F.A.O Onefifty, do you know what the fitness test involves at OASC? Is it 1.5mile run plus best effort push ups/sit ups in 1 minute, ? Or is the bleep test also included with this? thank you

the current oasc fitness test is a 1.5 mile run on a treadmil (there is a sheet with what to set the treadmil to run the ditsance in a certain time) followed by as many press ups and sit ups you can do in 1 min. you need to get into the amber sector to pass which is the run in 11.15mins, 20 press ups and 25 sit ups with the green sector being the run in 10.15mins, 40 press ups and 41 sit ups.

firstly apologies for the disgusting spelling above!

I posted a few months back stating my problem with joining with a migraine on my records. It took me 3 specialists, 2 GP's and then finally a letter from the doctor who initially diagnosed me all those years ago. This got the attention of the medical board (who have the inability to talk to eachother and pass on new information between departments and with me). I was referred to a military specialist who took all of 5 mins to realise i was no risk and that the entire thing was a joke. I have now been passed clear for aircrew with my application (i visited oasc in june 2009) still being used. I go back in the pot pending the release of the intake numbers for the next year and become competitive again with the other applications. I have to take this as a good thing as although i was selected and had it taken off me for this now cleared up medical problem, at least I'm still in with a shout and I have everything crossed to hope there is a space for me when the numbers come out.
If you have a similar medical problem and want it as much as I do, I recommend hounding the medical board ( dont wait for them as you will be waiting forever) and trying to get talking to the right people asap (you'll find yourself talking to a lot of med board recepionists otherwise) Make a nuisance of yourself and hopefully they will finally take notice.
Keep your fingers crossed that theres a space for me and I am happy to answer any questions regarding medical issues!

I would suggest that making a nuisance of yourself isn't the best way to make yourself favourable to those at OASC! All too often we get people telling us that they most definitely are suitable and the system is wrong. Be careful not to fall into this trap. People sometimes forget that this is a selection process like a job interview. With selection now as tight as it is, the last thing you want to do is upsetting the very people who might select you.

WSOp AST Selection tests?
 

Afternoon all,

Does anyone know the reason why the AST was introduced to the WSOp selection?

I undetook the test 2 two months ago and failed for WSOp by very little marks.

I was always under the impression that for WSOp you would undertake Aptitude testing and other other nesseccary testing at OASC?

Thanks

NDW

AST was introduce for WSOp because far too many people, although educationally qualified, were getting to OASC despite not having a cat in hells chance of being suitable. It's easier to weed these out at the AFCO before they get to OASC.

Interestingly, we are about to start a trial where potential officers sit AST, which they must pass before being put forward for OASC.

OneFifty,

Thanks for your reply.

Fully understandable reason & in many ways, I'm glad I had failed because thinking about it, I probably was not ready for what I was going into.

At least now I have more time to get fit, study/revise (If I get the oppurtunity again) and to try and get more experience, I'm currently in the process of helping out local charities with fundraising :ok:.

Will be interesting to see what the Officer AST brings and shows in pontential RAF Officers.

Thanks

Change to Educational Requirements
 

Information released today gives clarification on the change of education requirements for Officer/Non-Commissioned Aircrew applicants:


OFFICER

Due to the fewer officer vacancies currently within the RAF, it has been decided that for applications processed from 1 Jan 1011, the academic requirement will be increased to 2 x 'A' levels grade A-C and 5 x GCSC grades A-C. For the aptitude branches (Pilot, ABM, ATC & Int), the maths must be at least grade B.

NON-COMMISSIONED AIRCREW/SNCO ATC

The withdrawal of the Nimrod aircraft has seen a reduction in the requirement for WSOps hence for the foreseeable future we will not be recruiting for this role. When we do recommence, the academic requirement will remain at 5 x GCSE Grade A-C, one of which must be maths at grade B. NCO ATC will also have this increased academic requirement.

A note on Pilot recruitment:

Due to the withdrawal of the Harrier and Nimrod aircraft from Service it is not envisaged that any new recruit pilots will commence employment in the RAF before July 2012. Potential pilots may still be processed by RAF Recruiting and passed to OASC, providing they meet the new educational criteria, but they are to be informed throughout the process that even if successful they will not commence Initial Officer Training until at least 2012. The age restrictions on pilots will not be waived so a candidate who will be 26 prior to starting training in 2012 will unfortunately not be eligible.

