Fierce Competion Becoming Raf Pilot

Hi,
I wondered if anyone could help me with a query. I'm currently at uni wanting to join the RAF to become a fast-jet pilot. I know there is a great shortage of pilots at the mo but cannot understand this due to the immensly fierce competition there is to become one! Is this because so many people are rejected? Also is there anyone that can tell me about the university air squadron recruitment process? do you have any tests or interviews and are they difficult?

Reply 1

Howard

5

WEND

Hi,
I wondered if anyone could help me with a query. I'm currently at uni wanting to join the RAF to become a fast-jet pilot. I know there is a great shortage of pilots at the mo but cannot understand this due to the immensly fierce competition there is to become one! Is this because so many people are rejected? Also is there anyone that can tell me about the university air squadron recruitment process? do you have any tests or interviews and are they difficult?

Well, can I ask: how genuine is your interest? Lot's of folks SAY they want to be a fighter pilot but their actual commitment just doesn't demonstrate it. In other words, they don't put their money and time where their mouth is and are really only attracted to the perceived "glamor" of such a job.

What real commitment to a flight career have you shown and what separates you from being one of tens of thousands that "just want to do it"?

The reason so many people are rejected is because so many of the people applying can't name a single type of fighter jet, and havn't even had lesson # 1 in a Cessna. Not something that's going to impress RAF recruitment.

Reply 2

Danithestudent

10

My dad was in the RAF but he couldn't fly because he was ever so slightly colourblind, but he ended up working for the RAF Police and he managed to work up to a Wing Commander, not too shabby for a working class kid with no University degree.....that was about 30 years ago

Reply 3

George-W-Duck

2

I once considered becoming an RAf pilot until i realised things like colourblindness nd hayfever can seriously hamper your chances.

Reply 4

WEND

OP

Howard

Well, can I ask: how genuine is your interest? Lot's of folks SAY they want to be a fighter pilot but their actual commitment just doesn't demonstrate it. In other words, they don't put their money and time where their mouth is and are really only attracted to the perceived "glamor" of such a job.

What real commitment to a flight career have you shown and what separates you from being one of tens of thousands that "just want to do it"?

The reason so many people are rejected is because so many of the people applying can't name a single type of fighter jet, and havn't even had lesson # 1 in a Cessna. Not something that's going to impress RAF recruitment.

Yes, this is a very genuine interest. Not just a sudden whim. I do realise this is a very diifficut career to get into and that most applicants are probably only attracted by the glamour of flying and dont know the half of it.

I'm hoping to join the uni air squdron this year not just to learn how to fly a Tutor but to develop myself as a leader and team meber by getting involved in as many activities as possible. I'm also aware that being an pilot officer is not just about flying - I know the responsibilities it carries and that you must be a good team leader and this is something that I have had experience in and would very much like in a career.

I've had an informal interview with a flight lieutenant and was told what is expected of a OASC candidate and that I have three years ahead of me to plan for this and what I need to know about. My Dad and Grandad served in the RAF as airframe engineers for many years so I know alot from them. I had basic knowledge of aircraft types but recently aquired some info from the RAF website and know my stuff in some detail now. I'm willing to do what it takes and believe I have the commitment. I think its fair to say im putting in more effort than some.

Reply 5

Wzz

11

WEND

Hi,
I wondered if anyone could help me with a query. I'm currently at uni wanting to join the RAF to become a fast-jet pilot. I know there is a great shortage of pilots at the mo but cannot understand this due to the immensly fierce competition there is to become one! Is this because so many people are rejected? Also is there anyone that can tell me about the university air squadron recruitment process? do you have any tests or interviews and are they difficult?

The pilot shortage isn't at the front door. The RAF still has dozens and dozens of applicants for every place, and the training system is absolutely full. You can now expect fairly large gaps between each course waiting for a slot to come up. Course sizes in the fast jet training world have halved; yes halved in size recently, and are becoming less frequent. The multi-engine stream is oversupplied with co-pilots, and the only large number of openings are to fly helicopters.

The shortage is at the other end; the RAF's finding it hard to retain experience, especially 2nd and 3rd tour pilots with qualifications to teach.

Reply 6

mark1010

I think a lot of the shortages are caused when the RAF look only at what they need today not what they will need in 4 years.

Reply 7

Wzz

11

Wrong. A lack of understanding about what is needed in 4 years means we have holding times varying; sometimes you go straight to the front line with no holds, other times the training system gets backed up and you hold for ages. The shortages are purely due to guys in their late 30s and early 40s leaving. It's a retention issue.

When the RAF over-recruits, holds for pilot trainees simply increase to accommodate. When they under-recruit, pilots find their route through the training pipeline sped up somewhat. The lack of experience unfortunately remains.

Fierce Competion Becoming Raf Pilot

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