SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Will you say that about your "shooty missles" button too? Yes, actually lol... :-D The smilies don't work either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz6002 Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 You'd make a good sailor Shane On a serious note, aim for the sky mate. If you want something bad enough there is always a possibility of it happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 I would certainly stay on track to be a commissioned officer. The end product is worth its weight in gold as it certainly sets you up for the future. The only thing that I would say is that wanting to be a pilot and an officer is probably the hardest of all the career possibilities open to conventional mainstream personnel. All 3 services allow you to fly rotary-wing aircraft but the RAF is the only fixed wing option if you should want to follow that route. As an example but if you wanted to attempt Army Officer Pilot selection then here are the estimated timelines from first applying to the time you receive your rotary-wings:cool: The bracketed figures are the accumulated number of months from start to finish: 1. Apply via Careers Information Office. 2. Initial interview and assessment phase - (2) 3. Familirisation phase where you choose a cap badge (Army Air Corps or alternative) (6) 4. Pre-Regular Commissions attendance to see if you are potential officer material (8) 5. Regular Commissions Board Proper (the actual 3-day officer selection phase) - (12) 6. Waiting for next officer training intake - (14) 7. 12-month Army Officer Commissioning Course (26) 8. Young Officer Course following Sandhurst (29) 9. The wait for the next pilots course (29 - I have amalgamated the timelines with serial 8). 10. 15-month Military Rotary-wing course (44) 11. Apache AH-64WD Conversion course (56) The above is approximate but not far off. I would say that is would take between 44-months for a conventional heli appointment (i.e. Lynx) to 56-months in the case of the Apache qualification. The RAF and Navy take up to 12-months less as the selection & training for Army officer is a lot longer. The failure rate for rotary pilots is approx 40% during training and the drop out rate at Sandhurst is 35% (My course started with 340 guys and 212 finished but that's when it was a hard course LOL:d) Finally, you will have to undergo rotary-pilot assessments prior to you commencing the expensive training phase as no one wishes to spend 300k on a fool:rolleyes: Hope this helps mate;) Thanks very much for the info SupraAyf... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 if you are coming to the basingstoke meet - can have a chat if you want about the RAF side of stuff Yeh that would be good thanks Si... So was is it that you do in the RAF then mate?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 You'd make a good sailor Shane On a serious note, aim for the sky mate. If you want something bad enough there is always a possibility of it happening. Maybe you should join me Gaz lol... :-D I know it sounds quite far fetched but i do believe it is achievable, well i know at least i can get the grades and will be able to apply, but beyond that, who knows... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz6002 Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 I know it sounds quite far fetched but i do believe it is achievable, well i know at least i can get the grades and will be able to apply, but beyond that, who knows... It's not as far fetched as you might think. You just need to be 100% commited to making it work. Why not try and find someone who's done it who would be willing to sit down and have a beer with you and talk it through? You'll soon get an idea if it's for you. I'm actually doing something slightly similar although nothing to do with the forces or flying, but I've decided to make massive changes in my life and I believe it can work out. All the best with it dude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraAyf Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Thanks very much for the info SupraAyf... No problems mate;) The only thing I would add is that Fast Jet Training is massively different to rotary by way of selection and testing. The process from what I know of friends attempting the course is that you best be prepared for a hard few years:rolleyes: If you fail fast-jet (which happens to the majority of guys) then the RAF will offer you a Hercules transport aircraft to fly as a thank you card for spending 6-years in training with them:D The first thing I would do is apply for a Commission in the RAF/Navy/Army and then don't look back:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraAyf Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 It's not as far fetched as you might think. You just need to be 100% commited to making it work. Why not try and find someone who's done it who would be willing to sit down and have a beer with you and talk it through? You'll soon get an idea if it's for you. Best advice so far. At the end of the day someone has to do the job so why not you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJButler Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 (Now i have spoken to my parents for advice, and my dad served in the Navy as was in the Falklands war and he doesnt want me to join the RAF or the Navy as he is basing that on his experience's and he thinks i wont last 5 minutes in the forces.) I well remember my old man saying something like that when i told him i had joined the army, great, every time i felt like chucking it in i thought no, he's not going to get the chance to say "i told you so". Now i'm smart enough to see he was smarter than me. As long as you are prepared for a character transplant you should be fine, Go for it!!