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Fleet Air Arm then Army?

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Fleet Air Arm then Army?

Old 23rd Dec 2009, 04:18
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Fleet Air Arm then Army?

Hi all, im really wanting to apply for military service as a pilot. I am wanting to apply for the fleet air arm soon. Does anybody know whether I am elegible to apply for the army as a pilot IF the fleet air arm doesnt work out?

Cheers
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 08:02
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Failed at the first hurdle

Ben0

You have failed at the first hurdle, twice.

You will soon be inundated with posts about the search function on Pprune but also, in the FAA you will be navy first, Pilot second and in the Army, Soldier first, Pilot second. Whilst I understand you aspiration to fly, you need to have a long chat with yourself first. Do a search and you will find many similar comments regarding this.

I wish you all the very best in your quest.

Widger
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 08:06
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you can't just join the AAC, you have to have had soldier service first, and get to a certain rank before you're eligible to even apply to become a pilot.
And as for being able to join the FAA, have you looked at the entry requirements? do you have 20/20 vision? i agree with widger, you do need to have a long chat with yourself... all the best though!
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 09:36
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Ben,
Ignore the previous posters, they have no idea.
Yes, if the Navy says no, then you can apply to the Army and RAF.
You can join both to be a Pilot from the outset.
Whilst technically in the FAA you are a naval officer first, and in the Army you are an Army officer first, it makes no difference to your life.I am not qualified to drive a ship!
Anyway, in the RAF you are a big girls blouse first, pilot second.
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 09:42
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Tourist I am ex-crab aircrew - and also ex-MN.

I seem to remember that the RN were the BBGB's when it came to sorting differences out in the odd pub dispute with us MN types............mind you I grant that some of the MN ABs were more like pirates in more ways than one....'nuff said on that.

The back streets of Marseille, Yokohama and Ventjspils were way too tough for RN types......

However, I would agree with Tourist - try AAC or FAA first. Although why not have a shot at Infantry or RM Commission first?

Good luck - and Merry Christmas.

Last edited by covec; 23rd Dec 2009 at 10:04.
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 10:18
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tourist; you dont need to be an officer to be a pilot in the AAC, which begs the question who has no idea?
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 10:28
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You do to be a direct entrant pilot if memory serves...
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 10:46
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oh lol, i've only chatted with the NCO pilots in NI, and when one of their islanders were at fairford last year, i've yet to meet an officer pilot
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 11:10
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That's a brilliant story Calum, got any more?

Ben,

You can apply to any service you want, in any order you want (or all at once.) Please note that the preferred option for many is to apply to the RAF, get rejected, join the FAA and then bitterly complain about the crabs (with a cracking chip on one's shoulder) for the rest of your career.

All the best whichever route you choose.
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 11:34
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Calum
If he is applying to become a pilot in the FAA then he must, one would hope have the academic requirements to be a officer, so why on earth would he apply to the Army as an oik?
Covec.
I'm ex 847. Never seen so many people who deploy with a duvet as your booties, blouse-boy!
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 11:49
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Now this is at least an interesting twist on the usual inter-service pi$$ing contest. Fishead versus Booty.

Go on Tourist, you tell him! I'll hold your handbag.

If you did work hard enough at school, join the air power professionals, if you didn't, then, as my noble friend so eloquently put it: "apply to the RAF, get rejected, join the FAA and then bitterly complain about the crabs (with a cracking chip on one's shoulder) for the rest of your career."

And if you didn't go to school, then join the cabbage eaters.

And if you're not good enough for any of them, and are a cynical old tw@t, then become a journo!

Seriously, though, banter aside, it's important to realise that there is no automatic route to becoming a military pilot, and contrary to the impression sometimes given here, the lowliest pilot in any of the services is very much a quality individual, way above average, and with personal qualities that are outstanding. You need confidence and ability to join their number, but also, at this stage, just a little humility. Respect to you all.

Even the fisheads!
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 12:20
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Dear all,

Banter accepted!

My point was, that if matey boy goes to the OASC and says I want to join to Fly, he will be accepted with open arms.

