Have you asked at a recruiting office?

Try calling RAF Cranwell and asking for "NCA Liaison Team".

They can answer both questions.

Cheers for the info camelspyyder,


ive not had a chance to speak to a careers office as I am currently on a course and didn't know if careers office or local commissioning club would be correct route. I didn't realise that the NCA liaison team is still going, ill dig out the details from the cranwell page when I can get on a DII machine.

Hi there guys,

another hopeful pilot candidate here. New to the forum, and after reading through the thread was wanting to ask a couple questions.

I have my P2 presentation in a couple of weeks and my interview the following week, i was just wondering if there were any hints or tips you guys knew of for the interview process other than the usual, keep up with current affairs and learn as much as possible about the RAF's current roles. I started trying to teach myself as much about avionics as possible too and just wondered if you guys - that actually know how it works - think that'll be of any assistance?

Sorry for the essay and cheers in advance,
Dave

Haven't posted here on a while;


But, for all those interested - Weapon Systems Operator role is now open for applications.


Best of luck to all.

You've pretty much nailed it, along with being able to explain why you stand out above other prospective candidates.

No and maybe yes. Assuming you pass the aptitude tests and medical, neither of which relies on your ability to understand the workings of a multifunction radar or a datalink, the crux of OASC is all about demonstrating leadership potential not technical ability. As with the commissioning boards at all 3 services, you can be a genius, but if you lack that certain something, you won't get in.

Unless you have a burning desire to understand everything there is to know about radars, I wouldn't go much beyond knowing the big picture stuff i.e. what sort of radars you might get on a particular aircraft type and what they do - air-air, air-ground, synthetic aperture radar etc.

Where that sort of knowledge will be handy is at interview as it's one of the ways in which you demonstrate your knowledge of the RAF and hence your enthusiasm for joining, and it might just be the crucial extra tick in the box to get you over the line if needed. But that will only be one small part of the interview, don't focus on it. Spend your time gathering your thoughts and putting your evidence together as to why you should get the job and then let the RAF pay you to learn about avionics down the line.

I know a few Brits who are currently in Oz who are keen.

Is pilot recruitment for all three services back to full steam ? In terms of prior to cutbacks ?

If so how many approximately would commence every year ?

Apologies if this info is posted elsewhere - 100 pages or so just a fair bit to read there.

Know the RAF was fairly brutal with cutting pilot trainees, on the upside though a lot of these were given a start by Cathay

Does anyone know when the age limit for serving NCA to apply for pilot changed to be the exact same as DE? As I understand the DE limit was always 26.5, but serving aircrew had up until 35? It's a step in the wrong direction IMO. There are a lot of switched on NCA who already have a high level of airmanship with a lot more to offer. The Army, however, will recruit pilots up to 30, who could potentially end up captaining an Apache, which I'm sure at very least would take as much training as an AT, SH or FJ mate. Is there a logic behind the RAF's decision? Thoughts?

Er, logic and RAF decision. Look up oxymoron in your Collin's dictionary.

I believe that there is no difference between Serving Airman or DE in terms of age limits at present. In training by age 26 if I'm not mistaken.

Completely agree. Just happened to a guy on our Sqn. Missed the age limit by a matter of months, no exceptions made. He's now PVR'd which is a total waste of talent in my opinion. I was rather lucky and made the jump from NCA at age 30 before the ridiculous rules were changed.

I almost jumped to the AAC some time back until it was pointed out that should I fail flying training, I would now be a SNCO in the army. I promptly thanked them for their time and replaced the receiver........

OFFICER and AIRCREW 'CANDIDATES' PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!
 

I was under the impression it was 32 years old for serving NCA and had been for a while. I guess admin, OASC or your local careers office would have up to date gen.

Avoiding lawsuits?

Someone aged 27 could have demonstrably better aptitude test results than an NCA bod aged 31, but the 27 yr old would be turned down on the spot for no reason other than he's late to the party.

Appreciate the Armed Forces don't work to the same employment laws as other sectors of work, but that won't last forever. They're just covering their own backs.

Hey guys,

I've lurked for ages and read this entire thread (amongs others) but thought it was about time I actually signed up and posted.

I'm applying for the RAF and have my OASC date confirmed mid-August. Currently have some minor issues with medical records, which will hopefully be sorted ASAP. Long story short, previous hayfever diagnosis (>>4 years ago).

Just wanted to say everyone on this thread has been hugely helpful - so much information is here and you are all doing a brilliant job.

Exmm...best of luck

I was you 30+ years ago, never thought I stood a chance.
Ended up USAF Exchange tour etc, had a blast.

Be a leader, but be humble, and you'll surprise yourself, and the Board.
Without a doubt, the GD(P) wings course that all others in the world aspire to.

Thanks for the words of encouragement :)


I've been accepted onto the October IOT into Aircrew, which is brilliant news - if not a bit rapid!


I'll be happy to help anyone who is coming up to OASC in the next few weeks, but really there is nothing I can say that hasn't been covered in this thread already.

Well done, good to know you got your medical records sorted.

Congratulations!!!

OASC Interview
 

Evening all!

I'm on my way to OASC Part 2 on the 9th November. Keeping the positive thoughts flowing :)

If asked in the interview what the role and vision is of the Royal Air Force, it's not going to look great if I quote what's on their website! So is it just a case of breaking it down into my own words? Put a personal spin on it even!

Thanks in advance.

Brady

A bit of both really. I would quote exactly what is on the website; it shows you're using suitable sources in your research. You will, however, be expected to voice an opinion on what you have read.

Best of luck!

Evening all,

It has been mentioned that you have to get into the top 0.5 percentile, in the aptitude tests, to become a pilot. Does anyone know the percentile for WSOP?

Regards,
Ste.

It's impossible to quantify in that way for WSOp or Pilot. Is that 0.5% of applicants? of those tested? I would say that in reality less than 1 in 200 of those who want to be a pilot can do it. It's also quite negative for an applicant to worry "am I in the top 0.5%". Just do your best. You either have sufficient aptitude or you don't.