military req.

[BTyyj]

Any idea if the increased Pilot recruiting extends all the way to ROTP recruiting? I understand that the pilot trade for ROTP is very competitive. If it extends all the way to ROTP, what sort of marks and extracurricular would make an applicant competitive? Just curious, as I'm thinking of going to a recruitment centre and don't want to be laughed out for having a sub-ninety average, or is really that competitive? Thanks

[OfstieR]

Any idea if the increased Pilot recruiting extends all the way to ROTP recruiting? I understand that the pilot trade for ROTP is very competitive. If it extends all the way to ROTP, what sort of marks and extracurricular would make an applicant competitive? Just curious, as I'm thinking of going to a recruitment centre and don't want to be laughed out for having a sub-ninety average, or is really that competitive? Thanks

Yes, the 180 slots this year extended to all the various entry plans. ROTP, DEO, CEOTP, etc etc were all allocated a certain number of positions out of that total intake number.

I have no idea what the next fiscal year will hold in store for Pilot Slots, but with all the recent talk of budget cuts and belt tightening by the CDS it certainly doesn't look to be as good as it was this year.

Nobody is going to laugh at you at the recruiting centre. Also, nobody here can really comment on how competitive you are as an applicant. Only the interviewing officer/recruiters can tell you if you competitive. Remember that marks aren't everything. You need a well rounded application. Extra curricular activities, volunteering, school, work experience, etc etc all contribute to your file. Many tell you that Previous Flying Experience doesn't help at all but in my situation it made me very competitive in the application stage, beyond that I don't expect its going to help me much WRT training. All these things make your file more attractive at the selection board. Hell, I had an average in the mid to high 70's in highschool, and I got in. So it can be done. Best bet is to go to a recruiting centre and start the process. It takes a long time to get processed. If you start now, your application should be ready in time for the new fiscal year, and remember the ROTP selection takes place early in the year so they have time to get you into School by the fall.

Cheers

Rob

[BTyyj]

Thanks for the great info Rob. I'm planning on apply as soon as possible then. It seems like most applications are handled online though now, rather than through recruitment offices, so I'll have to email and ask them beforehand if my application will be competitive.

[OfstieR]

Frosty,

I see your training for your PPL(A). Keep in mind that the majority of the cockpits in the CF are Helicopters so your chances of getting selected helicopters are slightly higher. It obviously changes from course to course in MooseJaw, but I've heard an overall average of around ~50% Helo, 25 % Multi, and 25 % Jets. Just something to keep in mind for those who think the CF is a cheap and effective way to the Airlines. You aren't always guarenteed fixed wing. I fly both, so I'm totally cool with wherever they decide to put me. Anyways, just some food for thought.

Cheers,

Rob

[trampbike]

what sort of marks and extracurricular would make an applicant competitive? Just curious, as I'm thinking of going to a recruitment centre and don't want to be laughed out for having a sub-ninety average, or is really that competitive? Thanks

While grades do affect your application in some way, your CFAT score and your performance during the interview play a much bigger role. As to what is competitive and what isn't, there really is no way to tell, because you'll be compared to other applicants and ranked accordingly, so it depends on who else apply.

All this, thought, is useless if you don't pass ASC. It was pass or fail before (55% of the applicants fail on average), but I was told your score in the CAPSS is now included in your application.

[BTyyj]

Thanks for the reinforcement trampbike. I guess it wouldn't hurt to apply and give it my best shot, and if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out.

Rob, I am actually very interested in helicopter flying and have been considering giving it a try by converting my license later into a PPL(H). An ex-helo pilot was in my ground school and he piqued my interest in helicopter flying. What I mean to say is that I'd be happy with any pilot posting within the CF, including helopilot, as they all offer different, interesting, and challenging types of flying.