Jet Pilots do NOT make this mistake - ESSENTIAL TRUTH BOMB!

[@charts3503]

My grandfather took me to Finningley Air show in '88 and once I saw the Lightning go vertical from low-level - that was me! Air cadets, aircraft, I was crazy for it all. I'm leaving the RAF after 33yrs (Airman & Officer) in Engineering and aircraft/virtual flying is still a passion. You're spot on Tim - prep is everything if you want to succeed.

[@EvoraGT430]

That was one of the best airshows ever.

[@theegg-viator4707]

Even with the chances being reduced due to upper end of age requirements, I would say to Joe, MAKE THEM TELL YOU NO… , I.e, do not self eliminate. Even when the chances are low,.. there IS STILL A CHANCE.

[@theposh1970]

Great video as usual Tim; I went to Biggin Hill for aircrew selection in 1988 as a 17 year old from a Comp and didn't stand a chance. UAS Oxford and others. Was told by an old Squadron Leader to join enlisted. Cried in a phone box looking at a 3 litre Capri calling my parents; and then became a Doctor and went to Sandhurst. My 19 year old is now training to be a pilot, no degree just A levels. Learned from his Dad.

[@Steeyuv]

I wanted to be a helicopter pilot from the age of 3 and it took me until I was 62 to get the licence. I never wanted anything else and I absolutely love it. But the point is, IT WAS HARD WORK. Even for a guy who has waited 60 years to achieve a dream, it was a slog. So - be prepared to work at it - it will take a lot of effort.

[@solidlift]

You give me hope! I'm turning 50 next month. I've worked in aviation since 2007, and have been a flight simulator engineer for 12yrs now. Aviation has been my passion since grade school. Life changed my priorities...time for my dream now.

[@XPLAlN]

Ok slightly different view here. I was near 26 entering BRNC (passed my 26th during flying grading) and not even the oldest guy in my flight (3rd if memory serves although one was a yardie). I didn’t even think about pilot until 23. I would simply say, if they let you apply at 26 go for it. Only way to find out. I do not disagree with the points Tim made though. My recruitment guy was sending me on loads of visits to naval establishments to try and make up for my relative lack of demonstrable prior interest.

[@125brat]

I tend to agree. Surely the selection board won't spend good money and waste yours and their time if they don't see on paper beforehand you've got a good chance of making the grade? There are exceptions to rules and they can be bent or broken in special circumstances. If they think you've got what they want even though you're at the age limit, they will see what you're made of in person. Give it your best shot, think positive and good luck🤞

[@AdmV0rl0n]

There are no seats. 67Million people, and you have MAYBE 200 EF seats, and maybe 48 F35 parking lot princesses. 7 years of training in a broken hawk training program. What a fascinating mess :(

[@typhoon2827]

67million.... that we know about...

[@PhantomMark]

yeah but we have all those Ukrainian pilots to train as well now right ?? lol

[@typhoon2827]

@@PhantomMark not to mention the qataris...

[@johnfairbairn1927]

A mess maybe, but aren’t you multiplying by zero with that attitude? Aim for FJ by all means, but would you accept Multi or Rotary rather than a civilian career?

[@AdmV0rl0n]

@@johnfairbairn1927 Yes. But then I'd ensure that all Mil pilots get certs that apply in the civilian world as well. Imagine a world where you take 7 years to cert, you fly for 10, you leave and are without an ability to work in the area of your skills. Further, I detest F35. But one of its dubious claims to fame is that its 'easy' to fly. Well, then there is no reason for 7 years, and we should aim to have many more people be able to pass a program to be able to fly - even without the seats. I'd also really love to know how we are going to train Ukrainian pilots - when we can't train out own. The RAF is a farce and needs tearing a new one. The state its in, and the state of our industrial sector, and all the way down to how the kids are taught in our country is something to rail against. Anyhoos.

