University Air Squadrons
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University Air Squadrons
Can anyone tell me what the University Air Squadron is all about? I have an eventual aim (like so many others) to become a commercial pilot, and after I've done my A-levels I hope to go to university. I've heard UAS'S are RAF orientated, but that the flying experience it gives you is fantastic. Can anyone give me any more information about the UAS's and which universities operate them? Do you gain any flying qualification at the end of it? How much time does it take up?
Thanks
G-BPEC
Thanks
G-BPEC
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UAS's are EXCELLENT.... and if you get the chance then join one.
I used to be UWAS (and before any BUAS guys but in - we are the best!)
Yes, it can and will tak eup a lot of your time. You will find that you spend less time with your direct uni mates and more time with y our UAS ones, either socially or in the mess or everyday flying.
UAS provides you with the oppertunity to fly ALL the time, with good instructors at no cost to you. (I was goging to say the sircraft are excellent too - but now that they have the grob.......
)
As for the RAF orrientation: Yes, very much so! UAS's are to be found on RAF bases, and are run by the RAF. While on the squodron you are an Officer Cadet. This means you have alot of the privallages of an officer, BUT, you are the lowest on the scale.
Most univeristys are attched to one, but you may need to travel. For instance if you are at Bangor you actullay have to travel to UWAS which is in Cardiff (even though Woodvale is closer!!!). Most of the UAS's are on the web, or just contact the RAF Carrers for more info, or email me!
UAS's provide great opputuinties foer other stuff as well, with cources in paracuting to canoeing and social events to surpass anything that my uni mates came up with.
If you can - go for it!
FW
I used to be UWAS (and before any BUAS guys but in - we are the best!)
Yes, it can and will tak eup a lot of your time. You will find that you spend less time with your direct uni mates and more time with y our UAS ones, either socially or in the mess or everyday flying.
UAS provides you with the oppertunity to fly ALL the time, with good instructors at no cost to you. (I was goging to say the sircraft are excellent too - but now that they have the grob.......
)As for the RAF orrientation: Yes, very much so! UAS's are to be found on RAF bases, and are run by the RAF. While on the squodron you are an Officer Cadet. This means you have alot of the privallages of an officer, BUT, you are the lowest on the scale.
Most univeristys are attched to one, but you may need to travel. For instance if you are at Bangor you actullay have to travel to UWAS which is in Cardiff (even though Woodvale is closer!!!). Most of the UAS's are on the web, or just contact the RAF Carrers for more info, or email me!
UAS's provide great opputuinties foer other stuff as well, with cources in paracuting to canoeing and social events to surpass anything that my uni mates came up with.
If you can - go for it!
FW
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Take a look at http://www.durham.ac.uk/nuas There are full details and links to every UAS in the country.
They are to train RAF motivated and sponsored pilots up to the end of elementary flying training, so take a look and you may actually want to join the RAF in the end, otherwise a good experience, but it is not right to go in the door thinking that you are going to use it to get hours. Go in with an open mind that you want to find out about the RAF.
[ 22 November 2001: Message edited by: Lucifer ]
They are to train RAF motivated and sponsored pilots up to the end of elementary flying training, so take a look and you may actually want to join the RAF in the end, otherwise a good experience, but it is not right to go in the door thinking that you are going to use it to get hours. Go in with an open mind that you want to find out about the RAF.
[ 22 November 2001: Message edited by: Lucifer ]
Flying Welshman - no its not a cover identity of mine - I have to correct you slightly.
As Forum Moderator I feel it is my duty to point out that, in fact, UBAS was the best UAS. For having a HQ that had over 300 Balti houses and at least 30 night clubs all within 2 miles if for nothing else. Now as I remember UWAS was...
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As Forum Moderator I feel it is my duty to point out that, in fact, UBAS was the best UAS. For having a HQ that had over 300 Balti houses and at least 30 night clubs all within 2 miles if for nothing else. Now as I remember UWAS was...
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You're all wrong
SUAS was and is the best.
Highest unbeaten record for Ten Tors and well, we can fly, but, at least we ran before we flew.
I must admit Woodvale was a laugh when we went there for a summer camp.
Look under the ops desk and you might find a few hellos and other such graffity.
