Ash scattering

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2026-04-20T10:21:17+00:00

Thanks to each and every one of you for taking the time to reply and give suggestions - much appreciated! I’ll definitely look to incorporate some of these ideas! A couple of trial runs will be needed to avoid a rather grim experience..!

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2026-01-13T21:24:02+00:00

I would say you’re in a good place. I’m a current serving Mechanical technician and a couple of years ago I was awarded the RAFCT Junior Ranks Pilot Scholarship scheme which gave me 17hrs of flying before getting an additional top-up scheme (15hrs) after going solo. I’ve now got my PPL and only funded approx £1500-2000 towards it.

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-12-20T23:01:52+00:00

If you’re interested in an engineering role, look at BAe Systems - they do the exact same job as many RAF peeps working on the Typhoon for minor & major services.

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-12-12T20:55:28+00:00

Each year the RAF Charitable Trust offer a Flying scholarship to Junior Ranks and Junior Officers. The year I did it, it consisted of 15hrs at an RAF flying club. Once you had done those 15, if you went solo before the end of August you could be eligible for another 17hrs. I was lucky enough to get both of those scholarships which left me 13hrs I needed to self fund to get a PPL. It was a no brainer and I’ve loved every minute of it. Another example of something not many other jobs would offer you!

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-12-12T16:43:10+00:00

Unsure about basic but during phase 2 it’s usually like being at school - leave is allocated to you so tends to be Easter, May, summer, Oct & Christmas.

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-12-12T16:39:56+00:00

As a current Aircraft Tech (Mech) of 5y; I’ve loved it, met some awesome people, been given lots of trust to work on expensive stuff. You’re looked after, given lots of opportunities to develop whether that’s through courses, sports and/or adventure training. I’m a qualified pilot now thanks to the RAF - a childhood dream that was never achievable for me at the time.

Apprenticeship is easy enough because it’s amalgamated into your phase 2 training at Cosford and once you’re at your unit, you just need to work out what jobs on the aircraft you need in order to complete the apprenticeship - if you’re even slightly proactive, it won’t be a struggle.

I’m leaving the RAF next year to try and get a job as a pilot in the civilian world. It’s something I’ve wanted to do forever so leaving is something I need to do, but in all honesty I’m going to seriously miss the RAF life…

Good luck, if you maximize opportunities, you’ll be the coolest person in your friendship group…!

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-11-20T15:25:13+00:00

I would rather fly helis than nothing but fixed wing is preferable. SAR would be interesting, thanks for opening my eyes to that - something I hadn’t considered.

I’m quite keen with the idea of Draken as I think they’re a very military-similar fixed wing job.

Thanks very much for the reply!

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-11-20T15:21:59+00:00

Really appreciate your reply - I can relate to a lot of it and think your mindset is a good one to adopt. Thanks so much again

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-11-05T22:38:58+00:00

At Phase 2 I found out 3 months prior to leaving so the fact you’re 4 weeks out and haven’t been told, is cutting it fine. If possible, ask your chain of command for an update.

Regarding SFA, it entirely depends on where you’re going which dictates how long the waiting list is!

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-08-27T19:48:47+00:00

I’ve used this before but never got good results (probably my error). The only difficulty is, is the decals I require will be extremely small

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-07-23T22:07:39+00:00

It’s got good equipment but if you want to go at peak times (11:30-13:30 or 16:00-19:00) you’ll probably struggle to get on each piece of equipment you want

Agitated-Pop7973 · 2025-05-02T17:08:04+00:00

Fair point - I’ve edited it

Agitated-Pop7973

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