[@californiadreamin8423]

Dear Jay, Forget the military but if you want to fly , go for it. This happened to me 51 years ago !! Aero Eng Degree, UAS , ATC , etc etc Didn’t get through the first time, but offered a 2nd try 12 months later, as opposed to 24 months. Then the age limits were reduced to 23 and that was it. Was I pissed off….yes !! After about 6 months I calmed down…..I’d had a great time and tuition in the UAS , and great memories. Another 6 months and I just wanted to fly, so bit by bit I increased my experience, and went on courses, etc…. until the day came I handed in my notice and went off to do my ground school, GFT’s, and IR. I have over 30,000 hours on the DC3, Viscount, DC9, Fokker 100, 737 and A320. I’ve flown with lots of ex military guys….most are good , but not as good as they think they are, and you can be just as good. You’re only 26 , well I didn’t get my frozen ATPL until I was 32. First thing first……get a Class 1 medical because without that you are going nowhere. Good luck.

[@matthewrowe9903]

Sad to see soo much young talent waisted because the military are total prats at an administrative level

[@wingom8014]

Tim, you’re bang on with the age thing. I did 6yrs as a techie working on Tornado EW, finally went to OASC after trying to get my CO’s support since trade training and passed all the aptitude scores for pilot, but called in to be debriefed and was told that at 23 it made me borderline for pilot and as my score for Navigator was so high too, I was strongly suggested to drop pilot for Nav, which is what I did. That was back in 1989 and the competition is even tougher now.

[@SDsc0rch]

quick unrelated question Tim... DCS Strike Eagle video when? :) You've definitely got enough subscribers and I think you would do it justice.

[@stephenvince9994]

Just subbed. Brilliant channel. I applied to join as flight crew many years ago and was rejected on a potential eye problem. Turned out to be a nothing but in the meantime I trained as a civ pilot and went crop dusting (Back in its hey day) and spent many happy hours low level in a large a roarty single seater. Have many hours, still flying my little aerobatic biplane, and builing a monster simulator. 68 and still working! RAF is not the end of your story....in fact ..it could be the beginning. Dad flew lancaster amongst other things during war. We'll have that beer soon dad, RIP.

[@TimJW]

This is all the advice I wish I had had back in 1990 when I was applying as a direct entrant. I got to OASC twice. Failed the interviews purely because I didn't pay attention to current affairs enough. Places were limited due to Options for Change (6 places and around 30 people chasing them). I did everything else - cubs, scouts, air cadets, read the books Per Ardua Ad Astra, Fighter Pilot so had the history and training system learned! But like Tim says, I divided by zero somewhere!!!

[@longbiowsix]

What you say about skill and willingness to put the work in is accurate; it was even in the ground trades in my RAF days. The RAF didn’t want me in their jets so at 30 (after demob), I went commercial and instructor, now examiner. So I can say the skill and willingness is the same even in the Commercial Pilot world - most (there are exceptions and they stick out), of the young students I’m seeing think it’s like school/Uni, they can just rock up, pay the fees, slide the academics and fly, then an airline will hire them. The ones that go on to get the scholarships and airline places are the ones on the high end skill, willingness to work, learn, listen metrics AND plug away at it.

[@petrairene]

Problem is, I'm your generation, a few years older actually, and I'm female. In my generation (and in the famliy where I grew up too) the notion that a woman may even want to fly military airplanes, or want to be in the military was rather unthinkable. So even when as a young teen some media made me find military airplanes extremely cool (the first contact was the Black Sheep TV show), that did not translate to a notion, that could be something I could be doing (where I live the military pilot path for women opened up around 2000). Didn't live near any place where seeing the more cool types of aviation live was possible either, while airline piloting held and holds no interest for me. So yes, you can develop an interest in something like military aviation at an age when it's just too late, when you crossed that out as an option for yourself on your mental map at a young age because of xyz causes. And that's just as legitimate as if you allow yourself to follow that interest at age 10. There just is a time when it's too late. You also will not become a professional ballet dancer, piano player, soccer player if you don't start at an appropriately young age. But if you are borderline age to apply. By all means, give it a try, even if you have a 99.99 chance of not getting there. Hell, maybe there is a medical or other reason why they wouldn't have taken you besides your age.

[@shaunmartin7123]

I wanted to be a helicopter pilot in the Army. Had an interview with careers at 16 and was told to get myself better educated, a degree etc. I was all set to do that, then at 17 I was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes, and all those dreams came crashing down. I'm 54 now, and only started my degree last year. Sadly, some of us have to face hard truths. I like the way you didn't sugar-coat your advice.

[@interestedwatcher6]

Great video with some home truths.

