I remember my medical. In them days it was done by the padre and you would have to go around to his house to have it done. Due to the Official Secrets Act you were never allowed to talk about it. He would brief you on this when you were getting dressed.
I’m currently training to be a Pilot in the Royal Air Force. If anyone has any questions relating to the process for this let me know so we can even the playing field for new joiners with no experience Vs people in the know who will have an advantage!
Hello, I'm only 13 and I would really like to fly typhoons (and possibly the f 35),i just want to ask, what makes you stand out to the rest of the crowd as most people want to become a pilot?
@@rory_n145 Awesome goal! Nice to meet you man, the fact that you already have your sights set on this at 13 is an advantage itself. If you want to stand out I would look at things to do like the Air cadets. They can teach you to glide and fly powered aircraft for free through various scholarships and you will also be around like minded people. There are also loads more opportunities to take advantage of within that such as traveling the world for less that £300, leadership trading etc
This also prepares you for military life somewhat in terms of being able to iron, staying away from home as believe it or not in officer training some people still struggled with home sickness. Try and get involved in team sports in and outside of school if you haven’t already and be open to take on leadership roles within that, throw yourself in at the deep end as that’s when you will grow as a person the most! Try and be a part of leadership initiatives inside school too, even if you don’t think it’s cool at the time just do it as trust me you’ll learn from a young age and also it will look great! When it comes to choosing subjects to study pick ones you enjoy as you will do the best in those and that’s what you want! You only need two C’s at A level from any subject so choose easy ones that’s you enjoy doing. Find a reason to raise money for charity with your school or make your own event up and get people to sign up. That will stand out massively. If you want to go to university, again choose a subject you’re really interested in as it doesn’t matter what you study as long as you do well in it. Join a university air squadron, there are loads of videos on RUclips about these. They will give you as much free flying lessons as you can handle and will spoon feed you into getting into the airforce as that’s what they’re there to do. No worries if you want to join straight from A levels though as lots of people do and you can complete a degree whilst you’re in the RAF for free. I personally didn’t go to uni but that’s your choice! By getting flying experience early will help a lot to becoming a fast jet pilot as you’ll have an advantage over those people who join and have never flown before. You may have bad habits but at least you know what things do etc. I hope this helps, I can go on for ages but I think I’ve covered some of the basics to give you a good head start. If you have anymore questions let me know and I’ll be happy to answer.
@@rory_n145 No worries man enjoy your road to the F35/ tempest! I have a lot of resource material that will help you with the application process when you come to do it. Also organisations like ‘The Air league’ or the honourable company of air pilots provide scholarships to fund a private pilots license. Some even let you have a free go at the CBAT test the military use. Very worth looking into!
Hiya Mate,for the fitness test 1.5mile treadmill run,do you have control of your treadmill? Or do you have to have it on a certain speed the whole time, cheers mate :)
Usually the Invigilator well set the treadmill off, but once you're going, you're free to adjust it as you wish. Just be aware if you pass at 11 mins or at 9:30... it doesn't matter to the Recruiter, they really wont care. A pass is a pass.
@@anthonydurga1242 above 11, 12 is the idle u will pass. On twelve n won't get too much tired as well,. 12 or 13 to pass normally without pressure.,, If u want to achieve more then tu got to go higher then 13, 14 or 15 will give u a massive difference neways will be a lot quicker n competive score., definitely on 15.,,, 15 or 16 min u may be one of the best to run at that speed anove 15,,,,. Start with 9 then make it 10 then slowly built up ur speed., it will definitely work if ur consistent n work hard jut 3 days a week will help as well., I could say give at least 4 days 2 days then a gap then 2 days. If u can give 5 days in the start run slow but do it kind of every day if it's very slow. Alright give 1 day rest,, 😬😆✌️ 2 days then a rest then next 1 day then rest then next 2 day., Or mix n match as u please, what everis easy to u or works for u.,,
Hello mate I had ACL surgery a few years ago I'm 100% fit now I had to appeal this and the letter basically said I can't join but a few days later I received a email with the AST dates what should I do?