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colsoop Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Get the college courses booked You could get started in September if you hurry ! Even if you don't join the forces A levels are always a good thing to have (in useful subjects though ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 It's not as far fetched as you might think. You just need to be 100% commited to making it work. Why not try and find someone who's done it who would be willing to sit down and have a beer with you and talk it through? You'll soon get an idea if it's for you. I'm actually doing something slightly similar although nothing to do with the forces or flying, but I've decided to make massive changes in my life and I believe it can work out. All the best with it dude. Yeh thanks very much Gaz, what are you planning to do then?? I just want to do something very challenging and have fun while doing it. Being a fast jet pilot does it for me and that's what i want to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 No problems mate;) The only thing I would add is that Fast Jet Training is massively different to rotary by way of selection and testing. The process from what I know of friends attempting the course is that you best be prepared for a hard few years:rolleyes: If you fail fast-jet (which happens to the majority of guys) then the RAF will offer you a Hercules transport aircraft to fly as a thank you card for spending 6-years in training with them:D The first thing I would do is apply for a Commission in the RAF/Navy/Army and then don't look back:cool: Ok SupraAyf, how do i go about applying for a commission and not trying to sound silly, what is it?? lol... :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Get the college courses booked You could get started in September if you hurry ! Even if you don't join the forces A levels are always a good thing to have (in useful subjects though ) Thanks djbutler and colsoop, i really appreciate the advice... ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz6002 Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Yeh thanks very much Gaz, what are you planning to do then?? I'm moving down to Poole this month to study something completely new - I can't wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 I'm moving down to Poole this month to study something completely new - I can't wait! Ooh, what's that then?? :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz6002 Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Ooh, what's that then?? :-) It's a secret! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 It's a secret! Ahh, ok...lol... :-P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiceRocket Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 I think these days you gotta ask yourself if you'd be ok with going to war in pointless places such as Iraqistan, and not so much as potentially defending the country unless the Ruskies start getting bigger ideas. One plus would be that you could be away a lot and thus get your Supra SORNed saving on road tax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbm Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Good luck with your pursuit Shane. I too wanted to fly fast jets. Did the ATC thing for 3 years, went on summer camps, particularlly enjoyed RAF Coningsby, home of 617 "Dambusters" Squadron IIRC. I had a week's camp there (as a cadet) in 1985 and back then Tornados and Phantoms were whizzing about the place. Loud, fast and exciting- oh yes! (Top Gun came out the following year too ) They've got Typhoons there now. Went to Biggin Hill for Officer/Aircrew Selection- Anyway, I tried but failed- I was too short, too thick and a spot of hayfever never helped. Yeah that's it- it was the hayfever Probably just as well. If you saw me drive the supe, you'd be thinking- Dear God, how did they let this man be in charge of a £50,000,000 flying machine?? However, go and do it- see what happens and the best of luck to you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Well, i have the GCSE's but not the A-levels. To be able to apply for a Pilot, you need 5 GCSE's and 2 A-levels. To me, that is very achievable and that's why i was thinking about going to night school or something similar to get my A-levels. The latest age for the RAF as a pilot is 23... The latest age for the Navy as a pilot is 26... Obviously should i get in, then it becomes much harder but im willing to try... that seems odd to me, as the navy fly RAF jets! - unless you go rotary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 I think these days you gotta ask yourself if you'd be ok with going to war in pointless places such as Iraqistan, and not so much as potentially defending the country unless the Ruskies start getting bigger ideas. One plus would be that you could be away a lot and thus get your Supra SORNed saving on road tax That's one positve i suppose; £220.00 saved! :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 that seems odd to me, as the navy fly RAF jets! - unless you go rotary Well that's what i thought, but the RAF state the latest age is 23 for a pilot and the Navy state that 26 is th latest age... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Well that's what i thought, but the RAF state the latest age is 23 for a pilot and the Navy state that 26 is th latest age... if you want on sunday can chat as I have been though the commisioning/selection process... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Good luck with your pursuit Shane. I too wanted to fly fast jets. Did the ATC thing for 3 years, went on summer camps, particularlly enjoyed RAF Coningsby, home of 617 "Dambusters" Squadron IIRC. I had a week's camp there (as a cadet) in 1985 and back then Tornados and Phantoms were whizzing about the place. Loud, fast and exciting- oh yes! (Top Gun came out the following year too ) They've got Typhoons there now. Went to Biggin Hill for Officer/Aircrew Selection- Anyway, I tried but failed- I was too short, too thick and a spot of hayfever never helped. Yeah that's it- it was the hayfever Probably just as well. If you saw me drive the supe, you'd be thinking- Dear God, how did they let this man be in charge of a £50,000,000 flying machine?? However, go and do it- see what happens and the best of luck to you Oh, thats a shame Lbm, im going to go to college, get my A levels and apply. Hopefully, i may have a chance... Whats the minimum height for a pilot?? Does anyone know?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSoop Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 if you want on sunday can chat as I have been though the commisioning/selection process... Ok Si yeh that would be good please mate as it would be nice to have some insight as to what i need to do and what happens... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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