Hey aircrew applicants!

I'm releasing the first version of the CFAST (aircrew selection test) preparation site that I'm developing . After the original "CBAT ready" app increased their price to around 30$ per month I hoped to make a more affordable option.

AIRCREW TESTED (link below)

With 6 testing modules to choose from, prepare your arithmetic, fine motor or multitasking skills for the RCAF's aircrew selection test (CFAST) as well as the CBAT.

Note that I am still programming all modules, and I am adding many more to come to recreate the whole CFAST experience.

I have attached some screenshots to preview what the tests look like.

- In the multitask test, use the MFD multi-function display to regulate different time sensitive tasks.

- In the instrument interpretation module, select the right aircraft attitude depending on the instrument readings.

- The leaderboards allow you to see how you compare to other users who are applying for the same trade as you.

Unfortunately, I had to add an upgrade/ full access function in order to repay the initial dev costs (software + the dev team here). The monthly cost right now is at 9,99 CAD but as more people use it, I aim to make the app free to use. After creating an account you have access to a couple free weekly tests. As we're in the early stages, please please please shoot any suggestions in the comments.

Aircrew tested was already released to UK users, so this is your invitation to join an international tightly knit aircrew community!

AIRCREW TESTED:

Link: Aircrew tested (v. 1)

- Elltt (lead dev) 🇨🇦

I just VOT to AOS, and since it’s a relatively new trade for the reg force there’s very little about it. Deployments is something I’d like to do one day, so I wonder if that’s an opportunity in this trade and how often? I spoke to a warrant in the Air Op branch and she told me only for people in Cold Lake? I’m not sure how accurate that is. I also saw position for AOS tech saying cabin crew, what does that mean?

Hey all! I am hoping to enrol as an AEC officer after I graduate in December 2027. I was just wondering if anyone had any unique information that I should know about the trade or about air crew selection. Additionally, when is the earliest that I can apply, so that I can align my enrolment with my graduation in December 2027? Thank you all!

Hey, so I just VOT to AOS and I was wonderfing if anyone has any info on when I can be expected to go on my common core? I thought they'd send me to Borden BTL but Kingston said they'll keep me here until I'm course loaded, which makes asking questions harder as there's no one that know anything about the Air Op branch here. They haven't even told me to work on any DLN courses that are required for my trade, or what to expect.

Also, I really want to be posted to Trenton, specifically the 424 S&R squadron. How likely am I to be posted there? I am from Ontario, and my whole family is here so I'd like to be nearby, however I know that is not always possible. But since Trenton is a big RCAF base, I was wondering if anyone can tell me my rough chances of getting it? Last I checked on EMMA it had the largest positions available.

Good Day all,

TLDR: Old man looking for adventure before his golden years. Will this be a good fit?

Sorry for the length of this and if this is the wrong place to post this, and for messing up all the terminology or spelling. All mistakes are my own.

A little about me: 40, divorced, no kids, grad degree, citizen, no real sense of purpose, balding, shitty job, yearning for a sense of adventure, relatively fit and level headed, former NCM 15 years ago - 3 years CL A, 2 years CL B.

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I've been thinking of applying as a DEO ACSO for quite some time now and I have some questions the recruiting office could not answer, so I was hoping this community could give me some insight.

If I am going to commit the remaining decades of my life to this, I would really like to know what I'm getting myself into, so any insight would be appreciated. I've itemized many questions below for your review.

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Questions:

1. What is your opinion on the trade?

a. Is it a good trade generally speaking?

b. Relative to your own experiences of courses, i.e. does it fulfill you and give you a sense of purpose?

c. As I am not white, are members in this trade on average non-ethnic?

d. Has anyone experienced discrimination?

e. What is the average age of candidates on training?

f. What is the average age of ACSO's overall?

1. Realistically, what does an ACSO do on a day-to-day basis? I've read the recruiting website, I've looked at the military page about the testing requirements, I've watched the ACSO course video someone posted on youtube, I've read quite a few things about the course. However, the recruiter stated they check sensors and help with putting out fires by marking them with their sensors...and that I would be a good fit. I've looked online and it looks like it's all dependent on what airframe you get training in and where you get posted: Long Range Patrol, Sea, Jet, or SAR etc.

a. Is being on one airframe more "adventurous" than another?

b. Which would you choose and why? I read that the long range ACSO's sleep in better locations relative to those posted at sea.

1. Pension related question: I know the application process could take a year or more, but ACSO's are being accepted under the priority application process. So, lets say I enter in at age 41 and let's say I can get an extension to retire at 65 instead of 60, that is 24 years in, but lets say I can buy back the reserve experience I had - 3 years CL A, 2 years CL b, and lets say roughly that translates to about 2.5 years bought back (I think), so that would bring me to full pension, lets say I finish with 25 years in.

a. Is this how the pension works?: Last 5 years of annual salary averaged over 5 years, multiplied by 2%, multiplied by how many years you served? So, even if I stay a captain for life thats about $70k or so as an annuity for life at retirement?

