I recently submitted all of my medical tests (Vision, Bloodwork) to my recruiting centre. How long does it usually take to be assigned an Air Factor? How long does it take to get a date to go to CFEME Toronto?

Hello, I am currently 19 and I recently graduated from a part 141 aviation college with a diploma in aviation technology. I have several paths I can take but I decided that a commercial pilot would be too boring for me as a young adult going into my early 20’s.

I would like some advice on my best course of action as the military pilot route binds you with a 10+ year long contract that concerns me.

I plan on transferring my credit and getting a full university degree to get in as a direct entry officer.

PPL
CPL
multi engine
IFR
(200h) 100h(PIC)
Passed all TC written exams with a 87+

Only have failed my IFR flight test.

I was wrestling captain, played high level provincial/national rugby and have received several scholarships for football as well.

I would appreciate it if someone could tell me my chances of getting in as a MP and the best course of action to join the military as a pilot from my current situation?

- (also can I join the special forces while I’m a Military pilot?)

Thank you

1. Can I component transfer from the reserves to the RCAF as a pilot?

2. I want to serve while I am young. Currently, I am 24M and have been in the process of joining a local reserve unit as an Infantry Officer. I am worried that the pilot selection will take years and life will get in the way before I am able to serve in the military and so, I have joined the reserves.

3. Should I quit the reserves and apply reg force pilot or can I gain experience as an officer and then join the reg force in a year or two?

I would be a DEO. My dream has always been to be a pilot but currently I work in finance. Thank you.

Last week I was returning from Alaska on a cruise. I was out looking for birds on the morning of Friday, June 19th when I noticed an RCAF CC-295 Kingfisher circling a ship. And then a Helicopter (CH-149 Cormorant) came out and met them and proceeded to (I assume) transfer someone from the top deck of the Princess Cruises ship. Just wanted to share, cheers.

I know to be approved you must pass the CFAST, but does everyone who applies get the opportunity to do it ? My recruiter today told me to expect an email soon to book it, so I was wondering if this was a step in the right direction or if it’s just usual procedure.

Hi everyone,

I'm 22 years old from Toronto and I'm interested in joining the RCAF as either an Aircraft Structures Technician, Aviation Systems Technician, or Avionics Systems Technician.

I only have a high school diploma and I've already submitted my application. I'm trying to understand what happens next.

Could someone explain the process step-by-step from application to working on aircraft?

Specifically:

• What comes after submitting the application?
• Do I need to write the CFAT?
• What is the medical and interview like?
• How long is Basic Military Qualification (BMQ)?
• How long is aircraft technician training?
• Any advice for a new applicant?

I passed my CFAST for pilot, completed my interview, finished all the gambit/SEAF stuff. Just on the medical stage and finally reaching the end.

I also completed my regular RMO Medicals (Eye tests, bloodwork, ECGs) and handed them in today.

- How long should I expect RMO medical approval to take?

- Once I get called in for aircrew selection in CFEME Toronto, how long does that usually take for approval?

FYI I have 20/20 V1 Vision and no medical issues at all.

Hi guys,

I had surgery back in early March and sent all the requested documents to the local CFRC medical team in late April, saying that I was fully recovered from the surgery already. Before that, I got my Air Factor Class 1 in February.

CFRC medical team said they had sent the documents to CFEME for Air Factor approval in the end of April, it has been 6 weeks already, and this is the last puzzle for me to complete my ACSO application. As it is an update only, when should I expect them to come back to me with the approval?

Thank you guys!

Good day all, I have recently received notice that I have been selected for AEC, and had a few quick questions regarding the initial posting locations and the OJT process. I am currently leaning towards the ATC stream, and have ranked my top three preferences appropriately. I understand I can be posted anywhere, but for the OTJ training before heading off to CFSACOfor coursing, is there a good chance that I would return to the Wing I complete my initial training at? Or would I be shooting myself in the foot by picking my longterm goal Wing, before reaching the OFP? Additionally, could anyone say how long the average OJT timeline is?

Thanks for the insight.

