OFFICER and AIRCREW 'CANDIDATES' PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
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Looks like i'm going to have to withdraw my application then. Only got an A and a D at A2. Going to have to get myself on a night course for a year or 2 then to get a C or above. First the medical 3-4 years ago and now the qualifications rules change just as I become medically eligable again! Oh well, just another hurdle I suppose!
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Selection
I was wondering what the situation is at the moment with regards to a pilot application. I went through OASC in October 2010. Understandably everything is up in the air at the moment (pardon the pun), but when I went through it was a case of the April 2010 - April 2011 slots had all been filled and they were recruiting for April 2011 - April 2012. At the time it was mentioned there was roughly 146 places available for the next financial year, but with all the cuts is this still the case?
This thread seems to be dying a slow death, but hopefully it can be revived one last time? Any information would be helpful.
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TSM
On a variety of other threads, not to mention official briefings at work, There is currently a surplus of 200 pilot trainees in the system already.(and another 300 that we actually need)
Go figure.
CS
Go figure.
CS
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Selection
A very gloomy picture painted indeed. But as expected. It seems to be IFT that is backing everything up. Not getting the courses. A few friends have been waiting up to 6 months after IOT to get on a course.
Well I'm going to stick with the old saying "No news is good news". I can only keep my fingers crossed now.
Well I'm going to stick with the old saying "No news is good news". I can only keep my fingers crossed now.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
TSM, if you are not at IOT then there is no good news. Do read the rest of the briefs. The information is very positive (ie not rumour) and there will be no new pilots in to training before Jul 12.
The age cutoff remains 25-11+ so you are still in with a chance but you will be in competition with many more applicants for the first course.
As you don't seem to have read up about the training pipeline, did you hoist on board the revised educational requirements?
The age cutoff remains 25-11+ so you are still in with a chance but you will be in competition with many more applicants for the first course.
As you don't seem to have read up about the training pipeline, did you hoist on board the revised educational requirements?
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Smegward
If you do not have 2 A levels at grade C or above, I am amazed you haven't received a letter informing you that your application is closed. You should check with your AFCO, I am certain they will confirm that your application has already been terminated as the instruction was received be AFCOs before Christmas. This forum was informed by me at that time, later confirmed by the posts by OASC.
Sorry, but that is the harsh reality of the current situation.
OneFifty
If you do not have 2 A levels at grade C or above, I am amazed you haven't received a letter informing you that your application is closed. You should check with your AFCO, I am certain they will confirm that your application has already been terminated as the instruction was received be AFCOs before Christmas. This forum was informed by me at that time, later confirmed by the posts by OASC.
Sorry, but that is the harsh reality of the current situation.
OneFifty
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Selection
Thanks again for your response PN. I did spot the educational requirements, and after my costly abbreviation error (EFT by the way), I am good to go. Thought I'd have another browse of the thread but after looking through again i'm not sure I spotted any relevant comments regarding pilot selection. Your post number 385 refers to WSOp, but I thought there might be some more specific information for Pilot.
Anyway reading through all the posts it sounds as though its a question of waiting. From a management point of view, if I were in OASCs position, i'd be doing the exact same thing. Plenty of applicants, not enough places, and everyone willing to wait as long as it takes.
Has anyone been accepted outright in the last few months? That would be a question i'd like the answer to? I've heard on the grape vine its a score of 140'ish in the aptitudes (obviously with everything else in your favour too) to be in with a chance at the moment.
Anyway reading through all the posts it sounds as though its a question of waiting. From a management point of view, if I were in OASCs position, i'd be doing the exact same thing. Plenty of applicants, not enough places, and everyone willing to wait as long as it takes.
Has anyone been accepted outright in the last few months? That would be a question i'd like the answer to? I've heard on the grape vine its a score of 140'ish in the aptitudes (obviously with everything else in your favour too) to be in with a chance at the moment.
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TSM,
At the moment a score of 125 on the aptitude is considered competitive. To clarify, anyone scoring less than 125 is told not to expect any further progression, an uncharacteristicly kind way of saying their application is 99% likely to be terminated.
However, I'd hazard that any less than 130-135 probably doesn't set you up very well.
As with all things RAF it all depends. Lets say you scored 126 aptitude, but filter was brilliant and you got on well at OASC. You would probably do better than someone who scored 155 aptitude but who had the social skills of a dead salmon.
It all depends, and there is absolutely no point in trying to second guess what's going on or what your chances are mate, a lot of us are in the same (possibly sinking, or built and then just kept as a £3bn paperweight) boat.
Sit tight and wait it out would be my advice.
Edit: Further advice would be to not expect any physical movement until 2012.
