I remember watching this on the Beeb as an 11 year old in Bolton. It inspired me to join the ATC and then pursue a career flying fast jets for the RAF. I joined the University Air Squadron whilst studying and then went for my Officer Air Crew Selection Board at Biggin Hill upon graduation. And failed miserably.......... I now work in an office. I'm going to go for a lie down and a bit of a cry now..... Thanks for posting. Bastard......
Nobby Nolevel I got as far as the 'Leadership and Officer Potential' tests in the Hangar with the planks, but blew out there, as I didn't have a clue ! To get that far, however, I had seen a bunch of amazing people fail because, even though they'd been Captain of Cricket or Rugby, or whatever, - they were shortsighted, or just too big for a Cockpit. I'd had never been anything like that (which probably explains my subsequent failure), and still remember the shock I felt when these 'superior beings' didn't make it.
You are in good company, I think the Air Force in general has shattered more dreams than any other institution...but that's why is so alluring too! I share your tears from Australia.
@@zanetrotter Only 1 in 10 even get in to a University Air Squadron......it is not an elite but it is selective. A low IQ chav like yourself wouldn't stand a chance.....dickhead.
This series was broadcast just as I was failing the second year of my Degree. I was born and bred in "Bomber County" a.k.a. Lincolnshire, surrounded by military bases, and this programme inspired me to try my luck as an RAF officer and pilot. Watching this series some 35 years on brought memories flooding back of those few days. I still have the BBC book that accompanied the series. And remarkably, by some miracle, I was selected for officer training in the General Duties (Pilot) branch. Happy memories...
To become a pilot is more than flying a plane. There is a inner feeling from a short age that calls you to make it. That´s why any time I watch this documentary I end on tears.
I completely understand. There's something of the chosen few in every air minded person. But to witness the inner workings of the RAF is a privilege. It also makes me emotional.
Fascinating. I was a USAF pilot in this era. The means to get your wings was vastly different between the UK and USA. Here, one needed to be an officer before even being considered for pilot training. That meant, at a minimum, college and officer training school, ROTC, or the USAF Academy. From there, it became competitive. The USAF was interested in raw ability, more so than in "Sporting pursuits" or anything smacking of "gentleman". I'm not saying the RAF process is wrong or flawed, just that it was very, very different.
Interesting, it appears that the stated raw ability wasnt relative until you became an officer. I wonder how many gifted pilots out there werent an officer candidate, but could whip the ass off one that was? It seems to me, that the RAF selection back then was open to anyone who could prove himself, not just afford college..... curious way to discern the search for "raw talent".
Your reply KurtB are extremely insulting and shows what an extremely short sighted with lack of common sense in your personality,you should do a little more research on your subject matter before opening your trap
I have been searching for this series for years! I knew it was what I’d been looking for as soon as the theme started! Many thanks to you for posting these. I’m now looking forward to viewing the entire series thanks to your generosity. 👏🏼👍🏼😉 Instantly I was back as a youngster tuning into BBC2 on a Thursday evening...
Was always my dream. I don’t know why but I always had a burning desire to fly in the RAF from a very young age. Sadly I’m not made the right way for it. Great to watch these docs.
Great show and 1st episode. Some are complaining about the audio, yes I know it fades in and out, however this has been recorded on video tape (originally captured on what I assume would be 16mm Film then transferred to video for broadcast TV use), then after been broadcast, recorded at home on a VCR a long time ago, or it's an archive video tape, hence the audio quality; we are lucky to have it all! If it's too hard to watch because of the audio it's best to look elsewhere, complaining/commenting about what is an old clip won't change when it was made, when it was recorded, etc, i.e. manage your expectations; it's not "new". Never expect old home recorded/archive footage and audio (unless it's been restored professionally) to be like modern digital video and sound. The audio does improve after about 19:41, becoming more consistent. Interestingly 3 out of the final 6 selected to continue on were serving RAF Airmen/In-Service applicants; no doubt being serving members assisted them greatly. Thanks for uploading, kind regards.
These interviews are so telling even to this day. They’re not at all that far removed from the fighter pilot interviews which are conducted today, even all the way on the other side of the Atlantic.
This is weird. I recognize the theme tune to this programme. I've had it reeling round my head for most of my life and I sometimes wonder what that piece of music is. Now I know. I must have watched this as a kid and only remembered subconsciously.
OASC - Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre is now at RAF Cranwell. Think it moved from Biggin in 1993. A b-y nerve wracking three days thought me having been through OASC aged 1) 18 at Biggin and 2) 22 at Cranwell. On both trials everyone wanting to be leader was the biggest challenge - especially bearing in mind the constant observation factor!