Ta ta.
SUAS was and is the best.
Highest unbeaten record for Ten Tors and well, we can fly, but, at least we ran before we flew.
I must admit Woodvale was a laugh when we went there for a summer camp.
Look under the ops desk and you might find a few hellos and other such graffity.
Ta ta.
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As an ex-CFI I can authoritatively state that Yorkshire UAS was by far and away the best in the late '80s, early '90s. Not only could we fly (and drink) the pants off any other UAS, we could spell as well 
Pilot Officer PPRuNe
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Off course you are all talking cr@p.
The UASs are RAF units and, although you do not have to join, you will have to have some military interest. You can put the flying towards a PPL, although the flying is better than you would get on a PPL course (aeros, low level, formation).
You should look into a Uni's that have UASs and once in apply to join at the freshers fair. I would suggest a Uni in Aberdeen, St Andrews or Dundee if you want to join the best UAS
Tonks
The UASs are RAF units and, although you do not have to join, you will have to have some military interest. You can put the flying towards a PPL, although the flying is better than you would get on a PPL course (aeros, low level, formation).
You should look into a Uni's that have UASs and once in apply to join at the freshers fair. I would suggest a Uni in Aberdeen, St Andrews or Dundee if you want to join the best UAS
Tonks
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Nonono!
Tonks, you of all peope should know better. ADStAUAS are close to the best UAS. Very close. Indeed they share the same building at Leuchars. Yup, ELUAS are and always will be Top Dog.
As for YUAS Scroggs- the bunch of big girls' blouses who cried foul after 4 weeks of Scottish occupation in '96 aren't even in the top 10 UAS'.
Tonks, you of all peope should know better. ADStAUAS are close to the best UAS. Very close. Indeed they share the same building at Leuchars. Yup, ELUAS are and always will be Top Dog.
As for YUAS Scroggs- the bunch of big girls' blouses who cried foul after 4 weeks of Scottish occupation in '96 aren't even in the top 10 UAS'.
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Perhaps i ought to point out that if you don't know what the UAS system is all about, then maybe you shouldn't be trying to get in, especially if you have no intention of joining the RAF.
Yes, it is as good as everybody else says, but clearly all the clever, talented (and dare i say it, good-looking) people went to NUAS, the ONLY real UAS - accept no substitute!
However, unless you really want a military career, then assuming you can even pass the entry criteria, i hope they winkle you out at interview. the RAF is short enough of funds as it is without having to pay for free-loaders like you who just want a cheap way to hour building.
Go find another way to get your licence, like working for a living, and good luck when you do.
No offence intended, but i don't like to see anybody abusing the UAS system. DW
Yes, it is as good as everybody else says, but clearly all the clever, talented (and dare i say it, good-looking) people went to NUAS, the ONLY real UAS - accept no substitute!
However, unless you really want a military career, then assuming you can even pass the entry criteria, i hope they winkle you out at interview. the RAF is short enough of funds as it is without having to pay for free-loaders like you who just want a cheap way to hour building.
Go find another way to get your licence, like working for a living, and good luck when you do.
No offence intended, but i don't like to see anybody abusing the UAS system. DW
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UAS flying is fantastic, there is nowhere else where a bloke/girl of 18> could be taught aeros, instrument flying, low level nav, formation in the space of two years. So I thoroughly recommend it.
But be aware there is a flip side to the coin.....This is not just a friendly flying club. The flying is deeply competitve which while it can push you to become a better pilot it can also force many potentially good pilots to leave. During my time on the UAS a course of 26 pilots was widdled down to just 6...so there is no guarantee. It can be a bitchy environment where if you do not tow the line, laugh and the right jokes and be seen in the right places it might seriously affect your future despite the fact if you are the dogs b*******s at flying. Many of my friends left of there own accord in the first year and were quickly snapped up by BA in better times.
This is another area where UAS flying will certainly help. I had to leave my UAS in my third year due to an eyesight problem, despite being thoroughly gutted having almost finished EFT the military hours in my logbook have proved invaluable. As the general theory is that if you can fly for the RAF then your not going too be bad.
So overall G-BPEC, go for it but take in to account it is not a small committment.
