NC Aircrew Crewman
 

Hi Everyone

I'm new to this forum. I'm looking into joining the RAF as NC Aircrew. I was in CCF (RAF) at school and then joined TA (RE), went to uni and transferred to UOTC and now I have graduated, I am back in the TA. I also have a PPL.

There is not a lot of literature on the role of WSOps. Is there any NC Aircrew out there, people who have done selection, or who are doing their training now, who can give me some top tips and handy hints?

I have been to my initial 'chat' at the AFCO, and I have got the second interview in mid-June. What could I expect as life as a Crewman?

What other aircraft to crewmen fly in (apart from Hercs, C-17, Merlin, Chinook, Puma, Sea King and Twin Squirrel) and what would their role be on these aircraft?

In interview should I have one aircraft type in mind, or should I have all of them in mind?

(I was told at AFCO to steer clear of the RAF website and use PPRuNe)

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tommy

Call the NCA Liasion Team at RAF Cranwell they will answer all your questions. Or if you are anywhere near Manchester city center for the next few days I can PM you with details of an event that may interest you.

GT, thanks for the advise re NCA Liason Team at Cranwell. As for near Manchester, I live in Jersey, so the aforementioned 'event' needs to be very worthwhile for me to pay to get up there!

1.4G, thanks to you too. Like I said, I'm new and was advised to do this. I'll check out e-goat too. Just a quick one, I know who the rockapes are, but who are 'stackers'?

Cheers to you both!

Blanket Stackers - Supply bods.

1.4G sounds a bit bitter. With this CV we must ask why you want to be NCA? Curious too why the AFCO has not asked that question, may be they did but provided you have your essential 5 GCSE and 2 A-levels a commission open to you. NCA is not an easy or easier option.Plenty and unlike what 1.4G said they can be found here too. I don't think Twin Squirrel would count. the obvious one you missed out is Nimrod and also E3 and possibly Sentiel. Again, with your CV, I suspect that the last job you will get would be in the loadmaster/door gunner role.Any and all.Contrary to what 1.4G says, there are people from 55 Sqn and OASC etc that come here too.Read the OASC sticky, there are NCA snippets there too and reconsider your options.

c-bert, cheers pal...same as the Army's Royal Logistics Corps (or Really Large Corps).

Wader2, firstly thank you so much for spending the time to read my post as thoroughly as you did. I went to see the AFCO about a year ago and they said I was too old for pilot. My A-level results were modest, to say the least and I only have a ordinary degree. Also I played a little devil's advocate with the officer who interviewed me and he said that I had to make choice as to whether I want to be an officer or whether I want to fly. I made the decision to fly. With regard to Twin Squirrels, do 84Sqn in Akrotiri fly them for troop transport and SAR instead of the old Wessex? I wasn't sure whether the intelligence gatherers, early warning and reconnaissance aircrft carried Crewmen (loadmasters). Also do the VC-10s and Tristars carry them, or do Air-Engineers still exist in the tankers/transport aircraft? If I cannot get loadmaster/door-gunner, what would they offer me? I'll give the OASC snippet a read as well. Thanks again for all your input!

At 24 you are too old (normally) to join the RAF as officer aircrew, but you could certainly apply to the Royal Navy as officer aircrew, as they have an upper age on entry of 25 and 11 months. Worth a look, and won't cost you anything to ask/apply. The RN has no direct entry for non-commissioned aircrew.

RN officer aircrew careers page

aa, not sure about life on the high sea?! no harm in asking, I suppose.

I've got mates in The Parachute Regiment and they are likely to give me grief if I join the RAF, let alone if I join the RN! Only kidding, I'll have a look.

Cheers

Paras - pah. When you've got mates in the Womens' Auxiliary Balloon Corps, then it's time to be worried. Until then, do your own thing, and do it to the best of your ability. Good luck :ok:

hahaha! Cheers aa!
Got my heart set helicopter crewman and I'm going to do my very best to get it!

NC Aircrew! := If you've got a PPL etc. Why not go for pilot?
You'll get good information from E-goat as posted by 1.4G, however, this forum is not full of retired oldies, (I'm not retired but 29 isn't old (Isit? :rolleyes:)).

Anyway, check your PM's in a second. Can't say a lot publicly.

RAFE...
I'll look into it again, but I have been told I'm too old to go pilot! Cheers for the PM...I did reply. 29 isn't old, as I plan on being just as debauched when I'm 79 as I am now! cheers again!

Just a quick one...I cannot see it, but is there a post (relatively long from me) replying to c-bert and Wader2? I did reply to thank them and answered all of Wader's queries.

I feel I need to pass on some wisdom to you chaps who have been so kind in advising me today...if you ever think about leaving the armed forces to make some 'real' money in the city or offshore regions - DON'T! It is mind-numbingly dull! The grass is not greener, the milk is not sweeter! F**k I'm bored!

1.4G, why would I say that? And what inspired you type that?

1.4 Ever thought of taking up undertaking??? Just thought it might suit you.

Just an addendum to my last.....as I'm getting a tad angry at 1.4s posts. Tommy the RAF is supposed to be about teamwork and camaraderie. The 'old and bold' may well linger here (I'm one of them) but we each did our bit to make the RAF what it is, or should be, in the eyes of the public who we defend.

The majority of us hold to those high ideals. However, there is the odd tosser who seems to have a chip on both shoulders and this type of individual should be avoided at all costs. Listen to their opinions by all means but use good common sense and fairness in deciding whether those opinions are worth keeping.

Some people get a little bitter and twisted if their career is not going according to plan; if their boss, when writing their F6442 or 1369, says that despite the individual being reporting on believes that they are the best thing since sliced bread they actually aren't.

If you want to get a real feel for the comradeship and the true ethos and spirit of the RAF (and the other Armed Forces) then have a look at some of the pages on the "Neighbours at War" thread.

I doubt whether the likes of 1.4 would be interested in that sort of stuff because it has nothing to do with "self" and it also involved a lot of old has beens putting themselves out for others.

Rant over.:*

Cheers sisemen, I'll check out the 'neighbours' thread. It is my first day on here, so don't know everyones personalities yet. But most are very helpful.

1.4G...debauchery is term used by my peers and I to simply describe having fun, no offense was intended. It was also a reference directed at RAFEmployee to reassure him that 29 wasn't old. I posted on this forum for advice, not sledging.

I believe the staff on 55(R) Sqn at Cranwell run an introduction day; usually the last Thursday of the month. They will be able to give you all the latest information about recruitment and training.

As to qualifications, remember that the entry requirements for NCA are a minimum; half of the Chinook crewmen on my Flight are graduates. If you've set your heart on Helo crewman then go for it , but be aware that you are recruited as a WSOp and could just as easily find yourself as a sensor operator on a fixed wing platform. :ok:

1.4G, thank you for all your helpful advice, I will bear it all in mind!

:) 1.4G Your just like AIDU, except he was a little funnier.