RAF Mature Entry

[farmer giles]

As a younger chap I spent a number of years in the Army as an Officer. Since leaving the Army I have discovered a love of flying and have a CPL/ IR but low hours as I do it as a hobby. I am 38 years old. My current job, although well paid, is frankly boring.

Is it possible to move from civi flying into the military in this way ?

Would it make any difference if the CPL were an Heli licence ?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Megaton]

Mike is correct in stating that RAF entance requirements are rather rigid; however, ex-RAF QFIs have not been used exlusively for contract civilian training. Agreed most of those employed on the Hunting contract for JEFTS were ex-mil but some were also civilian FIs including a former civilian FI of mine. I doubt you would have any chance whatsoever of getting back in to mil flying but stranger things have happened. A 38 year navigator friend was recently awarded his wings and the RAF has recruited aggressively from the RNZAF. There's never any harm in trying although Careers Information Offices are unlikely to have anyone which sufficient knowledge; you would need to know someone on the "inside."

[Scorpy]

I have worked with a couple of ex AAC NCO pilots who managed to tranfer in their late thirties one on Permanent Commission and one Branch Officer terms. But they came directly across. Whether this would be possible with your background, would be for the RAFCO/Cranwell to decide.

[moggie]

The Aussies will take old farts up to age 48 in the Air Corps! Try this link:

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/#

Even tells you the pay, medical, height, weight requirements etc.

PS - I need to go on diet before I can apply!

[farmer giles]

Thank you for the feed back.