NDW
Try reading the 'sticky' at the top of the page.
CS

As you've been told on another forum, the OASC battery is longer and harder than the AST you've just taken.

Take the time to go away and get your skill levels up. If you want the job, then the bit of extra work won't deter you.

NDW,

As the others have said and I agree with, go away and complete the A levels for a start. The scary thing is that even if you had passed the tests, you would have been in the lower end of the band and with the number of applicants coming through the door now you need all the help you can get. As said, read the stick at the top and form a plan from there.

Good luck.

The bar is set very high now , we don't need aircrew or Officers unless you are Regt or Spec med personnel . Go get some more education .

What grade did you get at Maths GCSE? I'm fairly sure there's a strong link, particularly if you are not doing any Maths at AS/A level.

Many thanks for all your replies.

A_A regarding my Maths GCSE I achieved a grade C (9 marks of a Grade B), by no means excellent - but its a pass.

c130jbloke, I totally agree, now that I have experienced what the tests are like, and I fully appreciate that OASC will be longer and Harder, I am now in a position to continue with education and complete my A levels.

So fingers crossed for the future, and thanks for the supportive comments, really very much appreciated. :ok:

All the Best

Nathan

Sorry to piss on your parade, but that's your problem - a grade C in Maths isn't enough for an aircrew (P/WSO/WSOp/ATC etc) pass. It's a pass in the eyes of the AFCO, but the ability it demonstrates is way short of the ability required to pass at OASC.

You might be able to turn it round, but it'll take a lot of effort.

Talk about "qualification creep". In 75 we required 3 'O' levels including English and a science subject - any pass would do.

As far as I know the job is the same, so WTF are all the academics for?

PS Weird thing aptitude. Very famously there was a young dude who was struggling a little at the old dry stuff on the Nimrod. Out the blue, he grabs a commission at OASC and ends as a very capable Jaguar pilot. Go figure.

TOFT,

In the 60s it was 4-O-levels for NCA and 5 for pilot/nav/aeo and 2-A levels if you wanted to go to Cranditz - the only change for officer aircrew is that they now need 2-A levels, but then they go to Cranditz now.

OASC Bulletin 23
 

In this bulletin, we would like to highlight the current policy regarding qualifications that are required for entry into the RAF as a commissioned officer, non-commissioned aircrew and non-commissioned ATC.

The information previously contained in this thread has been superseded by OASC Bulletin 27 on Thread 460 (Pg 23) of this forum.


Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.

Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers

OASC Bulletin 24
 

In this bulletin, we would like to highlight the current policy regarding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The forces involved in rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament are such that other damage to the knee, such as tears of a meniscus or damage to the knee joint surfaces, are common. If left untreated the ACL deficient knee is likely to suffer further damage resulting in premature osteoarthritis. While the surgical reconstruction of the ACL has progressed considerably over the years the reconstructed ligament is not able to mimic exactly the function of a normal knee, the knee therefore remains at greater risk of further injury and arthritis. In the words of a specialist knee surgeon “following reconstruction, the knee is not normal and never will be”.

The tri-service policy regarding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is quite straight forward and has not changed since 2006:

3.12.47 Knee ligaments. Candidates with any degree of instability of the collateral or cruciate ligaments of the knee joint or previous surgical repair of a cruciate ligament are graded L8 (ie unfit for Service). extract from Joint Service Publication (JSP) 346

There is reference in the JSP to assessment by a Service specialist in orthopaedics for selected candidates who have had an ACL reconstruction, however this relates to an Army study into the robustness of ACL reconstructions during Army training. The RAF is not, and has not, been involved with this study. In short, it is considered that an ACL reconstruction will probably perform perfectly adequately under normal circumstances in civilian life; however, the rigours of military service places the reconstruction and the knee joint under extra stress with the risk of further damage or premature osteoarthritis.

For more information regarding any of these areas highlighted, please contact your AFCO and they will be able to give you more detailed information regarding specific cases.

Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.

Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers

Hi

Im keen on joing the air force, ive allways wanted to since i was about four. I started flying privately when i was fourteen and have been doing so for the last five years, ive forty hours experience, 3 exams passed, i nearly have my PPL. I've friends who are airline pilots and im lucky enough to train with fulltime air ambulance pilots, so i have a good insight into the civilan professional aviation scene. However what i seem to be picking up from these pilots is that they are bored with there fulltime jobs because they spend most of their time flying on autopilot, this has made me even more keen on joining the air force because i know i will be challenged in an RAF career and it will be exciting.

My question is, are RAF sponsorhip schemes open to anyone in any university? Im trying to gain a sponsorship because obviously it will help financially but more importantly ill get a shot at applying for the RAF now as a pilot rather than having to wait two more years before i finish university. However, i seem to be getting told that i cant get one because of the university im at, anyone be able to help?

Which university? Do they teach English?

I must agree with PN.

I've never ever heard an airline pilot admit this, I mean airline pilots certainly like a moan but never about just flying in autopilot all day.

If this pushes you towards the RAF, what are you going to do if you get stuck on a transport aircraft?

Anyhooo... good luck with University and the PPL :ok:

I am wondering if someone can help with a question? I am trying to find some information regarding the fitness test part of OASC, for the sit ups are your feet held down or are you to keep them flat on the floor?

Also from what I can find on the internet, Green level seems to be around 35 of each in one minute and ten minutes or under for the 1.5 mile run, does this sound about right? Many thanks

Press up scores:

http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafi...CDCD16DDD3.doc

Sit up scores:

http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafi...C02E836A9C.doc

Edit: I'm not 100% sure if they are the correct scores, maybe on of those serving or ex-serving can confirm?

almost as funny as it was predictable:ok:

Myles, having had quick look at the RAF website, it directs you to seek the advice of the AFCO; specifically getting your hands a on a copy of PAM(AIR) 296. You didn't mention who was giving you the info that your uni is unacceptable - reliable person?. If you do not have access to a UAS at your uni or locale you may be at a disadvantage, but I don't know if it would be a show-stopper in itself.

In short, get the advice from the AFCO.

H-u-L

Thanks for the information Aerouk, does any one else know the "correct form" for the sit ups? On the RAF site it shows in one part the feet being held down, but i feel this is maybe inaccurate?

It depends a lot on the PTIs on the day and what mood they're in [and you think I'm joking...].

Normally, however, it is roughly the following:

Feet shoulder width apart, knees bent at 90°. Fingers to temples, elbows to the front. All the way down until your shoulder blades hit the floor, all the way up until your elbows are on the tops of your knees. Feet held very lightly.

So the information is starting to come out about the shape of our military in future years, anyone wish to comment on what they think recruitment for aircrew will be like?

I imagine it will be dire, but how dire can we expect it to become?

Reduced but not slashed as you need a throughput in the system to maintain the age profile and keep the system ticking over.

Are Uni bursaries and the UAS going to stay on? or has the funding been reduced post SDSR?

Bradder, I think things will be confused for a week or so. Any answer you get in good faith is as likely to be wrong as right.

Advice Please
 

Hi There

I returned from OSAC a couple about 6 weeks ago getting down to the last 5 from the original total of 32. I am applying for Air Crew.

I recieved a letter shortly afterwards to say that I needed to get my liver function test repeated. Due to various things my liver results were inflated - I had been taking too much cod liver oil etc - stupid I know but after a 2 week detox and a re-test my results came back all clear.

3 days later I got another letter to say I had been sucessfull to this point and now my application would go infront of a board sometime in Decemeber! Not surprised due to the Strategic Defence Review - just a very long process and the waiting game is awful.

Whilst I know no-one has a magic ball -I was just hoping someone may have some views on my particular situation. Do you think they will be given a set amount of places for the new financial year and that everyone who has made it through selection will be discussed at the board meeting and then the best put through? If so - clearly my future depends on the amount of recruitment and the grade I achieved at Cranwell?

