UK Armed Forces
 

I am currently waiting to go away for my Flight Aptitude Test for the UK Royal Navy and was wondering if anyone can help with specifics on the tests they make you take?

I have a brief of things but cannot find anythng on the internet regarding Psychomotor testing, workrate test or mental capacity.

Can anyone help?

psychomotor - definition of psychomotor by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

relating to, or characterizing movements of the body associated with mental activity

quick search found the above !

Buddy of mine needed two cushions as well as his 'chute pack in order to see over the coaming (sp?) of the Chipamoth at Wallop. Subsequently went on to be a successful QHI and later on a successful civi 'bus driver

Probably changed since I did the tests in 196*, but the only thing I can say is "Stop and Think".

They certainly weren't things you could train for, or practice. They're designed to cut through all that, and simply determine whether you have: hand/eye coordination; the ability to analyse problems and think logically under pressure; organise a team; and not talk cr@p :)

I went through the system for both the RAF and the FAA - several times actually, to the point where the barman in the Candidates' Mess at Biggin Hill remembered me. I made it, eventually!

You are what you are - and I do hope, for your sake, it meets the requirements! Good luck. :ok:

BRNC 1963
OCTU 1965
Ret'd 1994

Can you find your nose with your finger and your eyes shut?

I seem to remember that was one test. Might have been standing on one leg at the time :)

It's possible that you can improve motor skills slightly by using PlayStation etc shoot'em up games. It's certain that you can improve mental maths through practice, I'd argue, particularly if you've not done any Maths for five/six years (GCSE to graduating).

Here's a handy link to the training pipeline for Royal Navy / Fleet Air Arm, RAF and Army commissioned / officer pilots / WSOs and non-commissioned RAF aircrew. RN Observers stand fast.

It's a few slides in Powerpoint - here - read, learn and inwardly digest, and be prepared to answer questions at AIB/OASC.

I've heard a rumour that the Military are considering to put the Fitness pass levels same for both Male and Female. Due to arguments over equal rights oppotunities? If so, would they opt to put the pass limits towards the Female Pass or the Male pass!? Arguements could spark off those Women, if it were put to male levels! Take Cover!:ugh:

Cheers AA! :ok:

morning, I've got a few questions:
first is about a driving licence; assuming i get in as a pilot, would the RAF pay for it? I believe they only do it for driving related jobs, but its worth asking :p

and the second is about a gap (halfish)year - if I were to finish 6th form and get accepted, I'd like to go to Australia for a bit - but i remember reading somewhere that if you've been out of the country for over 6 months in the last 4 years, you no longer meet entry requirements - or is it different because it's commonwealth?
and if I was selected for direct entry after 6th form, how long would it be before it gets serious and I'd have to start proper training? I'm trying to plan my last summer of freedom before my mates go to university haha :} thanks!

The Army teach drivers to drive. The Air Force teaches pilot how to fly. OK?

Shall we say about 6 months or more before you apply? Once you apply the gap between AFCO, OASC and IOT is a moveable feast based on supply and demand. Only if you had a really good reason would it be fair to ask for an IOT deferment.

As for gap year, not sure about your specific question but you can put a gap year to good use improving interpersonal skills, initiative, self-improvement etc or you could be a surf-bum and improve your fitness by day and ruin your health by night. Your call. Just remember that it can be a significant part of any interview process.

If you've been accepted to go Direct Entrant as soon as you've finished your A2s, then you could be going to IOT the second they're over.

In theory, it is possible to finish the exams on, say, Friday June 12th and be starting IOT on Sunday June 14th. In reality, I doubt that would be the case - they want to know you've definitely got the grades/entry requirements first, too. But anything more than 5-6 months is unlikely.

OASC Bulletin 4
 

During this submission we would like to briefly cover aptitude testing as conducted here at OASC.

Aptitude Testing

When assessing a candidate’s suitability to enter the RAF’s demanding and expensive training programmes, a badly-informed selection decision could lead to high risk of failure and associated costs. Consequently, minimising training failure is our top priority, accomplished through the early identification of those high-calibre applicants who possess the key abilities and raw talent to succeed. The Royal Air Force has a long and successful history of achieving success in training through the prior use of scientific ability measurement. This measurement is called aptitude testing.

How do Aptitude tests work?

