Help for I need the facts

Originally posted by R.weaver
The medical is on the 26th March, I also have my written test o that day. Im not sure how it will all go. (At least I dont have to pay for the medical)

I hope all goes well for you. Please don’t take this the wrong way as it is meant with the best of intentions, but they are fairly hot on spelling, grammar and numeracy, so be on your guard!

The medical is on the 26th March, I also have my written test o that day. Im not sure how it will all go. (At least I dont have to pay for the medical)

I have sent an aplication to the board of the FAA to re-consider my medical, I understand in many cases that they do so, so I will know if they are going to give me a SPECIAL CPL medical claerance within the next few weeks.

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying

Originally posted by R.weaver
I went today i signed my life away to the R.A.F as a ground controller

Ta da! Result! Bravo! When is the medical?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by R.weaver
[B]Yes well I went today i signed my life away to the R.A.F as a ground controller, Im off for a basic medical and a skill test and if I pass im in, I didnt know it was so easy to get in, maybe they really do need people.

Well done!! What does the job entail? The advantage is that once you’re in, you can continue your education and it may open up further opportunities for you. Additionally, some RAF bases have flying clubs that you might be able to join and I understand that their rates are generally cheaper than commercial flying clubs. Bonus!

Don’t forget there is a wealth of knowledge on this forum that will still help you, if you let them. Per Ardua Ad Astra as they say!!

Yes well I went today i signed my life away to the R.A.F as a ground controller, Im off for a basic medical and a skill test and if I pass im in, I didnt know it was so easy to get in, maybe they really do need people.

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying

Go for it mate and belated good luck wishes for today
Mike

Good luck.

They’ll probably bombard you with questions like “Why do you want to join the RAF”. Make sure you give them the answers they are looking for and make sure you say them with feeling!”

Do report back.

Originally posted by R.weaver
Cheers you two, im going for a interview with them on Friday, I already went for a chat. Sorry I took so long to reply, girls and stuff you know, remember the younger days A.FAN:)

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying

You cheeky sod! I would like to point out that I am not so old that I can’t remember! I’m only slightly the wrong side of 40. Remember that there are old pilots and bold pilots etc and if you’re not careful, you might not get to be either (not that I am yet)! Seriously, if you need any advice, just shout as I am currently inolved in teaching RAF structure/organisation/deployments to candidates for RAFVR(T) commissions with the ATC. Good luck on Friday, but don’t make any hasty decisions – think them through first as you’ve got plenty of time on your side.

Cheers you two, im going for a interview with them on Friday, I already went for a chat. Sorry I took so long to reply, girls and stuff you know, remember the younger days A.FAN:)

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying

Originally posted by Janie
And here is your local Armed Forces Careers Office.

What are you waiting for!

AFCO (RAF)
46 The Pallasades
BIRMINGHAM
B2 4XN

T: 0121 643 6289
F: 0121 643 6481
E: [email]Afco_Birmingham@raf-careers.raf.mod.uk[/email]

You can lead a horse to water ………. Let’s hope the information is used and accepted!

And here is your local Armed Forces Careers Office.

What are you waiting for!

AFCO (RAF)
46 The Pallasades
BIRMINGHAM
B2 4XN

T: 0121 643 6289
F: 0121 643 6481
E: [email]Afco_Birmingham@raf-careers.raf.mod.uk[/email]

I would consider becoming a glider instructor and yes I must say that the transfer to basic gliding licence is only a week course from NPPL. Tell me what do you need to become an instructor, do you need a Hhigher medical than the DVLA standards what your doctor signs you off for? (class 1/2?,I hope not)

[/QUOTE]
Have you tried contacting the BGA? ATC Gliding Instructors have to pass an annual RAF medical as far as I am aware, but I don’t think the requirements are quite as stringent as those for regular aircrew (eg I think corrective glasses can be worn – I’ll see what I can find out from my contacts at my local VGS). As far as RAF ground careers are concerned, you certainly need good eyesight for Fighter Control/Air Traffic Control, as I found out to my cost at Biggin Hill in 1983! A chat with your local RAF Careers Information Office would brove to be very useful to you I would think, as is Janie’s advice on a separate reply.

Have you had a look at http://www.rafcareers.com/ ? There are a whole bunch of really great ideas there. They will be able to give you the best advice on what role you would best fit into.

I would consider becoming a glider instructor and yes I must say that the transfer to basic gliding licence is only a week course from NPPL. Tell me what do you need to become an instructor, do you need a Hhigher medical than the DVLA standards what your doctor signs you off for? (class 1/2?,I hope not)

What kind of jobs can one do in the R.A.F on the ground that is with more or less one eye?