Unsure if this was a service medical or civilian ? Really surprised the urine test didn't cover drugs use ! In my day your medical was conditional on recruiting requirements more than physical fitness
I was flat out rejected by army, navy and RAF because I had... HAD asthma as a child, despite being clear from it for 10 years when I applied. I wasn't given any advice, guidance or a chance to be deferred. Just shown the door and "thank you for your interest but no". That was 8 years ago and the requirements have only gotten more stringent since then. The military's entry standards are next to impossible for almost anyone who applies now.
@@roachitane my mate was rejected by RAF because he had a rash... once... 2 years ago. You literally need to be perfect before you apply. Don't see the point in striving for impossible standards when you can now be killed by a drone with no effort.
@@Indoor_Carrot okay but was it capita doing the medical? The three branches have different medical standards as well. I’m not rly worrying much about me joining the military since they are desperate for recruits and capita won’t be doing my medical 🤷♂️ will have to wait and see I suppose, but from what I’ve heard from guys that have done the medical I’m gonna be getting it’s rly not that strict. Agree with the drone bombs, that’s just wild.
My partner had asthma as a child he's in the navy now he was able to pass through medical stuff and doing an extra test I believe but he was able to get in
@@alexadams3851 Apply now, you can arrange a start date with afco. I'm guessing this is your last year of school/ college. I made the mistake of applying when I left school thinking I could start within a few months, my application process took over a year. It only takes a months for some people but definitely apply now. What role are you going for?
@@dannyrobertson7046 yeah last year of college and getting my a-level results in august. Im going to apply to be a pilot. Whether I have what it takes I’m not sure but I’ll definitely give it my all.
Do you know if i had asthma 4 years before I joined would i get in as a flying branch? Edit: by flying branch I don’t mean a part of a tree i mean a flying part of the RAF.
😂that last part made me laugh. If you ever had a history of asthma you’re automatically a no on flying branches however with a past history of asthma you can join ground trades. It’s all depending on how far clear you are on your records as I’m going through this my self.
Is their a mental health assessment within the medical (if so what are the type of things that are asked) or is it only looked at in further detail if it's on your NHS record?
No, just a few questions in the interview the make sure you’re mentally okay. For example ‘how would you feel about going to a war zone have having to shoot at someone?’ The general questions are there as well such as, ‘have you ever felt suicidal?’
your BMI needs to be between 18-32 if you're over 18 and 17 - 27 if you're under 18, Like James said. it can be fixed through diet and exercise. (Remember Muscle weighs more than fat)
The eye site test makes me the most nervous. I do wear glasses for reading IF what I am reading is far (like the more distant letters on an eye test). Would they still expect me to read without them or will they test me with my glasses on?
They will test you with your glasses off, and then they will test you with them on. If you can read all the letters with either them on or off, you will pass that element.
Hi am from commonwealth and would like to know how your fitness test went. What happened on the day. If you can take us through it step by step. Thanks and all the best
I turned up at my gym and met up with a personal trainer, he got my details and first got me on the treadmill and had me do the 1.5 mile run then a press up and sit up test and thats it
Sorry if it's late, but if you have laser eye surgery, you have to be at least 22 years old when you apply and a year must've passed between surgery and application. Also, I think your vision can't be outside the +6 - -6 dioptre range but I may be wrong. Eye surgery used to be an automatic no a while back, but the RAF took note of U.S.A.F's good experience with laser surgery so here you go. Again, do some more research as I may be wrong.
@@jaminoz1555 indeed, I tried too, but I found serving personnel are of more help than the AFCO guys. But I think they should've disclosed this, since it's a heavy make or break thing, I guess it depends on who picks up.
