Hi Sam. In theory anybody from 17.5 and 25 years of age with 5 GCSEs (A-C) including Maths and English, 2 A-Levels and obviously a British Citizen from birth or hold dual nationality. Potential pilot candidates are sent to the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre for up to 4 days where they will face a number of selection tests.
These include aptitude tests (numerical, deductive and verbal reasoning, spatial awareness, memory, work rate, mechanical and electrical comprehension). It is important to perform well in these tests as they will determine if you have the mental ability to be a RAF pilot.
All candidates will be given a thorough medical. Elements tested include eyesight, body mass index, weight and medical conditions past and present + fitness test and an interview.
Upon successful graduation student pilots will go onto Elementary Flying Training (EFT). During this phase students will learn all the basics of flying such as aircraft handling, manoeuvres, landings, take-offs, navigation, aerobatics and formation flying.
It is after the EFT that Pilots with the highest aptitudes, fitness and who meet the strict body dimension requirements will be assigned to fast-jets. The remaining pilots will be assigned to rotary or multi-engine aircraft.
Fast-jet students will be sent t for Basic Fast Jet Training which consists of around 120 flying hours on the Tucano (we trained on exactly the same in France…). Once student pilots have completed their flying training they are awarded their “wings” and will enter Operational Conversion Training.
This is where students are taught to fly the aircraft that they will be operating on their respective front-line squadrons. For fast-jet pilots this could include the Tornado or Eurofighter (magnificent Typhoon). Rotary pilots can expect the Sea King, Puma, Chinook. Merlin or Griffin. Multi-engine assignments may include flying the RAF's transport aircraft such as the C130 Hercules, C17, Tristar or VC10. (Source from RAF).
Yes Murray. It is fascinating and extraordinary but so tiring. Those pilots’ attitude to accelerations or g-forces (linear, radial and angular) is phenomenal. It is aerobatic flying. I am in total admiration !! Sixte
Hi Serena. Oh, I am so sorry. BA hold a “flying with Confidence course”. It has been running for over 25 years and has helped more than 45,000 people overcome their flying phobias. I am sure it will help… Bon courage, Sixte
Great pics! I live them. Adrian
ReplyDeleteThank you Adrian. Sixte
DeleteAmazing jets! Spectacular photos! Theo
ReplyDeleteThank you Theo. Sixte
DeleteHappy Anniversary! Lucy
ReplyDeleteThank you for them... Sixte
DeleteWho can become a fighter pilot? What are the criteria? Sam
ReplyDeleteHi Sam.
DeleteIn theory anybody from 17.5 and 25 years of age with 5 GCSEs (A-C) including Maths and English, 2 A-Levels and obviously a British Citizen from birth or hold dual nationality. Potential pilot candidates are sent to the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre for up to 4 days where they will face a number of selection tests.
These include aptitude tests (numerical, deductive and verbal reasoning, spatial awareness, memory, work rate, mechanical and electrical comprehension). It is important to perform well in these tests as they will determine if you have the mental ability to be a RAF pilot.
All candidates will be given a thorough medical. Elements tested include eyesight, body mass index, weight and medical conditions past and present + fitness test and an interview.
Upon successful graduation student pilots will go onto Elementary Flying Training (EFT). During this phase students will learn all the basics of flying such as aircraft handling, manoeuvres, landings, take-offs, navigation, aerobatics and formation flying.
It is after the EFT that Pilots with the highest aptitudes, fitness and who meet the strict body dimension requirements will be assigned to fast-jets. The remaining pilots will be assigned to rotary or multi-engine aircraft.
Fast-jet students will be sent t for Basic Fast Jet Training which consists of around 120 flying hours on the Tucano (we trained on exactly the same in France…). Once student pilots have completed their flying training they are awarded their “wings” and will enter Operational Conversion Training.
This is where students are taught to fly the aircraft that they will be operating on their respective front-line squadrons. For fast-jet pilots this could include the Tornado or Eurofighter (magnificent Typhoon). Rotary pilots can expect the Sea King, Puma, Chinook. Merlin or Griffin. Multi-engine assignments may include flying the RAF's transport aircraft such as the C130 Hercules, C17, Tristar or VC10.
(Source from RAF).
Maybe a new pilot on the F-35 then? Best, Sixte
Will this be televised, please? Ron
ReplyDeleteNot in UK. Go to www.patrouilledefrance.fr and www.60ansdelapat.fr. Sixte
DeleteThanks Sixte. Ron
DeleteYou are welcome Ron. Hope you liked it. Sixte
DeletePics to die for! Robert
ReplyDeleteThank you ! I will put some more!
DeleteSixte, thank you for these photos. Alan
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. Anything with aeroplanes and I am happy... to share. Sixte
DeleteI want to be a pilot! What a life? Murray
ReplyDeleteYes Murray. It is fascinating and extraordinary but so tiring. Those pilots’ attitude to accelerations or g-forces (linear, radial and angular) is phenomenal. It is aerobatic flying. I am in total admiration !! Sixte
DeleteLove your blog. Pauline
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Pauline for your nice comment... Sixte
DeleteWow! Amazing photos. More, please! Chris
ReplyDeleteFor your eyes only Chris. Sixte
DeleteDear Sixte, I am afraid of flying the airplanes. Is there a cure for this phobia, please? Serena
ReplyDeleteHi Serena. Oh, I am so sorry. BA hold a “flying with Confidence course”. It has been running for over 25 years and has helped more than 45,000 people overcome their flying phobias. I am sure it will help… Bon courage, Sixte
DeleteVery exciting photos! Edmund
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Edmond. Sixte
DeleteFantastic visual display. Beats any fast car! Adam
ReplyDeleteYes, for sure... Thank you Adam. Sixte
Deleteso, so good...
ReplyDeleteSure. Sixte
Delete