Learning to fly planes // RAF question.

apeZ · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:13

Hey OCUK.

Little question regarding flying - it's something I have always wanted to do, but I'm still young, so hopefully in the future

If you join the RAF, do they 'teach' you how to fly as part of your job, or do they expect you to already know - and what sort of requirements would you be looking at for a job in the RAF, specifically flying?

Sinque · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:14

apeZ said:
Hey OCUK.

Little question regarding flying - it's something I have always wanted to do, but I'm still young, so hopefully in the future

If you join the RAF, do they 'teach' you how to fly as part of your job, or do they expect you to already know - and what sort of requirements would you be looking at for a job in the RAF, specifically flying?

If you have to ask that sort of question then you most probably don't have the requirements.

And you're up against the best of the best in the country. So you'll want A Maths and Physics at GCSE, A Further Maths and Physics at A Level whilst in the cadets etc.

KaHn · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:15

Sinque said:
If you have to ask that sort of question then you most probably don't have the requirements.

And you're up against the best of the best in the country. So you'll want A Maths and Physics at GCSE, A Further Maths and Physics at A Level whilst in the cadets etc.

Bit harsh, how old are you OP?

KaHn

JonnyT · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:16

The RAF will teach you how to fly, don't worry about that! It's well worth looking into joining your local ATC (Air Training Corps) and/or investigating University Air Squadrons if you're going to Uni as these are a good stepping stone to that goal.

Fyebot · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:17

They'll obviously teach you if you're a pilot with them and I'd doubt they expect you to have learnt how to before, although having shown some interest or effort towards it will probably be seen as a positive.

I remember one of my friends was quite keen to join but was worried that he'd be colourblind and unable to fly .. but I'm sure there's a lot more people beter qualified to answer your questions than my guesses

apeZ · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:18

Sinque said:
If you have to ask that sort of question then you most probably don't have the requirements.

And you're up against the best of the best in the country. So you'll want A Maths and Physics at GCSE, A Further Maths and Physics at A Level whilst in the cadets etc.

Actually, I got both A in Maths and Physics at GCSE. I am currently doing the International Baccalaureate - this was just one of many career paths I was considering.

The reason I asked was simply because I do not know a lot about the RAF, it is something I am going to look into in more depth, hence why I asked the question

apeZ · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:18

KaHn said:
Bit harsh, how old are you OP?

KaHn

16, in 6th form at school.

Repta · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:18

http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/pilot.cfm

that page should tell you everything you need.

Also have a look into the navy and army (only helicopters) if you want to fly

apeZ · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:22

Cheers for the link, this part was particularly interesting.

You can apply to join the RAF as a pilot directly from sixth form. We provide £2,000 sponsorship during your Upper Sixth year and after you’ve joined, you can then study for an Open University degree and work for us at the same time.

Alternatively, you can apply for a Sixth Form Scholarship of £1,000, followed by a University Bursary of £1,000 a year if you study for a degree you’ve agreed with us. In return, we ask you to become a member of the University Air Squadron (UAS) (or Air Training Corps while you’re at school) and to join the RAF once you finish your studies.

As well as financial support, UAS is an opportunity to get first-hand experience of working with our people, technology and aircraft – and we’ll also give you free flying lessons.

Might pop into the local army office on my way home from school tommorow, see if they have any more information. Thanks for the help so far though!

Dave · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:24

Sinque said:
And you're up against the best of the best in the country. So you'll want A Maths and Physics at GCSE, A Further Maths and Physics at A Level whilst in the cadets etc.

My stepbrother got into the RAF and he got B, C, C at A levels (Spanish, Chemistry, Geography) - I don't think they mind so much about your grades as your ability to be independent, demonstrate fast logical thinking etc. The recruitment processes are pretty tricky!

Begbie · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:26

All depends on your grades and age. If you are only 16 get down to your local AFCO now, they will be more than willing to help you out. Also if they feel you are good enough will help with costs towards university.