I have extremely mild asthma and mostly asymptomatic but I am very enthusiastic in becoming a fast jet pilot. I want to join in a few years after A-levels but I'm worried I'll get refused despite being in good health and fitness. Even though I have asthma, I've never had an asthma attack and go on daily runs with no issue at all, do you think if I tried, I could get a medical waiver and still get in? Anyone who knows anything about it, please reply.
im not too knowledgeable on pilots but i have seen that the RAF will help improve your vision, i believe i saw on television they give you help to improve your vision but you would have to check with your recruiter
James Lawson I’ve never had any issue with my eyes it’s just nervous more then anything but at least it’s good to know they’ll support you with it thanks 👍
As of now i am still waiting for a new date due to the Coronavirus, my basic is being delayed because my phase 2 training is taking less people on to comply with social distancing so there may be a longer gap to wait for basic Right now it could be until October time until i get a date
@@jameslawson3988 Oof I have a weird feeling I may have it as my mother has it but I haven't gotten it tested hopefully I'm just paranoid. Once my a level mock results come I'm gonna defo try applying to join the raf
They will go over your medical history, and they will also get you to bend over and touch your toes. Essentially, anything that isn't in the NHS Records from your GP you wont need to say. However, if you think you may have Scoliosis, then you need to see your GP.
idk If you’ve done the medical or if you still want to know but it’s to test for proteins, sugars or blood in the urine. These could indicate some health issues. It’s not a drugs test.
@@jameslawson3988 I read that apparently you can’t do air crew if you’ve had asthma in the past? However the air cadets let my fly once I had a letter from my GP. So does that mean I can still do air crew? I haven’t had asthma since I was 7 years old and I’m 22 now.
Nice one James! Before you went to local place did you send the forms via post? I have all my medical history and forms saved to my email just wondered how you did it. Don't want any Royal Mail slow posting ;)
I remember my medical. In them days it was done by the padre and you would have to go around to his house to have it done. Due to the Official Secrets Act you were never allowed to talk about it. He would brief you on this when you were getting dressed.
Really helpful video, I’m waiting to have my medical so it’s good to know what I can expect.
Really helpful thanks a lot I hope your RAF career is going well
I really wanna join but I’m definitely going to get deferred as I have Crohn’s disease 😬😂
I’m currently training to be a Pilot in the Royal Air Force. If anyone has any questions relating to the process for this let me know so we can even the playing field for new joiners with no experience Vs people in the know who will have an advantage!
Hello, I'm only 13 and I would really like to fly typhoons (and possibly the f 35),i just want to ask, what makes you stand out to the rest of the crowd as most people want to become a pilot?
@@rory_n145 Awesome goal! Nice to meet you man, the fact that you already have your sights set on this at 13 is an advantage itself. If you want to stand out I would look at things to do like the Air cadets. They can teach you to glide and fly powered aircraft for free through various scholarships and you will also be around like minded people. There are also loads more opportunities to take advantage of within that such as traveling the world for less that £300, leadership trading etc
This also prepares you for military life somewhat in terms of being able to iron, staying away from home as believe it or not in officer training some people still struggled with home sickness.
Try and get involved in team sports in and outside of school if you haven’t already and be open to take on leadership roles within that, throw yourself in at the deep end as that’s when you will grow as a person the most! Try and be a part of leadership initiatives inside school too, even if you don’t think it’s cool at the time just do it as trust me you’ll learn from a young age and also it will look great!
When it comes to choosing subjects to study pick ones you enjoy as you will do the best in those and that’s what you want! You only need two C’s at A level from any subject so choose easy ones that’s you enjoy doing.
Find a reason to raise money for charity with your school or make your own event up and get people to sign up. That will stand out massively.
If you want to go to university, again choose a subject you’re really interested in as it doesn’t matter what you study as long as you do well in it. Join a university air squadron, there are loads of videos on RUclips about these. They will give you as much free flying lessons as you can handle and will spoon feed you into getting into the airforce as that’s what they’re there to do.
No worries if you want to join straight from A levels though as lots of people do and you can complete a degree whilst you’re in the RAF for free. I personally didn’t go to uni but that’s your choice!
By getting flying experience early will help a lot to becoming a fast jet pilot as you’ll have an advantage over those people who join and have never flown before. You may have bad habits but at least you know what things do etc.
I hope this helps, I can go on for ages but I think I’ve covered some of the basics to give you a good head start. If you have anymore questions let me know and I’ll be happy to answer.
@@TheDavidt23 thank you so much this really helps, I hope your career goes well.
