University Air Squadron.

[1mag1n3 0]

I dont know if this is the correct forum, but i think it fits.

I am looking to study at university, to study Maths, or maybe some kind of engineering.

I came across the university air squadron, which is basically a course ran by the RAF which you basically are part of the RAF for a set amount of time each week. They say you get around 20-30 hours flying time a year, and you end up with a PPL in the space of 2 years, essentially free.

I was just thinking about this as a serious prospect, whether it to go on into the RAF as a pilot or even drop out after university with a PPL and possibly go on to a career into commercial aviation.

Its almost like fate, because i just clicked a few random times, and came across this website, and what a good click that may have been!

Just thought i would let you know thats all, comments :clap:

EDIT: Link- http://www.yuas.dial.pipex.com/YUAS%20Homepage.htm

[mutley 4,497]

That looks really good Chris.

It will certainly set you up. I wonder if Fred, Theo or dave have any comments? I'm past all this now so cannot really pass on any useful advice.

Cheers

[hello_basil 0]

No comments from me! :-)

I've decided to go for either Air Transport Studies, whereby you finish the degree with a frozen ATPL, engineering knowledge as well as the complexities of avionics as well as the financial side after 3 years...

Or go straight to a flying school!

:mrhappy:

Cheers, Theo

[dgor 0]

Hi,

The thing about these RAF-run things - UAS, Air Training Corps, etc - is you need to make sure you don't owe them any set amount of service in return for the training you do there (unless of course you want to be in the RAF). All the same, 20-30 hours per year is pretty good for the low cost involved and you have to start somewhere. If you are sure of the facts and think it's for you, go for it :-)

Dave

[allardjd 1,853]

Don't know anything about that particular program nor about how things are done there, but there's no such thing as a free lunch. If the military is providing you with something - education, funds - whatever, they expect to get something back for it. Military budgets do not normally include a line item for philanthropy.

Generally that payback is in terms of obligated service for some period of time at the completion of the program. If you fail to complete the program, depending upon the program and the reason, there is normally a payback expected. This can be in the form of enlisted service (if you failed to qualify for an officer program) or monetary payback over time. Sometimes, at the completion of the program, any attached obligation can be waived if there's no current need, but you cannot depend upon that being the case.

My daughter was in the Civil Air Patrol (official USAF Auxillary) during college. They contributed quite a lot of money toward her college education but she dropped out of the program in her third or fourth year. She's still paying them back four years later, as if it were a student loan. That consequence was well understood by her and us at the front end and she accepted it willingly when she dropped out of the program. There was no deception and no one has anything to complain about. I'm just using this example as an illustration that there is typically a payback of some kind required.

It may be that things are done entirely differently there, but I doubt the RAF has the budget to do this as a service to the youth of the nation if there's not something in it for them at the far end. Ask lots of "What happens if..." kind of questions before signing anything.

I'm not disparging the program, which sounds worth while and may very well be a good opportunity, just encouraging you to be well informed on the details.

John

[1mag1n3 0]

Well i have been posting about this on another forum where i initially found out the information.

I obviously inquired as of the thought "If it is too good to be true then it most probably is"

So i did question about this, however they say that you join it just like a club, and if you drop out then no action is taken, and you can get on your way..

There is a selection process, which filters out those they think are not up for it however if you do get in then its basically too good to be true.

They pay YOU to go, and obviously they do crazy things, like flying, expeditions, and a whole range of sports.

The first thing which i am going to do when i get to university is apply for this scheme.

The saying i mentioned above can be erased if this is 100% true.

Here is the link to the forum:-

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=392670

I am Chris the Mathematician! on this forum, toward the end of the topic.

[mutley 4,497]

Hi Chris,

Looks good. Nothing ventured, nothing gained is another saying, go for it! :mrhappy:

cheers

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Nice!

Kieran