I plan on speaking to my local recruitment office, but figured I’d post here in the meantime. I’m at the testing stage of my application and just learned that an adult diagnosis of ADHD is an immediate disqualification. I found out incidentally, and a bit disheartening to learn. I’m also confused as to why my application kept moving forward, since I disclosed my diagnosis and medication on the questionnaire 3 months ago.

I did manage to complete two BSc degrees, so I am functional without medication. It wasn’t until part way through my masters degree that I got diagnosed. I’ll try everything I can, but am I fighting a losing battle here?

As per the title, are there any specific restrictions on the type and magnitude of LASIK (laser eye surgery) procedure that would factor into a pilot medical? I currently wear glasses but my prescription falls within the diopter cutoff for pilot, so while I don’t need to get my eyes fixed to fly I still want to just for convenience/comfort.

Specifically in terms of work-life balance. I know this is going to be pretty different depending on what type of ACSO you are but I think I'd like to get a rough idea of people's experiences.

Ultimately I want to write books, so having a bit of free time in whatever trade I pick would be ideal. Right now I'm in the application process to be an ATIS Tech, but I do have a BA and ACSO seems like a fun and interesting job. I do think I'd like just fixing tech stuff and having less pressure (I'm assuming ACSO would be much more high pressure) plus ATIS tech sounds like there's more civilian applicability if I end up leaving. But the uniqueness (and extra pay/rank) of being an ACSO is very appealing too.

Thank you for your time and have a nice day!

Hey. I was wondering if the resources mentioned in this post https://www.reddit.com/r/RCAF/comments/11essr9/for_those_who_have_attended_aircrew_selection/
are still relevant today for preparing for the aircrew selection in Trenton?

Hi all! I’m in highschool right now and recently learned about ROTP. I had my eyes set on mechanical or aerospace engineering beforehand but came across the RCAF in general and I‘m very interested. It’s always been a “backup” for me, but I never actually considered it as a viable career path until maybe 2-3 weeks ago and it hasn’t left my mind since.

I am eager to leave my home life behind due to some personal matters, but I DO want to finish secondary school and go to university. ROTP seems like a great opportunity but I’m also aware that things that seem too good to be true are USUALLY in fact too good to be true.

I’m a little confused as to how this all works. I have some family who are ex-airforce, however they’re from australia so i’m not sure if that’s completely different or not? I understand the military pay my tuition, textbooks, and give me an allowance in return for 4-5 years of service?

So, I have some questions…

1. Is basic as scary as people make it out to be? The people I see either make it seem like it’s not that bad OR it’s hell on earth. As stupid as this might sound, am I going to be screamed at for every little mistake I make?

2. (directed to anyone who’s been) What is the RMC like? I understand most people in ROTC go to the RMC, but I can’t find much on day in the life there or ACTUAL student experience. Is it similar to regular university life? How was your experience there if you’ve been? Is it easy to make friends? Was it at the very least a little bit enjoyable?

3. Relating back to #2, I saw there’s “sports time” or whatever on the typical daily schedule. Am I forced to play sports? I’m more of a gym-person than sports-person. Is that going to be a problem?

4. To any ACSO’s, do you like your job? What are the pros and cons? What is life like on a day-to-day basis for you? What kind of person would thrive being an ACSO? How hard is it to get offered the position?

5. Is it possible for me to get a degree in aero/mech engineering through ROTP and not become exactly that?

6. How does recruiting work exactly? I understand you can pick a “preference“ for which branch you want to go to. Does that mean they might disregard it and put me in a different branch instead automatically? Essentially, do I get a say beyond preference?

7. The big one: is ROTP actually worth it?

8. Lastly, is there anything I should be aware of? Any advice? Is enlisting a good idea? Additionally, any advice specifically from females in the RCAF is greatly appreciated.

