OFFICER and AIRCREW 'CANDIDATES' PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
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WSOp - third and final attempt
Evening all;
It’s been a while since I’ve posted.
I’ve decided (having gone through it time and time again) to give myself one more chance for WSOp. Having studied, revised and practiced for CBAT style questions - I feel more prepared than the other two previous attempts and I’m going to give this another good go. What will be will be. I’ve done all I can revision wise and I appreciate there’s some who’ll say you can’t revise or what not but I’ve found various resources have helped me massively.
I’m due back at Cranwell in early Sep. I’ll report back then.
Until then, for all of you who have supported me through-out my previous applications (and probably asking stupid questions) - I thank you all! I appreciate you all hear the same questions asked time and time again and I know there’s only so much you can help a ‘wannabe’ but it’s genuinely appreciated!
Thank you!!
NDW
It’s been a while since I’ve posted.
I’ve decided (having gone through it time and time again) to give myself one more chance for WSOp. Having studied, revised and practiced for CBAT style questions - I feel more prepared than the other two previous attempts and I’m going to give this another good go. What will be will be. I’ve done all I can revision wise and I appreciate there’s some who’ll say you can’t revise or what not but I’ve found various resources have helped me massively.
I’m due back at Cranwell in early Sep. I’ll report back then.
Until then, for all of you who have supported me through-out my previous applications (and probably asking stupid questions) - I thank you all! I appreciate you all hear the same questions asked time and time again and I know there’s only so much you can help a ‘wannabe’ but it’s genuinely appreciated!
Thank you!!
NDW
Well good luck NDW, if they gave places for tenacity and determination you’d be there. All you can do is prepare and do do your best on the day; if you can look in the mirror the next day and say you gave it everything you have no complaints.
But remember sometimes perseverance does pay off. My first ever AEF trip in Cadets was in a Chippie with a FJ pilot; between the 2 of them he and his Nav clocked up a good half dozen attempts. So you just never know.
But remember sometimes perseverance does pay off. My first ever AEF trip in Cadets was in a Chippie with a FJ pilot; between the 2 of them he and his Nav clocked up a good half dozen attempts. So you just never know.
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Good afternoon all,
Thought I’d come back with an update reference my most recent CBAT attendance. Unfortunately (quite a common word with me now) I didn’t pass for WSOp, however I achieved the highest score out of my three attempts and scored higher in areas I had previously struggled in. The two tests I didn’t pass for, annoyingly, I passed last year. But, such is life.
I’ve now decided upon going in for a ground trade (something I should have done years ago but was too stubborn to contemplate it) and ‘hopefully’ work my way up.
I’ve got a few ground trades in mind that I’m particularly interested in with the hope that after the mandatory commitment time for the role has surpassed and the opportunities are there that I’d like to consider NCA again. But; this is way in the future and something that is now at the back of my mind - most importantly I want to join up ASAP.
Thanks for everyone’s time, advice, positivity, patience and kind words in helping me try and achieve my Plan A role - it’s not to be ‘just yet’.
Cheers!
Thought I’d come back with an update reference my most recent CBAT attendance. Unfortunately (quite a common word with me now) I didn’t pass for WSOp, however I achieved the highest score out of my three attempts and scored higher in areas I had previously struggled in. The two tests I didn’t pass for, annoyingly, I passed last year. But, such is life.
I’ve now decided upon going in for a ground trade (something I should have done years ago but was too stubborn to contemplate it) and ‘hopefully’ work my way up.
I’ve got a few ground trades in mind that I’m particularly interested in with the hope that after the mandatory commitment time for the role has surpassed and the opportunities are there that I’d like to consider NCA again. But; this is way in the future and something that is now at the back of my mind - most importantly I want to join up ASAP.
Thanks for everyone’s time, advice, positivity, patience and kind words in helping me try and achieve my Plan A role - it’s not to be ‘just yet’.
Cheers!
Good afternoon all,
Thought I’d come back with an update reference my most recent CBAT attendance. Unfortunately (quite a common word with me now) I didn’t pass for WSOp, however I achieved the highest score out of my three attempts and scored higher in areas I had previously struggled in. The two tests I didn’t pass for, annoyingly, I passed last year. But, such is life.