OneFifty,

Thanks for the head's up.

I'm surpised for the Aircrew roles that only the Maths grade has increased to a grade B, which is a bugger for me as I was only 7 marks away from a grade B in Maths :mad:.

So not looking good for any roles then for the foreseeable future.

I have been reminded that a Grade A or B is only available to students opting for the higher level paper.

If at the age of 14 you opt for a safer course with a top grade of C then you will automatically be disbarred from aircrew selection. How many potential applicants have determined to go for an aircrew or aptitude related career at the age of 14?

Probably the determined ones who want nothing else! In that sense, this probably shouldn't be an issue for those, but it may put off / act as a filter for those who amble in to the careers office on the off chance. However, still a timely reminder for those looking to take their exams in the next year or so.

Not entirely sure why you would need a B at GCSE maths for Int though .... does the BBC website now have maths questions on it ?;)

There are many facilities available both online and via nightschools for those with less-than-ideal GCSEs or A levels to gain the qualifications they need. One would surmise that if they wanted the job enough that such steps would not be beyond the wit of man.

55(R) Squadron to close
 

Heard from another source that apparently 55(R) Squaddie is closing down? No longer need for WSO's and WSOps are not needed for a few years!!

Also I noticed today that the role of WSO has been removed from the RAF Careers section also.

What a horrid day!! :mad:

Glad that was not the academic requirement in the early sixties. Passed GCE Maths and Advanced Maths, but failed Maths A Level. Was offered and accepted a deferred entry to Cranwell (Sep to Jan) and then they told me I had to take and Pass A Level Pure and Applied Maths in 2 terms, never having done Applied Maths. Did it too, and A Level Economics.

OneFifty

Does the freeze on pilot applicant training apply with immediate effect or is it related to the January 2011 date reffered to in your post? Put another way, will this affect those already in the selection process?

Also, is the B grade requirement for GCSE or A-level, and would this be waived were the applicant be able to display a suitable level of mathematics aptitude above that needed? For example if the applicant has a grade C at GCSE, grade C at A-level, but achieved a 2.1 in a maths related degree would that be accepted in lieu of a B grade at A level?

Cheers,

4015

Can anyone who has knowledge answer whether or not the RAF still take online applications or is it now being done through the post, on paper? Looking at the website all there is is a phone number to call, but google seems to come up with a form, though the likelihood is that it is now defunct. I'm just looking for the fastest way to get an application through.

Sorry for posting this here, but as I am aiming for Wsop I'd put this as my best bet.

Thanks in advance,

Jolly

Jollygreengiant64

I'd point you to OneFifty's post above.

"The withdrawal of the Nimrod aircraft has seen a reduction in the requirement for WSOps hence for the foreseeable future we will not be recruiting for this role."

The only way to apply as far as I am aware is to phone the number. They will take your details and email you the forms to fill out when they are recruiting for the position.

I may stand corrected, however.

4015

4015,

Thanks for pointing that out to me, I had read that post a couple of days ago and I'd imagine that in my dismay of how dire the recruitment process is getting to be for me that I hadn't actually digested the information completely. At the moment I have the GCSE's sans the maths grade (I got a C), though if I had to go back to get the 'B' I guess I would. After doing 2 years of A levels, including physics, I think my GCSE level knowledge has improved tenfold. Having not been much of an academic type I don't think my strengths lie in my grades. I do have the 2 A levels at grades which would currently get me through the door, until the new year that is.

Has anyone heard of someone in my present academic situation getting anywhere in an application for Pilot as of late? Either way I'll get this application in and hope it gets processed before the new year. I guess this is how Indiana Jones feels when he gets in just in time... Or not.

Thanks again 4015, that was a good heads up which could have been quite embarrassing!

4015

If you have already started the process, and have already applied via the Careers Information Line (CIL) (the 0845 number) and being dealt with by the AFCO, then your application SHOULD be safe as your application was accepted (for processing) under the current regulations, before the change was announced. However, even though the change doesn't come into play until 01 Jan 2011, we (AFCOs) have been instructed to apply the new rules to all those making enquiries as of last week. Just to reiterate, if your application has gone through the CIL and has been passed to the AFCO, then you should be OK. Bear in mind that any pilot applicant who is successful wont start training until 2012. This includes those going through the system now.

