The Student Room Group

RAF Pilot Application Closed

Hello everyone,
As a lot of you are probably aware, the role of pilot has been closed for the time being. I applied for Pilot early January, and was informed recently that I had been moved to my second role choice of WSO. Consequently, I withdrew my application, as the role of Pilot is something I have worked towards all of my life and therefore something i am prepared to be patient with until the role re-opens.

Wondering if anyone is in the same situation as me, and if anyone has heard any news regarding the role reopening in the near future?

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Reply 1
Hi there. I am in a similar position but I was originally going to apply for the role of RPAS pilot but was informed they are no longer recruiting so applied for the role of WSO. When you say you applied in early January I assume you mean January 2021?
Reply 2
Original post by jamesj01
Hello everyone,
As a lot of you are probably aware, the role of pilot has been closed for the time being. I applied for Pilot early January, and was informed recently that I had been moved to my second role choice of WSO. Consequently, I withdrew my application, as the role of Pilot is something I have worked towards all of my life and therefore something i am prepared to be patient with until the role re-opens.

Wondering if anyone is in the same situation as me, and if anyone has heard any news regarding the role reopening in the near future?

If it's closed now, chances are it's closed for the remainder of this financial year.
Reply 3
Re Pilot roles, the RN closed applications for Pilot in November, with the intention of reviewing the situation at Easter, which fits in with what Drewski has said re RAF Pilot applications.

Whether Easter will see the role become open again is another thing; there were massive numbers of applications for the role last year, many from commercial pilots whose jobs had vanished when airlines had to make drastic cutbacks as a result of the pandemic.
Reply 4
Original post by tyne01
Hi there. I am in a similar position but I was originally going to apply for the role of RPAS pilot but was informed they are no longer recruiting so applied for the role of WSO. When you say you applied in early January I assume you mean January 2021?

Apologies, but yes, January 2021. I was invited to apply from that month but as of the current climate we are in, the application closed as soon as I applied. How about you, when did you apply?
Reply 5
Original post by Drewski
If it's closed now, chances are it's closed for the remainder of this financial year.

Cheers, will keep that in mind.

Original post by Kerzen
Re Pilot roles, the RN closed applications for Pilot in November, with the intention of reviewing the situation at Easter, which fits in with what Drewski has said re RAF Pilot applications.

Whether Easter will see the role become open again is another thing; there were massive numbers of applications for the role last year, many from commercial pilots whose jobs had vanished when airlines had to make drastic cutbacks as a result of the pandemic.

Thank you - I also heard that from a buddy of mine who is waiting for his MIOT this coming Easter. Guessing we will have to sit and wait patiently then.
Reply 6
Original post by jamesj01
Apologies, but yes, January 2021. I was invited to apply from that month but as of the current climate we are in, the application closed as soon as I applied. How about you, when did you apply?

I applied in November. Still waiting on a CBAT date
Reply 7
Original post by tyne01
I applied in November. Still waiting on a CBAT date

Roger, I was offered to attend the P2 presentation for the WSO role, but i withdrew my application. At least they are still recruiting for the WSO role. Is that something you are keen to go for?
Reply 8
Original post by jamesj01
Roger, I was offered to attend the P2 presentation for the WSO role, but i withdrew my application. At least they are still recruiting for the WSO role. Is that something you are keen to go for?

Are you referring to the virtual job event where you attend the P2 presentation? And yes I am very keen to go for the WSO as it would have been my second choice if I had ended up applying for the role of RPAS pilot.
Reply 9
Original post by tyne01
Are you referring to the virtual job event where you attend the P2 presentation? And yes I am very keen to go for the WSO as it would have been my second choice if I had ended up applying for the role of RPAS pilot.

I don't believe so, i think it was a P2 presentation at my local AFCO centre i would attend on an online call - correct me if that is what you were talking about. Nice, WSO looks brilliant. Do you think you will wait until RPAS applications reopen, or consider applying for your second option now?
Reply 10
Original post by jamesj01
I don't believe so, i think it was a P2 presentation at my local AFCO centre i would attend on an online call - correct me if that is what you were talking about. Nice, WSO looks brilliant. Do you think you will wait until RPAS applications reopen, or consider applying for your second option now?

I have already applied for WSO as I know there are large delays in the application process and I want to try and get through the process asap
Reply 11
Original post by tyne01
I have already applied for WSO as I know there are large delays in the application process and I want to try and get through the process asap

Fair enough, i don't blame you. All the best!
Reply 12
Original post by jamesj01
Fair enough, i don't blame you. All the best!

Cheers mate you too !
Reply 13
Original post by tyne01
Cheers mate you too !

Update me if you can on how it goes :smile:
Reply 14
Original post by jamesj01
Update me if you can on how it goes :smile:

Yeh 100%. I attended a virtual realistic job profile yesterday and I am still waiting for a CBAT date.
Reply 15
Original post by tyne01
Yeh 100%. I attended a virtual realistic job profile yesterday and I am still waiting for a CBAT date.

Nice, were you invited to that by your AFCO or recruiter?
Reply 16
Original post by jamesj01
Nice, were you invited to that by your AFCO or recruiter?

By the AFCO. Not been assigned a recruiter yet
Reply 17
Original post by tyne01
By the AFCO. Not been assigned a recruiter yet

Fair enough, hope it all goes to plan for you.
Reply 18
Original post by tyne01
By the AFCO. Not been assigned a recruiter yet

Cheers
Reply 19
Original post by Kerzen
Re Pilot roles, the RN closed applications for Pilot in November, with the intention of reviewing the situation at Easter, which fits in with what Drewski has said re RAF Pilot applications.

Whether Easter will see the role become open again is another thing; there were massive numbers of applications for the role last year, many from commercial pilots whose jobs had vanished when airlines had to make drastic cutbacks as a result of the pandemic.


Update.

The 'Not Currently Open For Applications' tag has been taken off the Pilot page on the RN website.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/roles-and-specialisations/services/fleet-air-arm/pilot

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