An aptitude domain encompasses a broad collection of similar aptitudes. These domains have been chosen to pinpoint behavioural characteristics recognised as critical to success in the early stages of training. Domains are assessed in terms of a stanine (ie a scale of 1-9). To successfully pass an aptitude test battery, an individual must achieve the minimum stanine level in all domains within the battery and achieve the minimum index cut-off (ie the minimum overall score). Obviously, as technology evolves and develops, so to do the way in which we test for innate aptitude skills. The working set of domains currently adopted by the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) at RAF Cranwell include the following areas:

Strategic Task Management (Situational Awareness)
Perception (Audio & Visual)
Short Term Memory and Capacity
Spatial Reasoning
Symbolic Reasoning (Verbal & Numeric)
Psychomotor
Central Information Processing (Attention Switching/Medium & Long-Term Memory)

Aptitude testing takes place in a purpose-built testing facility at RAF Cranwell. The 45 test stations are identical, with each computer screen adjusted to common settings of contrast, gain and colour. All candidates are given the same pre-test briefing. The degree of standardisation is such that there is a high level of confidence in the reliability of both the scores and the statistical analyses resulting from the data gathered at RAF Cranwell. As such the aptitude facility is also used by the Army, the Royal Navy, the Civil Police Service, as well as pilot candidate testing for certain civilian airlines.

How do I prepare?

Aptitude tests are designed to test an individuals innate abilities therefore no amount of preparation will change the outcome. However, our general advice would be to arrive as relaxed as possible having had a good night's sleep and make sure you have had a good breakfast as some of the aptitude batteries can take many hours to complete.

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

And translated this means keep off the coke and cafeine in the evening. Relax and don't get hyper. Don't disturb others who may have gone to bed earlier.

One thing to remember in all the tests - you are NOT in competition with the other candidates that day. You are in competiton with ALL the candidates who are awaiting selection now or in the future against the numbers needed.

At OASC, one of the things you will be assessed on is your 'followership' :) abilities. Are you a team player? One in a hundred may be selected as a prima donna but the majority must be competent all-round team players.

If you are tired and yawning don't expect any favours.

I have a quick question about the age limit for both the RAF and Navy. I know that the age limit for both forces is now 25. Does this mean that a candidate has until the day before their 25th birthday or the day before their 26th birthday to apply? I ask because I'm wondering whether I could complete my lawyer training (another two years in practice required) before I applied for either force.

Many thanks.

E_S - you've been asking bone questions for a long time now - I'd expect you to have checked the RAF website first:

Neither.

If the limit is 25 it means 25 as your age on entering service. Can you complete your legal training? Given your age and the need for a 2-year pupilage I think you are out of time for the one or the other. You certainly ned to kick off the application within the next 6-12 months.

Ok, I knew that the age limits are for the first day of training and I should have said so. What I'm really asking is whether on the first day of training the age limit is 24 and 364 days or 25 and 364 days?

Edit: I just had a look back at the previous post and realised that I'd already asked this question - although I didn't get a definitive answer. I suppose if no one knows the answer on here then I can pop into the local AFCO and ask.

From what I was told at the AFCO last week, for the Royal Navy, you need to be on your first day of training no later then your 26th birthday. So you are able to start on your 26th birthday, just not after it. I may be wrong, but this is what the guy at the AFCO told me, as I'll be 25.5 when I finish my degree, so need to get my apps in at the start of my third year.

As far as I am aware for the RAF it is simaler but the age is 25. So no starting after your 25th birthday.

Thanks for the response. I think a trip to the AFCO is in order to get an accurate answer.

If you don't mind me asking. Seen as you are looking at both the RAF and RN, what aircraft is it you are wanting to fly? Or just a general "I want to be a pilot" thing?

It's more of a 'I want to fly anything fast' so I'm not really bothered about which jet I fly. Although the thought of landing and taking off from aircraft carriers does excite me.

Age Limit for RAF Pilot
 

One difinitave answer coming up:

You have to be under 26 by the FIRST DAY OF SERVICE. Therefore, you could be age 25 and 364 days on the first day of training. A day later, and you are too old.

E_L

I hope you do realise that you won't actually get the choice of which aircraft type you'll fly. If the aptitude tests show that you are more suited to rotary, then that's where you'll be going.

Is it graded on say, High score = FJ, medium score = rotary, low = bus driver?

or more on an individual basis, separated by different category strengths?
If so what strengths are better for each one, if anyone knows?

Furygan, low is graded agricultural, ie tractor driver.