@@rory_n145 No worries man enjoy your road to the F35/ tempest! I have a lot of resource material that will help you with the application process when you come to do it.
Also organisations like ‘The Air league’ or the honourable company of air pilots provide scholarships to fund a private pilots license. Some even let you have a free go at the CBAT test the military use. Very worth looking into!
Hiya Mate,for the fitness test 1.5mile treadmill run,do you have control of your treadmill? Or do you have to have it on a certain speed the whole time, cheers mate :)
Usually the Invigilator well set the treadmill off, but once you're going, you're free to adjust it as you wish. Just be aware if you pass at 11 mins or at 9:30... it doesn't matter to the Recruiter, they really wont care. A pass is a pass.
@@Scope3213 by any chance what’s the best speed to have it on
@@anthonydurga1242 above 11, 12 is the idle u will pass. On twelve n won't get too much tired as well,. 12 or 13 to pass normally without pressure.,, If u want to achieve more then tu got to go higher then 13, 14 or 15 will give u a massive difference neways will be a lot quicker n competive score., definitely on 15.,,, 15 or 16 min u may be one of the best to run at that speed anove 15,,,,.
Start with 9 then make it 10 then slowly built up ur speed., it will definitely work if ur consistent n work hard jut 3 days a week will help as well., I could say give at least 4 days 2 days then a gap then 2 days.
If u can give 5 days in the start run slow but do it kind of every day if it's very slow. Alright give 1 day rest,, 😬😆✌️
2 days then a rest then next 1 day then rest then next 2 day.,
Or mix n match as u please, what everis easy to u or works for u.,,
Hello mate I had ACL surgery a few years ago I'm 100% fit now I had to appeal this and the letter basically said I can't join but a few days later I received a email with the AST dates what should I do?
James Lawson, Please whats the hearing threshold for the medical test?
Bro can u please post a video of fitness test
Unsure if this was a service medical or civilian ?
Really surprised the urine test didn't cover drugs use !
In my day your medical was conditional on recruiting requirements more than physical fitness
I was flat out rejected by army, navy and RAF because I had... HAD asthma as a child, despite being clear from it for 10 years when I applied. I wasn't given any advice, guidance or a chance to be deferred. Just shown the door and "thank you for your interest but no".
That was 8 years ago and the requirements have only gotten more stringent since then. The military's entry standards are next to impossible for almost anyone who applies now.
Raf and navy do in house medical now, when reading the requirements, stuff like that is case by case. Army still uses capita, for some fucking reason.
@@roachitane my mate was rejected by RAF because he had a rash... once... 2 years ago.
You literally need to be perfect before you apply. Don't see the point in striving for impossible standards when you can now be killed by a drone with no effort.
@@Indoor_Carrot okay but was it capita doing the medical? The three branches have different medical standards as well. I’m not rly worrying much about me joining the military since they are desperate for recruits and capita won’t be doing my medical 🤷♂️ will have to wait and see I suppose, but from what I’ve heard from guys that have done the medical I’m gonna be getting it’s rly not that strict. Agree with the drone bombs, that’s just wild.
My partner had asthma as a child he's in the navy now he was able to pass through medical stuff and doing an extra test I believe but he was able to get in
I passed basic training a month ago, I'll answer questions for anyone👍🏼
Hi mate, I’m wanting to join and start phase 1 in about September. When would you recommend applying?
@@alexadams3851 Apply now, you can arrange a start date with afco. I'm guessing this is your last year of school/ college. I made the mistake of applying when I left school thinking I could start within a few months, my application process took over a year. It only takes a months for some people but definitely apply now. What role are you going for?
@@dannyrobertson7046 yeah last year of college and getting my a-level results in august. Im going to apply to be a pilot. Whether I have what it takes I’m not sure but I’ll definitely give it my all.
@@alexadams3851 Good luck, ye definitely apply asap
@@alexadams3851 Also if you do not make it as a pilot definitely go for wizz op👍🏼
What is their policy on people with mild Aspergers?
Do they do a mental health assessment?