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying

Originally posted by R.weaver
Well A.fan let’s just forget it, what did you say again? No really on a serious side, it was very hard to take and the fact I can still fly on the NPPL solo for pleasure and gain my licence in that is nice to know, I can still call myself captain.

I am making an appeal to the FAA to consider my case as my FAA doctor done the same and they made a special case for him as he was just out of class 2 FAA medical standards. (I never think he actually finsihed his CPL)

I didnt actually want to use bad wording, but I was very upset, im considering the R.A.F, or just getting a glider towing job, pay based on ground work so we will see. Maybe the FAA will pass me. (That will be the day)

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying

Have you considered another option, although perhaps not your ideal and you might still be a bit on the young side at present (not that I am at all jealous!). You obviously want to fly for a living, but that avenue (at least in the short term) appears to be closed to you. Have you ever been an Air Cadet? One of the most rewarding avenues IMHO is to teach flying skills. Have you considered becoming a gliding instructor, either at a VGS or civilian gliding club? I am told by more learned aviation brethren than I that not only does it improve your skills as a pilot, but also the hours you gain may possibly be used to reduce the number of hours needed towards a licence (although I am open to be proved wrong). Additionally, I gather it is also a very rewarding experience for the instructor. If, as others have suggested you might have to take a ground-based job initially, this might be a way to improve both your experience and flying skills – just a thought. Whatever you do, keep your chin up as it will get better – trust me, I’ve been there!

Originally posted by R.weaver
im considering the R.A.F

Robert, the medical standards the RAF (indeed all three Services) set are far higher than anything you’ll find in the civilian world, be they for aircrew or for ground based roles. I speak from experience on this, as do quite a few others who frequent this forum.

I understand your frustration, but I’m afraid that if you pursue that route you’ll only be setting yourself up for more disappointment.

My advice to you is not to plan too far ahead in too much detail. Take it all as stepping stones, go with the flow. Stick with your plan to go NPPL first, then once you’ve got that, take a look around at what options are available to you; it could well be that an opportunity pops up when and where you least expect it. I was taught a phrase some years ago which applies to every walk of life – ‘No plan ever survives contact with the enemy’.

Be flexible, be receptive to other people’s idea and views, be ready and willing to learn and to take on the crappy jobs which will come up from time to time, and you’ll eventually get on. It might not be the way you’ve planned it, but I’ll bet every single person on this forum has had to change their long term plans many times. I know I have.

Sorry if that all sounds harsh, it’s not intended to be. Unlike a lot of us comparitive oldies on here, at 16 you certainly have one thing in your favour – time. Use it wisely, and remember that you have it at your disposal. Good luck.

Well A.fan let’s just forget it, what did you say again? No really on a serious side, it was very hard to take and the fact I can still fly on the NPPL solo for pleasure and gain my licence in that is nice to know, I can still call myself captain.

I am making an appeal to the FAA to consider my case as my FAA doctor done the same and they made a special case for him as he was just out of class 2 FAA medical standards. (I never think he actually finsihed his CPL)

I didnt actually want to use bad wording, but I was very upset, im considering the R.A.F, or just getting a glider towing job, pay based on ground work so we will see. Maybe the FAA will pass me. (That will be the day)

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying

Originally posted by Janie

Auster Fan: You shocked me. This guy is sixteen and is asking for help. We may be extremely alarmed at some of his suggestions, but he does not yet have your years of experience to appreciate why we are alarmed. Let’s just help him. And yes, I know I’m being condescending, but my communication skills ain’t that great either! Smile!

Janie

I would like to send you a PM, but your In Box is full. Can you clear some space please??

Originally posted by R.weaver
To you A.FAN it is a joke and to me an insult, I went 60miles to get this medical and failed it, I have no experiance and I am so full of rage with you I could explode. HOW BLOODY DARE YOU!

My English is fine and well dont reply to any more of my threads without a apology. PRAT!

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying

(30hrs t.t)

I am big enough to apologise – without using bad language – and certainly you have got my sympathy for the huge disappointment you must feel. I have been there myself, having failed an RAF medical in the past and it certainly isn’t funny when you don’t know what to do next. It’s just that you appear on occasions (in previous threads) to wind people up without realising it. That was the point I was making, albeit not very well. The LAST thing I would want is to put the damper on anybody’s ambition to fly – IMHO the best occupation there is. Please accept my sincere best wishes in the achievement of your goal.

Yes i see what you mean Moggy maybe I have not said all that needs to be said, I would not be able to act as P.I.C and that the student would have to hold his or her PPL. The instructing could maybe just be for multi conversion or night ratings/IFR.

For evidence of this you can contact the FAA as I did, sorry to come across so brief.

Regards

R.weaver

Safe legal flying