Any RAF mums out there?

[rocketmaaaan]

My DS is about to join the RAF to train as a pilot. Very excited for him! I’m just wondering what to expect in terms of communication, I know the first six weeks (and beyond) will be extremely busy and he will most likely be exhausted and obviously completely focused on getting through his initial training. Is it likely I won’t hear from him at all to start with? It will just help to know in advance as it’s a big change to having him at home all the time! Any other advice of what to expect very gratefully received. Thanks.

PS couldn’t find a topic so put this in chat.

Navy not raf but initial officer training is similar. The first few weeks are really intense, long days, no leave off base so don’t expect much contact, encourage the odd text perhaps stressing them them you don’t mind that they won’t have time to call. Dc called me to send forgotten things though! After 5 weeks we had family weekend and saw the base, had dinner there etc, after that they got a bit more time off at weekends so contact increased.

nearly qualified now, has taken so many years, and about to rank up.

thankfully in a way i wasn’t used to them being around due to university so it just was a natural progression

That’s all very helpful, thank you for replying. Pretty much as I expected! DS has also been away to do a degree but has been home since last Summer, and of course we could both message anytime, this is going to be a big change! I’m so pleased for him though as this is 100% the right career for him.

Hopeful bump

Hi, I don't know much about the RAF but being an raf pilot is my sons dream! He's in year 10 currently;

Could you tell me how he got to this position as in gcse grades and paths to take at university etc, thanks for any info you can share, sorry I can't help with your question.

Hi, no worries. Basically he did a degree, towards the end was applying for all sorts of jobs but not having any success, his heart wasn’t really in it, was thinking of different careers and together we came up with the idea of the RAF. The application process has many stages and is very drawn out, it has taken him a year in total. He wasn’t even going to apply to train as a pilot but when he went for his CBAT (Computer based aptitude test) he scored really highly on those parts of the test and decided he had nothing to lose by trying that route. He would have been fine with another role if that didn’t work out, it is highly competitive and lots don’t get through (sorry!) You don’t need a degree, you can apply from 18 years I believe, but my DS would not have been ready or considering it at that stage.

This part of their website tells you in more detail. Good luck to your son!

https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/roles/roles-finder/aircrew/pilot