See PM

I was under the impression it does not matter what your aptitude score is, that's only relevent to get in as a pilot. After this is it no longer discussed or referred to.

Your streaming is dependent on your scoring you get at EFT and is done on a 6 point scale, whereby if you attain a 6 (and some who score 5), get streamed to Linton to continue the basic fast jet training (BFJT).

ElSupremo,

I've decided to call the legal training quits after I finish my degree this year, I was offered a place on a post grad course starting in Sept. I've decided to go ahead and get the RN application started instead.

Having looked at the RN training information that AA provided along with the Navy News etc. I'm really looking forward to a long career flying in any aircraft they give me. I really don't care, as long as it's better than my current Piper 28!

James, that is true but what was really meant was aptitude all the way through as you say. You are streamed based on performance. Performance is largely based on aptitude and ability.

You mght have a natural ability to fly but may have no ability to absord the lessons.

Bear in mind that the needs of the Service will take priority despite EFT gradings. It's entirely possible that a high number of your EFT course will be hotshots - but if there are only X places for FJ you could still get streamed elsewhere despite having a high score.

Worth noting that the RN is really looking for an aptitude score of >129 for pilots, despite the pass score being 112. I'm pretty sure that no-one has got to BRNC on less than 118 in the past three years, and anything less than 125 probably won't do in most cases.

AA,

Do you know what the maximum score someone can reach? What about Observer scores?

I seem to remember seeing something that said 125 for pilot and 135 for observer.

Anything over 150 is looking pretty hot - 170 is do-able, but don't get hung up on pure scores - the ability to learn is also key, as is the ability to multi-task in the real world (control the aircraft, communicate and navigate). I think we lost four from EFT who could only do one thing at once.

IIRC tests are out of 180, they are for pilot anyway. Lad on my board got 170 and got sent home after ex phase; so don't get hung up on these results it's your whole set of qualities they are after, not just ability to fly.

Kreuger flap, check your PM.

Kreuger flap,

I'm in fourth year at the moment my parents didn't think it was a good idea for me to go straight into the military at 17 without getting a bit of an education so I went to University. It's been good fun, I've been able to study all over the world but looking forward to getting a career.

I would be wasting my time taking it further, as I said previously I have no plans to join the legal industry and wouldn't join it even if I never got into the RN.

I haven't paid a penny for my degree, it's all picked up by the govt where I stay so it's be a great experience and something I'm glad I've done.

I was offered the chance to do a part time course in Sept doing a post grad cert which I may do while I go through the RN selection process.

OASC Bulletin 5
 

During this submission we would like to briefly cover the medical process as conducted here at OASC.

The RAF Medical Board at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre takes place over day 2 and 3 of the selection process. Its aim is to ensure that candidates are fit for both initial officer training and a full career as aircrew (if applicable). To this end, a rigorous and in-depth medical is performed on each candidate.

The assessment starts in the afternoon of day two of the selection process with anthropometry. The anthrometric assessment is undertaken to make sure that the candidate is neither too large nor to small for the aircraft currently on the RAF inventory. Due to the fact that potential aircrew are not selected to type at this stage, generic anthropometry measurement standards are used. Also performed during the end of day two are the hearing and eye tests. The in-depth eye test assesses near and distant vision, astigmatism, visual field and cornea mapping, colour vision testing, intraocular pressure testing, eye muscle balance testing, slit lamp assessment and stereoscopic vision testing. If the candidate has taken Roaccutane, a treatment for acne, he will also be referred for night vision testing as Roaccutane can adversely affect this.

The morning of day three of the selection process starts with a fasting blood test which, among other things, assesses liver, kidney and thyroid function, fasting blood cholesterol and fasting blood sugar levels. The candidate will also have an electrocardiogram (ECG) heart tracing and a thorough physical examination. The last stage of the medical process is the Medical Review in which the President of the Medical Board goes through the candidate’s medical history and examination with him and reaches a decision regarding his fitness for commissioning and aircrew duties(as applicable). In addition to all of the above, the candidate is given a form for his GP to complete and return called the Medical Attendance Report (MAR).

There are 3 possible outcomes of the medical boarding process:

a. Fit pending ECG, blood and MAR results. The ECG traces go away to be reported on by a RAF consultant physician and the blood results take a couple of days to come back from the laboratory. A final decision regarding fitness is not made until these 3 elements are received.

b. Temporarily unfit. The most common reason for this outcome is the need for a specialist opinion or the need to lose some weight; the maximum BMI allowable is 28 and the maximum weight 94 Kg. BMI can be calculated using the following formula:

BMI = Weight (KGs) ÷ Height (metres) 2

c. Permanently unfit. This is usually due to a history of a medical condition that prevents any further progress through the selection process.