[@JB-fh3ls]

Your points are well made but it's a funny situation. Australia's highest scoring fighter ace of WWII (Clive Caldwell) was considered too old to train (28-29) and lied about his age to get in. I don't really understand the strict age limitation, is it to do with the length of time required to train in the British Armed Forces? I know Australia's population is much smaller than the UK but the RAAF currently take pilots up to 45 years old and Army even later. Even then they struggle to fill spots.

[@doddsy2978]

Johnny Johnson? I don’t rate him! My father hated him (JJ was his AOC in the Near East). My Dad was of the opinion that JJ was a self absorbed skiver! Spoke very highly of Sholto Douglas though! Anyway, you did ask!

[@EvoraGT430]

To be fair, a lot of war-time heroes were maverick types. Time and place.

[@deltic5514]

I've never had a clue what I wanted do, bumbled my way through 130 IOT at Cranwell, then JROC at Catterick. Bombed out and ended up at Hendon police training school. I've got 19 days left to do before my 30 years are up and still not got a clue what I want to do. Guess i'm a multiply by zero right from the get go. Great video

[@johnwhite.762]

Agree with everything, I zeroed myself out by not choosing my parents correctly, as they came to the UK as refugees from Commie infested East Europe, in the 1950's, the best I could do was approximately jack-shit. All I'd add is when you get bounced, get back up and keep going and remember to look behind you before you look ahead to where you aim your life, as you only have one round. Endex.

[@125brat]

From a very young age and after seeing aircraft flying at the 1964 Farnborough Air Show I wanted to be a pilot. Unfortunately I wasn't focussed enough when I was at school to get decent results to go on to get a degree or other higher qualification, so there were lots of zeros in my equation. I joined the Royal Air Force as an apprentice, but didn't pursue my career and was too old to apply to be a pilot. Later in life after leaving the service, my marriage broke up and I was forced to abandon my degree after a successful first year and never completed it. However, once I had settled on my own and my mid-life crisis kicked in, I thought sod it, I've always wanted to fly but how can I afford it now? I found the money and the time and 5 years later due to ill health and lack of money finally got my Private Pilots Licence. That was 20 years ago. I'm now very happily married again to a wonderful woman, own my own airstrip and aircraft and have just started to build a new aircraft. It's not a fast jet or even a slow jet, but it's as close as I can realistically afford😁 I could never have imagined how my life would turn out, but we are only here once, so if you want to do something, grab it by the horns and do it!

[@happee_meal8302]

Moot point when you're a zero at birth! 46 years later and I'm almost over it 🤣

[@chain2001]

Brilliant words of wisdom, which I wish were spoken to me when I was younger. Anyone can use this train of thought to become successful in pursuing their dreams... Following!

[@ryanroberts9440]

So what you’re saying is at 35 I’m to old 😂 damn!

[@Crosshatch1212]

Get in touch with sunak,He’s looking to train anyone ,QUICKLY ,😮😢

[@srw_cricket2976]

Wow! What a vid 👏. I have a 24 year old daughter, professional ballerina, started at 3 who is not a 10/10 across the board but defo no zeros and at a junction. This helps, context is everything! Txs 👍

[@markzzzz741]

Great video Tim. Glad to hear of a former FJ pilot that had done the Cambrian Patrol. Did it in '95 (i'm a year older) the Silver coin/medal was harder to get than any of the other ones in the last 32+ years of my service.

[@Templar7832]

Airforce is 22 Tim, Unless they changed very recently.

[@mrhammers78]

Congrats on the flying training ruling Tim. I’ve followed the whole debacle on your channel and was pleased to see the news break yesterday.

[@bobg1069]

You are right Tim, of course you are, but this age stuff is largely BS. My old man's rear gunner in 1943 was 42 years old, with two confirmed victories and a DFM. Go figure.

[@gregtaylor6146]

One trusts you caught this byline in today's Daily Mail Tim, harking back to a previous vid? 'White men trying to join the RAF were branded 'useless' by recruitment officers in leaked emails set to renew row over diversity quotas?'

[@typhoon2827]

I'm genuinely worried that in the next video, Tim goes purple and explodes all over the walls of the attack shack in the aftermath of the "useless white male pilot" email. Take care, Tim!

[@Quandoquesto]

How does one deal with resentment of one's parents, both of whom purposely and repeatedly crushed a young 'uns dreams of becoming a fighter pilot from a very young age?

