RAF or University then RAF

I've applied for university and received a conditional offer for the course I wanna do. The course is Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies. (This course is recommended as a pilot’s pathway in the civil world e.g. commercial flying)

However, I’ve always been in a split decision weather to join the RAF as a pilot or go through Uni and hopefully become a commercial pilot. I've decided I want to become a pilot in the RAF, or at least have a career in the RAF that involves flying. Besides I could never financially support myself to get a frozen ATPL in civil flying.
I'm doing my A-level exams this month and will apply for a university pilot scholarship if it is not to late after my exams. The thing is if I apply for direct entry to the RAF I probably wont be invited to OASC till gone September, therfore i should take a gap year as there will be no point in starting uni if i get in the RAF. I think ive got what it takes to become an officer in the RAF regardless of the job role, I also prefer their way of life. However, if I take a gap year and don’t get in the RAF then ive basically wasted a year of my Uni education. I know I could reapply six months later, which is a benefit. If I don’t get into the RAF during the gap year I probably will go to Uni the following September. This means I’ll finish Uni when I’m 24, too old to apply for a pilot in the RAF.

If I do go to Uni. I will apply to get into the UAS (which I would be in if I get the scholarship) as I hear a large majority of RAF pilots are recruited from UAS's.
Do you think it will be too much, I mean doing a degree and earning PPL as well as flying in the university air squadron? It’s too late to apply for a less demanding degree course.

What would you do, go to Uni? and join the UAS? Take a gap year and apply for the RAF?
Sorry my English is piss poor! Any feedback would be great. :smile:

Reply 1

BlackHawk

17

In your situation I would probably go to university. You said that you are sitting your exams now....have you passed AFCO? I passed a few weeks ago and I doubt if I will be in OASC for September. Some people wait almost a year before they have their final interview. You have to remember that unless they are activly recruiting in a feild it can be a slow process. Phone your local AFCO and see about the scholarship but I think it has expired for this year. The course that you have chosen to do would be good as it shows you are interested in flying as a career. But if you were offered the chance to fly commercially would you take it over the RAF? You should apply to different airlines to sponser you, they will usually pay all the costs as long as you join their airline.

Reply 2

Rhys

OP

I've been looking into sponsorship from airlines for a few weeks now. Its v.hard competition, but isnt any job regarding piloting.
I've been to the AFCO a few times now for general chats and will visit them again after my exams to review my situation and what can come of it. Thanks for your reply.

Reply 3

Rhys

OP

sublime_envy

....have you passed AFCO? I passed a few weeks ago and I doubt if I will be in OASC for September. Some people wait almost a year before they have their final interview.

Are the aptitude examinations the only thing you have to pass at AFCO? how long do they take? How hard are they? What do they involve?

I understand you have a job selection interview after your aptitude tests. Can they turn you down at this interview? Even if your aptitude tests are acceptable, or is the interview just about the job you choose in general and what OASC will be like/how to prepare for it?

Reply 4

icklecathy

Are the aptitude examinations the only thing you have to pass at AFCO? how long do they take? How hard are they? What do they involve?

I understand you have a job selection interview after your aptitude tests. Can they turn you down at this interview? Even if your aptitude tests are acceptable, or is the interview just about the job you choose in general and what OASC will be like/how to prepare for it?

That's not quite right. For Officer Selection (which is what you'll have to do to be a Pilot) you first have a 2-3hr presentation by a serving Officer at your AFCO. Dress smart and ask q's. Then you can book an interview, usually with the same Officer that did the interview, prob about a month or two later.

This interview is basically a filter to get rid of time wasters who know nothing about the RAF or the job they want to do. It's about half an hour and you'll get a good idea at thened of whether you are going to OASC or not.

You get an official letter about 2-3 wks later giving you an OASC date, which is usually about 3-4 months away, dpeending on when you are applying.

You won't do aptitude tests until the first stage of OASC. I think they can last up to 6hrs, although if you want to be a Pilot you would prob need to be doing them a lot faster than that.

Hope that helps.

Reply 5

Rhys

OP

yeah, it does. thanks!

I've been to the AFCO in Bristol before and sat through the presentation but left after, i was only 17 at the time, to young to apply as you know. I have to say i had the biggest dead ass toward the end of the presentation! :rolleyes:

RAF or University then RAF

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