I’ve now decided upon going in for a ground trade (something I should have done years ago but was too stubborn to contemplate it) and ‘hopefully’ work my way up.
I’ve got a few ground trades in mind that I’m particularly interested in with the hope that after the mandatory commitment time for the role has surpassed and the opportunities are there that I’d like to consider NCA again. But; this is way in the future and something that is now at the back of my mind - most importantly I want to join up ASAP.
Thanks for everyone’s time, advice, positivity, patience and kind words in helping me try and achieve my Plan A role - it’s not to be ‘just yet’.
Cheers!
Thought I’d come back with an update reference my most recent CBAT attendance. Unfortunately (quite a common word with me now) I didn’t pass for WSOp, however I achieved the highest score out of my three attempts and scored higher in areas I had previously struggled in. The two tests I didn’t pass for, annoyingly, I passed last year. But, such is life.
I’ve now decided upon going in for a ground trade (something I should have done years ago but was too stubborn to contemplate it) and ‘hopefully’ work my way up.
I’ve got a few ground trades in mind that I’m particularly interested in with the hope that after the mandatory commitment time for the role has surpassed and the opportunities are there that I’d like to consider NCA again. But; this is way in the future and something that is now at the back of my mind - most importantly I want to join up ASAP.
Thanks for everyone’s time, advice, positivity, patience and kind words in helping me try and achieve my Plan A role - it’s not to be ‘just yet’.
Cheers!
Depending on other factors, all isn't lost and there are still opportunities to serve with and even on aircraft outside of the 'traditional' Fg branches. I don't know what the future holds for the E3 fleet, but ABMs - or whatever we are calling them this week - operate as mission crew down the back and Linguist offers some really interesting operational and flying options. Then there are some engineering trades that fly away with the AT fleets (or at least used to, but AT isn't my area so don't quote me now), and of course there are the Aeromed, Movers and Steward areas if it is just about getting airborne rather than operating the aircraft.
Don't jump at the first thing that's offered - the Careers Office have quotas to fill! Take a little time to consider your options and whether what is being offered really fits your aspirations, aptitudes and personality rather than just ticking a box for a quota. There is definitely an NDW shaped hole in the RAF system, its just a case of finding it.
Last edited by Melchett01; 7th Sep 2018 at 22:12.
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NDW.
You may wish to consider Int Analyst as a trade. IAs are already active on at least 2 ISTAR fleets as crew, and one of those fleets is about to grow enormously in the next 5 to 10 years.
CS
You may wish to consider Int Analyst as a trade. IAs are already active on at least 2 ISTAR fleets as crew, and one of those fleets is about to grow enormously in the next 5 to 10 years.
CS
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I've transferred my WSOp application over for Intel Analyst and awaiting the next steps. It's a role i'd previously considered way back when I'd also wanted WSOp. I'm ready and raring to go!!
TVM.
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Well nobody can say you haven't tried. I've met so many folk over the years that say 'I almost became a pilot, but ....' and then trot out some lame reason for not even trying. That isn't you, so chin up and crack on. You may not realise it now, but your preparation and experience will stand you in good stead. And in leadership terms, having gone through a rough patch invariably (or I believe) is a good thing in any leader as it brings with it a sense of perspective and empathy when others are struggling.
Depending on other factors, all isn't lost and there are still opportunities to serve with and even on aircraft outside of the 'traditional' Fg branches. I don't know what the future holds for the E3 fleet, but ABMs - or whatever we are calling them this week - operate as mission crew down the back and Linguist offers some really interesting operational and flying options. Then there are some engineering trades that fly away with the AT fleets (or at least used to, but AT isn't my area so don't quote me now), and of course there are the Aeromed, Movers and Steward areas if it is just about getting airborne rather than operating the aircraft.
Don't jump at the first thing that's offered - the Careers Office have quotas to fill! Take a little time to consider your options and whether what is being offered really fits your aspirations, aptitudes and personality rather than just ticking a box for a quota. There is definitely an NDW shaped hole in the RAF system, its just a case of finding it.
