WSO or OBSERVERS?? A heads up....
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WSO or OBSERVERS?? A heads up....
I just wondered if there are any current RN Observers or RAF WSO's who use this website?
If not does any one have a friend of a friend who is one and in particular a FJ GR4/F3 WSO?
Hope everyone is well and merry xmas and all the best for the new year.
If not does any one have a friend of a friend who is one and in particular a FJ GR4/F3 WSO?
Hope everyone is well and merry xmas and all the best for the new year.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
He's trying to make his mind up whether to join the RAF or the RN.
IMNSHO he would be better off joining BA.
IMNSHO he would be better off joining BA.
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By the time he joins and goes through training, there probably wont be any direct entrants going to F3's or GR4's imo... We'll be in single seat jets only by that time as it'll be pointless training people to go on a jet thats going out of service...
Oh hang on... Thats exactly what the RAF does...
Oh hang on... Thats exactly what the RAF does...
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thanks for the animated responses.
As for BA if you want to start a collection for me, feel free. It could aid me in my pursuit of 75k to fund an integrated ATPL course (
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!) Perhaps if I had that I may have a shot at the commercial side.
Banter aside I was interesting in talking first to a current WSO or Observer to gauge their opinion on the career, training for that trade from a first hand perspective etc etc.
Obviously the F3 will be out of service but as of December 12th 2009 the RAF are still streaming 20 FJ WSO's per year. Surely the GR4 will not be retired before 2016-2017 and with it also making up the mainstay of the forces combat aircraft there may still be a couple of years left of WSO FJ.
As for BA if you want to start a collection for me, feel free. It could aid me in my pursuit of 75k to fund an integrated ATPL course (
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!) Perhaps if I had that I may have a shot at the commercial side.Banter aside I was interesting in talking first to a current WSO or Observer to gauge their opinion on the career, training for that trade from a first hand perspective etc etc.
Obviously the F3 will be out of service but as of December 12th 2009 the RAF are still streaming 20 FJ WSO's per year. Surely the GR4 will not be retired before 2016-2017 and with it also making up the mainstay of the forces combat aircraft there may still be a couple of years left of WSO FJ.
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Youre right in that the GR4 will not be retired for ages yet, theres no money for them to be replaced, the main bulk of RAF spending is going to be channeled into helos for Afghan. Plus the fact theyre used for CAS a hell of a lot (GR4).
After GR4 there will be plenty of these to keep you occupied - there's even talk about cross-training FJ WSOs to be pilots for them:
Also, by about 2025 there should be these as well:
The prototype should be flying as early as next year.
Finally, the MRA4 has 2x WSOs, I believe, if that kind of thing is your bag (and you fancy smelling of fish!).
So there are still plenty of options for the RAF WSO for the time being.
The B Word
Also, by about 2025 there should be these as well:
The prototype should be flying as early as next year.
Finally, the MRA4 has 2x WSOs, I believe, if that kind of thing is your bag (and you fancy smelling of fish!).
So there are still plenty of options for the RAF WSO for the time being.
The B Word
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Youre right in that the GR4 will not be retired for ages yet, theres no money for them to be replaced
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The prototype should be flying as early as next year.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Jordan, you don't need either a crystal ball or a current FJ WSO to tell you that your options woul dbe strictly limited.
Your current FJ mate is likely to get a 'full' career, at least to 38 with a prospect of retention to 55. You, OTOH, will be 29 before you get operational, say 2014 with a projected OSD of 2025 you would get 2-3 tours and finis.
Your 20 per year being accepted into training is near 0% of those applying for aircrew and about 12% of those selected for pilot training. A number of those slots will be taken by chopped pilots.
You will need to be very very good and highly dedicated to even get considered.
Your current FJ mate is likely to get a 'full' career, at least to 38 with a prospect of retention to 55. You, OTOH, will be 29 before you get operational, say 2014 with a projected OSD of 2025 you would get 2-3 tours and finis.
Your 20 per year being accepted into training is near 0% of those applying for aircrew and about 12% of those selected for pilot training. A number of those slots will be taken by chopped pilots.
You will need to be very very good and highly dedicated to even get considered.
malr
Your link shows a picture of POLECAT although I believe that the text is describing RQ-170. These are US programs.
B Word's picture is of BAeS TARANIS - a joint UK MoD/BAeS program that is ready to fly very soon. The technology was developed from their RAVEN program that flew in 2003. When they're so close to flying this, goodness knows why they are bothering with MANTIS and HERTi.
Here is RAVEN flying in Australia:
Hopefully, this has cured any incorrect notions.
Regards
LJ
Your link shows a picture of POLECAT although I believe that the text is describing RQ-170. These are US programs.
B Word's picture is of BAeS TARANIS - a joint UK MoD/BAeS program that is ready to fly very soon. The technology was developed from their RAVEN program that flew in 2003. When they're so close to flying this, goodness knows why they are bothering with MANTIS and HERTi.
Here is RAVEN flying in Australia:
Hopefully, this has cured any incorrect notions.
Regards
LJ
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Just a quick point Jordan.
You should be aware that WSO and Observer are two very different jobs.
I think I would find WSO possibly more fun in a fast jet etc, but Observer comes with a lot more responsibility.
You should be aware that WSO and Observer are two very different jobs.
I think I would find WSO possibly more fun in a fast jet etc, but Observer comes with a lot more responsibility.
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but surely by 2025 with 3 tours behind me that would allow for the opportunity to compete for command progression?
Move away from flying into other areas?
OR
At least have a shot at making it onto the professional aviators spine?
Dedicated? Well I do have aspiration to be in it for the long hall + to deploy front line in theatre to get stuck in and help out.
Thanks for the reply. Although im not sure if you are actually saying "dont bother applying to be a WSO in the RAF"
Move away from flying into other areas?
OR
At least have a shot at making it onto the professional aviators spine?
Dedicated? Well I do have aspiration to be in it for the long hall + to deploy front line in theatre to get stuck in and help out.
Thanks for the reply. Although im not sure if you are actually saying "dont bother applying to be a WSO in the RAF"
I'm old enough to be well away from current recruiting policy - but I thought WSOs were only being recruited under whatever words they use to describe a short service commission these days?
If this is the case you will only have an 8-12 year career, including training time, and will have to do very well to be considered for a more extensive career.
However, as I said, my information may be out of date.....
If this is the case you will only have an 8-12 year career, including training time, and will have to do very well to be considered for a more extensive career.
However, as I said, my information may be out of date.....
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I believe that is correct but it is also the case for Pilot. Short service with a view to at least being able to apply (albeit competing) for an extension on your service.
(Obviously having not been chopped at any point)
(Obviously having not been chopped at any point)