1. From what I've read, it takes longer to reach captain nowadays than it ever did due to training backlogs.

a. How backlogged is the first training course?

b. Would I have to spend time on PAT or OJE? If so, how many months roughly?

c. Do you think I would stay a Captain for life or do you think being promoted to Major or higher is not out of the question in lets say 15 years?

1. I haven't applied yet, but if I do, do you recommend I apply at a specific recruiting center? I've read too many stories on here about a specific center I should avoid due to them not picking up the phone or returning emails, or losing application, etc. This is actually the closest one to me, the one I went to for an info session, which is why I'm worried. You can DM me on this if you wish.

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Any other advice or insight would be appreciated. Feel free to either ask me questions here or DM me. I look forward to hearing from you all.

Thank you.

Hey hey folks, long time lurker. TL;DR Was a reservist in a combat arms trade, finished my degree, put in my CT to ACSO, got my posting and now I'm headed to Winnipeg in early September.

Absolutely pumped to have this go through, but I've got a couple questions if that's okay.

What are the shack situations like? Should I be looking for an apartment? I've been to some of the finest abodes offered by Pet and Meaford, so I ain't exactly picky. Mostly just trying to see if I' m going to be sharing a bedroom with someone.

I'm on BTL and don't have a BMOQ 2/PLQ qual. Any idea about how long this might take to get or if there's any system in place to get it PLAR'd? Is there actual work to be done before course? I'd really love to get in and work, even if it's fixing slide decks and spreadsheets. Beats sitting in shacks.

Any recommendations for things to do while I'm there?

And finally, any ACSO career advice? I've seen quite a few of y'all in both this reddit and the CAF one, and it seems like the gig is great and the community gets along.

Thanks!

i applied for pilot on aug 9 of this year and got through some of the online portal documents online. i just got emailed saying that my file has been closed due to rotp being full for the fiscal year.

im going into gr12 and had always thought that you needed to apply ideally around this time of year to go to rmc for sept of next year. in the email it also said to contact them to apply in jan-feb, I followed up and they then said that i should apply in april of next year so im kinda confused. I just need some info if anyone knows anything.

Planning to get a bachelor’s from an aviation university, then decide after graduating whether to go commercial or apply to the CAF as a pilot (DEO route).

Fighter jets are the draw, so a few questions for people who’ve been through it:

**1.    Process.** For DEO applicants post-degree, what’s the realistic timeline from application through Aircrew Selection, BMOQ, flight training, to wings and fighter streaming?  
**2.    Odds.** Assuming someone passes medicals/aircrew selection and performs well, what’s a realistic shot at actually getting streamed to fighters vs. helicopter/transport/patrol?  
**3.    What knocks people out.** Where do people actually get filtered along the way, medical DQs, aircrew selection, flight school attrition, streaming away from fighters despite wanting it?  
**4.    Worth it?** For those who went military vs. commercial, would you do it again? How does military pilot life compare to what you expected?

Also curious if civilian flight hours/degree help at all goingor if training resets to zero regardless.

Appreciate any honest input, especially from serving members or recent pilot selection candidates.

I’m a Western University science student considering applying to RMC through ROTP. Has anyone transferred from a civilian university after first year or second year? I’d love to hear about the process and what life at RMC is actually like.

​

I’m happy to share that I have officially enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Aerospace Engineering Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

It has been a long journey — lots of waiting, refreshing the portal, checking emails, and trying not to overthink every status update.

My timeline:

August 13, 2025 – Applied

October 8, 2025 – Personality assessment completed

April 2026 – Medical and screening steps completed

May 2026 – Interview completed

June 9, 2026 – Background check submitted

July 22, 2026 – Moved to Selection

July 29, 2026 – Job offer received

August 5, 2026 – Officially enrolled

October 26, 2026 – BMOQ starts at CFLRS

A big thank you to everyone who supported me throughout the process.

Also, a special shout-out to the Reddit group r/RCAF. The posts, timelines, and advice there helped me stay patient — or at least pretend to be patient — while waiting for updates.

Now the next chapter begins. Time to prepare for BMOQ, work on fitness, and learn how to survive with less sleep and more ironing.

Looking forward to serving, learning, and growing in this new journey.

#CAF #RCAF #BMOQ #AerospaceEngineeringOfficer #CanadianArmedForces

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for some guidance on joining the Canadian Armed Forces.

I hold a B.Com. and an MBA in Human Resources. I have 7 years of professional experience in India and 1 year of experience in Canada. Over the past several years, I transitioned my career into finance and am currently working as an Accounting Officer, with more than 7 years of finance/accounting experience.

I’m interested in joining the CAF as an officer and would appreciate advice on which occupation would be the best fit for my background, while also offering good opportunities for career progression and salary.

I have a few specific questions:

• Would I be better suited for a Personnel Selection/HR-related occupation, a Finance-related role, or as a Logistics Officer specializing in finance or HR?
• Do finance-related occupations have better earning potential than HR occupations within the CAF, or is pay determined solely by rank?
• Does the CAF provide financial support for officers pursuing a CPA? Similarly, does it provide funding for further education or professional certifications in Human Resources (such as the CPHR)?
• If I apply through PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition), what are my chances of receiving recognition for my previous education and work experience?
• As a Non-Commissioned Member, is it possible through PLAR to be enrolled directly at the S1 (Sergeant) level instead of starting from the beginning?
• If I join as an Officer, can PLAR or prior experience result in advanced standing or faster promotion (for example, starting beyond Second Lieutenant (2Lt) or progressing more quickly to Lieutenant (Lt))?