Depending on other factors, all isn't lost and there are still opportunities to serve with and even on aircraft outside of the 'traditional' Fg branches. I don't know what the future holds for the E3 fleet, but ABMs - or whatever we are calling them this week - operate as mission crew down the back and Linguist offers some really interesting operational and flying options. Then there are some engineering trades that fly away with the AT fleets (or at least used to, but AT isn't my area so don't quote me now), and of course there are the Aeromed, Movers and Steward areas if it is just about getting airborne rather than operating the aircraft.
Don't jump at the first thing that's offered - the Careers Office have quotas to fill! Take a little time to consider your options and whether what is being offered really fits your aspirations, aptitudes and personality rather than just ticking a box for a quota. There is definitely an NDW shaped hole in the RAF system, its just a case of finding it.
I've applied for Intel Analyst but have interests in Photographer or even an Engineering role (all dependant on my Airman/Airwoman test scores etc).
Thanks again for your time, advice and support!
Nathan
Nathan,
I have a few friends in the Int world and they are constantly deployed on Ops all around the world, sometimes to completely random places with not an aircraft in sight, doing jobs that the Careers Office couldn’t imagine let alone tell you about. They never seem bored and are some of the most operationally experienced people outside of a cockpit I know. I don’t think you’d be disappointed with it as a choice.
I have a few friends in the Int world and they are constantly deployed on Ops all around the world, sometimes to completely random places with not an aircraft in sight, doing jobs that the Careers Office couldn’t imagine let alone tell you about. They never seem bored and are some of the most operationally experienced people outside of a cockpit I know. I don’t think you’d be disappointed with it as a choice.
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Dear all,
Firstly I apologise for the massive screenshot. I didn't know of a way to make the graphic smaller on the forum.
I am currently on an Access to HE course and, as this document suggests, it is accepted by the Royal Air Force. I will be quite honest, I have no intention of going to University, I don't have the time for University because I want to wear light blue as soon as I possibly can, and I don't want to go anyway. Neither do I have the time for A Levels which are two years. I expect to be asked "Why?" at interview, and of course, I'll be honest.
Anyway, my question is this: In order to achieve the equivalent of 2 A Levels at Grade C, what is the minimum number of units that must be passed?
I intend on going for the full 12, and I shouldn't have any problems with 11 of them. One of the units is a Psychology exam, and that's the one that is causing me concern at the moment.
Cheers.
Firstly I apologise for the massive screenshot. I didn't know of a way to make the graphic smaller on the forum.
I am currently on an Access to HE course and, as this document suggests, it is accepted by the Royal Air Force. I will be quite honest, I have no intention of going to University, I don't have the time for University because I want to wear light blue as soon as I possibly can, and I don't want to go anyway. Neither do I have the time for A Levels which are two years. I expect to be asked "Why?" at interview, and of course, I'll be honest.
Anyway, my question is this: In order to achieve the equivalent of 2 A Levels at Grade C, what is the minimum number of units that must be passed?
I intend on going for the full 12, and I shouldn't have any problems with 11 of them. One of the units is a Psychology exam, and that's the one that is causing me concern at the moment.
Cheers.
From looking at that form; 12.
You need 2 C grades as a minimum, which means you're looking at the column to the far right.
You're doing Access to HE, which is the bottom row.
The two meet at the very bottom right.
You need 2 C grades as a minimum, which means you're looking at the column to the far right.
You're doing Access to HE, which is the bottom row.
The two meet at the very bottom right.
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Just noticed that the latest update on the careers page says that the need to wear glasses/contacts is no longer an issue to apply for Pilot, whereas previously it always was. Any ideas when this changed?
Separately, anyone on the inside able to discuss the interpretation of residency requirements as it is rather baffling.
British citizen, born and raised. Spent two years in Ukraine doing volunteer work, now fluent in Russian and fairly fluent in Ukrainian. Came back to UK just over a year ago but told no go for aircrew or Int based roles for 2 years yet no such barrier for all branches of RN and Army.
An FOI request for the relevant PAM showed discretion can be applied but not who makes that call. Given the specialist nature of the decision, does the recruiter need to make the recommendations up the CoC or is it a decision made at the careers office?
Separately, anyone on the inside able to discuss the interpretation of residency requirements as it is rather baffling.