The B grade for maths is for GCSE. The subjects taken at 'A' level remain irrelevant as long as a grade C or above is achieved. A degree can be used to offset a deficiency with an 'A' level and sometimes with a GCSE, although this would be the exception and not the rule. It depends heavily on what maths content the degree had. In any case, the details of the degree would passed up to the education specialist at RAFC Cranwell by the AFCO staff for a decision to be made. The AFCO can't, and wont make this call.

As any successful pilot applicants wont start training until 2012, please also bare in mind that no waivers will be issued with regards to age. You still have to be eligible age wise in 2012 ie 25 years and 364 days old or younger on the first day of Initial Officer Training.

Jolly

Applications for the RAF are made via the Careers Information Line (CIL) who, once a position is available for you to apply for, E-mail you the application forms and all other relevant documentation to you.

OneFifty,

Thanks for the clarification. I should be ok, gutted about having to wait until 2012 if I'm successful though. Oh well, travelling for a few months maybe :)

Jolly,

More than happy to help. Looks like I was right which is always good. On a personal note, if you have to go to evening class or something in order to get the grades then do it, even if the RAF doesn't work out you have those grades for the rest of your life!

Thanks all,

4015

Just a question out of interest on that OneFifty - how is the decision on the relevance of academic qualifications actually made?

I only ask because I went through a long time ago, but had a postgrad MSc in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences under my belt along with my undergrad degree by the time I applied. A guy I currently work with went through at the same time with 5 years of undergrad and postgrad aero engineering to his name. At the time, we were told we were allowed to apply for enhanced seniority because of our extra qualifications, but in both cases we were initially turned down on the grounds that our qualifications weren't relevant.

We both got the seniority after a bit of a bunfight, but it did rather beg the question as to who makes the decisions, what are the criteria for being relevant or do they just give the papers to the cleaner and get her to flip a coin?

Melchett01

Unfortunately, I can't answer that question for you. I do know it has a lot to do with course content but as far as how the decision is made, I do not know.

RAF Selection process
 

Hello just a quick question. Im 16 years old and extremely keen to join the RAF as a pilot. I would be greatly appreciative of anyone who can offer me advice or guidance on how to prepare for the interview (should i know history of the RAF and in how much depth) and also i was wondering is it looked upon better if you have been to uni already or just left from having done A-Levels.

Thank you :ok:

Otters, if you read the very recent posts on this thread then you will see that university may be a best option.

Note the temporary stop on pilot recruitment. By the time that is over, you as an 18 year old would be in competition with a 2-year backlog of aspirants. Wait 5 years and things may be more stable.

Uni option
 

Pontius,
Thanks for the help! Well yes looking at it now maybe university is the best option. What I worry about is what to do as my life has literally been a lead up to the moment I apply to the RAF. Yourself being older than the current intake of pilots in the RAF, would you suggest any courses? All I want to do is be in one of the beastly typhoons!!!!! Thanks

P.s Merry Xmas

Obviously the science subjects such as Physics, Maths etc. would help but you should do a course that suits yourself, as long as that subject is a decent subject and not the 'History of David Beckham' or some other Mickey Mouse course.

Nothing worse than going to University and studying a course you don't like, I done it myself and it was dreadful but I did complete it.

Otter
 

These two statements do not seem to indicate a burning desire to join the RAF, merely an attraction to

:uhoh:

Filter to OASC Timeframe
 

Hi OneFifty and others,

I have completed my filter interview and been recommended to OASC (about a month ago).

I am going for Pilot and I am aware that even if successful at OASC my IOT date would not be until 2012.

Approximately how long should I expect to wait to be hear from OASC please?

I have also passed all my aptitude tests in advance as part of a UAS.

Thanks

At the risk of raining on your parade, have you had it confirmed that your pass as part of the UAS is valid and meets the scores required for regular selection?

Only asking as they first introduced the aptitude tests on UASs when I was on Sqn in the mid 90s. We were all shipped of to OASC to have a go and give them some data to help standardise their scores. Back then, you needed a score of 90 to pass for pilot on the UAS, but 110 to pass for selection to regular service as pilot.

