I'm thinking about applying to the Fleet Air Arm...opinions?
Discussion
Hi chap(esses) I am on the cusp of applying to the Fleet Air Arm (RN) and I wondered if anyone has any opinions or thoughts about the force, and perhaps whether there are some serving/retired personnel who might like to chip in with their twopennorth?
It has been a nagging ambition for about 10 years, and I think it's getting close to too late.. hence interest - it's now or never!
help and insight appreciated
Tom
It has been a nagging ambition for about 10 years, and I think it's getting close to too late.. hence interest - it's now or never!
help and insight appreciated
Tom
pablo said:
what do you actually want to do in the fleet air arm? quite specific and unless you want to fly there are more opportunities in the "regular" navy.
do it, if i knew then what i know now about the armed forces i would have joined up years ago....
I want to fly, and I have and interview for this next week (pilot) do it, if i knew then what i know now about the armed forces i would have joined up years ago....
Do it, there's nothing worse than thinking you should have doen something along those lines when the time to do so has passed. And even if you hate it its no different from many jobs in that way.
but I agree, don't be specific about the branch, think generally about the RN, it may actually help you to pass the AIB etc if you sound open to the roles they have rather than be specific about what you want to do from the start.
but I agree, don't be specific about the branch, think generally about the RN, it may actually help you to pass the AIB etc if you sound open to the roles they have rather than be specific about what you want to do from the start.
Mikeyboy said:
Do it, there's nothing worse than thinking you should have doen something along those lines when the time to do so has passed. And even if you hate it its no different from many jobs in that way.
but I agree, don't be specific about the branch, think generally about the RN, it may actually help you to pass the AIB etc if you sound open to the roles they have rather than be specific about what you want to do from the start.
yes, my boss (ex RN) has told me that too.. I have been having a wee bit of coaching but I agree, don't be specific about the branch, think generally about the RN, it may actually help you to pass the AIB etc if you sound open to the roles they have rather than be specific about what you want to do from the start.
minimax said:
Mikeyboy said:
Do it, there's nothing worse than thinking you should have doen something along those lines when the time to do so has passed. And even if you hate it its no different from many jobs in that way.
but I agree, don't be specific about the branch, think generally about the RN, it may actually help you to pass the AIB etc if you sound open to the roles they have rather than be specific about what you want to do from the start.
yes, my boss (ex RN) has told me that too.. I have been having a wee bit of coaching but I agree, don't be specific about the branch, think generally about the RN, it may actually help you to pass the AIB etc if you sound open to the roles they have rather than be specific about what you want to do from the start.
Shame you want to be amatelot though, should have gone for the RM, You used to be able to fly with them too.
Just noticed your just down the road from me now mate (Just moved to Surbiton!)
Good luck in the interview for the Senior service!. I interviewed for the RAF at the end of Uni and one of the areas I did really badly in was explaining some of the "gaps" in terms of getting involved at Uni etc etc. I was told to go and spend a year or so volunteering etc or doing some "adventurous" activities. In the end a job offer got the better of me and I wandered away from the Forces.
Something I still regret I have to say. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Be interesting to see if there's any glimmer of hope left...
Phil
Good luck in the interview for the Senior service!. I interviewed for the RAF at the end of Uni and one of the areas I did really badly in was explaining some of the "gaps" in terms of getting involved at Uni etc etc. I was told to go and spend a year or so volunteering etc or doing some "adventurous" activities. In the end a job offer got the better of me and I wandered away from the Forces.
Something I still regret I have to say. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Be interesting to see if there's any glimmer of hope left...
Phil
Mannginger said:
Just noticed your just down the road from me now mate (Just moved to Surbiton!)
Good luck in the interview for the Senior service!. I interviewed for the RAF at the end of Uni and one of the areas I did really badly in was explaining some of the "gaps" in terms of getting involved at Uni etc etc. I was told to go and spend a year or so volunteering etc or doing some "adventurous" activities. In the end a job offer got the better of me and I wandered away from the Forces.
