Becoming an RAF pilot....
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Becoming an RAF pilot....
Hi all,
First things first, I'm 5'11" and very sporty. I've just finished my first year at sixth form so I've got one year to go (studying Physics, Maths (mechanics), Economics and P.E). I intend to go to go to uni to study aeronautical engineering as I think this would be benificial and I will generally enjoy it anyway.
I'm going down to have a look at RAF Odiham soon as it's nearby, thought this would give me a general feel of what the typical base is like. I've been to a careers office for an unformal meeting and I was told to start 'knocking on the door' from september '11 onwards (ideally want to join the UAS). However there were a few things I didn't clear up.
1) What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?
2) Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?
3) Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?
4) I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.
Finally, I'm new to this so I apologize if this has already been posted.
I would really appreciate any feedback.
Thanks
First things first, I'm 5'11" and very sporty. I've just finished my first year at sixth form so I've got one year to go (studying Physics, Maths (mechanics), Economics and P.E). I intend to go to go to uni to study aeronautical engineering as I think this would be benificial and I will generally enjoy it anyway.
I'm going down to have a look at RAF Odiham soon as it's nearby, thought this would give me a general feel of what the typical base is like. I've been to a careers office for an unformal meeting and I was told to start 'knocking on the door' from september '11 onwards (ideally want to join the UAS). However there were a few things I didn't clear up.
1) What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?
2) Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?
3) Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?
4) I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.
Finally, I'm new to this so I apologize if this has already been posted.
I would really appreciate any feedback.
Thanks
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I'm 5'11" and very sporty.
I intend to go to go to
What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?
Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?
Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?
I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.
Regarding degree choice and UAS The Student Room is probably a better place to ask the questions.
1) What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?
As good as any other.
2) Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?
Go back.
3) Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?
Depends on you. Not a silly answer, btw.
4) I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.
No, 'they' haven't.
1) What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?
As good as any other.
2) Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?
Go back.
3) Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?
Depends on you. Not a silly answer, btw.
4) I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.
No, 'they' haven't.
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Kanehp
Ignore the first poster...we all do.
I would advise you to get your sight checked out fully before you do anything else...you may be chasing an impossible dream.
Assuming it is OK, the next question would be what, if any aviation experience do you have? Air Cadets, gliding etc. That's not to say these things are a prerequisite, but at some stage somebody is going to probe into your motivation, substantiation and commitment to becoming an RAF pilot...it will be handy to have the answers (hopefully truthful) ready.
I have no experience of the UAS but I know a lot of people who have. They are seem to find it immensley enjoyable and rewarding...not sure what you mean by realistic??? Flying is about as real as anything ever gets.
As far as your type of degree and sports go...yeh, all these things count for something, but the RAF selection procedure is more about discovering your aptitude for flying training and your potential for leadership. Those are the things you must focus on.
Ignore the first poster...we all do.
I would advise you to get your sight checked out fully before you do anything else...you may be chasing an impossible dream.
Assuming it is OK, the next question would be what, if any aviation experience do you have? Air Cadets, gliding etc. That's not to say these things are a prerequisite, but at some stage somebody is going to probe into your motivation, substantiation and commitment to becoming an RAF pilot...it will be handy to have the answers (hopefully truthful) ready.
I have no experience of the UAS but I know a lot of people who have. They are seem to find it immensley enjoyable and rewarding...not sure what you mean by realistic??? Flying is about as real as anything ever gets.
As far as your type of degree and sports go...yeh, all these things count for something, but the RAF selection procedure is more about discovering your aptitude for flying training and your potential for leadership. Those are the things you must focus on.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
As far as degrees go, the lists of RAF Graduates in the papers shown if they have degrees. I haven't checked but it appears more have degrees than don't.
Of the degrees there are a few Masters in the list. There is also a significant number of BEng. An aeronautical degree is only a degree and a degree is not a prerequisite. Later on however an aeronautical degree may qualify you for things other degrees do not.
Of the degrees there are a few Masters in the list. There is also a significant number of BEng. An aeronautical degree is only a degree and a degree is not a prerequisite. Later on however an aeronautical degree may qualify you for things other degrees do not.
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Really Annoyed
I too have suffered from ingrowing anal hairs; the discomfort one has to endure is tremendous, and is beyond the comprehension of those who are not afflicted thus. It is true to say that one's entire outlook on life is jaundiced by this pain in the .........
If you care to PM me, I will gladly furnish you with the contact details of Dr Rajiv Sphincteramabad, that truly sainted man, whose surgical intervention allowed me to once more be re-united with the saddle of my racing bicycle.
I have the honour to be, Sir, etc etc
HB
I too have suffered from ingrowing anal hairs; the discomfort one has to endure is tremendous, and is beyond the comprehension of those who are not afflicted thus. It is true to say that one's entire outlook on life is jaundiced by this pain in the .........
If you care to PM me, I will gladly furnish you with the contact details of Dr Rajiv Sphincteramabad, that truly sainted man, whose surgical intervention allowed me to once more be re-united with the saddle of my racing bicycle.
I have the honour to be, Sir, etc etc
HB
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"They are seem to find it immensley enjoyable and rewarding...not sure what you mean by realistic???"
Thanks for all the feedback guys really appreciate it. Can't really see why someone would waste their own time slating people on this though to be honest!
This thread is no good without pictures...
Unless you're a male...
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kanehp
Don't take it to heart fella; if you do eventually succeed in your ambition ( & I hope that you do), you will have to deal with industrial quantities of mickey-taking/banter etc.
Follow your dream; Per Ardua ad Astra.............
HB
Don't take it to heart fella; if you do eventually succeed in your ambition ( & I hope that you do), you will have to deal with industrial quantities of mickey-taking/banter etc.
Follow your dream; Per Ardua ad Astra.............
HB
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Airborne Aircrew, I'm male. So i hope your no into that sort of thing
"Through Adversity to the Cinema."?
Whatever, you sound like a decent chap, kanehp, so best of British to you....
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You'll be unable to acquire any degree I'm afraid. You clearly lack a basic level of comprehension. I'm clearly "not into that sort of thing" or I wouldn't have written "Unless you're a male..." now would I?
HB, thanks for the advice - well taken note of.
Originally Posted by kanehp
So i hope your no into that sort of thing