I have dedicated everything to getting this job - just concerned now that recruitment will be so low - I have possibly chosen the worst time ever to try and get in!

All I can do now is wait for the letter in Dec at some point...

Any advice or insight appreciated.

Cheers:confused:

Good analysis and probably true. The $64000 question is how many.

Best money will be on somewhere between zero and very few.

I have recently, after fighting the med baord for almost a year and a half, been passed fit for aircrew (my initial application was barred due to migraine on my med records).
The letter states that it has passed on the information to the exceutive. I have phoned the number given to me at Cranwell where, like the million other times I phoned, i got a grumpy sounding recepionist who had no clue about my case or any idea of where to pass me on to and once again took my number and promised to phone me back, that was a week ago!!
Does anybody have any insight into who I should phone regarding my application as I'm sick of waiting for months on end to hear back from anyone?
I know it is a terrible time for recruitment and that they are being tight but my initial application was sucessful and if my medical clearance had came through when it should have I would currently be on week 9 at IOT.
Any thoughts would be welcomed

I suggest you write to OASC.

The receptionist has lots of thigs to do and the person to whom she would pass your request may well have been away. Records of telephone calls tend to be prioritised and less important ones easily overlooked.

If you write then you have a better chance of getting a response.

Joining process
 

Im new on here so learning the ropes still,
I have done my aptitude tests and passed so i am eligible for weapon systems operator, I have my interview on the 15th of November and then hopefully selection after that. I just want to know what to expect and the best things to revise and be prepared for? If anyone could help would be great, cheers

This may be a silly question with an obvious answer but with all of the recent cut backs have the RN stopped intaking FJ candidates with immediate effect?

No such thing, anyway. They are only streamed FJ at the end of EFT. Until that time no-one has any idea which route they will take.

AA - so people can still apply through the RN even though the FAA seems to have been disbanded?

ES, a lesson in facts:

The SDSR has brought about the retirement, premature or otherwise, of the Harrier GR9.

Removal of one type of aircraft, no matter how important that aircraft might be, does not equal the disbandment of an entire force structure.


For someone who's been, supposedly, looking into this for years, you appear really quite dim sometimes.

Kernow Jam

I found thestudentroom.co.uk very useful when I was applying, tends to be very up to date. There are normally posts by people describing the whole Filter/OASC experience, some only a few hours after getting back. Good luck.

Given that less than 10% of FAA aircrew are FW, thatś a strange assumption.

Officer education standards
 

Potential officer applicants should be aware that, from the new year, the basic educational requirements for entry are to change. The revised requirements will mean candidates must have 5 x GCSEs at grade A-C and 2 'A' levels at grade A-C. Candidates applying for Pilot, ABM, ATC and Int will have to possess GCSE maths at grade B or above.

Do you know how that would affect someone that has just had a filter interview and only has grade C for maths. Sounds like it could be a bit of a blow, can I ask where you got your information? Thank you

Higher1986, if you have already been filtered, you should be ok as long as OASC call you forward before the new year. This is likely. I got this information from an internal email: I am an RAF recruiter responsible for officer application.

Regards.

Aircrew laser eye surgery
 

Hi all,

Sorry, I know it has been done to death, but does anyone know the current OASC standing on laser eye surgery for pilot applicants? Is it true that they accept on a 'case-by-case' basis?

Thanks.

OneFifty,

Do you know what it will be for Scottish qualifications? i.e. Standard Grades, just so I can pass them over to a relative.

Scottish grades are slightly different, they're marked by numbers 1/2 = Credit, 3/4 = General and 5/6 is Foundation.

Bromhead, a quick search for 'Medical Standards' on the RAF web site will provide you with your answer. Essentially, you can't have had the procrdure in the twelve months prior to submitting your application. The medical bods at OASC will decide the rest.

AeroUK, I'm sorry but I do not yet know the exact equivalents. I could give you an assumption but I don't want to risk giving incorrect information. The answer to your question should be answered with the release of the directive which could be on Friday.