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Reply 20
U need 5 GCSE's and a pass level in english and maths.


I have recently comfirmed my conviction to become an RAF pilot. However i do not have the needed qualifications, i am not far off them. I am 19 so i dont have time to redo courses to get the qualifications needed.

Is there any way that they will allow me to become a pilot? is there another route to becomeing a pilot i.e. Get a diffrent job in the RAF and work my way up. Or is there a course at a University that would enable me to become a Pilot?
Reply 21
Unregistered
I have the intention of becoming an raf officer...preferably a pilot and then go on to fly commercially when im older. I am almost 15 and am only starting my GCSE's now. What are the main subjects required if i want to take this path...and what grades need to be achieved


At GCSE level it's essential to achieve grade c or above in duel science, english language and maths.
After GCSE's, go onto a-levels taking:

Physics
Maths

A gnvq in engineering would also be helpfull
Reply 22
Unregistered
I could certainly help you out on what to do in going down to OASC at RAFC Cranwell - the 4 day selection process, having done it myself and come out of it successful. Although I'm not going to be a pilot, I'm going to keep the aircraft in the sky instead and become an Engineer officer, the same selection process takes place for everyone who goes to cranwell. Post a reply if you want me to tell you more.


hey my e mail address is [email protected] iam attending the officer and aircrew selection at RAF cranwell next month and would appreciate any information that you could give me. Thankyou Rob
Reply 23
hey ian, iam off down to RAFC Cranwell in the not to distant. iam in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force at the moment and as an airman you are expected to get leval 9-10, but as an officer you will be expected to get leval 12-10 and above, so get running and good luck

TOM
Reply 24
Unregistered
U need 5 GCSE's and a pass level in english and maths.


I have recently comfirmed my conviction to become an RAF pilot. However i do not have the needed qualifications, i am not far off them. I am 19 so i dont have time to redo courses to get the qualifications needed.

Is there any way that they will allow me to become a pilot? is there another route to becomeing a pilot i.e. Get a diffrent job in the RAF and work my way up. Or is there a course at a University that would enable me to become a Pilot?


well its TOM again, now listen you have to have 5 GCSE grade A-C, three of them have to be english, maths, science. also you have to have two A-levals, for a pilot they would like you two have maths and physcis but who cares, just get A-levels. and you do have loads of time. just join before you are 27 and you will be fine, hope that helps
Reply 25
Unregistered
I have the intention of becoming an raf officer...preferably a pilot and then go on to fly commercially when im older. I am almost 15 and am only starting my GCSE's now. What are the main subjects required if i want to take this path...and what grades need to be achieved


