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Uas
Hi,
Im 19 and off to university in two weeks. I'm keen to join the University Air Squadron; I love flying and during my gap year I have been self funding a PPL and have accumulated just under 50 hours. Has anyone been part of a UAS? Can u tell me what the interview process is like? Is it the same as if you were going to Cranwell for officer selection or is it 'less intense'.
G_W
Im 19 and off to university in two weeks. I'm keen to join the University Air Squadron; I love flying and during my gap year I have been self funding a PPL and have accumulated just under 50 hours. Has anyone been part of a UAS? Can u tell me what the interview process is like? Is it the same as if you were going to Cranwell for officer selection or is it 'less intense'.
G_W
Scroll to see replies
I havn't but am new to the website so will try that before posting a thread.
Probably the minimum you need to get in is about 30% of what you can read on here about OASC. However, I would recommend aiming to be at at least 70% to give yourself a good chance, the competition for places can be very high indeed. You don't have to do the Aircrew aptitude and medical anymore.
I would caution being too positive about your PPL, this used to be seen as a bad thing. Although the UAS system has changed recently, and flying training is no longer their focus, there may still be a lingering history/feeling that PPL people are a pain in the b*tt because they think they know stuff, but they don't know it to the RAF standard or style. Stick with presenting it as 'keen to fly' or 'really made an effort to see what flying is about' rather than 'nearly got my PPL'.
The actual process is mentioned on a thread that should still be on the front page here.
I would caution being too positive about your PPL, this used to be seen as a bad thing. Although the UAS system has changed recently, and flying training is no longer their focus, there may still be a lingering history/feeling that PPL people are a pain in the b*tt because they think they know stuff, but they don't know it to the RAF standard or style. Stick with presenting it as 'keen to fly' or 'really made an effort to see what flying is about' rather than 'nearly got my PPL'.
The actual process is mentioned on a thread that should still be on the front page here.
Very good advice from TPD.
My advice is: If you want it that badly, prepare like you were going to OASC. Current affairs will be tested as will RAF knowledge.
With the PPL, don't dwell on it if asked about it. Many UAS studes have had a lot of flying experience or a PPL prior to joining. The general feeling is 'Well, we will have to knock that PPL out of your system'
I got asked about my gap year and how I funded my PPL, which gave me a chance to talk about my employment which paid for my PPL and also the Flying Scholarship I was awarded, but that was all I spoke about it.
(Another tip...DO NOT mention hour building, even if that is your intention! That is an instant tick in the NO box)
And if you do get in... don't go on about it
My advice is: If you want it that badly, prepare like you were going to OASC. Current affairs will be tested as will RAF knowledge.
With the PPL, don't dwell on it if asked about it. Many UAS studes have had a lot of flying experience or a PPL prior to joining. The general feeling is 'Well, we will have to knock that PPL out of your system'
I got asked about my gap year and how I funded my PPL, which gave me a chance to talk about my employment which paid for my PPL and also the Flying Scholarship I was awarded, but that was all I spoke about it.
(Another tip...DO NOT mention hour building, even if that is your intention! That is an instant tick in the NO box)
And if you do get in... don't go on about it
Thanks all, I think I'l just keep the PPL on the low down and if the ask I can mention it. GW
Don't necessarily hush it up: one of the first questions will likely be "Have you any previous flying experience" or similar...
As the previous advice, er ... advised (
), be prepared for a mini-OASC style application process. If your uni is anything like the ones we recruit from, expect an initial filter interview at Freshers' Fair, followed by being called to THQ for a formal board with the Boss, the CFI/QFI's, the Adjutant (admin type) and the like. This will consist of (at the minimum) a formal interview much like the one you can expect at OASC (and, tbh, of a comparable standard -- last year we had one of the boarding officers from OASC doing some of our interviews as we were short on staff).
I've heard on the grapevine that some UASs are planning on tightening up the application process this year, possibly including practical/command tasks, maybe some form of social event (would be nice to have some form of student input on who we take (so we can select the motivated candidates/attractive young ladies).