[@fitzpatrickken]

I think the upper age limits are ridiculous & result in losing some good potential pilots! A lot of people don't realise their maximum abilities til later in life & just imagine the pool of potential if, say, the upper age limit was 30-35!

[@Geomanb]

In Germany you fail once - you drop out forever. At least in the early 2000s, IDK how it is today.

[@Moggery]

Cool shirt Tim 👍

[@freemenofengland2880]

Eric Cantona was a great example of what you're talking about. Always the last to come off the training field.

[@bundat267]

I agree - aviation has been my passion since young and I have been working towards achieving my goal of becoming a military aviator since age 12, when I joined the ATC. Ive been building my application since. I have flown solo in a glider, gained aeronautical and instructor qualifications etc. It would be devastating to be rejected in favour of a 26 year old who applied late simply because they lacked self esteem. I think that's one of the reasons the RAF often reject young people - only the most determined will come back and reapply.

[@coffeeguy6673]

Brilliant advice ! Thanks, Tim.

[@Kiyodio]

Im 21 now, Ive always wanted to be a Pilot in the RAF. I've been studying Aerospace engineering and have always been a massive aircraft guy. Weather it be flying them in the simulators or, trying to make models of them, watching videos etc. My life has been plagued with ups and downs and general problems that have barred me from having a chance to get into things like the UAS. But watching you video now, though I only have 2 or so years left to even try to get into the RAF or even Naval Air wing, you've given me some inspiration to keep trying hard to get in. I failed my last UAS application due to also "not being much of a teamplayer" but COVID and many other factors prevented me from applying sooner which was a huge bummer to me. Watching your videos ever since a few days ago has given me more hope. Many thanks

[@AliJa430]

hey bro, I hope youre well and im sorry that happened to you, may I ask how the UAS came to the conclusion that youre not a team player? if they dont accept you, how can they know? or was it something in your personal statement/interview? im asking because I plan to apply for a UAS in September? and good luck to you!

[@DarrylHart]

Don't do it Kiyo. Too woke now.

[@Kiyodio]

@@AliJa430 I simply didn't do enough extra curricular/ team working activities outside of uni to be properly considered. Apparently they liked every other part of me but that was a big let down for them and we hadn't even had to do the fitness test that day either

[@Kiyodio]

@@DarrylHart wdym?

[@markdilley3918]

Hello, absolutely throw yourself at it! I'm also naturally quite solitary but put myself out of my comfort zone to demonstrate to the OASC that I was a good candidate. I've been a pilot in the RAF now for over 20 years. I was considering doing something completely different as I had huge 'imposter syndrome' having come from a working class background, poor academic record etc. All I would say is ATACK IT! You cannot drift and hope for the best. I didn't go to university so didn't join a UAS, got in on my first application. If it doesn't work out for you, at least you've give it your best shot and you will have developed in character. Good luck and ATTACK IT!!!!!

[@wayneschenk5512]

After a long flying career what you say is so true.

[@danielvermeere7916]

good video

[@joespencer9442]

Tim looking buff 💪

[@pauljrix]

Good stuff as usual Tim. I wanted to be a fast jet pilot back in my younger days... and I can list a number of reasons that didn't happen, but mostly, I think I just didn't have the self confidence and drive back then. I spent 9 years in the RAF in the ATC branch ('90 - '99 as an enlisted airman) but the dream was still there nagging away at me. Fast forward to today and I do fly for a living and have had a very enjoyable career mostly in business aviation. I will always look at a fast jet with some degree of wistful regret but I am 100% glad I didn't completely give up the dream. If I had done so, I would never have experienced flying Air Ambulance and medical 'missions' in the King Air, making my first Atlantic and Pacific crossings as PIC in a Challenger or flying over the Amazon Rain Forest in a Global Express. So my advice to Jay(?) would be to apply to the RAF anyway (you will always regret it if you don't at least try), but be open to other types of flying as a career path..

[@thirstybonsai1888]

Hi tim. Is there any chance you could start doing reaction's to aircraft mishaps? Think it'll be beneficial for the Channel! And would be great to watch a professional pilot react too!

[@NPractitioner]

Thank you for this Tim, I'm going to show it to my youngest. Inspirational👍🏼

[@danielvermeere7916]

you should look into trading . Mindset is a great thing there means everything in that world