At the moment a score of 125 on the aptitude is considered competitive. To clarify, anyone scoring less than 125 is told not to expect any further progression, an uncharacteristicly kind way of saying their application is 99% likely to be terminated.
However, I'd hazard that any less than 130-135 probably doesn't set you up very well.
As with all things RAF it all depends. Lets say you scored 126 aptitude, but filter was brilliant and you got on well at OASC. You would probably do better than someone who scored 155 aptitude but who had the social skills of a dead salmon.
It all depends, and there is absolutely no point in trying to second guess what's going on or what your chances are mate, a lot of us are in the same (possibly sinking, or built and then just kept as a £3bn paperweight) boat.
Sit tight and wait it out would be my advice.
Edit: Further advice would be to not expect any physical movement until 2012.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
To add 4015's sound advice, use the time to make yourself more competitive.
A number of years ago we had a young woman from one of the High Street Banks who thought she would like a career change to Fighter Control. She organised her own tour to Waddo and the Radar Sites. She was so impressive that we considered she should have been recruited immediately.
I don't know if we measured up to her requirements.
Look to things that will improve your fitness, your leadership skills, inter-personal skills etc etc
A number of years ago we had a young woman from one of the High Street Banks who thought she would like a career change to Fighter Control. She organised her own tour to Waddo and the Radar Sites. She was so impressive that we considered she should have been recruited immediately.
I don't know if we measured up to her requirements.
Look to things that will improve your fitness, your leadership skills, inter-personal skills etc etc
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Hi
I went through OASC at the end of November for Pilot, and was then placed under further consideration, to be reviewed in Jan 2011. I haven't heard anything yet, but I'm starting to read rumors and hear that Pilots in training are starting to loose their jobs, so what hope is there for me? I have also heard that Pilot Recruitment would be frozen until 2013. Does that mean I could be offered a place for 2013, or would it be a case of reapplying in 2 years time?
Cheers
GW
I went through OASC at the end of November for Pilot, and was then placed under further consideration, to be reviewed in Jan 2011. I haven't heard anything yet, but I'm starting to read rumors and hear that Pilots in training are starting to loose their jobs, so what hope is there for me? I have also heard that Pilot Recruitment would be frozen until 2013. Does that mean I could be offered a place for 2013, or would it be a case of reapplying in 2 years time?
Cheers
GW
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Oacs Candidates And Wanabees.
To all you young people hoping for a flying career in today's RAF. The doom and gloom of the current defence cut-backs is obviously having an effect on your potential flying careers.
However, while you're waiting, and it might be a lengthy wait or even never, have you thought about contacting your local Air Training Corps squadron or Wing HQ and asking if they need and adult assistance ?
They could be looking for officers, which means you could apply for a commission in the RAFVR(T) branch. Not for the faint hearted because it involves pitching up for duty after the normal working day a couple of times a week and often at weekends, plus various courses and cadet camps from time to time.
Initial officer training following successful selection is carried our at RAF Cranwell, giving you the chance to pick the brains of the regular officer cadets while learning at least the basics of life as an RAF officer. It would also look good on your CV should OACS at a later date give you a call.
I did exactly that in reverse following a 24 year career as an RAF armourer. At the age of 45 I became a very new, shiney Plt. Off. and six months later took command of one of the overseas squadrons of the ATC in Germany (Cold War Warrior) later becoming a Wing Staff Officer with added responsibilities.
From your point of view as young men with ambitions to serve in today's RAF, a little extra on your CV could be a great help. A DofE award, voluntary service as mentioned, it all shows motivation and adaptability beyond the educational qualifications required. During my 11 years service as an RAFVR(T) officer I knew of several incidences where a number of the younger officers successfully transfered to regular commissions.
As a Wing Staff Officer, I chaired a number of application boards for VR(T) commissions. Interviewing younger men and women, the board always looked for something beyond the applicants basic reason for applying. In this instance, what had he or she to offer a youth organisation beyond looking spick and span in uniform.
Just a thought from one of the ancient and tattered airmen on this site.
However, while you're waiting, and it might be a lengthy wait or even never, have you thought about contacting your local Air Training Corps squadron or Wing HQ and asking if they need and adult assistance ?
They could be looking for officers, which means you could apply for a commission in the RAFVR(T) branch. Not for the faint hearted because it involves pitching up for duty after the normal working day a couple of times a week and often at weekends, plus various courses and cadet camps from time to time.
Initial officer training following successful selection is carried our at RAF Cranwell, giving you the chance to pick the brains of the regular officer cadets while learning at least the basics of life as an RAF officer. It would also look good on your CV should OACS at a later date give you a call.
I did exactly that in reverse following a 24 year career as an RAF armourer. At the age of 45 I became a very new, shiney Plt. Off. and six months later took command of one of the overseas squadrons of the ATC in Germany (Cold War Warrior) later becoming a Wing Staff Officer with added responsibilities.