SUAS is the best UAS.
But be aware there is a flip side to the coin.....This is not just a friendly flying club. The flying is deeply competitve which while it can push you to become a better pilot it can also force many potentially good pilots to leave. During my time on the UAS a course of 26 pilots was widdled down to just 6...so there is no guarantee. It can be a bitchy environment where if you do not tow the line, laugh and the right jokes and be seen in the right places it might seriously affect your future despite the fact if you are the dogs b*******s at flying. Many of my friends left of there own accord in the first year and were quickly snapped up by BA in better times.
This is another area where UAS flying will certainly help. I had to leave my UAS in my third year due to an eyesight problem, despite being thoroughly gutted having almost finished EFT the military hours in my logbook have proved invaluable. As the general theory is that if you can fly for the RAF then your not going too be bad.
So overall G-BPEC, go for it but take in to account it is not a small committment.
SUAS is the best UAS.
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Hi G-BPEC,
UAS was one of the best (if not the best) times of my life. The things that I have done as a member will stay with me forever. Its a great achievment to get to be a part of one, and its extremely hard work to stay a member.
It takes up a lot (if not all) of your social time, and maybe a bit of your course time too if your not very organised. But as a pilot the rewards a well worth it (formation flying with instructors, aeros, trips in fast jets etc etc)
Its best to join only if you want to see what being a fighter pilot is all about at the very least. And at least if you dont get it you would have had a complete medical and aptitude test for future reference.
Still you will need to know a bit about current affairs and the RAF to get through the grueling interview.
Strictly you don't get a Private Pilots Licence issued by the UAS, but I understand that you can use the hours you fly to obtain one. Military flying and Civilian Flying are completely different (Civvi flying is generally gash, while Military seemed to me to be very safety conscious - unless you're the boss!)
e-mail me if you want more info,
MSMD
P.S. As WWW says, UBAS ARE THE GREATEST!!
P.P.S Ok, so I forgot to mention that the pencilpushers moved the HQ in 99 to somewhere less likely to divert our attention from RAF matters .. its still the best.
[ 26 November 2001: Message edited by: MonkeySee MonkeyDo ]
UAS was one of the best (if not the best) times of my life. The things that I have done as a member will stay with me forever. Its a great achievment to get to be a part of one, and its extremely hard work to stay a member.
It takes up a lot (if not all) of your social time, and maybe a bit of your course time too if your not very organised. But as a pilot the rewards a well worth it (formation flying with instructors, aeros, trips in fast jets etc etc)
Its best to join only if you want to see what being a fighter pilot is all about at the very least. And at least if you dont get it you would have had a complete medical and aptitude test for future reference.
Still you will need to know a bit about current affairs and the RAF to get through the grueling interview.
Strictly you don't get a Private Pilots Licence issued by the UAS, but I understand that you can use the hours you fly to obtain one. Military flying and Civilian Flying are completely different (Civvi flying is generally gash, while Military seemed to me to be very safety conscious - unless you're the boss!)
e-mail me if you want more info,
MSMD
P.S. As WWW says, UBAS ARE THE GREATEST!!
P.P.S Ok, so I forgot to mention that the pencilpushers moved the HQ in 99 to somewhere less likely to divert our attention from RAF matters
.. its still the best.[ 26 November 2001: Message edited by: MonkeySee MonkeyDo ]
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Steve
Wasn't aware that membership of a UAS compels you to join the RAF!
It does encourage the Air Force as a career path, although most joining as pilots need little persuasion to try for OASC.
By the way, SUAS are definately the best UAS. No mincing around in portakabins and crappy grass covered runways.
Edited to remove curry inaccuracies, many thanks to Lucifer!
[ 26 November 2001: Message edited by: Al Titude ]
Wasn't aware that membership of a UAS compels you to join the RAF!
It does encourage the Air Force as a career path, although most joining as pilots need little persuasion to try for OASC.
By the way, SUAS are definately the best UAS. No mincing around in portakabins and crappy grass covered runways.
Edited to remove curry inaccuracies, many thanks to Lucifer!
[ 26 November 2001: Message edited by: Al Titude ]
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Al,
I just checked the meaning of the word "compel"...This wasnt the word i thought it was.
