Best advice is to try it and if you fail, learn and try again. Very few succeed first time regardless of the amount of prep and generally you learn a lot more from failure - applies to anything worth getting in life.
I work for a job recruiter in a completely different industry, and your advice is good for other professions as well. Consciously working toward making yourself a well-rounded person can be helpful on your CV, but it's also helpful for your life in general. 🙂
Thank you so much for this. It’s what I needed to hear. I’m midway through the application now, got my RITS interview (online, not even with a recruiter nowadays) in about 2 weeks. I’m Worried I don’t have enough proof of volunteering/leadership experience, but I’m hoping that everything else I have going for me will be enough to pull me through to OASC. I Can prove myself there. I have been doing what you described and building it up too much in my head. Hearing that the worst thing I can hear is just “no” is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you again. Hope to see you around ;)
@@jameshanley9418 That's fantastic! It might have changed since I went through, but I did speak to a friend of mine the other day that went through it recently. Just remember that they are looking for leadership qualities, look to add positive input even when you are not in the leader role. Best of luck!
Not to shit on your dream young man but the waiting time for becoming a Pilot may never come so you may become a desk jockey. If this is your dream fight for it! I'm 24 and thinking of enlisting my big age . never let anybody tell you no
A quick update to the aircrew selection process. After CBAT testing at Cranwell, the filter interview has now become SHINE pre recorded interview. If your CBAT scores are good enough you will be sent a link which opens a set of pre determined questions which you then record your answers. You get between 90secs and 2 minutes to answer, you can re record an answer if you stumble. The time scale is a week from your link going active. The questions are as mentioned, current events, NATO,AirPower- what is it? General things like why do you want to join the RAF. Lots of info about SHINE on Reddit links. This has now replaced the face to face interview before OASC. Fail this interview and its goodbye and thanks for trying. Pass and its on to OASC.
Best advice find Doctor Who go back to 1966 join as a GD/P and be combat ready on a front line fast jet Squadron in Germany or Cyprus or Singapore within 3 years...today forget it .
Amazing video! Gave me a great insight into what kind of thing I will potentially experience in years to come. I just wanted to ask whether saying you are an air cadet is credited or accounted for during the selection process as I am currently an air cadet myself and I feel like the qualities I am gaining and will continue to gain will be incredibly advantageous for when joining the RAF - please share your views if you disagree with this. Finally, may I ask why you chose the multi-engine aircraft route? I am hoping to specialize in rotary aircraft - a chinook if possible.
Hi Joseph, I was in the Air Cadets for a little while when I was younger. I am not part of the recruitment process so these are only really my thoughts, but as long as you take advantage of what the Air Cadets can offer you I think it will help. When it comes to the selection process, leadership experience or times you have worked within a team will help, and the air cadets can offer you that opportunity. You can, of course, get those experiences elsewhere, but it should help that they were within a known organisation and in a military style environment. I chose multi-engine as my first choice as it provided the best work/life balance and locations for me and my family. Rotary was my original dream but I had to put it second for those previous reasons. Best of luck on your journey!
Amazing. thanks, gave me more motivation. I've done aero space engineering incollege and currently doing a level physics to help me become a navy pilot. Also went air cadets so hoping they will consider me. Only have a year left until I'm too old to join :/
I wanted to join the uniformed services since i was 14. I went and did a uniformed services college course (which was amazing btw i got to meet amazing people) i then went on and got a Level 3 personal training certificate because I've always loved training and routine and i have the most amount of grits and sheer will to win and become better. Which my supervisors loved about me, and that motivated me to give my absolute best no matter what. Now I am 18 i wanted to to apply for university in sport and exercise science but student finance does not want to fund me, i was sure that i am going to enroll eventually i just did not know when. But hey. Now i will apply as a pilot in RAF because i have always loved planes, ( and was mesmerised by Top Gun hahaha) so yeah. Thanks for the read. T minus 8 months to get in the best physical shape i can be❤.
I’m 13 years old and I’m really interested in the airforce I hope to become a pilot I don’t think it will work out but if I don’t try then it definitely won’t this video helped me understand a lot thank you
Currently in uni about to start my second year but always had a dream and passion of becoming a RAF fighter pilot ,most likely will join after I finish hopefully there will be enough spaces available and genuinely hope our government invests more money into our military so more people have the opportunity
Im currently hating sixth form, Im year 12 (Just turned 17) and about to apply for an RAF apprenticeship with 2 years training and 3 years stay post training. Thats 5 years. By the time thats done I should be around 23 which is the final age to start pilot training. I would do pilot training after a levels but i am hating them a lot, and RAF apprenticeship seems like the only other options i can find. So, if i did an RAF apprenticeship and switched if i still wanted to be a pilot - after 5 years - will i be able to start that at age 23 even though that is the maximum age? I hope you reply soon as my applications are just starting :D
Hi Samantha, great question, as you know from the video I wasn't enjoying my A levels too much either, I did go a different way but if I had stayed I would have maybe got there sooner. With regards to the recruitment age, it currently stands that the age cut off is 23 (Must have entered Initial Officer Training by your 24th birthday). So as long as you are below that age, applying should be accepted (As long as recruitment is open at that time). There is sometimes a bit of time between selection and starting so it might be an option that you actually apply for the role a little earlier just as you are finishing your apprenticship/degree whichever direction you choose to go. I would keep an eye on the recuitment website, just to keep up to date of the entry requirments. It was 25 years old when I applied and now 23, it's just an example of how things can change. I hope that helps.
