RAF Air ops (Systems)
 

Hi all

Looking at joining the RAF for a number of roles, unfortunately CBAT scores just missed out on pilot, but could go for a few others. Currently looking into Air ops (systems) and Air ops (control). Having spoken to a few of the flight ops guys this is probably the way I'm looking to go but I have a few questions.

1. If I have achieved CBAT score for ATC is it likely I'll be persuaded down this route even if I apply for systems?
2. I've been told theres more opportunity to go from control to systems down the line rather than the other way, is this true? Is it likely?
3. Why do Flight ops guys get so much stick? Is it now an established branch?

If anyone is current or ex flight ops I'd love to hear about your tours and postings, struggling to make up my mind, logistics is also an option but my knowledge of this is very limited due to being fairly set on one of the air ops branches

Cheers

This is an aircrew forum..... so unless you want a lot of banter and waffle or how good it used to be, it may be better to go VFR direct to Ops or Air Tragic forums.

Good luck

TW0
 

Please check your PMs

your point is TWZ?

Teeters (a pilot)

As a new joiner, I don't think the OP can access PMs until after a probationary period.

I think he can read and maybe even reply.

Not familiar with the terms mentioned but if Control is ATC and Systems is fighter control or battle management, they are poles apart but the aptitude requirements are similar.

Is WSO not an option or is that the Systems job? Again poles apart but transfer from ATC to WSO is a trodden path.

Air Ops is the new combined name for ATC and ABM.

Consider Air Ops (S) as new money for flight ops, surveillance ABM, space. Air Ops (C) is an amalgam of ABM controllers and ATC. There is combined training pipelines in the work but at the merger is was more a name change without any noticable questions.

In response to the OP:

1. Yes, if you've achieved high enough aptitude they will try and push you down Air Ops (C) first. They are usually most in need of manpower.

2. Traditionally, people have found it alot easier to go from Air Ops (C) to (S). Generally (S) requires a lower aptitude and seen as an easier transition. If you do qualify as a (C) though, manning is unlikely to be willing to let you go (see point 1).

3. Right or wrong, flight ops is/was seen as a bit of a dumping ground for those who had failed phase 2 training in other branches. Hence the banter directed at them.

Personally, if you have the aptitude for (C) then go for it. I found the job far more challenging and interesting that what you could see the systems guys doing. With the addition of ATC postings that has expanded.

Thanks for all the replies!

WSO not an option - same test that prevented my pilot application going forward also meant I couldn't go into this branch. With regards from going across branches as an officer (say ATC->WSO) is that common in the current RAF? I'm fully intending on making a career out of my choice, but its unclear if a branch change is possible as an officer or just through a commission

I think I'm going to go down the systems route for now, and possibly reconsider if offered a role in the control trade as I have the aptitude scores. I've heard that control rarely escape the tower due to manpower requirement, but if a current or recent ATC appears I'd like to know their opinion on this!

Thanks again all

i was merely looking at the string at the top of the page - PPRuNe Forums > Aircrew Forums > Military Aviation.........

was just trying to protect a young'un from the usual backlash, but I stand corrected:D

Point to note, you'll not be 'ATC' any more, you'll be Air Ops (C). Pedantic maybe but it's an important point as the 'never escaping the tower' line doesn't hold any more.

As Air Ops (C) you could be controlling from a tower, a CRC or the E-3D (future Air C2 platforms could be a big draw for Air Ops (C) manpower). There is also opportunity for exchange to the army or RM as the SO3 BM and cross posting to Typhoon Lightning forces as the BM SME. They are actively pushing the cross pollination of controller jobs to prove the merger a success. If you're looking at the Air Ops branch I can't recommend at least attempting the control side of it enough.

Full disclosure, I am a current Air Ops (C) so may be biased!

Ok thats interesting to note, I suppose when considered as Air Ops (C) it makes more sense that there is an option to convert into a different role within the branch more than there was when they were separate branches! It seems its very up in the air at the moment with the recent changes, I've notified of a change to Air Ops (S) for now, but I appreciate your reply as it may come in helpful later on!

NONSENSE.

Read the brief ....... it even includes weather-guessers.

wow langers, jumping in 15 post late for something that has already been retracted with no actual advice for the young post starter..... well done you have added a lot. :ugh: what is wrong with everyone on here? you try and offer a little advice and everyone grasps the non-essential. Do you actually have anything for skiwalkcycle?

everyone grasps the non-essential.

I consider it relevant to protect the forum's continued tolerence of my presence.
Not being aircrew [despite my ambitions] or indeed RAF [medical reject] I just tried to serve how I could.

Think about it.

yep, still missed the point