Can I not get into the RAF if I wear glasses
Hi mate do they request your medical history from your doctor's before this
If I already wear glasses, would the eye test be with or without the glasses?
how's it going?
Do you know if i had asthma 4 years before I joined would i get in as a flying branch?
Edit: by flying branch I don’t mean a part of a tree i mean a flying part of the RAF.
Hahaha. That tickled me
😂that last part made me laugh. If you ever had a history of asthma you’re automatically a no on flying branches however with a past history of asthma you can join ground trades. It’s all depending on how far clear you are on your records as I’m going through this my self.
how long did it take
If you have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety in past by a doctor does that stop you from joining ?.
Is their a mental health assessment within the medical (if so what are the type of things that are asked) or is it only looked at in further detail if it's on your NHS record?
No, just a few questions in the interview the make sure you’re mentally okay. For example ‘how would you feel about going to a war zone have having to shoot at someone?’ The general questions are there as well such as, ‘have you ever felt suicidal?’
They will check your NHS record.
@@raulchrister1582how would you answer the shooting question ?
I have low bmi can it restrict me from joining although I don't have any other medical issue
Im not sure, it could raise some flags but it can be fixed
your BMI needs to be between 18-32 if you're over 18 and 17 - 27 if you're under 18, Like James said. it can be fixed through diet and exercise. (Remember Muscle weighs more than fat)
The eye site test makes me the most nervous. I do wear glasses for reading IF what I am reading is far (like the more distant letters on an eye test). Would they still expect me to read without them or will they test me with my glasses on?
They will test you with your glasses off, and then they will test you with them on.
If you can read all the letters with either them on or off, you will pass that element.
I am short sighted in my left eye only and im about -1.75 , looking at the pilot role ill be hopefully getting corrective eye surgery
Hi am from commonwealth and would like to know how your fitness test went. What happened on the day. If you can take us through it step by step. Thanks and all the best
I turned up at my gym and met up with a personal trainer, he got my details and first got me on the treadmill and had me do the 1.5 mile run then a press up and sit up test and thats it
@@jameslawson3988 Are you in the RAF now?
If you’ve had eye laser surgery to improve eyesight does this effect your application ?
Sorry if it's late, but if you have laser eye surgery, you have to be at least 22 years old when you apply and a year must've passed between surgery and application. Also, I think your vision can't be outside the +6 - -6 dioptre range but I may be wrong. Eye surgery used to be an automatic no a while back, but the RAF took note of U.S.A.F's good experience with laser surgery so here you go. Again, do some more research as I may be wrong.
@@jakubwojasiewicz7588 thank you very much
@@jaminoz1555 either way, I would contact a careers office because what I said could be wrong.
@@jakubwojasiewicz7588 I have tried but they will not disclose, very annoying
@@jaminoz1555 indeed, I tried too, but I found serving personnel are of more help than the AFCO guys. But I think they should've disclosed this, since it's a heavy make or break thing, I guess it depends on who picks up.
Is there a fourth video?
I have extremely mild asthma and mostly asymptomatic but I am very enthusiastic in becoming a fast jet pilot. I want to join in a few years after A-levels but I'm worried I'll get refused despite being in good health and fitness. Even though I have asthma, I've never had an asthma attack and go on daily runs with no issue at all, do you think if I tried, I could get a medical waiver and still get in? Anyone who knows anything about it, please reply.
I was turned down simply for having asthma as a kid. Don't bother mate.
You will not pass the medical to be aircrew (which includes pilot) if you have any history of asthma, no matter how mild.
So what happened?
Hiya pal currently awaiting my medical most scared of the eye test because My end goal is to be be a pilot so I need 20/20 I think 😂
im not too knowledgeable on pilots but i have seen that the RAF will help improve your vision, i believe i saw on television they give you help to improve your vision but you would have to check with your recruiter
James Lawson I’ve never had any issue with my eyes it’s just nervous more then anything but at least it’s good to know they’ll support you with it thanks 👍
RJ_Fitness so have you passed cbat and the selection interview?