In 1971, I spent a pleasant afternoon in a bar (Eddies in Wickrath) not too far from Larrbruch drinking beer with a Lightning pilot. His major observation was… “the number of landings recorded in your log should equal the number of take offs!”… he then fell off the bar stool.
Hi I’m currently at college doing a Uniformed public service course in my first year not the smartest of guys out there. Found this video very helpful and made me realise I may have a chance as I’m looking at going for pilot. Thank you best of luck with your training and which stream are you going through?
Rather than say “I’m not the smartest of guys” recognise that you are prepared to develop yourself further. You have areas of weakness which you have recognised and have a plan to improve. You clearly have strengths which you are developing further too! Don’t undersell yourself, be positive, your glass is half full not empty - best of luck 👍
This video was quite interesting. I am 19 and just did my CBAT at RAF Cramwell I couple days ago. I am aspiring to be a pilot, however sadly I was a single stanine point off qualifying. I know I can retake the test, however you can only do so every 12 months and do not wish to delay myself joining the RAF. I am now looking at other roles as I qualify for everything besides Pilot and Pilot ISR (RPAS). I still haven't given up on my dream of being a pilot however.
How to become an Air Force pilot... RAF version! Be born into a middle or high class family Graduate with at least 5 degrees in subjects completely not related to aviation Tell the recruiters it's never something you thought about doing but just decided to give it a go any way Become best friends or spark an affair with the squadron commander to speedrole you into the squadron
hey, i’m currently 15 and want to become a fighter pilot. i’m currently looking to do a levels and which would u most recommend, would engineering help massively or does it not matter too much? Also do u need a degree to apply or not?
Hello, I hope you are having a good day. I am from Nepal, and i want to be an airline pilot. What can i do? I know there are gurkhas in the UK. What can I do to be an airline pilot ? Thankyou.
How did you get a Masters without completing A-levels? I feel like i can't afford going through with a masters after undegrad - that 24 year old cut-off is looming 😂 (Currently in Year 12, maybe thinking a bit far ahead)
thank you very much, it has been my dream to join the RAF and i will take all these things into account throught the rest of my education. Do you need a university degree to be an officer?
Very helpful video! Just wondering about the part where you’re put into one of the three types (the rotary fast jet and multi engine) and how that works? Do you yourself say what you prefer or do they choose for you?
Probably, the minimum requirements are grade 4 or above in English and math plus 3 other subjects but if you have only grade 5 and someone else has grade 7 then they will most likely be picked over you.
Hello mate again, how’s your career going now. Did you use a CBAT app when learning? Because I think this will be useful for me?could you recommend any for me or anyone else watching. (If you do mention it in the vid I do apologise it been like 6 months since I watched it fully😂😂
Hi I was just wondering I want to fly fast jet that it was I've alwayse wanted to do and still want to do. What happens if I don't get selected for that and instead go onto another type of aircraft? Am I just stuck doing that?
Hello, all I’ve ever wanted to do is fly fast jets, and I can’t get behind flying multi engines or rotors. Any advice on getting picked for a fast jet?
The only advice I can really give is to try your best. It would help to have some aviation experience before arriving as every flight is graded and these add up to your overall performance report at the end which is used to assist with streaming. But ultimately, availability of spaces when you go through will play a part. All three of the types are brilliant offering different experiences. So come into it, driving for fast jets but accepting that the other types will still be a great career.
Can people without perfect vision fly with the RAF or AAC? I fly already, not in a professional capacity however I do have a class 2 medical and (eligable for class 1). I wear glases when I fly about -2.
I'm doing sixth form and planning to try and join the raf as a pilot when i finish, with activities outside of education im not sure what to do, i go to the gym but thats about it
It has been my dream since I was 6 to be a fighter pilot. It all started when I saw the red arrows when I was young and seeing f-15s fly over me at the Lake District and from then on, I’ve become obsessed with aircraft. I really want this job and any more tips would be appreciated to boost my chances of being a fast jet pilot. (I am 14 now and coming up on year 10 so any school tips would be appreciated nice too!)