A good tip is to go the RAF web site, it will tell you all there. good luck.
Reply 26
Hi everyone,
I'm 18 at the moment. I attended OASC last august and was awarded the pilot scholarship, which is direct entry as a pilot on a permanent commission (until im 38), plus £1000 for my upper sixth year, and a reserved place on the 'In-service' degree scheme (several years down the line i do an OU degree, paid for by the RAF, of course). Out of 277 pilot applicants only 2 of us were chosen, so listen in!
Go to RAF careers website, click on missions, then old missions. These are jazzed up versions of the 1st half hour of the aptitude tests. Practice these every day.
I recommend playing on a flight sim a much as you can, these will hone any innate ability you may (or may not) have. Knowing how an aircraft instrument panel looks will help loads.
Learn to do mental arithmetic almost subconsciously, by practice! You will have to do sums whilst doing a memory task and a vigilance task.
Get an IQ-type-test book. improve your problem solving abilities. Know how to read and estimate compass bearings, and how to read figures from charts and tables very rapidly.
About 40 candidates were at breakfast on my OASC course the 1st morning, after the first 5 hours (the aptitude test) all but 11 of us were on the bus back to grantham station! its pretty ruthless.
The rest of the day is medical tests (not a lot you can change there, but ensure you are roughly the right weight for your height and frame).
More medical checks the next day, and an INTERVIEW!!
Know everything about raf equipment, bases and operations overseas. Know current affairs, recent military campaigns (of any country), domestic affairs, cultural issues, political issues. Know sincerely why you want to join the RAF. Learn how to carry yourself in an i/v (posture, body language, eye contact). You'll have 20 minutes to answer questions about yourself, so sell yourself! The interview is blag-proof, be direct, confident and concise!
The fitness test is 20 metre shuttle runs (bleep test) which is hard as it is a maximal test. Train like a soldier for this, an run till your hanging out of your arse! Good fitness shows dedication and a mature approach to your application as a military officer.
In the leadership tasks have plenty of confidence and drive, get involved and dont be afraid to be vocal. What use is an idea if you keep it to yourself?
The planning task is all about good arithmetic (speed/distance/time) and speedy thought and accurate calculations. Dont let them rip your plan to shreds, they will try!
If you are successful at this stage, give yourself a pat on the back. They will, however, recall you after a period of time for more in depth medical checks.
Oh and by the way, you need 5 GCSE's and 2 A levels at the very least. A Good CV goes a long way. You cannot wear glasses, have asthma, hayfever, epilepsy, migraines or be outside weight and height limits.
Best of luck to anyone who tries OASC for entry as a pilot, its damn selective!
I hope this advice helps,
Godspeed!
Reply 27
Unregistered
I could certainly help you out on what to do in going down to OASC at RAFC Cranwell - the 4 day selection process, having done it myself and come out of it successful. Although I'm not going to be a pilot, I'm going to keep the aircraft in the sky instead and become an Engineer officer, the same selection process takes place for everyone who goes to cranwell. Post a reply if you want me to tell you more.



Hi,

I'm attending the OASC next week and would be grateful for any information that might help.
Reply 28
I'm attending the OASC soon and I hope to go in as an Engineer Officer. At the moment I understand the RAF are desperate for EngOs, does this make the selection a bit easier for me or not?

What other advice can you give about the 4 days ?

Thanks Tom

email ne at [email protected]

cheers.
Reply 29
General RAF Officer entry requires a minimum of:

5 GCSEs (C+), including Maths and English Language (no other specific courses are required).

2 A-Levels (any subject, any grade E or above) OR equivalent.

You DO NOT need to take science etc.

If you want to be an Engineering Officer, Training Officer, Catering Officer, Physical Education Officer, Doctor, Nursing Officer, Dentist, Legal Officer or Chaplain then you need the correct proffesional qualifications at Degree level.

....and then it's just a simple matter of passing OASC. :smile:
Reply 30
What AFCOs did you go through. I went to Leicester.

Any tips for approaching the AFCO etc?
Reply 31
Unregistered
Hi, I am currently a University student considering becoming a pilot. I have always wanted to fly ever since I was a child. What would you say were the most important skills required to become a fighter pilot?

Dale


Hi Dale,
I'm due to start Initial Officer Training shortly and will become a Navigator (Weapons Systems Officer). What makes a good pilot aside from natutral aptitude and intelligence (all of which are essential) is your motivation to become a pilot. If you really want to do it and can prove of your motivation, you will shine when on selection and will have no problems. Remember to be confident and assertive in all of your interviews; they'll like that.
You do need to remember that there are two parts to your career; you are firstly an officer in the RAF and secondly a pilot. Its not just about flying, but about the duties you will have as a junior officer.
If you need any advice, e-mail me on [email protected]
Best of luck mate!
Reply 32
Hey there.

I went for a little interview, to get some info and that for becoming a pilot. I have now got to attend some sort of presentation next wednesday. What will happen here? I think an officier from Nottingham comes down and gives us a talk and we take notes.

I have bought a pair of trousers, black shoes, A Nice long sleeve shirt with tie and cufflinks. This is the sort of clothes they expect isn't it?