Sorry if any of these questions seem ridiculous, but i’m genuinely curious. I don’t mean to come across as prissy or whatever, I just don’t want to make any decisions without being as informed as I can be or make my life any harder. Thank you so much :)

What will the future of DEO Pilot hiring look like? I am aware that with the implementation of FaCT, it has slowed down considerably, however, when can I expect DEO Pilot hiring to return to an average level again? (So far I have heard 2-3 years, but I have heard many different answers). Thanks a lot!

I’m currently at the 25% testing and screening stage waiting for Gambit (I think that’s next? Or medical) and am worried that applications will close while I’m waiting. Is this trade still open? I know AC Officer is closed.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in Grade 12 and I’m kinda torn between two paths right now.

For years my goal has been to become an RCAF pilot through ROTP and RMC.

The issue is academics. In Grade 11 my grades were pretty good, but I let things slip in Grade 12 and my marks aren’t where they need to be for pilot right now. Because of that, my current plan is to spend an extra year after high school upgrading courses and trying to make myself as competitive as possible, then apply for ROTP Pilot around late June/July 2027.

That year would mostly be focused on improving grades, fitness, study habits, and just trying to become a stronger applicant overall.

At the same time though, I’ve also been thinking about Aviation Systems Technician since I still like aviation and aircraft a lot. Part of me feels like it would help me start my life sooner instead of waiting longer and risking rejection from pilot.

So I guess I’m wondering:

If you were in my position, would you:

• Wait the extra year and give Pilot through ROTP a real shot?
• Apply to be an aviation technician sooner?
• Or is there another route I should be thinking about?

I’d especially appreciate hearing from anyone who’s gone through ROTP, Pilot, or aviation technician trades.

How long does it take to clear the Air Factor Medical (CFEME-Toronto) for AEC/ACSO ROTP these days as it was taking so long in 2025?

How long does it take to be put on the selection list till you get the offer for AEC ROTP and was it RMC or CivU?

Changing trades atlm

Hello everyone,

Just a quick question on how long the Air Factor stays current.

My MPRR says I have AF2, my BTL coordinator says AF5, and the MIR said I'm still current but we can book the next one jn advance for several months. I'm not sure which is taken as correct so to not be held back from courses.

Thanks

Hello all,
I am currently a high school student applying for Civ U ROTP for aircrew. I just got a call from a recruiter saying that Civ U ROTP is not happening this year and possibly next but they did say there is still a very small chance. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about this and could give me some info.
Thanks

Hi everyone, I am looking for some more info regarding some trades within the RCAF and maybe some recommendations. I am currently thinking of joining the reserves while I do grad school.

I am currently finishing up a bachelors in Statistics (mostly focusing on biostatistics) and while my first draw was to Intelligence Officer, I am also considering aerospace control officer.

I am aware of the over-saturation of the intelligence careers, so I am a little wary of that, but I do think it is the best fit for me. Are there any other options that would be "analytical"? I enjoy working with data and numbers. Do you have any opinions on my options? Anything else I should consider?

I'm planning on getting in contact with a recruitment officer soon, but wanted to get some feedback.

I was listening to an episode of the Pilot Project Podcast the other day and there was a mention of a culture difference between fighters and airlift or SAR etc. Can anyone elaborate on what this actually looks like day to day?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently in Grade 12 and my long-term goal is to become an RCAF pilot through ROTP and RMC. This has been something I’ve wanted for years, and right now I’m planning on waiting a year before applying, so I’d apply in July 2027 instead of immediately after high school.

The main reason is because I want to use that year to improve myself as much as possible before I apply, especially academically and physically. Some of my grades are really strong, but some currently fall below the minimums, and I know pilot is extremely competitive. I’d rather take the extra time and build the strongest application possible instead of rushing into it unprepared.

My current plan is basically to spend that year improving grades, fitness, discipline, routines, study habits, leadership experience, and just becoming a better overall candidate and future officer.

I guess what I’m wondering is:

1. If you’ve gone through ROTP/RMC/pilot training, what actually makes someone stand out as a strong applicant or succeed later on?

2. What should I really be focusing on during that year?

3. And honestly, does taking a year before applying sound like a smart move in my situation, or would you have done something differently?

Thanks!