How much do grades matter? And does it matter if you don’t to cadets and still apply for the RAF because I want to see what like in the SAS or as an astronaut is like.
Hi, not exactly. You can have a preference, initially that preference will be with the type of aircraft (Fast Jet/Rotary/Multi engine) then once you are streamed into one of those you will again have a preference on the specific aircraft within that group but ultimately the choice comes down to service need and availability.
Not particularly, only if you have a specific location as a preference. There are opportunities for exchange Pilot roles with other nations, not too many though. There might be a possibility of heading off to the Navy ship but that would be only on the F35.
The current age cut off is to have applied before your 23rd birthday. This is for direct entry pilots. It may be that you could join as another branch and work your way across. I’m not sure if that would be possible at the moment but definitely something you would speak with the recruitment team about.
Do you get to choose whether you fly fast jet or is it assigned to you? Also after you’ve committed to 12 years of service can you swap roles? (eg pilot to mechanic, or mechanic to pilot)
Hi, everyone starts flying training at ‘Elementary Flying Training’ during this course you are taught the ‘Elementary’ parts of flying but are also graded for every trip. At the end of the course there are three streams, Fast jet/Multi Engine/Rotary and you can put a preference down on which ones you would prefer. Based on your performance, preference and what is available, you will be selected for one of the roles. With regard to moving roles/trades, it is possible but some of the entry requirements will still remain,for example age. Once you have finished training you commit to a return of service, the length of which differs depending on which role you are.
Were you in the air cadets? What Role were you in prior to pilot and what age did you start and finish that? Should you apply as soon as you are old enough or try to build yourself first?
Are you a master at waiting to be trained after passing entrance? if your answer is yes then you too could become an RAF pilot someday....eventually.....20 years wait tops. Good advice though!
Thank you so much for this video, genuinely helped me. I’ve wanted to be a pilot for a decade now, I’m 18 and I wanna be a pilot so bad but everyone makes it sound like it’s impossible, but I believe I can do it. But I have 2 questions, 1: if I don’t really have much extracurricular activities can I still get in or don’t I stand a chance? And 2: how hard are the aptitude tests?
Hello mate, great video. I am an inspiring pilot, hopefully to fly the P8-Poseidon or the voyager,but the problem I have is that I wear glasses. I spoke to the RAF call centre which they gave me great advise, but have you got any thoughts on this and how it may effect me when I do the interview or fitness/ medical checks.
Hi, I’m not sure on the entry requirements for eye sight but it’s perfectly normal for aircrew to wear glasses with aircrew glasses being issued. Like you have done, take advice from the most up to date source for recruitment. If you are still eligible with your current eyesight then it shouldn’t have any effect on your interview/medical checks. Just approach them as you normally would! Take advice where ever you can get it and good luck! Both P8 and Voyager are in lovely parts of the UK, one much more north than the other!
Is it better to go through uni then join or just college? Im studying Physics, Maths, Economics at college right now and am very interested in becoming a military pilot, got any tips?
You probably aren’t going to read this but I’m looking to join the fleet air arm as a Merlin pilot in a few years but the main issue is I don’t have perfect vision I have to wear glasses to see . I currently am not sure if pilots can have laser eye surgery to correct this but whilst you were in training did you know any rotary wing pilots who wore glasses ?
It is something it irritated me when I was trying to be qualified for the army. Why was this, when was that. Questions that had nothing to do to becoming a soldier. You already guessed: I did not qualify.
how do i prepare to be an officer? what kind of stuff do i need to know? attitude etc? im worried my c in maths will prevent me being able to be an officer, i have 3 A levels and will have a degree before i join
hello there i have a question regarding cbat and having not so long ago getting to oasc for pilot. I got 134 for pilot but people are telling me for the future they are looking for at least 150 or more and for oasc from what im told by my recruiters i did very well. but for cbat that seems quite a big jump for me so im bit in the mud as to what to do im also 20 and theres the risk the role wont open before im 23. Thank you very much for your time. And for reference I attended oasc in November 2021
Hi, thanks for your comment. There were rumours when I went through that the threshold was going to increase to 150, I don’t think that it ever did, even temporarily. Even if it was to, you should have an opportunity to retake the cbat depending on your progress and result of your previous time at OASC. From what I remember I think there was a time delay attached to that. With regards to age, yes it is crazy that the new cut off is 23 (24 by IOT) BUT! when I applied I was at the age cut off and had to apply for an age waiver. So although that would not be ideal, if you have what they want there are examples (me included) who have been successful after the age cut off. From what it sounds like, you are doing all the right things. Hopefully they will open up more slots soon, there was a similar action in 2010 where they paused recruitment but that caused more issues so hopefully this will be more temporary and you hear something soon!