From your point of view as young men with ambitions to serve in today's RAF, a little extra on your CV could be a great help. A DofE award, voluntary service as mentioned, it all shows motivation and adaptability beyond the educational qualifications required. During my 11 years service as an RAFVR(T) officer I knew of several incidences where a number of the younger officers successfully transfered to regular commissions.
As a Wing Staff Officer, I chaired a number of application boards for VR(T) commissions. Interviewing younger men and women, the board always looked for something beyond the applicants basic reason for applying. In this instance, what had he or she to offer a youth organisation beyond looking spick and span in uniform.
Just a thought from one of the ancient and tattered airmen on this site.
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Dear Posters,
I see that most of the previous posts are with regards to mostly RAF and some RN aircrew roles.
I am indeed interested in flying in the British Army. Could anybody here give some scope whether the Army Air Corps have been affected by the SDSR? I have heard from some reliable sources that the AAC have in fact not been affected as the output of pilots on courses at Shawbury or/and Middle Wallop have not changed.
Thank you for your responses in advanced.
With Kind Regards,
AS
I see that most of the previous posts are with regards to mostly RAF and some RN aircrew roles.
I am indeed interested in flying in the British Army. Could anybody here give some scope whether the Army Air Corps have been affected by the SDSR? I have heard from some reliable sources that the AAC have in fact not been affected as the output of pilots on courses at Shawbury or/and Middle Wallop have not changed.
Thank you for your responses in advanced.
With Kind Regards,
AS
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OASC Bulletin 28
In this submission we will outline a revision to the new selection process employed at the OASC.
In essence, the sequence of the selection process remains unchanged. However, due to the increase in length of the aptitude batteries, flexibility was unavailable within the programme to encompass the extra time taken by candidates undergoing aptitude testing; therefore a decision was taken to separate aptitude testing from the remainder of the selection process. Consequently, a candidate applying for an aptitude branch might need to visit the OASC twice, as follows:
Aptitude Phase: Candidates who are applying for one or more aptitude based branches, and have passed an AFCO P2 filter interview, (and AST Band F or E if applying for WSOp or DE SNCO ATC) will be invited to attend the OASC to sit the Computer Based Aptitude Tests. Those who are unsuccessful in the tests for their branch choices, and are only applying for aptitude based branches will be filtered out at this stage; however, candidates may retake the tests after a minimum of 12 months has elapsed. Those who pass the aptitude tests for one or more of their branch choices might be called forward to return to the OASC to undergo the Exercise Phase, if they are deemed competitive.
Exercise and Interview Phase: On the first day, candidates will complete all elements of the Exercise Phase: Discussion, Group Planning, Leaderless, Command Situation and Individual Planning as outlined in OASC PPRuNe Submissions 11-14. Early on the second day, candidates will be informed whether they will be continuing in the selection process. Those who have demonstrated enough potential for training at this stage will be invited to stay to complete their Interview, Medical and Selection Fitness Test on the second day. The remainder, who have not met the required standard, will be given a one-on-one review by the Board President to explain to them where they fell short of the required standard and how they can improve, if they chose to re-apply.
Candidates who complete the full process will be informed by letter within a few weeks of their selection visit informing them of the outcome.
In sum, for candidates aspiring to a career in only one or more aptitude based branches, a competitive performance in one or more of their branch choices might lead to them being recalled to the OASC to complete the selection process; therefore, for these candidates, 2 visits to the OASC might be required. For those seeking selection only to non-aptitude based branches, a single visit only is required – because aptitude testing is not necessary. For those with both aptitude based branches and non-aptitude based branches, a lack of competitiveness in the aptitude tests might still lead to them being recalled to complete the selection process for one or more of their non-aptitude based choices.
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only. Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
In essence, the sequence of the selection process remains unchanged. However, due to the increase in length of the aptitude batteries, flexibility was unavailable within the programme to encompass the extra time taken by candidates undergoing aptitude testing; therefore a decision was taken to separate aptitude testing from the remainder of the selection process. Consequently, a candidate applying for an aptitude branch might need to visit the OASC twice, as follows:
Aptitude Phase: Candidates who are applying for one or more aptitude based branches, and have passed an AFCO P2 filter interview, (and AST Band F or E if applying for WSOp or DE SNCO ATC) will be invited to attend the OASC to sit the Computer Based Aptitude Tests. Those who are unsuccessful in the tests for their branch choices, and are only applying for aptitude based branches will be filtered out at this stage; however, candidates may retake the tests after a minimum of 12 months has elapsed. Those who pass the aptitude tests for one or more of their branch choices might be called forward to return to the OASC to undergo the Exercise Phase, if they are deemed competitive.
