Joining UAS

Im interested in joining a UAS, i applied last year and wasnt accepted, not even for an interview. Since im considering applying this year i was wondering if you have any advice in standing out as an applicant to give youself the best chance. The reasons i believe my application failed last year was because i hadnt showed any evidence of leadership or responsibliy. Therefore ive applied for a job and may consider volentary work at my local hospital. Ive also taken up rowing which i was going to do anyway. Any other ideas or advice? I also play the guitar, which i thought they might consider less highly because it involves time spent on your own, am i right? My A level grades were CDD in maths, physics and chemistry, which i thought might be another reason for them turning down my application, however im currently doing a Physics degree.

Reply 1

BlackHawk

17

I assume you are talking about a university air squadron. You should know that these are very hard to get into and joining one is the same as joining the RAF itself. UAS is generally open to those who have recived a university sponsership through the RAF. Have you?

Reply 2

BOOM!!

OP

No, i havnt recieved sponsership. Havnt applied either.

Reply 3

BlackHawk

17

are you wanting to join the RAF at all?

Reply 4

BOOM!!

OP

I have for a long time, and have always been interested in the military and aircraft especially. So the UAS would be ideal if i was accepted.

Reply 5

BlackHawk

17

right, well how far did you get before? In order to join a UAS there are 2 interviews followed by a medical, much like actually joining the RAF. A lot of places go to those on sponsership so the competition will be hard for you. If you failed once already, dont worry. Applying for a second time actually shows a lot of determination, and will put you in a good position to get in. You need to look on the interview as if you were really trying to get into the RAF. Know you stuff. They will ask you about your knowledge on RAF matters and why you wnat to join-as Im sure you are aware. Also although they would like to see that you are an active person most UAS meet about once a week and want your commitment also. Definatly look at team sports basketball, football, etc. Playing the guitar is also good as it balances you out as an individual and shows that you can function just as well on your own. Remember that LOTS of people apply, more than there are spaces so dont get disheartened if you dont succeed first time.

Reply 6

Rhys

i applied last year and wasnt accepted, not even for an interview. Since im considering applying this year i was wondering if you have any advice in standing out as an applicant to give youself the best chance.

Hey Boom, where did you apply? I'm going to apply this september when/if i go to Manchester Salford. What happened when you applied? Did they contact you back?

Hey sublime_envy did you go to UAS? Will i really have to be as well prepared as if i was going to OASC?!

tbh i'm quite worried after reading this thread. i've watched a programs called high flyers a few times, it's based on UAS around the UK. on one episode they went through the selection of new candidates in the UAS. They made it look as though they select anybody who wants to join.

Reply 7

andrew_200

hey can sum 1 answer my question please regarding nc aircrew

Reply 8

BOOM!!

OP

Rhys

Hey Boom, where did you apply? I'm going to apply this september when/if i go to Manchester Salford. What happened when you applied? Did they contact you back?

Hey sublime_envy did you go to UAS? Will i really have to be as well prepared as if i was going to OASC?!.

I applied to East Midlands UAS, they were at a freshers fair at my uni. If your interested in joining they ask you to talk to one of their flying instructors while at the freshers fair, who asks you questions about why you want to join etc. Then they give you an application form, which after youve filled it in and handed it in, you wait unitll they send you a letter saying whether you have been asked for an interview. My letter said that the amount of applicants was very high this year and therefore making it quite competitive. I dont think anyone can just walk in and join since they are looking for people as potential pilots, therefore you may have to take an aplitude test as well. Also need to be medically fit etc.

Reply 9

Wzz

11

BOOM!!

Im interested in joining a UAS, i applied last year and wasnt accepted, not even for an interview. Since im considering applying this year i was wondering if you have any advice in standing out as an applicant to give youself the best chance.

To be honest, UAS interviews tend to be a lot more casual than OASC ones. The initial chat with a QFI is to stream down the hundreds of applicants into maybe 2-3 dozen who are worth interviewing for the few places they might have, and it tends to be done very much on feel. The QFIs tend to be very experienced guys, and they're looking for people who just seem right; who look motivated, capable, intelligent and look like someone they might like to see in the RAF some day.

Unlike OASC, they're unlikely to be convinced by some extra voluntary work or sports or whatever, as they're looking at you in a much broader sense initially. If you're sporty, that'll look good, likewise if you seem like a smart guy that'll help. But on the downside, if the QFI just gets a bad feeling about you, for whatever reason, that'll count against you.

Joining UAS

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