selection/training process that has an almost (but not quite) impossible pass rate, but some have to pass to produce the output required. Assuming you are medically fit and have the minimum academic reqs. then no-one knows if you will pass/fail until you step up and try your best, and no stats will help forecast the outcome for you as an individual.

Pontius Navigator

Once in training there are 'standard' pass rates and 'standard' recourse figures etc finely honed to ensure that a larger intake matches a smaller 'in to productive service' requirement.

At the door however it would be extremely unlikely that every candidate at OASC passed. We lost people through medical right at the outset. We lost others who bottled out during the process.

At OASC an applicant will be in a mixed group, male, female, mixed ages, different branch aspirations etc. It is not unknown for 100% rejection of a group.

Please answer the following question:

Pontius Navigator

I guess BigEddie is thinking of something else now.

onrey_oleuk

HI,

You have to run 1.5 mile's in less than 12 minutes but you want to aim to run it in under 10 minutes. When you get to OASC/IOT you get put groups based on your level of fitness so the better you do on the run, the higher the group you will be put in.

Braddersb

Hi guys,

I'm, looking for some info on the air cadet pilot navigation scheme. Hopefully someone on here has done this at some point?

My situation is that I applied for a pilot scholarship, but was instead have just been awarded a navigation scholarship, which has even less places...

I'm a bit disappointed, so hopefully somebody can cheer me up and tell me that its just as good! I'm guessing you won't be able to solo on it? :S

onrey_oleuk

Hi,

I was just looking for a bit of advice on whether i should enter the RAF straight after i finish my A-Levels, or would it be more benficial to me and to the RAF if i was to gain a bit of life experience and take a year/half a year out??

cheers

Mr C Hinecap

It would be much better for you if you went to university and got yourself a degree. Really.

Pontius Navigator

I would not disagree with Mr Hinecap except to say that it is your life and your career. Only you know your circumstances.

I won't go into the pros and cons except tp say two things: there is no right or wrong answer and this has been discussed at length in this thread and not too far back either.

Do read the thread, consider your personal circumstances and then make up your own mind.

fullafterburner

I took a year out between A Levels and Uni- best thing I done, personally! great experience, not sure if Uni can offer the experience I had during my gap year!

PM, if you would like any more advice.

Regards,

FAB

Aerouk

I hated University but this wasn't due to the University, lectures or course. I just had no interested in it at all. I don't regret doing it in any way shape or form, I did get the chance to travel the world and meet a lot of great people.

onrey_oleuk

Cheers for all the advice, in my personal opinion, i would prefer not to go to university because of the costs/limited places. As well as this, it doesnt really interest me and neither do any of the courses.

I have most/if not all of the credentials required for the position i would like, but have you got any advice for me about what the AFCO will be looking for in a candidate?


cheers