We have deliberately not included any of the medical standards in this bulletin. This is due to the fact that the details are meaningless unless they are measured using the correct medical equipment by appropriately trained technicians and that the results are interpreted by a qualified military physician. Further information regarding health and fitness can be found at: http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/canijoin/health.cfm

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 RAF Careers home - jobs, recruitment and career opportunities in the RAF - RAF Careers

OASC Bulletin 6
 

During this bulletin, we would like to cover the Selection Fitness Testing procedure which took effect on 01 Apr 10.

The Selection Fitness Test

All candidates attending the OASC for selection after the 1 Apr 2010 will be required to undertake the Selection Fitness Test (SFT), which replaced the use of the Royal Air Force Fitness Test (RAFFT) for selection purposes. This change took place to enable all candidates to prepare thoroughly against known criteria.The SFT comprises a 1.5 mile run on a treadmill followed by an assessment of the maximum number of press-ups and sit-ups an individual can achieve in one minute of each exercise. Candidates who do not achieve the required standard will not be offered a place to enter training in the Royal Air Force. Therefore, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to pass the SFT and it is strongly recommended that an individual ensures that they are capable of reaching the minimum required standards prior to attending OASC and to maintain their fitness pending entry to the Service.

Standards for Fitness Testing

The standards for all three elements of the SFT reflect what the 'average' person (by age and gender) should achieve. Amber represents the minimum level of fitness that will permit candidates entry into training. However, due to the intensity of the initial officer training course, experience has shown that even with an Amber level of fitness, cadets may still struggle with one or more aspects of the training; their lack of fitness will affect their performance in terms of physical robustness and mental stamina. Green represents the Service desired level of fitness at selection and for entry into training. Unfortunately, the site format will not allow us to submit a neat table so we have had to improvise below. PU = Press ups, SU = Sit ups

Male 1.5 Mile Run entry standard

Age...Run (PU SU) Run (PU SU)
17-29 11.11 (20 35) 10.12 (40 41)
30-34 11.36 (19 32) 10.32 (37 38)
35-39 12.00 (18 29) 10.55 (34 35)
40-44 12.26 (17 26) 11.11 (31 32)
45-49 12.54 (16 23) 11.40 (28 29)
50-54 13.27 (15 20) 12.04 (25 26)

Female 1.5 Mile Run entry standard

Age..Run (PU SU) Run (PU SU)
17-29 13.23 (10 32) 12.08 (20 38)
30-34 13.47 ( 9 29 ) 12.33 (19 35)
35-39 14.13 ( 8 26 ) 13.05 (18 32)
40-44 14.48 ( 7 23 ) 13.35 (16 29)
45-49 15.19 ( 6 20 ) 14.18 (14 26)
50-54 15.53 ( 5 17 ) 14.56 (12 23)

The 1.5 Mile Run in more detail

The 1.5 Mile run involves running on a treadmill at zero inclination in the shortest time possible. The candidate will control all settings on the running machine and will have been made aware of how distance and pace are displayed on the running machine during the brief. It will be the candidate's responsibility to adjust the pace of the machine in order to achieve the required standard. It is, therefore, incumbent on the candidate to push themselves to complete the test in the quickest time. The run will commence on a signal from the PTI who will offer verbal reminders of time elapsed, pace and target times.

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

A levels or Engineering diploma
 

Evening all,

I'm currently studying for my A levels, but I was looking at studying another course.
There's a Mechanical Engineering course which would involve studying aerospace systems, biomedicine, and other mechanics, but also Maths and Physics would be involved at A level grade.

Obviously it wouldn't be the same as A levels but would it qualify for a WSOp trade.

So what do you guys think? Would it be worth while.

An mechanical engineering course has always interested me so would it be worth it?

Thanks

Interesting

It is or it isn't. What exactly does it give you?

Simple really. What does WSOp require? What does your non-A-level course give? Which is more stringent?

ask the professionals. Go to the AFCO. Say your are doing XYZ; will that meet the criteria for ABC?

So why do you want to be aircrew, possibly kicking troops in and out of the aircraft when a job as an engineer would get you oil on your hand? [hint - interview question]