If he goes to the AIB and says he wants to fly, he will most likely be accepted but they will require convincing that it is the RN he wants to join, along with all the other c@@p that goes with flying from boats.

If he goes to the Army, they will want to know that he wants to live in ditches before they even consider him.

I accept Tourist's view that he can join straight up as aircrew but as he well knows (an he is being dis-ingenuous if he denies it) the AIB is not populated by the FAA but by Bubbleheads, Fisheads and Engineers.

One positive thing to say about the RAF, is that if he goes to selection saying he wants to fly, at least that will be taken at face value.

Did think of adding some witty remark about 847 but I am currently having to come to terms with the humungous rib of beef Mrs W has just bought for chritsmas. Enough to feed hundreds and cost a flamin fortune!
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 14:36
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BenO,

If you want to fly, why is your first choice not to join the RAF ? There is more opportunity in the field of aviation, should you not achieve your immediate aspirations. Simply put - if you want to fly, join the RAF - the clue is in the title.
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 15:00
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Simply put - if you want to fly, join the RAF - the clue is in the title.
It may be considered flying but its hardly exciting is it? I mean, the runway is always flat, long and is always in the same place it was when you left it.
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 15:26
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Czech MaShortz,

"If you want to fly, why is your first choice not to join the RAF ?"

I'll give you a reason.
The constant whingeing on Pprune at all times about absolutely everything from all the crabs.
You do not find that from either the FAA or the Army.
This is because we love our jobs.
Fly Navy
Dig Army
Eat Crab

ps
"There is more opportunity in the field of aviation, should you not achieve your immediate aspirations. "
Really?
There are RN guys flying everything from Harriers to F18 to apache to V22 to Multis to SH
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 15:31
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I accept Tourist's view that he can join straight up as aircrew but as he well knows (an he is being dis-ingenuous if he denies it) the AIB is not populated by the FAA but by Bubbleheads, Fisheads and Engineers.
Matters not. Before you reach the AIB you have to go to OASC to pass the aptitude tests and only then will you be boarded by the AIB. Assuming you have passed OASC tests then your boarding team at AIB will have an aircrew member.

Any Service flying is fantastic fun, but each offers a differing perspective. If you are dead set on FW then clearly the RAF is the way to go (but the FAA offers the FW route to the very best of its candidates - you have to be special because it is single seat FJ or nothing - there is even the possibility of training through the USMC rather than the RAF system). If you fancy flying in the most challenging environment (maritime and lots of foreign visits) then the FAA is for you. If it is an Apache and Afghanistan you hanker after then the AAC offers the excitement (but I recommend talking to an Apache pilot about his quality of life).

Best of luck.
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 16:19
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Originally Posted by Tourist
I'm ex 847. Never seen so many people who deploy with a duvet as your booties, blouse-boy!
Which brings to mind that any fool can deploy and be uncomfortable.

I remember the Tankers in Desert Storm carried picnic chairs on their tanks.
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 17:16
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Originally Posted by vecvechookattack
It may be considered flying but its hardly exciting is it? I mean, the runway is always flat, long and is always in the same place it was when you left it.
Because flying from a floating box and flying around over miles and miles of nothing but water is hugely exciting isn't it?
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 17:37
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I agree with Pheasant - you need to think about what you want to fly. If fixed wing, I would also suggest the Crabs; if rotary, the the FAA is the best option. All service flying offers challenges, but flying back to the deck at night when it is harry roughers certainly concentrates the mind. You can also do that with the Harrier - but single engine over the sea at night, on goggles is not my idea of fun (plus I don't think I am good enough!!).

I don't want to be a stovie, I don't want to fly a jet,
I'd rather fly around, with wings that go around,
2 engines on my Westland Seaking!

And the RN uniform looks far, far better!!

Good luck.
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Old 23rd Dec 2009, 17:48
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Best Flying Club in The World

Ben0,

My old man, and his oppos, use to say the FAA ws the Best Flying Club in The World. Things have changed a bit, but I think he still has a point.

As previous posts have said, to join the AAC you have to be a proper soldier first.

You know it makes sense....................................
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