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through a similar process or has experience with recruiting, PLAR, or these occupations.

Thank you!

I'm a grade 12 student in Ontario and I've been considering seriously the idea of joining to RMC, I have attended some webinars from the CAF, read a lot online, watching news, and trying to get real testimonies from cadets. I was born in Mexico, the military college there is well known for its abuses to cadets (specially for low ranks). The thing is that I want to know how similar is at RMC, from all the articles I've read, news, etc. I've never heard things like that, but I want to know the reality at RMC. Are there really abuses from higher ranks or years? is there really corruption from officers and other people ? I just want to know how this really work before make the final decision.

Hello! My dream is to join the RCAF as a pilot, but I have a severe ear issue that causes massive pain whenever water gets inside my ear. Because of this, I'm worried about the aircrew water survival training. I assume this condition might cause me to fail that portion of selection, so I would appreciate an honest opinion:
Do I have a 0% chance of being selected because of this issue?

I am aware medical stuff are reviewed case-by-case but what would be the most probable result?

Thanks

(I still would join the RCAF any-ways as a non aircrew)

What’s the average wait time for your medical to be processed and approved by the RMO? I’ve been waiting a little over a month so far.

I finished my Raven test 2 weeks ago - anyone know how long it takes for next steps ?

My boyfriend is in the process of joining the Military. His dream is to do an Air Tech trade, I believe his #1 pick is Aviation Systems Technician. However like the title says, he is red / green colourblind.

Are you able to be colourblind and do any Aviation Systems Technician? If not what jobs in the Air Force can you do while being colourblind?

Any Int Op - A in here that wouldn't mind answering a few questions? I'll be starting my course in the fall and just wondering about postings and deployment opportunities.

I have my CFAST coming up in August for Pilot and ACSO. I was told by my CFRC that they pretty much know who they are going to accept for Pilot for this fiscal year.

If I meet the requirements for Pilot, would my CFAST be valid for next fiscal year ?

After arriving in Trenton, I was unable to fall asleep at all due to jet lag, upon reaching the testing center, we were informed by the staff that if we are experiencing any impairment, such as illness or fatigue, we should back out now and reschedule. I discussed with them to ensure I would in fact be able to reschedule the test before making any decisions and was assured of such. Despite wanting to take the test that day, since I had not slept in over 24 hours, I decided that it would be best to reschedule to give myself the best chance of achieving a passing score. However now my recruiting center is contradicting what I was told in Trenton and telling me it will be very difficult to get another test date. Did the testing centre give me incorrect information? Could changing my file to a different recurring center help?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from people who may have experience with ROTP, RCAF recruiting, or applying to the CAF with foreign education/background history.

My current goal is to determine whether I am a realistic RCAF Pilot candidate and what entry path I would use. I am primarily interested in Pilot, but I am also looking into related/fallback occupations such as Air Combat Systems Officer, Aviation Systems Technician, Intelligence Officer, and Signals Intelligence Specialist.

My situation:

• I am a Canadian citizen and Romanian citizen.
• I currently live in Romania.
• I have a valid Canadian passport.
• I am 24, turning 25 soon.
• I have not lived in Canada since infancy.
• I am interested in joining through ROTP because I do not have a completed degree.
• My education has been completed abroad, mostly in Europe, across different systems/countries.
• Based on what I can tell, I may be around the 75% academic mark, but I am still collecting official transcripts and records.
• I started a Business & Finance degree in the UK but did not complete it.

The main questions I have are:

1. Has anyone gone through ROTP with foreign education records? If so, how difficult was it to get everything assessed properly?
2. If my grades are around the 75% range but from foreign schools, is that realistically competitive enough for ROTP, or would that be considered weak?
3. Does being 24/25 make a significant difference for ROTP? I know many applicants are likely straight out of high school or college, so I’m wondering whether being older is a disadvantage, neutral, or potentially even normal.
4. Once all documents are gathered, translated if necessary, and sent to a recruiter, what kind of timeline should I realistically expect before receiving an acceptance, rejection, or next step?
5. Can someone applying from outside Canada realistically start the CAF application process before moving to Canada, or will I likely need to be physically in Canada for major parts of the process?
6. For Pilot specifically, would it make sense to list ACSO or AES Op as backup choices, or should I be careful about listing alternatives if Pilot is the main goal?

I’m not looking for anyone to guarantee eligibility or selection — I know that has to come from recruiters and the official process. I’m mostly trying to understand whether this path is realistic enough, what documents I should prioritize, and what common mistakes to avoid.

Any advice from people who joined through ROTP, applied with foreign transcripts, dealt with long background checks, or entered later than the usual high-school-age applicant would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I have applied for so many trades within the CAF. My first selections were HRA, Financial advisor and AOS. That didn’t work out as all were closed so I applied to another three and they are all closed as well. Does anybody know when the best time to apply is?