@@reece.rawly2286 Did you get in as a pilot?
hi: can i join with vit b 12 deficiency anaemia
and can i join if i have had very minimally invasive spine surgery
Google.
There's a universal document for the military in the UK that has all of the medical conditions that preclude entry.
is the eye test very hard in terms of getting 20/20 vision
I don't know about the eye test, sorry i cant give you any info.
In the raf you can be a fast jet pilot with glasses 👍
@@f1tv436 thank you for this info
@@f1tv436 do you know the minimum numbers you need to be accepted?
Hey i unfortunately didn’t qualify for the job I wanted but I have the chance to sit it again, please could you help
Hi, what did you struggle with? I posted a video regarding the DAA yesterday, which may be helpful for you 🙂
I think, you will have recruited in raf for now hopefully because this video has been uploaded by you for about 3 years ago.m i right?
I was just gonna ask u mate if your still going through with the raf? I have chose the same role as u and wanted to ask if u have done basic training?
As of now i am still waiting for a new date due to the Coronavirus, my basic is being delayed because my phase 2 training is taking less people on to comply with social distancing so there may be a longer gap to wait for basic
Right now it could be until October time until i get a date
Ahh, same with me, I thibk I’m going jan/feb
@@jameslawson3988 what trade you going for?
Do you have a heart test for the RAF
what did u wear bro shall i pull up in a suit like a did for my test and interview or shall i come in jeans and a top ?
A suit is preferred for the AST
Sports wear is usually preferable when going to the Medical, it will be in the email you get from CAPITA.
Jay Hughes cheers bro appreciate it
I just passed my medical with my bmi at 19.33 and I was so scared cause am skinny ish haha
Same , I have a BMI of 18 and I’m small
@@eliselawless5410 I managed to pass it and I am waiting for my entry date 😬
I’ve ruptured my acl, will that disqualify me?
shouldnt
Could you still join if your diabetic type 2 ?
From my knowledge i believe you cannot
@@jameslawson3988 Oof I have a weird feeling I may have it as my mother has it but I haven't gotten it tested hopefully I'm just paranoid. Once my a level mock results come I'm gonna defo try applying to join the raf
Are u in training now mate?
I think I got scoliosis do they do strict back test or x rays?
They will go over your medical history, and they will also get you to bend over and touch your toes. Essentially, anything that isn't in the NHS Records from your GP you wont need to say. However, if you think you may have Scoliosis, then you need to see your GP.
@@Scope3213 Thanks
What is the urine sample for?
idk If you’ve done the medical or if you still want to know but it’s to test for proteins, sugars or blood in the urine. These could indicate some health issues. It’s not a drugs test.
@@benthorpe3884 Check for any kinds of diabetes etc
Did you get in the raf
Hi - do they check dental work or teeth? ☺️
Yes, very briefly
If u have health issues can u join sorry I'm not very informed on this just tryna find info to know if I can join
Yes, it depends what issues it may be, some can be fixed without any issues, it just depends on what it is.
@@jameslawson3988 k very helpful thx
How strict are they on people with Asthma?
They are ok if you have been clear for a certain amount of time i an not sure but is about 2 years
@@jameslawson3988 I read that apparently you can’t do air crew if you’ve had asthma in the past? However the air cadets let my fly once I had a letter from my GP. So does that mean I can still do air crew? I haven’t had asthma since I was 7 years old and I’m 22 now.
Nice one James! Before you went to local place did you send the forms via post?
I have all my medical history and forms saved to my email just wondered how you did it.
Don't want any Royal Mail slow posting ;)
Yes i sent my forms through email
@@jameslawson3988 Thanks mate, all the best!
Hi I’m currently on the medical stage
Silly question but I overheard the doctor gets you to strip down to your underwear is this true?
Yes you're advised to wear comfortable clothing and sensible underwear as you are required to strip down to underwear and bare feet :)
Was the eye test included in your medical or was it at a seperate date?
unless you have glasses you don't have to do an eye test but you have to sign a document called the ground role refraction assesment.
@@Marchy22 not what happened to me, I had an eye exam included in my medical 2 weeks ago.
Hi, is dental check part of the medical?thanks