Exercise and Interview Phase: On the first day, candidates will complete all elements of the Exercise Phase: Discussion, Group Planning, Leaderless, Command Situation and Individual Planning as outlined in OASC PPRuNe Submissions 11-14. Early on the second day, candidates will be informed whether they will be continuing in the selection process. Those who have demonstrated enough potential for training at this stage will be invited to stay to complete their Interview, Medical and Selection Fitness Test on the second day. The remainder, who have not met the required standard, will be given a one-on-one review by the Board President to explain to them where they fell short of the required standard and how they can improve, if they chose to re-apply.
Candidates who complete the full process will be informed by letter within a few weeks of their selection visit informing them of the outcome.
In sum, for candidates aspiring to a career in only one or more aptitude based branches, a competitive performance in one or more of their branch choices might lead to them being recalled to the OASC to complete the selection process; therefore, for these candidates, 2 visits to the OASC might be required. For those seeking selection only to non-aptitude based branches, a single visit only is required – because aptitude testing is not necessary. For those with both aptitude based branches and non-aptitude based branches, a lack of competitiveness in the aptitude tests might still lead to them being recalled to complete the selection process for one or more of their non-aptitude based choices.
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only. Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
Last edited by OASC; 26th Apr 2011 at 11:22.
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Declaring cautions for RAF application
Good evening gents,
I'm in the process of applying to the RAF as an officer. In my younger days I received a police caution for criminal damage. It was a stupid thing to do, and of course I've regretted it ever since.
I want to be as honest as is necessary throughout my application, but am querying whether I will have to declare a caution on my paperwork. I understand one must declare unspent convictions, but for most branches you don't have to declare spent convictions. However, I'm in the dark about a caution, since it's not technically a conviction. Furthermore, if I was to declare the caution, would it serve as a potential 'disqualifier' in the application process? I was just seeking some advice on that matter really.
I don't mean to be rude (far from it), but I'd prefer it if people don't comment just to say "You don't deserve to be accepted" etc. I know what I did was totally wrong, and if that costs me my intended career, so be it.
I thank you in advance for any advice you can give.
Regards,
L91
I'm in the process of applying to the RAF as an officer. In my younger days I received a police caution for criminal damage. It was a stupid thing to do, and of course I've regretted it ever since.
I want to be as honest as is necessary throughout my application, but am querying whether I will have to declare a caution on my paperwork. I understand one must declare unspent convictions, but for most branches you don't have to declare spent convictions. However, I'm in the dark about a caution, since it's not technically a conviction. Furthermore, if I was to declare the caution, would it serve as a potential 'disqualifier' in the application process? I was just seeking some advice on that matter really.
I don't mean to be rude (far from it), but I'd prefer it if people don't comment just to say "You don't deserve to be accepted" etc. I know what I did was totally wrong, and if that costs me my intended career, so be it.
I thank you in advance for any advice you can give.
Regards,
L91
Fair question and brave of you to post. I think I could answer it, but am not 100% sure so you had better leave it to the professionals so my wrong answer doesn't cock up your future.
Copy it as a new post at the end of the Military Aircrew forum sticky "OASC candidates read here" and someone will probably be able to answer you better.
Good luck with it.
Copy it as a new post at the end of the Military Aircrew forum sticky "OASC candidates read here" and someone will probably be able to answer you better.
Good luck with it.
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As you state, a caution is not a conviction. There are currently effectively two types of caution, a conditional caution and a 'simple' caution.
A conditional caution (providing the conditions are complied with and there is no subsequent prosecution for the offence) becomes spent three months after it is given and all other cautions become spent when they are given.
As conditional cautions are a relatively recent invention I suspect that you received a simple caution and this became spent the moment you received it. The caution would remain on your record and had you committed a further offence within a period of two years the fact of the caution could have been used in deciding whether or not to prosecute.
If the form indicates that you do not need to disclose spent convictions you will not need to disclose a spent caution.
A conditional caution (providing the conditions are complied with and there is no subsequent prosecution for the offence) becomes spent three months after it is given and all other cautions become spent when they are given.
As conditional cautions are a relatively recent invention I suspect that you received a simple caution and this became spent the moment you received it. The caution would remain on your record and had you committed a further offence within a period of two years the fact of the caution could have been used in deciding whether or not to prosecute.
If the form indicates that you do not need to disclose spent convictions you will not need to disclose a spent caution.
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In order to give you an accurate answer, I need to know the following:
- What branch you are applying for
- how long ago it happened
- how old you were when you did it.
Feel free to pm me if you'd prefer.
OneFifty.
- What branch you are applying for
- how long ago it happened
- how old you were when you did it.
Feel free to pm me if you'd prefer.
OneFifty.