Flying grading, why do they bother?
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It depends on the individual. Some people argue that a little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing because you are being assessed on both your flying skills and your ability to assimilate the training the army wants to give. Previous knowledge could lead to overconfidence or having learned a particular style of flying it may prove difficult to un-learn and adjust to the way the instructor wants to do things. Ultimately getting through grading doesn't mean you will automatically pass the course and you can be chopped at any time as the course gets progressively harder and more demanding. If you have the skills and determination to pass you will pass even if you have never flown an aircraft before. Training to do a PPL before grading will only benefit you in the first few weeks of the course if at all.
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In my limited flying experience I've completed an RAF Flying Scholarship and RAF EFT whilst on a UAS. I'm now apply for a commission in the Army and have sponsorship from the AAC. I will therefore, assuming I am selected at RCB, be heading to Middle Wallop to do AFG. I'm worried because I have just under 150 hours to a high standard. I'm worried I'll be eaten alive by the QFIs at AFG due to my EFT experience.
Also, if were to pass AFG, would I then have to do EFT again, or a refresher course as it's been a year since I completed EFT? Will the AAC contact my old UAS and get my EFT reports?
I can't wait though!!!!
Westbury here I come 
Also, if were to pass AFG, would I then have to do EFT again, or a refresher course as it's been a year since I completed EFT? Will the AAC contact my old UAS and get my EFT reports?
I can't wait though!!!!
Westbury here I come
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When i did my grading, i was a complete novice....I really struggled for the first 5 hours and was pained to hear everyone else telling stories of looping and rolling etc. I was still struggling around the circuit...and then it suddenly clicked..almost like when you first get your balance on a bike or when your learning to drive.
I was amazed to find that come judgement day my peers and I all passed and the story telling red barons failed.....
The only advice I can give is that you have to give it your all, spend some down time in an aircraft learning the checks, fly the sortie in your head etc etc...and never argue with your instructor....
I was amazed to find that come judgement day my peers and I all passed and the story telling red barons failed.....
The only advice I can give is that you have to give it your all, spend some down time in an aircraft learning the checks, fly the sortie in your head etc etc...and never argue with your instructor....
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"Maths lesson"
RN 13hrs grading + 60hrs eft (aim rw + "odd fj") = 73hrs
ARMY 13hrs grading + 40hrs eft (aim rw) = 53hrs
RAF no grading, very soon de @ uas both 60hrs
(uas was 86) = 60hrs
If I was a bean counter (and I’m not) I would be asking why at Shawbury is there up to 20 hrs difference between the three services.
Ans, no reason
perhaps only those showing fj potential should get the extra 20hrs???? big saving there I'll bet!
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FLYING GRADING - GOOD BAD OR UGLY
It is interesting to see the comments in this thread. Some years ago when flying grading was introduced in the Army I held a post in the flying training of Army pilots.
One or two points of interest:-
Once we had courses fully loaded with 'graded grains' the overal failure rate on the Army Pilots Course' (APC) fell dramatically. Typically failure rate was anywhere between 50 to 70 percent, after grading this fell to the order of 20 percent.
PPL or previous flying. It was not unheard of for those with previous fixed wing experience to fail grading. The criteria was ' Does this student show the aptitude and progress over the 13 hours to satisfy us that he could cope with learning to fly and operate an Army helicopter in 12 months' The key there is the time limit. Often individuals had gained their fixed wing experience over long periods. This was not always because of time or financial constriants often they were slow learners. Those slower learners who had fixed wing experience and passed grading often had flaws in their overall ability masked by this fixed wing experience. These types fell early on in rotary training when their true ability to learn to fly in a new type in a set time became obvious.
My advice is that which ever service you plan to learn to fly with go with them. They have learned what works for them and if you have any previous let people know without bragging about it.
Oh and by the way - enjoy the whole experience, flying is great, but teaching someone to fly is really fulfilling.
LB
One or two points of interest:-
Once we had courses fully loaded with 'graded grains' the overal failure rate on the Army Pilots Course' (APC) fell dramatically. Typically failure rate was anywhere between 50 to 70 percent, after grading this fell to the order of 20 percent.
PPL or previous flying. It was not unheard of for those with previous fixed wing experience to fail grading. The criteria was ' Does this student show the aptitude and progress over the 13 hours to satisfy us that he could cope with learning to fly and operate an Army helicopter in 12 months' The key there is the time limit. Often individuals had gained their fixed wing experience over long periods. This was not always because of time or financial constriants often they were slow learners. Those slower learners who had fixed wing experience and passed grading often had flaws in their overall ability masked by this fixed wing experience. These types fell early on in rotary training when their true ability to learn to fly in a new type in a set time became obvious.
My advice is that which ever service you plan to learn to fly with go with them. They have learned what works for them and if you have any previous let people know without bragging about it.
Oh and by the way - enjoy the whole experience, flying is great, but teaching someone to fly is really fulfilling.
LB
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I'm worried because I have just under 150 hours to a high standard. I'm worried I'll be eaten alive by the QFIs at AFG due to my EFT experience.
Also, if were to pass AFG, would I then have to do EFT again
Concentrate on passing RCB and then RMAS first as you can't get to MW without them, and they are fun in their own way too!
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RCB is the most important thing at hand for me, this is true. I'm focusing as much as I can. Just not sure which way the ball will drop. 
Am really looking forward to RMAS though. Looking forward to MW more though 
Am really looking forward to RMAS though. Looking forward to MW more though
