RN Officer Aircrew and Asthma
 

Hi girls/guys,

Just thought I would put a post on here regarding Aircrew and Asthma. I am 20 years old and had mild childhood asthma, this went when I was around 10-11. I am now due to start with the Royal Navy in the next few months as Officer Aircrew (p). So I would say to you all, go Fly Navy!! Be honest and don't try to hide anything, you will only be found out, don't ruin your chance! Oh and NEVER tick you would accept to be Observer, you will almost certainly be streemed as Observer. Stick to your guns, it is possible! I hope this is some use to some of you. Best of luck to you all!

Astonishing! The Forces showing flexibility on a historic medical condition. Congratulations to them, and to you, and no doubt to whoever reported on your medical history.

But you do realise that your nickname will be 'Wheezer'.....

He'll be a snotty for the first two years of his RN career anyway.

I know!!
 

I come from a Naval familly who have all been Ratings!! Its already started! I asked the Navy straight away if it was a Bar from flying duties and they said no, as long as you have been clear for 5 years or more! I am not going to argue with this!! I believe that the RAF are still very scared of Asthma. The RN and I believe the AAC look at each individual!

Any tips for BRNC?

Officially I believe the RAF are supposed to have the same poilcy, though I know people that have been both turned down on account of a history of asthma and accepted despite one.

Had a pal who was rejected for applying for Helicopter Crewman duties a couple of years ago because he suffers from hayfever....

Hayfever is a bar on joining as a crewman but if you suddenly develop while in the mob it's OK........... so Im told!!

Sorry, Sorry Guys because I'm sure your'e sick of hearing me go on about asthma but I just feel I need to explain my situation to get any new opinions.

I had asthma as 8 year old (17 now) and just used my blue inhaler and NEVER had an asthma attack-I rarely used it except for colds which hit me and i still didnt even think it worked.
When i started getting interested in the raf as a navigator i went to a specialist in my local hospital who diagnosed me without it and said jokingly ''you'll be a topgun yet''
I then rang my GP to see if the asthma could be deleted from the computer and he said yes but the fact that its written down means that its permanant and cant be deleted but said he would clear me for the RAF.
I am fit and play sports upto 4 days a week and never had any problems.
Would the fact that my specialist and my GP said a career in the raf is 'OK' have any bearing or gave me a case to fight on the raf's decision to accept me as aircrew.:ok:

You know the answer:

http://www.flynavyheritage.org.uk/fly_navy2_jk.jpg

I really don't know if I could do that because the RAF has been my dream because of the history and respect behind it and I've never had much interest in the navy.:ok:

If you want to fly, and the Navy might take you, but the RAF won't, then what? A sudden and compulsive interest in all things briney, I suspect :E

It's a hard question to answer because I've interests in my other options such as FC or IO but the flying side I feel will probably wipe those other options out.

You will certainly have a case to fight if they turn you down solely on the asthma issue. I know people who have done this successfully, but it might take a while. Make sure you're honest with the medical questionairre though, as they will only find out later if you have covered something up (and it generally doesnt look good if you do). Besides, you never know, they may take you anyway.

Good luck

When I've asked the question before I have had replies about guys now piloting F3's but I have also had quite a few saying that I haven't got a hope in hell.

Well here's an idea then. How about applying and seeing what happens. OASC are the only ones that will be able to give u an accurate answer ;)

As the above post says, try the RAF, if thats what you really want! Be honest and if they say no, you have lost nothing. In your situation (which was once mine) you have nothing to lose!

However, if you are desperate to fly, then I would say you are going to have to look at FAA or AAC. I chose FAA simply because the slim chance of getting streemed FJ.

If you decide to join the RAF as a Ground Trade Officer, you will be looking at the Pilots/Aircrew wishing you could do that and you will become a bitter person.

Go and talk to the Navy, they are a friendly bunch and are there to help YOU! After I talked to the Navy, I didn't even think about the RAF. Maybe you should give it a go.

Good luck with everything. Don't put all your eggs in one basket!

History? RAF?

I didn't pick up on that! The Navy also has a long and VERY succesful history, ask the French and the Spanish!

Don't just make your'e choice on history and respect. Look at all the reasons. I agree the Navy does have a very proud history but that shouldn't be your'e only reason for chosing the Navy, nor should the Battle of Britain be your'e reason for wanting to join the RAF.

I knew I shouldn't of said about the history because I recognise the great successes and sacrifices they have made ie. Falkands, Northern Ireland, WW2 etc. but I think in terms of aviation history it has to be the Battle of Britain and another thing is that I have been set on the RAF for the last 4 years and therefore would be hard to change my POV.