What will happen after this presentation? Will I then get an interview with an officer?

The guy at the careers centre said that, After the interview I will get put into a pile. Yes, No, Possibly.

I need some tips. I'm shitting myself here. I'm only 16, but I want this more than anything. I've got 3As GCSE and 7 Bs. I'm now studying 4 A levels.

What do I need to know going to this presentation? I need to know what jet I want to fly, current affairs etc. But i dont know where to start.

Also, do I need to start trainin or anything?? I am quite fit, ive got a 1st dan blackbelt in Taekwondo and kickboxing.

Please help me! :frown:

My email addrss is [email protected] if you could email me, if not reply here.

Thanks alot.

And good luck to anyone going for it!
Reply 33
Presentation is your first step before you join the RAF. now your on the right track! making an appearance is graet just make sure you rememebr to be polite, curtious and shake hands when ever possible.

I advise you to ask as MANY questions as you can, make it look like ur really bothered about this job not just a free day out to look at a presentation.

Now, after this preso is a filter interview. Note: you can not take this til you got ur qualifications that are required. Its also good to go back to the presentation nearer the time of ur resutls, cause with things changing as they do these days!

good luck
Reply 34
Unregistered
Presentation is your first step before you join the RAF. now your on the right track! making an appearance is graet just make sure you rememebr to be polite, curtious and shake hands when ever possible.

I advise you to ask as MANY questions as you can, make it look like ur really bothered about this job not just a free day out to look at a presentation.

Now, after this preso is a filter interview. Note: you can not take this til you got ur qualifications that are required. Its also good to go back to the presentation nearer the time of ur resutls, cause with things changing as they do these days!

good luck


Hey there. Thanks alot buddy. Nice to know there's some people out there willing to help!

So I won't be taking the filter interview utill I have my A levels? Excellant... But what about my 6th form scholarship. Will I get an interview to decide whether I get that or not?

I've been told, they tend to go slightly towards the upperclass people. Therefor, I have adopted a nice posh accent! :smile:

What do I need to learn for the filter inteview? I've been searching for current affairs on the internet, but I cant find anything. I also need to know what I want to fly, and if I dont get in as a fast jet, the options etc. Yes? What else?

Thanks for your help.

I'm soooooooooo nervous! :smile:

Scott Littlewood
Reply 35
The process for Officer Selection is as follows:

1. Initial Talk at the AFCO. You go to your AFCO and chat to the staff there. They'll give you the right brochures and ascertain whether you are qualified to apply for the given branches.

2. Officer Presentation. You spend several hours at the AFCO and recieve information about the RAF, The RAF/Officer Way of Life, The Selction Process and Initial Officer Training. BE WARNED - many of the questions that you'll later get asked in interview can be answered from the information given during the presentation. TAKE LOTS OF NOTES. Especially about OASC and IOT (you need to know these in great detail). Finally, ask loads of questions...this isn't a time to be shy!

3. AFCO Interview. The first stage of the selection process proper. The interview lasts between 30 min and an hour. They will ask about you family background, education (know your grades!), jobs you've done, hobbies, sports, when you've had reponsibility, why you want to join the RAF, why you want to be an Officer, why you want to do the branch/es you've chosen, what happens at OASC, what you do at IOT, what you do for your Branch training and what you will do as a Junior Officer in your branch. Sometimes they will ask about Military topics (overseas bases, deployments, aircraft etc) Top Tips....prepare really well, be very confident and SELL YOURSELF. If you pass this they will send you to OASC....

4. OASC. 3 days at RAF Cranwell. PART ONE is Aptitude Test, Medical and Interview (very hard interview). If you pass Part One, you will go on to complete PART TWO. Part Two is Discussion Exercise, Fitness Test, Individual Problem Solving, Group Problem Solving, Leaderless Practical Exercise, Leadership Exercise and a final Interview.

