RAF Pilot/Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) Questions

I would recommend you apply for Pilot and find out if you meet the medical standards or not, the eyesight requirements are constantly reviewed and are more flexible than they used to be.

WSO will not be on transport/rotary.
WSO day to day depends on the platform you operate on. If you look at the roles of the ISTAR platforms you’ll have an idea of the roles.
CBAT scores are amended frequently as are the stanines and the tests themselves. I could tell you it’s 50 or it’s 150 and it wouldn’t make any difference to you or your score.
Travel will also depend on platform.

I will definitely give pilot a go and see what happens, do they become more flexible with eyesight depending on how desperate the RAF are for pilots? Or if there is a very good candidate who is marginally off the visual standards then they'll let them in?
Do you know which of the ISTAR platforms get the most travel? Thanks again, and sorry for all the questions!

Almost certainly as a WSO you'd be based at RAF Waddington on one of their platforms.

Hi,
I'm interested in joining the RAF as a pilot but am not yet sure I will be able to due to my eyesight which is effectively on the boundaries of the restrictions (6/12 or 20/40 vision is what I have read).
- If one eye is within the limit and one is marginally out will this completely
end any chances of being a pilot?

Due to this, I was looking at WSO as a plan B.
- What sort of day to day jobs would a WSO do?
- I hear most go to ISTAR, but is there any chance whatsoever that I could
be streamed to the transport or helicopter fleets?
- Does anyone know what the required CBAT score is for WSO?
- How much travel will a WSO do?

Cheers

There'll be a fair few based at Lossie!

Hi

As has already been advised (you have a wealth of experience and advice in this forum!) the best thing to do is to submit an application and go through the process and see what happens.

The WSO role is primarily on ISTAR platforms, although there may be a few roles elsewhere, but if you're looking at rotary then it's highly unlikely.

We don't give out CBAT details, just do the day at Cranwell, you'll be advised on the day what you've scored for.

As a WSO you'll be Aircrew, so you're likely to be in the air a substantial amount of time and it's likely that you'll get to travel for exercises and potential operational deployment etc.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment

A few roles elsewhere?

Where else would that be?

A few roles elsewhere?

Where else would that be?

Hi

Have a good read through the RAF website at the fleet of ISTAR aircraft and where they can be based. As I stated, it's going to be mostly on those platforms, it states that on the role page too. The other areas are likely to be speacialised later in your career. But I don't see there being any on the Rotary fleet and certainly not Fast Jet. As Drew has stated, there could be opportunities in the RPAS area later in your career.

If you're looking for something more 'hands on' which could encompass different types of aircraft then look at WSOp rather than WSO. I'm fairly sure @BeardedLoadie will be able to tell you info about the varied aspect of the role.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment

Hi,
I'm interested in joining the RAF as a pilot but am not yet sure I will be able to due to my eyesight which is effectively on the boundaries of the restrictions (6/12 or 20/40 vision is what I have read).
- If one eye is within the limit and one is marginally out will this completely
end any chances of being a pilot?

Due to this, I was looking at WSO as a plan B.
- What sort of day to day jobs would a WSO do?
- I hear most go to ISTAR, but is there any chance whatsoever that I could
be streamed to the transport or helicopter fleets?
- Does anyone know what the required CBAT score is for WSO?
- How much travel will a WSO do?

Cheers

Hi!
I'm literally in the exact same boat (or plane). I wear glasses and I'm going for pilot in the RAF. Recently done my CBAT and passed for Pilot comfortably. However, because of my eyesight, I'm expecting to be tuned down for pilot and offered another branch (if I make it to medical examination!). I've considered LASEK surgery, but you have have 12 months between the procedure and applying, and also be 22 at time of application - I'm 20.

I think the best way to go about it is just go for pilot until they tell you no. I've got an upcoming phone medical assessment before my interview so I'll be finding out more about the circumstances (with glasses). I'm also considering RPAS and WPO. Best of luck with your application, and I'll drop an update if I get any key info regarding eyesight and pilot.

Whats your prescription?

A former cadet of mine now on a UAS wanted pilot but his eyesight was slightly off - not enough to need glasses, but enough that he knew - and he failed for pilot. He has, however, passed for RPAS.

Yes this is what I'm prepared for and I expect this. Although I do wonder - since many officers are now on hold periods(min 2 yrs), would they allow (during this time) to have corrected vision?

Yes this is what I'm prepared for and I expect this. Although I do wonder - since many officers are now on hold periods(min 2 yrs), would they allow (during this time) to have corrected vision?

Those holds aren't often all in one go, so it would disrupt your training, my gut feeling is no. Double check though.

The show goes on.

Yes this is what I'm prepared for and I expect this. Although I do wonder - since many officers are now on hold periods(min 2 yrs), would they allow (during this time) to have corrected vision?