Something I still regret I have to say. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Be interesting to see if there's any glimmer of hope left...
Phil
Yeah I was similar in my application and also didn't get myself fit enough and then I lost all drive and other things stopped me from going back and applying at the time I could. Its become literally my only regret in life as I now look at mates who do something similar to what I wanted to do and can see that it WAS the right path for me.Good luck in the interview for the Senior service!. I interviewed for the RAF at the end of Uni and one of the areas I did really badly in was explaining some of the "gaps" in terms of getting involved at Uni etc etc. I was told to go and spend a year or so volunteering etc or doing some "adventurous" activities. In the end a job offer got the better of me and I wandered away from the Forces.
Something I still regret I have to say. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Be interesting to see if there's any glimmer of hope left...
Phil
So Minimax you have to give it a go.
I did the AIB for Aircrew pilot/observer (HMS Sultan) and passed it but failed my physical at HMS Dryad. Was meant to go back a year later and just do the physical but ended up getting into IT and earning a fortune 
I do regret it big time.
If there is anything you want to know about the AIB let me know and I will recall whatever you want/need to know.
Funny thing is that I interviewed with 11 others (4 Marines, 4 seaman, and 4 aircrew) and I was the only one who passed the AIB that intake. I Was offered seaman but wanted FAA and was advised to wait for a year..
My one regret is I got into a job which at the time was quite interesting (still is) and paid me a huge wedge.
I do regret it big time.If there is anything you want to know about the AIB let me know and I will recall whatever you want/need to know.
Funny thing is that I interviewed with 11 others (4 Marines, 4 seaman, and 4 aircrew) and I was the only one who passed the AIB that intake. I Was offered seaman but wanted FAA and was advised to wait for a year..
My one regret is I got into a job which at the time was quite interesting (still is) and paid me a huge wedge.
Edited by Kaelic on Wednesday 27th August 16:02
Its better to apply and know for sure than to live the rest of life in doubt. Even if it turns out to be not what you expected, it's not the end of the world - just chalk it up to experience and move on as you are not tied in to a return of service till you get your wings / fully trained depending on your specialisation.
Edit: On second thoughts, I'll post my own thoughts, opinions and experiences a bit later on when i've finished work
Edit: On second thoughts, I'll post my own thoughts, opinions and experiences a bit later on when i've finished work
Edited by Geoff82 on Wednesday 27th August 16:12
Mannginger said:
Just noticed your just down the road from me now mate (Just moved to Surbiton!)
Good luck in the interview for the Senior service!. I interviewed for the RAF at the end of Uni and one of the areas I did really badly in was explaining some of the "gaps" in terms of getting involved at Uni etc etc. I was told to go and spend a year or so volunteering etc or doing some "adventurous" activities. In the end a job offer got the better of me and I wandered away from the Forces.
Something I still regret I have to say. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Be interesting to see if there's any glimmer of hope left...
Phil
Hi matey! get thysel' down to the next Teddington meet, I think we're doing a tunnel run too Good luck in the interview for the Senior service!. I interviewed for the RAF at the end of Uni and one of the areas I did really badly in was explaining some of the "gaps" in terms of getting involved at Uni etc etc. I was told to go and spend a year or so volunteering etc or doing some "adventurous" activities. In the end a job offer got the better of me and I wandered away from the Forces.
Something I still regret I have to say. How old are you if you don't mind me asking? Be interesting to see if there's any glimmer of hope left...
Phil
I am 26 btw, just on the cusp. chappie at bloomsbury said "it's now or never"
so have decided it may well be now. about 95% decided after the interview should seal it for me 
mel said:
Tom, I know you and I also know what's involved in an AIB and pilots selection. Take my advise stick to flogging houses you'll be wasting your time and won't pass all the time my arse has got a hole in it.
I don't just sell houses you know 
..what was the last bit after wasting my time?
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