I remember this series - I had failed pilot selection at Biggin Hill in 1973 ( I reapplied and was successful in getting selected as a controller in 1985). I had RAF friends throughout - and they were horrified that the series focused so much on failure. It was like a foreshadowing of Big Brother, with a candidate rejected every week. The irony was that the 'Golden Boy', who they expected to be the star of the show, had a crisis of conscience towards the end and voluntarily withdrew himself from training. The chap that ended up succeeding was the ex-milkman (nothing wrong in that), but ended up flying bombers (Buccaneers) rather than fighters...
So when you said "Exactly" what you meant was Nothing like? I grew up with a group of neighborhood kids, the "Slow" one of the group would always say "It's the same thing only different". Smh
Have seen this too . There was another series about pilot training for new pilots. If they sneezed the wrong way the students were given a rough a very rough time. I remember feeling a bit sorry for them it was rough but most passed in the end. Great series of programs.
One familiar face there. Martin was with me for Op CORPORATE and I think later on LXX. Funny how when the cameras are around everyone's wearing No1s. My main memory of the hangar exercises was the DS rolling on the floor, holding their sides in uncontrollable laughter. You don't do that in your best blues.
The buccaneer is a beautiful aircraft, in some ways superior to the phantom, it can carry as much ordinance is more maneuverable and is far more fuel efficient.
I attended OASC in 1982 and joined the RAF in 1983, it was interesting to see that the stronger candidates in the team groups were at the extremes, so out of team of 6, then 1 and 6 were the stronger candidates, I was D3 and so must have done poorly in the interview 😂 Another point, the chap with blonde hair in Production Management who “spoke to a fellow” in Brighton was shown not to pass, years later I bumped into him, he was a S/L pilot on Air sea Rescue!
@@gsmdo8836 Well played ! I was a mere 18 y.o but my confidence grew in part 2 and overall I enjoyed the experience. I chuckle now to recall what appeared to be D.I.Y machines they employed to test aptitude 😂
The RAF have changed the process some years ago (at least by 2014) so you have to go twice, once ONLY for aptitude and once for the rest of the selection. I guess so that they can do aptitude as a standalone process (including for non-RAF candidates) and integrate those going for non-aptitude branches with the passing aptitude-branch candidates..
This was filmed back when NATO meant something. I was stationed with the British and the Canadians back in the late 80s. They were well trained and friendly guys. Now however the troops are just fodder for our glorious and courageous president. Look how bravely he defended Bengazzi and attacks the NRA.
My experience at Biggin Hill, your blood pressure seems a bit high. Maybe that’s because I’m at OASC... At least I had to wait for the letter in the post rather than a 410
The Bucc in the intro - I'm guessing the stbd outboard is an ECM pod? Could they carry an AIM-9 on the other outboard for self defence? Finally, would they carry a 'shape' in the bay, or under the wings, and fuel in the bay? Hopefully this isn't still secret squirrel stuff, I'm just curious :)
As pointed out during the film, it seems so many of these guys don't appear to really have it in their blood to be a fighter pilot. I would have thought at the very least there needs to be a casual interest in aviation. An obvious example would have been being a member of the air cadets or having had some flying lessons, maybe even gaining a PPL, or of course, a present role as an Airman. Considering the extremely demanding training that will follow, you really need to want to succeed and surely this can only come with having a real desire for the end game? With all due respect to the following, its not as if its the same as training to be an IT Engineer, a plumber or a project manager. Not surprisingly, these guys are quickly found out at the start.
I have met those in civvy flying - guys who train to fly Boeings etc with an airline but when you chat to them, they exhibit little interest in aviation, aircraft or flying itself! It appears that it is "just a job" to them! Puzzling to me.
@@stewartw.9151 Maybe they were once keen on aviation but the demands of the training and then the job itself has changed them?? I used to be a bit of an IT enthusiast. Now I've been working in it for 20 years it really is just a means to an end.
I am in that same boat - IT since 1997 and enough is getting to be enough now! My enthusiasm for that today is more in line with the fact that for a little time, knowledge and outlay, the money can be pretty good - so call me a cynic! I am sure that life on the forces is not a walk in the park. I know a few ex-military pilots too who flew Mirages, Impalas, Buccaneers and helicopters in combat and some describe the bullshit and bureaucracy that is involved and the relatively low pay compared to, for instance flying for an airline etc. But these people in the video are the newbies who I would have thought would be all fired up to get into the latest and greatest Skybuster MK22 and go fight for their country and all that good stuff! As a youngster about to leave school, I and a bunch of other kids were checked out at Cranwell for flight training potential - interviews, a flight in a Jet Provost and finally a basic medical. Damn, it was a bad day for this budding aviator as I failed the eyesight and in those days I think you needed 20/20 vision!
