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Post by Officer Crabtree on Aug 29, 2012 23:50:45 GMT 12
I would like to know if there are any people who took a engineering or mechanical course before joining the RNZAF as aircrew? I am not good at building things, doing whatever you do with a spanner to an engine, all the sort of stuff that engineers and a lot of aircraft enthusiasts are good at, and have to pick courses for my first year of NCEA examinations. I don't plan to go into the air force as an aircraft maintenance person of any sort (though it's always good to have a second option), I would like to be a pilot because flying is great. But W/O Katting was taking me through Woodbourne today and mentioned that the current RNZAF liked to have pilots that could also help fix the aircraft if the need arises.
So to sum up, in your most esteemed opinions, would it be a good idea to try to learn basic engineering, even if I'm rubbish at it?
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Post by phil on Aug 30, 2012 0:12:25 GMT 12
Pilots that can fix aircraft?
What will they think of next.
To be striclty correct, there are specific aircrew maintenance authorisations for carrying out daily and turn around servicings. This is not the same as fixing the aircraft though.
But if it interests you, you may as well take some courses, since part of aircrew training is learning the aircraft systems, and having some basic mechanical and electrical understanding would be useful for this, particularly if it is an area you are weak in at the moment.
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Post by Radialicious on Aug 30, 2012 0:39:52 GMT 12
Do it. It's exactly the path I took into a flying career. It took a bit longer than those that took the direct route. However, RNZAF aircraft engineering background that I have is hugely valuable. When something goes wrong at 38000ft, I don't put on my overalls and fix things, but I have a useful understanding of many problems and their consequences. When I'm at home, my engineering training and skills are just as useful day to day in my interests and hobbies.
Join the RNZAF, get a trade behind you and work hard towards a pilot remuster. By the time you put your hand up for the big jump, both you and the RNZAF will know if you are up for the challenge.
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Post by beagle on Aug 30, 2012 6:26:23 GMT 12
Des Ashton was both a Engineering Officer and Pilot
he wasn't too bad at aerobatics in the tourer
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