Other ways of becoming an RAF/RN pilot?

[Basil]

Sloppy Link, Thanks for the clarification.

Edit: Whilst a teenage apprentice fitter/turner I was a TA REME Craftsman gunfitter attached to an RA 25pdr regiment. ISTR I was given the 'How to Fix 25pdrs' book and left to get on with it.

[Jono664]

I joined the AAC direct entrant, as an air trooper,and in some cases you are eligible to apply for aircrew selection at this early stage, as a kind of perk because your already in the corps.i took my time,spent 4 years on the ground putting bombs and bullets onto AH,which was great fun.dont forget,you can also fly as an aircrewman on lynx,islander and b212 aircraft before applying for the pilots course,this is a great step to going front seat as it were.i unfortunately failed on med grounds,but thoroughly enjoyed my service,and is certainly a more than viable option.all the best!!

[jayteeto]

I didn't have the qualifications and got through as a serving airman. In those days there were MANY more training slots available. Even then, although I didn't have the O Levels, they required some sort of equivalent educational qualifications. My Avionics training involved a lot of maths, this was seen as acceptable.
Now the negative bit.......... Although I agree that you should always TRY to achieve your dreams, please be realistic. Even if you are the modern day 'Chuck Yeager', you are up against some highly qualified, sharp candidates in the selection process. The recruiters will be looking to you to stand out from the crowd in other ways. ATC membership is almost expected these days, so what will help????
Sport/Charity+Community Work/GOOD DEPTH of current affairs knowledge/Fitness Level/Appearance and more.
Have you considered other flying trades?? Non commissioned aircrew often get pilot crossovers when they are slightly over the age limits.
Be flexible, you don't have to be a pilot to enjoy the lifestyle........

[HAS59]

don't stop trying

Hi,
I was once that young keen air cadet. Keep on trying to get the qualifications that you need.Even if you fail the aircrew medical (I did - faulty hearing) keep on looking around for alternative career paths.
Rear crew do a lot of very interesting jobs that you will probably be unaware of. The service has a lot to offer - it is a way of life that I thoroughly enjoyed for 40 odd years (some of them very odd!)


Spend your time in the cadets getting around the air force and do not be afraid to ask any serviceman for advice.


Good luck!