British citizen, born and raised. Spent two years in Ukraine doing volunteer work, now fluent in Russian and fairly fluent in Ukrainian. Came back to UK just over a year ago but told no go for aircrew or Int based roles for 2 years yet no such barrier for all branches of RN and Army.
An FOI request for the relevant PAM showed discretion can be applied but not who makes that call. Given the specialist nature of the decision, does the recruiter need to make the recommendations up the CoC or is it a decision made at the careers office?
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I believe the residency requirement was set as it was more difficult to do background security checks on people who had lived overseas. I would speculate that discretion might be more likely where there are existing security agreements, say Australia. I can't imagine a year in Russia would be seen in the same light.
I don't know why the three services have different requirements. This could be historic as I think the RAF had more officers in sensitive posts than Army or Navy
and it is easier and safer (for your career) to carry on as before.
I don't know why the three services have different requirements. This could be historic as I think the RAF had more officers in sensitive posts than Army or Navy
and it is easier and safer (for your career) to carry on as before.
Just noticed that the latest update on the careers page says that the need to wear glasses/contacts is no longer an issue to apply for Pilot, whereas previously it always was. Any ideas when this changed?
Separately, anyone on the inside able to discuss the interpretation of residency requirements as it is rather baffling.
British citizen, born and raised. Spent two years in Ukraine doing volunteer work, now fluent in Russian and fairly fluent in Ukrainian. Came back to UK just over a year ago but told no go for aircrew or Int based roles for 2 years yet no such barrier for all branches of RN and Army.
An FOI request for the relevant PAM showed discretion can be applied but not who makes that call. Given the specialist nature of the decision, does the recruiter need to make the recommendations up the CoC or is it a decision made at the careers office?
Separately, anyone on the inside able to discuss the interpretation of residency requirements as it is rather baffling.
British citizen, born and raised. Spent two years in Ukraine doing volunteer work, now fluent in Russian and fairly fluent in Ukrainian. Came back to UK just over a year ago but told no go for aircrew or Int based roles for 2 years yet no such barrier for all branches of RN and Army.
An FOI request for the relevant PAM showed discretion can be applied but not who makes that call. Given the specialist nature of the decision, does the recruiter need to make the recommendations up the CoC or is it a decision made at the careers office?
You read in the media how the three services are struggling to recruit at the moment, especially the British Army, but I was wondering how the RAF and Navy are fairing with the recruitment of aircrew? I don't for one minute think they are so desperate that they'll accept anyone, but does anyone know how many applicants both currently get for every aircrew position?
You read in the media how the three services are struggling to recruit at the moment, especially the British Army, but I was wondering how the RAF and Navy are fairing with the recruitment of aircrew? I don't for one minute think they are so desperate that they'll accept anyone, but does anyone know how many applicants both currently get for every aircrew position?
Pilot slots are about to be massively reduced as MFTS fails to deliver the throughput needed. Many applicants spend months waiting for medicals, OASC dates, and then spend even longer in the Sift.
It's a prestige role, and an aspirational one, it's always going to be over-subscribed. Actual numbers, though (rather than anecdotes), will be hard to come by.
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Far more than they can handle.
Pilot slots are about to be massively reduced as MFTS fails to deliver the throughput needed. Many applicants spend months waiting for medicals, OASC dates, and then spend even longer in the Sift.
It's a prestige role, and an aspirational one, it's always going to be over-subscribed. Actual numbers, though (rather than anecdotes), will be hard to come by.
Pilot slots are about to be massively reduced as MFTS fails to deliver the throughput needed. Many applicants spend months waiting for medicals, OASC dates, and then spend even longer in the Sift.
It's a prestige role, and an aspirational one, it's always going to be over-subscribed. Actual numbers, though (rather than anecdotes), will be hard to come by.
For the past 5 years the number of Pilots getting selected for each IOT has been about 20. So around 100 Pilots being selected a year. Given the problems with MFTS now only 4 Pilots per IOT so no more than 25 per year.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
So what happens to the 75 that were suitable and entered IOT as would be pilots?
Is 25 per year sufficient to feed the frontline?
How does the system manage if 8% or 12% fail to graduate as pilot?
Is 25 per year sufficient to feed the frontline?
How does the system manage if 8% or 12% fail to graduate as pilot?
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