@@stewartw.9151 Glad you can empathise. I was once extremely into building PC's and could more or less name every clock speed, multiplier and voltage for each CPU on the market!!!! Was great when you could make money from simply building people PC's. Now more or less an IT Project manager of which I really enjoy. Have little idea or interest as to what the latest kit is out there. I leave that to the younger techies! Also loath to get into casual conversation about IT with peers because it usually involves me being put on the spot and then feeling a little sheepish because you can't answer their 'how to' user request without googling. But back to topic also know a number of people who have been commissioned in the forces. To get through Officer training is bloody hard work and this soon sorts the men from the boys. (non commissioned is hard too) More than anything you have to really want it to succeed. Little sleep for days on end, feeling exhausted yet still expected to perform physically and mentally. Most recruitment checks ensure the majority of candidates who do go into training are suitable. Some who are academically very capable but lack real determination make it on but often choose to withdraw from training. No shame as at least they tried. I applied twice for the RAF on a commissioned technical role but was not selected first due to concerns with a back operation I'd had two years before. Came back 20 years later, fitter, stronger and more capable than ever but was again not selected due to mild historic asthma!!! (the RAF accepts applicants in some roles to age 48) They really do scrutinise and for the right reasons too. Good luck to all those who make it on. But you've got to really want it.
In the RAF system some who don't make it as pilots are retreaded as navigators. Others are discharged. If they made everyone who failed stay in they would have far too many non-flying officers with little or nothing for them to do.
I guess my question would be...if they don't succeed in becoming pilots, are they discharged to civilian life, or are they required to still fulfill a term as a nonflying officer? I think in the US, you have to become an officer, then take your chances on succeeding through flight school. If you don't make it through, the US Air Force forces you to still work for them for a few years. It's a benefit to the applicant in the British system if that is so.
I'm currently tsking flight lessons and in a year I get my license afterwards I'm going to college and then joining the us air force how do you think my chances of flying anywhere from a warthog to an eagle or raptor would be?
Very interesting that they allow anyone to apply, although I'm sure they have initial requirements. I wonder if they will give you a second chance? In the US, you have to be an officer in the Air Force first, right?
Then it was a minimum of 5 "0" Levels however you are now looking at 8-10 GCSE's, 3/4 "A" Levels and Honours Degree which I think is ridiculous ! The Fleet Air Arm stipulate 8 GCSE's plus 2 "A" Levels as being the "norm".
remember this series as a kid, wide eyed and wanting to be one of these guys....alas now I'm a grumpy old 40 something taxpayer who's dreams were shattered by colourblindness and stupid government disarmament policies!!!
Saw episode 1 and 2. I felt sorry for those blokes that has their character flaws so unceremoniously exposed on this BBC show. After days of tests to be flushed down the loo. I hope their friends were not watching.
I'd rather fly an Hercules or other large transports than a fighter pilot. As an ex squaddie my dream plane would have been a VC10. Looks like a huge fighter & flies just short of 1000mph. What's not to like😊.
Interesting to see the parallels between the RAF’s selection process and how they make their determinations well before any candidate has set foot in an aircraft. I much prefer the US Air Force’s method by which they hold a “drop night,” where candidates hear the airframe they have been selected for upon graduation of pilot training as it allows for them to demonstrate their flying skills, not their ability to twirl around a bucket or assemble wooden planks.
I wonder why it is the BBC that dominates this kind of video? I realize this video is from the early 90's and does not really fit with things today. My main point or idea is how it seems the US has moved aside and willingly let the BBC take on this role. I do enjoy many BBC shows (except the ones that concentrate on people with strong accents and do not add subtitles)
it's all about the money! BBC is government supported. no commercials. these kinds of programs don't make money for the producers, so they're not made in the good ol USofA
The RAF although revered, is terribly snobbish in a golf club sort of way. Condescending and smug officers put off working class lads from council estates who were aviation mad and just wanted to fly. I found this deeply disheartening all through my years in the ATC. I had enough qualifications but found the interviews very off putting. My father was a labourer, my mother a cleaner and this raised a smug grin from the interviewer.
Came from a working class background. Have to agree decided to become an Aerospace Engineer working throughout Europe on most Aviation projects. Glad i never joint in the end.
If they had to fill the seats of fighters in wartime their selection process would not be so judgemental. Does that mean the pilots would be less qualified, adequate, or capable? I think this process is more about a low military budget, and opinion, than capability. I think that was evident when those two British pilots were shot down and captured in 1991.
Probably because this is a pretty old bit of film now, somehow about being grateful for the upload that someone has taken the time and effort to do so you can be here watching it rather than being rude about the sound quality! Theres always one!
