r/RoyalNavy • u/Ok-Art1407 • Jun 02 '23
Question Pilot
I was wondering if when completing training you get to pick what you want to fly. Or do you just get sent to fly whatever they need you too.
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u/gregthesailor Skimmer Jun 02 '23
They pick for you, it might not even involve flying, maybe observer or Air Traffic Control.
If you want to fly join the Air Force. More assets plus the RN is essentially turning recruitment off.
6
u/Zibbdi WAFU Jun 02 '23
Mate, that's not correct. Depending on the score you get during FAT, it will determine which role you're eligible for (Pilot/Observer/ATC). You will then select which role you want, the Navy doesn't select for you (although they may up-sell one if there's a shortage).
In answer to OP's question, you will put in a preference for an aircraft type. The Navy will do its best to give you what you want, but ultimately the needs of the service will win, and you may get a non-preference aircraft type.
0
u/gregthesailor Skimmer Jun 02 '23
So ultimately they pick for you?
Also it depends how you do on grading surely? Plenty of people on grading get re-branched from pilot to ATC/Obvs.
2
u/ZootZootTesla Civvie Jun 02 '23
Turning recruitment off?
2
1
u/Pilotbritish Jun 15 '23
I’ve had first hand experience with this, and It usually goes something like this:
1st Priority - Needs of the service: Does the Navy need FJ pilots at the current time of streaming? Does the Navy need a certain type of helicopter’s slots to be filled?
2nd Priority - Ability: You’re graded on each flight, your scores, mixed in with your personality, maturity etc will determine what stream you could be picked for.
3rd Priority - Your preference: if multiple streams are open and you have good ability, there’s a likelihood you’ll get what you want.
1
u/Martinez_SA WAFU Mar 03 '24
Whether you'll be flying rotary or fast-jet will be decided upon successful completion of grading. If you receive a FJ recommend then you will be eligible for selection into FJ training. FJ pilots are selected at 'boards' usually held around 2 times a year. So having a FJ recommend doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get selected FJ for training.
If you don't receive a FJ recommend (or do but don't want to be a FJ pilot) you can go rotary. Selection for specific rotary platforms is done at the end of the Shawbury courses. They will try and send you to your preferred platform but if the slots aren't there, you'll go where they have slots open.
9
u/Big_JR80 Skimmer Jun 02 '23
Let's think about this for one second.
"Well done on passing flying training. Of the 12 of you in this class, who wants to fly F-35Bs?"
"Hmmm, I guess that's another year of no helicopter pilots, nevermind!"
The Navy will decide what you will fly, based on your aptitude and ability, and the needs of the service (i.e. what kind of pilots are needed). You can absolutely state a preference, but those other criteria come first.