@@cargoraygaming9274 they only pick the best of the best though so i'd assume they want high achieving individuals. there were 10,000 applicants last year and only 60 got in and 50/60 of those we're university graduates with top grades
After 'Elemental flying training', this is the initial flying training you receive. You will then be streamed onto either Multi engine, Rotary or Fast jet. (I think RPAS is coming into that but i'm not sure yet) That is chosen firstly based on your performance during the initial training, then your preference or service need. After that depending on where you are streamed you will then carry out the training relevant to those platforms and at the end you will be role disposed to the aircraft available within your streamed area, (Chinnock and Puma within the rotary stream for example). This is determined again, by your performance, preference and service need.
Hey! Love the video. I applied a couple days ago to join the RAF. Just got a couple of quick questions. What are your thoughts of joining at 16 years of age? and If I went into a course for a year and a half then decided to swap would they allow you? Since, I want to swap to being a pilot when i'm 17 1/2 since that is the minimum age requirement.
Military are too restricting. I lived overseas on account of my dads job, then returned UK. Raf said not eligible to apply, despite being born in UK and british passport holders. Having lived overseas shouldnt restrict you. Seemingly due to vetting process
Hi sir, just a couple of questions, what pilot are you training to be? Fast jet? Fixed wing? And what was your previous role? Sincerely, A fellow serviceman😎
@@CuriousPilot90how did you go for pilot while already in the RAF? I was told by my recruiter that lateral movement is highly unlikely, you can only progress upwards not sidestep into another role? I didn't meet the cbat score by one point and would like to go for it again but while I'm in the RAF is this possible?
@@jackcooper624 The recruiter will be your best source of current information. What they have said would make sense, I haven't seen many people 'sidestep', the only examples I can think of are from RPAS to Pilot but that was a specific scheme and still fairly rare. The way it worked for me was 'progress upwards' as I was a non-commissioned rank and then applied for commision under a different trade/branch.
@@CuriousPilot90 ah thankyou for that info. I'm currently entering as a commissioned role (air ops systems) now as I was unsuccessful for pilot and couldn't do rpas due to duel nationality. Just curious with you commissioning into the role, did you still have to be under the 24 threshold?
I'm planning to enlist in the R.A.F as a Eurofighter pilot, but I'm worried that on that 2 day test I'm not going to get to be able to select to be a pilot
This has been great to watch, and I kind of want to know your thoughts and opinions on this... I am currently 15, nearly 16. And I go to RAF Cadets. I have Cs in English, Science, WBQ, Religious studies etc, a D in maths, though I am expected a C and above in Maths for my last exam this year. I am currently REALLY interested in the RAF, and being a pilot is one of my dreams. I kind of do feel the way you described, that I feel it's unattainable, and i've tried to do my best research. I understand I need A levels, but I don't think i'm gonna be able to get those... so after doing my research, I realised a few things, I could go as an aircraft technician, do my level 3 NVQ qualification, (doing level 2 in school, got a B) then do an apprenticeship, then apply for officer role, since everything else, including my length of service by then will cross out the need for A levels. I was wondering your thoughts on this, and if you could sort of point me in the right direction anymore that I can. Thanks in advance!
It sounds like you have done research into the different avenues to take. The difference between when I went through and your journey is that the age restriction was higher for me so I'm not sure how that will affect you if this path takes you beyond 23 years old. ( Something you may have already researched or it would be good to put it past one of the recruiters in the recruitment office) If you can try to bump up those maths and english results to B's, that will only help no matter what avenue you decide to take. One of the benefits of this plan would be that even at the very least you will be qualified as an aircraft technician through the apprenticeship, that is still a positive outcome. Good luck!
@@CuriousPilot90 Cheers, I spoke to one of the old Cadets in my Squadron who left in 2022 but came back to visit today, who is now an Officer in the RAF as a Weapons Systems Officer, and he also spoke about the age restrictions. He kind of told me that even if I do exceed the age limit, being an aircraft technician/engineer would be great, and told me that if I was below the age limit by then, and I really wanted it, then do it. Or in summary, he kind of said the same things you said. So uh yeah, thanks again!
It would be best to double check the recrutment website, but most degrees will be valuable. This is the current criteria for joining: 'Have GCSEs at Grade C/4 or SNE at Grade 5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/SNE 5 in English and Maths and at least three other subjects. Have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points'
I have two questions, firstly how old can you be to join as a pilot and secondly, do you get to choose from the three different types of aircraft or not?
Hi, I was just wondering about when you spoke about leaving your initial role to change to pilot. Did you have to completely quit and restart your application process again as a pilot instead, or are there routes within the RAF that allow you to transfer roles?
Hi! Sorry for the delay! You can stay within the service and you transfer across. I went from a non-commissioned role to a commissioned one so when I moved across, I simply started the initial officer training.
