Becoming an RAF pilot....
 

Hi all,

First things first, I'm 5'11" and very sporty. I've just finished my first year at sixth form so I've got one year to go (studying Physics, Maths (mechanics), Economics and P.E). I intend to go to go to uni to study aeronautical engineering as I think this would be benificial and I will generally enjoy it anyway.

I'm going down to have a look at RAF Odiham soon as it's nearby, thought this would give me a general feel of what the typical base is like. I've been to a careers office for an unformal meeting and I was told to start 'knocking on the door' from september '11 onwards (ideally want to join the UAS). However there were a few things I didn't clear up.

1) What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?

2) Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?

3) Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?

4) I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.

Finally, I'm new to this so I apologize if this has already been posted.

I would really appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

What colour are your eyes?
Do you stammer a lot?
Better off enjoying yourself at Uni. The degree means naff all in the RAF.
Well that depends. You might need to go again.
Realistic? Do you have blonde hair and big tits?
Perhaps you should just concetrate on your degree first.

Helpful as usual RA.
Kanehp, there's been much information on the questions you ask, try the search button and read the sticky above.

This thread is no good without pictures...

Unless you're a male... :ugh:

Regarding degree choice and UAS The Student Room is probably a better place to ask the questions.

1) What is your general opinion on doing an aeronautical engineering degree for someone wanting to become an RAF pilot?

As good as any other.

2) Last time I went to the optitians (8 years ago) I was told I was slightly long-sighted (and I mean slightly). Is this bad?

Go back.

3) Does anybody have any experience in the UAS? Is it enjoyable? Is it worthwhile? Is it realistic?

Depends on you. Not a silly answer, btw.

4) I know the RAF aren't recruiting pilots yet, but have they actually released a 'date' from which recruiting will commence? I've seen april '12 and '13 being knocked around.

No, 'they' haven't.

Kanehp

Ignore the first poster...we all do.

I would advise you to get your sight checked out fully before you do anything else...you may be chasing an impossible dream.

Assuming it is OK, the next question would be what, if any aviation experience do you have? Air Cadets, gliding etc. That's not to say these things are a prerequisite, but at some stage somebody is going to probe into your motivation, substantiation and commitment to becoming an RAF pilot...it will be handy to have the answers (hopefully truthful) ready.

I have no experience of the UAS but I know a lot of people who have. They are seem to find it immensley enjoyable and rewarding...not sure what you mean by realistic??? Flying is about as real as anything ever gets.

As far as your type of degree and sports go...yeh, all these things count for something, but the RAF selection procedure is more about discovering your aptitude for flying training and your potential for leadership. Those are the things you must focus on.

As far as degrees go, the lists of RAF Graduates in the papers shown if they have degrees. I haven't checked but it appears more have degrees than don't.

Of the degrees there are a few Masters in the list. There is also a significant number of BEng. An aeronautical degree is only a degree and a degree is not a prerequisite. Later on however an aeronautical degree may qualify you for things other degrees do not.

Really Annoyed

I too have suffered from ingrowing anal hairs; the discomfort one has to endure is tremendous, and is beyond the comprehension of those who are not afflicted thus. It is true to say that one's entire outlook on life is jaundiced by this pain in the .........

If you care to PM me, I will gladly furnish you with the contact details of Dr Rajiv Sphincteramabad, that truly sainted man, whose surgical intervention allowed me to once more be re-united with the saddle of my racing bicycle.

I have the honour to be, Sir, etc etc

HB

Halton Brat, I was going to write "thanks for sharing" but have decided that "too much information" is more appropriate.

Does it give you an insight to RAF life is was I was getting at, or is it just simply the flying. Either way i'd love to join.

Thanks for all the feedback guys really appreciate it. Can't really see why someone would waste their own time slating people on this though to be honest!
Airborne Aircrew, I'm male. So i hope your no into that sort of thing:=

kanehp

Don't take it to heart fella; if you do eventually succeed in your ambition ( & I hope that you do), you will have to deal with industrial quantities of mickey-taking/banter etc.

Follow your dream; Per Ardua ad Astra.............

HB

"Through Adversity to the Cinema."?

You'll be unable to acquire any degree I'm afraid. You clearly lack a basic level of comprehension. I'm clearly "not into that sort of thing" or I wouldn't have written "Unless you're a male..." now would I?

Well done Kanehp you got a bite and from a roughty toughty para.:D

I always thought it was: "After work, we go to the cinema."

Whatever, you sound like a decent chap, kanehp, so best of British to you....

Diginagain

I note, from your profile, that you are a 'Lynx' man.

Please advise if this is the most efficacious deodorant on the market today.

HB

AA, simply a bit of banter.

HB, thanks for the advice - well taken note of.

HB, sadly those days are long behind me. I use a more upmarket 'Submariner's Dohby' these days, but still like to keep up with the banter.............

Where are the once-famous PPRuNe grammar Nazis, and what would they make of this sentence? :E More of a risk to his degree than his perceived comprehension....