Wikiposts
Search
Military Aviation A forum for the professionals who fly military hardware. Also for the backroom boys and girls who support the flying and maintain the equipment, and without whom nothing would ever leave the ground. All armies, navies and air forces of the world equally welcome here.

Just a question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 2nd Dec 2004, 22:40
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Close by!
Posts: 324
Received 4 Likes on 2 Posts
Just a question

Having read "Flying Pay" and many other threads and having some really good conversations at work. I want to ask a question.
Why do we still need to recruit Officers who are pilots rather than concentrating on getting the pilot first and the seeing what else he/she might become?
The saving in wages & training surley cannot be ignored.
You can have a much larger intake of people and be even more ruthless in the selection policy. A very high standard can there fore be maintained without the needless search for qualities that may never be used.

Don't take this as a dig at those in or those that have served, it is just a question and I would like to hear what opinions exist.


Regards Insty
insty66 is offline  
Old 3rd Dec 2004, 12:48
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Ice Station Kilo
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Very simple. The RAF is run by officers.

A pilot in the RAF is an officer first and a pilot second, hence that is why pilots are GD branch, general duties. I can see your argument but it will never catch on.
Radar Riser is offline  
Old 3rd Dec 2004, 13:13
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Scotland
Age: 77
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
RR may be, sadly, right - "It'll never catch on".

When I asked the RAF if I could join as a pilot (nearly 40 years ago!!) they said, "You'll have to be an officer to do that". The rejoinder "wha'ever" was not in vogue then, but it was what I meant. I'd have done anything..

Trouble was, every so often they'd try and hold me to the bargain. Secondary duties, Boards of Inquiry, etc, etc. Spec Aircrew was a progressive step, but not quite far enough.

Spent 32 years dodging the "Officer" bit, as those who know me will testify, but I enjoyed the piloting...

It's a good question, insty, but it'll never catch on.
keithl is offline  
Old 3rd Dec 2004, 13:48
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
RR,

Not quite true. The RAF is run by pilots, and to a certain extent by those who failed pilot and ended up as Nav's All other "O's" are second string and have no real say in the bigger picture.

So , even though your argument has great merit, what pilot in his right mind is ever going to sign away all that power, pay and pension by bringing back NCO's in the driving seat

all spelling mistakes are "df" alcohol induced
Always_broken_in_wilts is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.