They contact you within 6 weeks with your result. If you pass they'll send you a date for Initial Officer Training and you go on a 2 day familiarisation visit. If you fail they may offer you a second chance (at least a year later) or may say you cannot apply again.

Pass or fail, I thoroughly recommend that you contact the AFCO for a de-brief about your performance...these are really insightful and useful.

SPONSORSHIP. You need to apply when you start Lower Sixth.

Some good tips.....

A. SELL YOURSELF. Analysis the things you have done (work, hobbies etc) and use these to demonstrate the qualities that you think they are looking for (leadership, ruggedness, adventurous, active etc).

B. Do your RESEARCH. They will expect you to have a detailed knowledge about current affairs, the military, the RAF, OASC, Officer Training, Specialist Training and the job itself. You MUST research these in detail. In interview, be concise and accurate. You CANNOT blag your way through selection...if you don't prepare you will look a fool say "I don't know" over and over again in an interview.

C. Get FIT. You need to score EXCELLENT on the Bleep Test. This means that you need to go out running on a regular basis. Can't be bothered? Then you haven't got sufficient motivation to join.

D. Be YOURSELF. Don't pretend to be something you are not. They'll spot it a mile away and you'll fail for it. It is a MYTH that you need a posh accent etc. If you have the qualities, you'll pass.

E. Be CONFIDENT. If you pass, you'll be an Officer within 9 months. You'll be in charge of people (experienced, intelligent people). You need bags of confidence to pull that off.

F. Practise your MATHS. The problem solving exercises and aptitude tests require a strong ability to metal arithmatic QUICKLY and IN YOUR HEAD.

G. Develop your LEADERSHIP. Take any opportunity to put yourself into a position of responsibility, make decisions and motivate other people to achieve things.

H. Decide WHY you want a Commission. It's not an easy job...why do you want to do it?

I. PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE....and when you think you#ve done enough...prepare some more. DO NOT underestimate OASC!!!

Any questions feel free to e-mail me (I've been through it)... [email protected]
Reply 36
Unregistered
Hi, I am currently a University student considering becoming a pilot. I have always wanted to fly ever since I was a child. What would you say were the most important skills required to become a fighter pilot?

Dale



hey what kind of things will i need to become a fighter pilot and what is the chances of any 1 becoming a fighter pilot and do you think i will have more of a chance if i am in the air cadets
Reply 37
GODSPEED,

Congratulations on achieveing the pilot scholorship! I attended OASC last August aswell, unfortunately failed the aptitude tests, debrief showed that i didnt do aswell in the later part of the test i.e the arithmetic and statistics. Any sugestions for revision for that section or help would be most appreciated. If you could give me some idea of the S/D/T problems in group planning aswell, that would be great!

Thanks for your time

Fly something fast

Chris
Reply 38
Well i'm Jay

I am 17 and was lazy at GCSE level so i just skimmed through without revising with 5 Cs and 2 Bs - 7 A-Cs.

I am now in A2 level, doing some useless humanitarian subjects, Sociology is useless, it's interesting but useless. English is my favourite, however i don't believe it's at all useful either. Geography is my other subject, this is the hardest and most interesting, however i'm not sure many people rate it very highly.

I only started with 3 ASs which was very stupid, i should have done physics (i like physics, i only hated the teacher) and dropped sociology, leaving me with a interesting combination. But i'm now rambling b*******

I was so set on the RAF goal that i basically didn't do any research, i only knew about the GCSEs and A levels qualification minimum. A few days ago i was talking to someone who really prompted me to get moving, so i read this site and i'm now utterly dismayed. I'm also so stupid that i'm only considering backup plans now in a flustered chaos.
I need to get UCAS going (far too late) and everything is going down the drain basically.

Those of you who actually want to get in the RAF do something about it now.
Reply 39
Help
Can anyone answer this question for me please?

Are the fitness requirements on the bleep test the same even if you are not going for pilot?
Is it level 6.3 or 7.3? age 17-24 female.

Thanks

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