[melv97]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in year 10, moving into year 11 and I'm considering applying for the RN sixth-form Pilot scholarship. Just one concern; I have near perfect vision (20/25 approx.) -- Would I pass the eye examination?

Thanks in advance, M

[melv97]

*Bump*

[melv97]

*bump*

[jcd1993]

As far as I know the RN's policy on eyesight is exactly the same to the RAF's, i.e it MUST be perfect. Anything less than that is no good to them.

If piloting is what you're truly after then you should consider the army, although I don't believe they're recruiting DE pilots at the moment.

[melv97]

(Original post by jcd1993)
As far as I know the RN's policy on eyesight is exactly the same to the RAF's, i.e it MUST be perfect. Anything less than that is no good to them.

If piloting is what you're truly after then you should consider the army, although I don't believe they're recruiting DE pilots at the moment.

Okay- and is that the same for the observer, otherwise i'm going army (btw- whats a DE pilot), thanks anyway

[Drewski]

(Original post by jcd1993)
As far as I know the RN's policy on eyesight is exactly the same to the RAF's, i.e it MUST be perfect. Anything less than that is no good to them.

If piloting is what you're truly after then you should consider the army, although I don't believe they're recruiting DE pilots at the moment.

Not so, the RAF has recently lowered it's 'on paper' minimum requirements for eyesight to be inline with the RN's. This means someone with a tiny bit less than perfect eyes still has a chance.

However, the miniscule number of pilot slots available in either force [currently none] means they'll only pick those who are the absolute best.

(Original post by melv97)
Okay- and is that the same for the observer, otherwise i'm going army (btw- whats a DE pilot), thanks anyway

Again, Obs has had a slightly lower minimum requirement in the past, but that doesn't mean it will still now, or that having the minimum will get you in.

(Original post by melv97)
*bump*

And please, stop bumping the threads. It's not going to get them answered any faster.

[jcd1993]

(Original post by Drewski)
Not so, the RAF has recently lowered it's 'on paper' minimum requirements for eyesight to be inline with the RN's. This means someone with a tiny bit less than perfect eyes still has a chance.

Ah, I didn't know this! It's been a while since I've checked.

(Original post by melv97)
Okay- and is that the same for the observer, otherwise i'm going army (btw- whats a DE pilot), thanks anyway

DE = Direct Entry

During recent years most pilots in the Army have transferred across to the Army Air Corps from another branch/regiment instead of going straight in (DE), although interestingly enough I have a friend who has just received his dates for testing prior to selection as a DE pilot. Confusing stuff, the military.

[CJM13]

(Original post by jcd1993)
As far as I know the RN's policy on eyesight is exactly the same to the RAF's, i.e it MUST be perfect. Anything less than that is no good to them.

If piloting is what you're truly after then you should consider the army, although I don't believe they're recruiting DE pilots at the moment.

If being a pilot is the only role he wants to do then he should write the Army off straight away. The process through which you join a regiment is very different compared to the other services and involves a regimental selection board. Entry to the Army Air Corps is highly competitive both as an officer straight from Sandhurst and transferring in from another capbadge. If you failed, you might end up spending several years commanding an infantry platoon for example.

[melv97]

(Original post by CJM13)
If being a pilot is the only role he wants to do then he should write the Army off straight away. The process through which you join a regiment is very different compared to the other services and involves a regimental selection board. Entry to the Army Air Corps is highly competitive both as an officer straight from Sandhurst and transferring in from another capbadge. If you failed, you might end up spending several years commanding an infantry platoon for example.

I'm off to the careers office soon for a talk;as (if I do go army)- I definately don't want an infantry job!!!

[NDW]

melv97,

Please don't take this personally, but you seem to be fairly confused to what you want to do.

Royal Navy eyesight requirements can be found on Google. I believe it is 6/12 uncorreced in each eye & 6/6 corrected with glasses (NOT contacts).

I'm not sure what the other required Sph and Cyl requirements are.

You mentioned about the Army Air Corps. To join as a DE Pilot - you need to be a commissioned officer, as from what I believe (and I stand to be corrected) you cannot simply join as a Pilot from the street.

The only other way of joining DE Pilot is to serve through another trade/branch and apply for AAC Pilot. This is a very competitive job as most flying jobs are (Civilian and Military).

[Andy1973]

Melv92,

I'm afraid the only useful advice on this one is to apply, get tested properly, and find out! Medical limitations change, and the exact test carried out at selection may well be slightly different to the test you took at the local opticians. Besides, if you are keen on applying for a scholarship, are you going to be deterred based on the opinions of internet strangers?

For what it is worth, the uncorrected vision test is a screening test to try and identify candidates whose vision is likely to deteriorate below acceptable corrected visual limits by natural occular degredation. Therefore, it is a somewhat more arbitary number when compared to the corrected visual acuity test.