Forces life isn't for everyone though and make sure it is defiantly what you want.

Of course if you can't join as a pilot there will be chances in the RAF to go for some flying lessons of course not to the same extent as fighter jets.

Loads of other threads on here which will be worth a read through.

I should be hoping to join shortly after the new year, pending fitness test.

Repta · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:27

Your grades help a bit but the most important thing is how you do in your air aplitude test. I cant tell you what they invovle yet but im due to go to RAF Cranwell soon to do them so will let you know when i get back. Looking to become a pilot in the army but the tests are the same i believe.

Your local recruiting office will be able to give you a lot more information

Sinque · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:29

Dave said:
My stepbrother got into the RAF and he got B, C, C at A levels (Spanish, Chemistry, Geography) - I don't think they mind so much about your grades as your ability to be independent, demonstrate fast logical thinking etc. The recruitment processes are pretty tricky!

As a pilot?

Vulcan · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:39

apeZ said:
If you join the RAF, do they 'teach' you how to fly as part of your job

Only pilots and WSOs learn how to fly. With other trades you can get your PPL at a cheaper rate than what a civilian would pay.

Repta said:
Your grades help a bit but the most important thing is how you do in your air aplitude test. I cant tell you what they invovle yet but im due to go to RAF Cranwell soon to do them so will let you know when i get back. Looking to become a pilot in the army but the tests are the same i believe.

Your local recruiting office will be able to give you a lot more information

Well, unlike the Army, in the Air Force you join as an officer so you also need leadership potential as well.

snowball1 · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:48

apeZ said:
Actually, I got both A in Maths and Physics at GCSE. I am currently doing the International Baccalaureate - this was just one of many career paths I was considering.

The reason I asked was simply because I do not know a lot about the RAF, it is something I am going to look into in more depth, hence why I asked the question

If you are near a RAF station, get in touch with the media officer, you should be able to get a visit arranged.

Jonnycoupe · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:49

Dave said:
My stepbrother got into the RAF and he got B, C, C at A levels (Spanish, Chemistry, Geography) - I don't think they mind so much about your grades as your ability to be independent, demonstrate fast logical thinking etc. The recruitment processes are pretty tricky!

Sticking with the OP and flying only a few trades involve flying in the RAF.

BigglesPiP · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:50

If you join the air cadets they will teach you to fly now, for free.

It's not easy to get into a flying job in the RAF, they don't expect you to already fly by the way,

Begbie · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:53

BigglesPiP said:
If you join the air cadets they will teach you to fly now, for free.

It's not easy to get into a flying job in the RAF, they don't expect you to already fly by the way,

This aswell, I flew a few times with the cadets.

Brilliant, best experince of my life. This does all depend on your squadron though, mines was very small and the oppurtunties were very slim.

Definatly join up though, the cadets is great and you will meet so many people from all accross the country.

Andr3w · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:58

lol you only get taught how to fly in the RAF if you join as a pilot...obviously??

I think the last i heard about 2% of the the RAF are pilots!

I love the pilots on my station they are completely different to most people you will meet, i remember wanting to cross a taxi way but i had to give way to a plane and they did the classic 'wave' that you do when you drive a car

Jonnycoupe · 21 Oct 2008 at 22:00

Sinque said:
If you have to ask that sort of question then you most probably don't have the requirements.

And you're up against the best of the best in the country. So you'll want A Maths and Physics at GCSE, A Further Maths and Physics at A Level whilst in the cadets etc.

When you up against the best its down to aptitude rather than A-level grades. The 5 hour aptitude test on the computers at OASC Cranwell will tell them far more than any A-levels.

Join an ATC squadron and go to your local AFCO and apply for the sixth form scholorship (+flying scholorship). Its will be harder to impress your desire to join the RAF as a pilot when you cant pull the childhood dream cliche that joining cadets at 13 will give you but its worth a crack even for the character building.

Its important to impress from day one in the careers office as they will select who goes to cranwell.