RAF Entry Age and Degrees (Wannabe Q)

[silverjs]

Sorry to bother everyone with this again,

As I have previously mentioned, I am a borderline case for an RAF pilot applicant, turning 24 on November 9th and attending OASC at almost the same time.

I have been told, however, that the age standards (max age 23) for pilot apply only to people without university degrees.

For the record, I just completed my Honours (4-year) degree in 2002.

Anybody help me with this? In case it isn't clear, I wanna join! =)

Thanks!

[chromate]

I'd also be interested in some info on this!! I'm 23 in July and doing my final year of a 4 year degree right now. Am I able to apply whilst 23? Or are you only able to apply before you reach the age of 23?

I've actually seen it down as 23.5 on one form I've seen (can't remember where! It may have been old) Are the RAF lenient on this age limit thing at all or not?

I'm sure someone will be able to give us some heads up on this!

Good luck at the OASC BTW silverjs! Let me know how it goes!!

Cheers,

Richard.

[Elvis21]

Guys,

On the website it says 17.5 - 23. I would imagine these are the limits within which you can apply. I turned 23 this week and will be applying in the very near future.
I have had a Flying Scholarship from the RAF so have done many of the selection proceedures. If you go and need any help post here and I will do my best to help

[chromate]

Yeh, I just wasn't sure if it was 23 inclusive (whilst 23) or only up until the age of 23 (before you reach the age of 23). It's not clear. I would hazard a guess that's why so many of these age related questions are asked. The boundaries seem blurred.

Thanks for your help anyway Elvis.

Just for future reference by any other wannabe's that might stumble across this thread in search of OASC info; You may find the following useful:http://www.airmenaircrew.freeserve.c...c/oasc_pp2.htm

Many thanks.

[Chinese Vic]

Apply anyway - they can only say no! I was above the age limit for Nav when I applied (ex-airman, and possibly slightly different terms apply) but was accepted. Best of luck.

CV

[chromate]

Yep, guess so. Nothing like flying in the face of adversity! <cough-cough> Thanks for your input CV!

[silverjs]

I was actually told that one had to be 23 upon beginning of IOT. If one starts the application process at 23, the chances that he or she will make it to IOT one time before his or her 24th birthday are slim - but between slim and none, I'll take slim any day!

Good luck to all of you; I hope I can convince the RAF Cranwell authorities to conveniently forget about this rule. =)

[chromate]

Hope it goes well for you matey! Please let me know how it all goes after you've had your visit to RAF Cranwell! Don't forget now will you!

Cheers.

[captainlove]

99 % sure

Hi there guys. I am in similar situation as you may have read from the topic "RAF chances". I was told that you have to be able to begin IOT for pilot training before your 24th birthday. So even if you do pass selection and they say yes you have been selected for pilot training, it will depend wether you can get a start date for your training before your 24th birthday.
If your going for selection about the same time as your 24th then I am not sure. Maybe they make allowances if you pass. Your careers officer would know this and would not let you apply for pilot if it was a waste of time.
However you may have other choices on your form and your careers officer is trying to get you in any way he can. I'm sure thats not the case!!!

Anyway good luck mate!

[Talk Reaction]

Having been away from selection for a considerable time now I can't comment on application ages, but I am sure they can be found on the RAF careers website.

However, first, there ARE different age requirements for personnel already in the RAF.

Second, we are very short of pilots so never let a few months put you off, OASC is it would seem adopting an occasionally flexible veiw on limits. If you are a brilliant candidate then you never know.

All that said, as a direct entrant it's my duty to despise all graduate entrants!!!

Best of luck

[prang one]

Its been a long time since I went to oasc but not so long for wearing a green suit.

After UAS and a degree I was rapidly approaching 23.This was the rules as i was told it much like above.

Apply for selection before 23 .After passing you need to be walking through the doors for IOT before you turn 24.
I seem to remember the OASC scores were only valid for 12 months anyway before you came of the pile.

Apply, Pass and see what you get offered (only except pilot).
Good luck to you all

[Feneris]

I'm afraid you have to be 24 when you walk through the front doors of IOT. End of story. I tried to get an age waiver for 7 weeks, they would not budge, and offered Nav, not Pilot.

As it was they found room on an earlier course and I started IOT as pilot. Unfortunatly I screwed up IOT and was kicked out. At the time I wouldn't take Nav, now I'd give anything to get Nav. Doing ATPL exams instead. Boring as f**k, and I hate being a civvy.

F

[Lucifer]

I do know of people in the current day and age who have been offered an IOT date prior to 24 and have subsequently been deferred and gone on a post-24 IOT as a pilot. So no, no rules are hard and fast but you have to be lucky to get through them.