Given the reduction in numbers required, the scores needed may change. You might want to check that the scores you got are good for both regular service and UAS flying.

Thanks for explaining that. I am certain they are valid however, they were only done a few months ago and many others on squadron have done the same and then just done the remaining 3 days of OASC in the future.

I got 147 and you need 112 for Pilot and it was the current test, sat with others doing the full OASC. All other tests were very much in the green too.

Thanks though

TheOttersNest, if this was truly a lifelong ambition of yours, you'd have been a member of the Air Training Corps for nearly 3 yrs now.

The First Class syllabus of which involves learning about the History of the RAF and would be engrained upon your mind.

As it is evidently not the case, it is only natural to question your statements.

Otter,

I wasn't going to say anything, but frankly, your last post simply serves to highlight your total unsuitability for Commissioned Service in the RAF. Your attitude stinks, and even if you did manage to somehow blag your way past OASC, you would be found out very very quickly once at IOT and in all likelihood be re-coursed at best or chopped at worst for attitude. Whilst OASC and IOT has very definite standards, which are objectively graded against, be under no illusion that every flight commander asks the same question come graduation time: would I want to go and have a beer with this guy? Do not underestimate how much part that very unofficial thought process plays in the final decisions. If you have struggled but are seen to be a decent guy, it could be the one thing tips the decision in your favour. If you have struggled but are seen to be a bit of an arse, well all I can say is I wouldn't want to spend over a year at IOT.

We are an organisation that has a very serious role to play in the defence of the United Kingdom and the pursuit of HM Government policy. That role demands a constant appraisal of how we do - both on a daily basis and on a more personal basis, annually in your appraisals. Much of this appraisal process involves giving and receiving criticism that frankly nobody likes to hear. But we do it because at the end of the day, that criticism could be the difference between operational success or a large smoking hole somewhere and operational failure.

The majority of people who take time to post on this forum are experienced operators who have been on active ops since before you were born. Equally, there are a number of individuals on here who are intimately involved with the recruiting process. You would be well advised to pin your ears back and listen when they speak. Whether you take their advice is another matter.

Now I strongly suggest you go and think about who it is you are dealing with - and asking for help from - on here. If you feel the need to apologise to individuals, take it on the chin and do so. However, if you want to keep ranting at people taking time to give you the benefit of their experience, you will simply continue to come across as a more suitable candidate for a position as the next David Brent - or God forbid - Stuart Baggs 'The Brand'.

Go away, learn a bit of humility and importantly, how to accept constructive criticism and then come back with a new profile and start afresh.

Sorry, but you are ineligable for the RAF as English is not your mother tongue.

TON has hopefully taken the advice and admonishment to heart and deleted his post.

Didn't see the alleged offending post, but had a PM from TON apologising to me. Seems there's hope for him yet! :ok:

RAF eyesight - Really pathetic if true!!
 

Hello,

I have just had an optometrist look over my eyes and have received the results. I also had her check me for colour blindness with the Ishihara (colour dot test) among others.

The colour blindness test was fine, with category 2.

My left eye has Plano sight but my right eye is -0.25 spherical. According to websites I've seen listing RAF requirements they don't accept anything other than values between Plano and +1.75.

I was told by the Optician that -0.25 is practically true vision and a small imperfection that would not stop me being a pilot.

Anyone know if the RAF have denied anyone, or yourself based on this slight imperfection?

The role I'm applying for is a Pilot by the way.

Thanks in advance,

George.

Though it may suck somewhat if you're the one with the very very slight eyesight problem, it is very much a buyers market George - if the RAF want perfect vision, they'll get hundreds of applicants who meet the standard, without even having to consider people who may make fine pilots, but have a vision defficiency no matter how small....

:(

Yes I see where you are coming from, they can afford to choose I suppose but think it would be a case of whether they pass it.

Is there any other charts for say, after 2007.? I have heard they have relaxed the rules slightly inline with the Navy/Army pilots.

George.

In all fairness to your queries,

This is not the place, it's a Pro Pilots rumour network.
Try something like E-goat, AARSE type them into google. Look around a few forums where everyone is in the same boat.

Threads like these are often started and don't end with a decent conclusion

Thanks for the advice.