As for the flying, it's (unfortunately, IMHO) no longer the primary activity of the UAS system. If you're interviewed by a flying type (and you'll know it
) I'd use the PPL to emphasise how keen you are on aviation, not that you're a ready made Maverick, just add Tutor (and grow bag, and aviators, and Super-Large BFJT-wannabe ego with added 'shades )... You'll find, if you do get in, that the PPL will only give you a very limited advantage once you get passed maybe the first four or five trips, as there's a hell of a lot to learn in the EFT/UAS-EFT-lite world that you won't have covered in PPL-land. Furthermore, the standard is much higher than anything I ever saw in the three years of civil aviation I had before I joined the UAS...
Out of interest (and PM me if you so wish...), which UAS are you applying to?
As the previous advice, er ... advised (
), be prepared for a mini-OASC style application process. If your uni is anything like the ones we recruit from, expect an initial filter interview at Freshers' Fair, followed by being called to THQ for a formal board with the Boss, the CFI/QFI's, the Adjutant (admin type) and the like. This will consist of (at the minimum) a formal interview much like the one you can expect at OASC (and, tbh, of a comparable standard -- last year we had one of the boarding officers from OASC doing some of our interviews as we were short on staff).I've heard on the grapevine that some UASs are planning on tightening up the application process this year, possibly including practical/command tasks, maybe some form of social event (would be nice to have some form of student input on who we take (so we can select the motivated candidates/attractive young ladies).
As for the flying, it's (unfortunately, IMHO) no longer the primary activity of the UAS system. If you're interviewed by a flying type (and you'll know it
) I'd use the PPL to emphasise how keen you are on aviation, not that you're a ready made Maverick, just add Tutor (and grow bag, and aviators, and Super-Large BFJT-wannabe ego with added 'shades )... You'll find, if you do get in, that the PPL will only give you a very limited advantage once you get passed maybe the first four or five trips, as there's a hell of a lot to learn in the EFT/UAS-EFT-lite world that you won't have covered in PPL-land. Furthermore, the standard is much higher than anything I ever saw in the three years of civil aviation I had before I joined the UAS... Out of interest (and PM me if you so wish...), which UAS are you applying to?
We are having other events included this year including an 'open day' style day.
Anonystude... agree; post circuits for sure you will be paddling out of your depth if you rely on prior knowledge. It's best just to treat it like you are a beginner.
Anonystude... agree; post circuits for sure you will be paddling out of your depth if you rely on prior knowledge. It's best just to treat it like you are a beginner.
I'm off to Leeds so it will be the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron. Whic one did you go to?
Give them a call and see what they can do for you. If you want it bad enough you will try
Danny3000
I want to join the ULAS but I'm not sure if they'll let me even apply as I'm not at one of the universities they recruit from. No UAS recruit from my stupid uni.
My uni isn't affliliated with my local UAS, but they told me either to ring them before freshers or to attend a nearby uni which is included in the squadron. So it's definately worth giving them a call!!
As InaSpin mentioned, if you want to join that bad you will find a way to worm yourself in!
A guy from Southampton Institute manaegd to worm his way onto SUAS a few years back by attending the Southampton Uni Freshers Fair. What uni you at Becca?
What's it like trying to get into the ground crew (engineering in this case)? I have absolutely no interest in flying planes, just like I don't want to drive a bus, I'm a lot more interested in keeping them in the air though. Do I have to be some sort of dyed in the wool military enthusiast to get involved or might they be willing to offer me a first taste? Oh, and I'll be YUAS too, if they let me in.
coughsyrup
What's it like trying to get into the ground crew (engineering in this case)? I have absolutely no interest in flying planes, just like I don't want to drive a bus, I'm a lot more interested in keeping them in the air though. Do I have to be some sort of dyed in the wool military enthusiast to get involved or might they be willing to offer me a first taste? Oh, and I'll be YUAS too, if they let me in.
