Definitely it happens - there were 2 on my IOT - but there were also another 75 guys who had gone straight for Pilot. And those 2 WSOps knew which way they'd have rather done it.

Thank you for this advice. By WSOP, i presume you mean weapons systems operator? And by IOT i presume you mean initial officer training?

So you can apply to be a WSOP and once I finish my IOT then I can switch to be a pilot? I assume it is not a straight forward process? What the chances of switching and being streamed to fast jet?

Thanx all for the info. Very much appreciated.

That's right funky because WSOp's do IOT. Have you ever wandered why the are called Non Commissioned Aircrew? The clue is in the Non Commissioned bit. They do their own NCAAITC and then go on to do a further 12 - 18 Months worth of training before you reach your Squadron and then depending on your Aircraft type you will have to give a return of service due to the costs of training you in the first place.

You do know what a WSOp is don't you?

WSOp = weapons systems op right? I'm a little bit mis-understood on how this whole process works and if its even worth if if the chances are small of switching to a pilot. Could somebody please explain the whole process to me please.


Thanx

Are you asking or telling me?



Right, here goes, the whole procedure in detail. You join as a WSOp and you apply for a Commission as a Pilot a few years later. There you go.

I was asking, hence the question mark....

Is this a process that happens regularly? Do the RAF give you the option to apply for a commission as a pilot. If so, do you or anybody else know the success rate of this application?

The RAF generally like their Officers and SNCO's to show a bit of initiative, so could I suggest you go off and look at what a WSOp does in their day to day life.

Also did you forget to mention something?
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Maybe you should contact your local AFCO to ask if this will bar you from joining.

I appreciate what your saying in terms of initiative. At the moment I am just trying to find all available options to me. I was completely unaware that you could join as a WSOp and switch. Now having that knowledge, I will do some more research into the role etc.

Yes I have had ALL. I have spoke to them already and it was impossible for them to give me a definitive answer. They said the guidelines say that ALL would place an applicant below initial entry standard unless diagnosed and treated as a child or early adult life. I was 19 when diagnosed so hopefully this is classed as early adult life. However, I am aware this still maybe a hindrance. I can only apply and find out.

Stop focussing on the WSOp and switching thing. The chances for you to join as a WSOp, give the return of service required and then being able to apply for a Commission as a Pilot are slim to none.

Joining as a WSOp is not an easy thing to do. Look into the role of a WSOp before you decide to apply.

Does anyone know what's happening with WSOp training at the moment?
I remember reading on here a while ago that there hadn't been a NCAITC go through for a few months, anyone at Cranwell know if this is still the case?

Cheers.

funky - in October 09 you wrote:

and?

still in no position to apply to the RAF and to be honest does look likely ill ever be in a position. Finished treatment leukaemia in 2010 and was told I have to wait 3 years before applying. I'm just pulling at strings.

Well, I am sure any letter back from the RAF at present would probably end.
"Unfortunately due to your current medical condition we are unable to process your application any further".

Come back to pprune in three years fella and then we will be able to answer your questions as at the moment you have no options regarding joining the RAF.

funky, a few NCA will be pushed to apply for a commission if they stand out from their peers on the sqn. It was some years ago but at I guess I would say it was somewhere in the order of 10% but often they will have done 15 years or more as an NCO. The commission is more usually in-branch rather than cross-over to pilot. That is even rarer.

Funky


Who told you that you would have to wait three years? You may find that you have to be treatment free for ten years before being eligible to apply with a history of leukaemia.

OneFifty

Joining as a pilot in the RAF
 

Hope theres someone on here that could give me some good advice about joining the RAF as a pilot.

Basically my GCSE results where not to bad but not exactly the best, I am in the middle of doing my A levels and they are going well... if I was to gain good A level results would they concentrate on those results more than my GCSE results??... I have been a member of the Air training corps, completed my gold D of E award, had flying experience and I have also been a fully qualified engineer for two years at the age of 21, I am also very fit and determined to get into the RAF as a pilot, would they take this all into account when assesing my application? and would it help?

thankyou in advance for any information passed on

Alex

Do you meet the minimum requirement? Given you did them 5 years ago did you realise you need a grade B in maths and well as English and three other subjects?

Thanks for replying... yeah I have the minimum requirement GCSE's mostly B's. Just not exactly straight A's but my A levels are going well. I just hope that with my A levels and my determination I will have a chance. I no that people walk in with straight A* grades but dont always pass the fitness, leadership tests or even have a good understanding of life in the RAF... Are they going to turn round and say because you havent got straight A* at GCSE's you have no chance.... sorry to be a pain, you probably get this message all the time lol

Alex

Jobby, what was my first question?

You answered Yes. What more is there to say? Next hurdle is to get the 2 A-levels.

Quote:

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Thanks for replying... yeah I have the minimum requirement GCSE's mostly B's. Just not exactly straight A's but my A levels are going well. I just hope that with my A levels and my determination I will have a chance. I no that people walk in with straight A* grades but dont always pass the fitness, leadership tests or even have a good understanding of life in the RAF... Are they going to turn round and say because you havent got straight A* at GCSE's you have no chance.... sorry to be a pain, you probably get this message all the time lol

Alex

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You could have the best GCSE and A Level grades in the World, but not be the ideal candidate the RAF are looking for.

As Pontius Nav. stated - get through your A levels (A choice which in many ways I regret pulling out of, now I have to pay for my education :mad:).
The GCSE's are just the first stage of filtering.
They need to be ideally at A-C grade, the RAF use to accept grades A-E at 'A' Level, but due to the recent cuts, they have become more stricter and can pick and choose who they want.
Being an ex-Air Training Corp cadet will help to some degree, it shows that you have experienced;

• Drill & Discipline,
• Leadership tasks,
• Working as a team,
• Flying and Gliding,
• And a partial look at the reality of the Armed Forces.

All the best