Your post is what I meant. Pilot in UAS=Not much arm-twisitng required to go knocking on Cranwell's door.
of course this is personal opinion.
Thank you,
Steve
I just checked the meaning of the word "compel"...This wasnt the word i thought it was.
Your post is what I meant. Pilot in UAS=Not much arm-twisitng required to go knocking on Cranwell's door.
of course this is personal opinion.
Thank you,
Steve
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UAS's??? As Jim Royle would say - my a##e. I spent my university days how they should be spent: mainly down the boozer, watching plenty of daytime TV, and certainly not wasting every weekend polishing shoes, ironing shirts, and wearing white flying gloves. What a waste of time.
If you want to fly fast jets for a living and risk your life every day for a Labour government that sold us all out, and have no quarms about killing innocent people, then fair play, join the RAF. If you want to sit on your rosy a##e, spend lots of time in Barbados, and get ridiculous amounts of time off, then join the airlines. But don't do UAS, which is a complete waste of the best three years of your life.
I now work as a BA 757 FO, and my uni days were perfect preparation for sitting around doing ****** all planning my next holiday. The only difference is, I used to watch Anne and Nick, now it's Bargain Hunt and No win, No fee.
The UAS won't improve your chances of getting sponsored. On my course of 16 at Oxford, 2 were ex-UAS, but 6 had less than 2 hours, which they only got between the aptitude tests and interview just to make them look keen.
Commercial flying: It's an good job, but an even better lifestyle.
If you want to fly fast jets for a living and risk your life every day for a Labour government that sold us all out, and have no quarms about killing innocent people, then fair play, join the RAF. If you want to sit on your rosy a##e, spend lots of time in Barbados, and get ridiculous amounts of time off, then join the airlines. But don't do UAS, which is a complete waste of the best three years of your life.
I now work as a BA 757 FO, and my uni days were perfect preparation for sitting around doing ****** all planning my next holiday. The only difference is, I used to watch Anne and Nick, now it's Bargain Hunt and No win, No fee.
The UAS won't improve your chances of getting sponsored. On my course of 16 at Oxford, 2 were ex-UAS, but 6 had less than 2 hours, which they only got between the aptitude tests and interview just to make them look keen.
Commercial flying: It's an good job, but an even better lifestyle.
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Init4theCheapFlights:
Oh dear, didn't get in then mate? Good to see you're like de Murphy's about it....
I don't think I polished my shoes more than a couple of times when I was in. Flying boots when they needed it. Shirts ironed? About 10 times max. Leather flying gloves are useful in case a nasty cockpit fire tries to burn one's handies.
In case anyone gets the wrong impression, the UAS is not the air cadets. No square bashing, no bull****. What you do get, however, is aero's, low-level and formation flying to solo standard.
None of which Init4theCheapFlights here did on his/her BA cadetship. I'm sure he/she had fun watching Richard and Judy though.
If you are interested in the RAF, it's the best possible use of your time. And the best hope for getting your bum in the hot seat of a fast jet. I wouldn't have changed my time in the UAS for the world.
Hi to any other ex-UGSAS folk out there. ( The finest UAS )
[ 26 November 2001: Message edited by: beast ]
Oh dear, didn't get in then mate? Good to see you're like de Murphy's about it....
I don't think I polished my shoes more than a couple of times when I was in. Flying boots when they needed it. Shirts ironed? About 10 times max. Leather flying gloves are useful in case a nasty cockpit fire tries to burn one's handies.
In case anyone gets the wrong impression, the UAS is not the air cadets. No square bashing, no bull****. What you do get, however, is aero's, low-level and formation flying to solo standard.
None of which Init4theCheapFlights here did on his/her BA cadetship. I'm sure he/she had fun watching Richard and Judy though.
If you are interested in the RAF, it's the best possible use of your time. And the best hope for getting your bum in the hot seat of a fast jet. I wouldn't have changed my time in the UAS for the world.
Hi to any other ex-UGSAS folk out there. ( The finest UAS
)[ 26 November 2001: Message edited by: beast ]
Lucifer - rest assured I have already taken great umbrage and will think of a suitable punishment in due course.
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