There is no problem with you not wanting to be aircrew
, no, really there isn't. Indeed, if you offer yourself as an engineer nowdays, you generally only have to co-ordinate breathing and walking in a semi continuous form to be snapped up. However, you will have to display a modicum of knowledge about the RAF to get onto the UAS, the competition is generally pretty high, with most, although not all, people having a pretty definite desire to join the RAF after Uni. Have a read through the previous threads, you can see that it's not quite the same as joining the Uni Sailing Club on the off chance that it will be fun. However, if you feel that you can present yourself as a potential officer, even if you are not 100% sure, then it's worth pitching up at Freshers Fair and enquiring.
No not at all, the UAS is about getting the miliary experience so to speak. If you are keen, they give out a few engineering bursaries every year.
EDITED: I can't speel. And just read what TPD wrote! I'm not functioning today...
EDITED: I can't speel. And just read what TPD wrote! I'm not functioning today...
threeportdrift
There is no problem with you not wanting to be aircrew , no, really there isn't. Indeed, if you offer yourself as an engineer nowdays, you generally only have to co-ordinate breathing and walking in a semi continuous form to be snapped up. However, you will have to display a modicum of knowledge about the RAF to get onto the UAS, the competition is generally pretty high, with most, although not all, people having a pretty definite desire to join the RAF after Uni.
Have a read through the previous threads, you can see that it's not quite the same as joining the Uni Sailing Club on the off chance that it will be fun. However, if you feel that you can present yourself as a potential officer, even if you are not 100% sure, then it's worth pitching up at Freshers Fair and enquiring.
, no, really there isn't. Indeed, if you offer yourself as an engineer nowdays, you generally only have to co-ordinate breathing and walking in a semi continuous form to be snapped up. However, you will have to display a modicum of knowledge about the RAF to get onto the UAS, the competition is generally pretty high, with most, although not all, people having a pretty definite desire to join the RAF after Uni. Have a read through the previous threads, you can see that it's not quite the same as joining the Uni Sailing Club on the off chance that it will be fun. However, if you feel that you can present yourself as a potential officer, even if you are not 100% sure, then it's worth pitching up at Freshers Fair and enquiring.
My grandfather was an engineer in the RAF in North Africa, and if anybody saw his war photos and didn't want to join the RAF they'd be mad. I noticed that UAS officer cadets don't get paid like they would in URNU or OTC, but ground crew aren't costing all that money through flying, so is it different? I don't care anyway, the uniforms are rather dashing whether I get paid or not.
UAS officer cadets get paid about £35 per day (8 hours) for upto 45 days per year. This is awarded for 'duty' such as training nights, summer camps, summer vacation attachments, days you spend at your squadron flying/ organising a christmas draw/ taking part in sport and adventure training.
Perhaps not a huge amount of money by itself, but when you put it into context - you're getting paid to have fun- and when you consider all the other bonuses you may get (free food and accommodation in the mess, free transport to and from training) then you can understand why not all taxpayers approve of UAS's!
Saying that though, nobody joins the UAS for the financial reward (I hope). I had so many great experiences and opportunities while I was on the UAS that I would happily have paid to be a member!
Hope that helps...
Perhaps not a huge amount of money by itself, but when you put it into context - you're getting paid to have fun- and when you consider all the other bonuses you may get (free food and accommodation in the mess, free transport to and from training) then you can understand why not all taxpayers approve of UAS's!
Saying that though, nobody joins the UAS for the financial reward (I hope). I had so many great experiences and opportunities while I was on the UAS that I would happily have paid to be a member!
Hope that helps...
Apply for a busary.....
Just a note on terminology, ground crew means specifically the engineering team that service and handle aircraft on the flightline, it implies Airmen rather than Officers.
There isn't really a polite, collective name that I can think of for officers who aren't aircrew - Ground pounders? Usually they are referred to by Branch or status, ie you would usually refer to a Junior Engineering Officer as a JEngO. There are variations on a more or less polite theme for the individual branches obviously!
There is of course Blunty, REMF, PONTI .....
There isn't really a polite, collective name that I can think of for officers who aren't aircrew - Ground pounders? Usually they are referred to by Branch or status, ie you would usually refer to a Junior Engineering Officer as a JEngO. There are variations on a more or less polite theme for the individual branches obviously!
There is of course Blunty, REMF, PONTI .....
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