Close But No Cigar

Got the call from Sue at around 10:20, and almost immediately knew what was comming. Each candidate is marked on a points system, and apparently I was just outside of the points for a flying scholarship, but not told the reasons why. I asked if there was any feedback from the board, and Sue told me that I came accross well and was very articulate. It seems I had done well with a decent application. Towards the end of the conversation I found that age was an issue, because younger candidates had refused to go or had serious problems after being selected; I agree to some degree that the maturity required to spend weeks away from home is linked with age, but then I disagree that this is the same for all cases. At the end of the day I've been away from home on many occasions, each with its own challenges, basic accomodation; whatever.

Alas, the decision is made and it leaves me no alternative but to apply next year. Hopefully I'll meet some of the wonderful people I met this year, along with some new faces.

I wonder who has been awarded a flying scholarship, and wish them the best of luck. It should all be on the FSD website in a couple of days.

Endex

Well, what a surreal couple of days! I met a fantastic bunch of people, who's company made the whole experience more enjoyable.

After getting accommodated with the surroundings and dumping my kit in my room, I went back to the bar and watched other candidates arrive at the mess. There were a group of "mentors" who were previous students attending the selection to help out and look after us, they did a sterling job and it was great to feed from their experience and advice. The "stranger" boundaries were shortly broken, and by dinner time we were all quite comfortable. After that we, naturally, felt obliged to sample the bar at it's fantastically low prices!

Up the next morning, and off to the mess for a welcome breakfast. Then we proceeded to the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre. Here we underwent medical assessment and practiced getting in and out of the aircraft brought up from Oxford Aviation Training; this was a bit of a challenge but still easy enough, it just takes a bit longer than normal.

Then after a doggie-bag lunch came the all-important group photo; of which you can see above. After that we all took a stab at the aptitude tests, which were challenging but then that is their objective. With the day going so quickly, it wasn't long before we were back at the mess for a tasty dinner. And after that of course, we retired to the bar and were joined by the board members.

Wednesday, and the beginning of the final interviews, while some including myself finished off the final part of our medical, in which the CAA doctor seemed positive. I am passable for Class 2, while he also thinks I shouldn't have a problem with certification for Class 1 level. I'd finished just in time for lunch at the mess and then most of us were at the bar passing time, while individuals went in/out of the interview room next door. My mentor, Pauline, who is also apart of the ATC, arranged to meet Chief of Staff Group Captain Mike Cross and the PR team at Headquarters Air Cadets; as they want to do an article on my participation for Air Cadet news - ironically the place I first found out about FSD! This was a welcome distraction from a looming interview.

After getting back to the bar, I found those who had completed their interviews were beginning to leave for home and the group gradually got smaller. The time seemed to speed towards my interview, and around 5 minutes before it I began to get quite nervous - daunted at the prospect of a 14-member board! I recalled passing the interview room and seeing one of the group sitting opposite this intimidating flood of suits. Sue came out and called for me, then walked me into the interview room.

After getting through the door I was greeted by the board member sitting in the middle, who appeared to be running the show. He told me straight away that I had done well in the aptitude tests, which obviously made me happy. He then prompted the first question from the left, which then proceeded with a question from nearly every board member. I felt under pressure, and very hot, but did enjoy it - as I could try to prove my worth, and although some of the questions were not expected I tried to answer as best I could. I think I can remember three separate unanimous laughs shared between everyone in the room, which went down well and put me further at ease. Soon enough the questions were finished and I was escorted back out of the room. I couldn't stop grinning after I came out, which is hopefully a good sign.

Shortly after I went to my room for the final time to pack my kit and take it to Georgina's car, she was a fellow applicant who kindly offered a lift as I had no other method of getting to Cranwell. I then bid a fond farewell to all the brilliant people I had met during this short time, and soon enough we were driving out of the station. Going back to Cranwell after 3 years, if in a slightly different capacity, was good - being on the base with its atmosphere, hearing and seeing the aircraft - it was almost bittersweet in a way, as it stirred my longing to be in the RAF while reminding me it was an impossibility.

Anyway, as I write this I am quite anxious about tomorrow, when I get the phone call from Sue with the good or bad news as to whether I have been selected. I can always look back on my time at Cranwell as a positive, but my primary objective is to do what I can't get enough of - flying.

Cranwell Beckons...

Early leave tomorrow and off to the RAFC Cranwell, courtesy of my squadron officer and a fellow selectee; otherwise it'd be very difficult indeed to get that far.

All the shirts and trousers are ironed, and I'm feeling quite positive about succeeding, while at the same time not wanting to get complacent! I hope the medical produces some positive news, with regards to flying. Even if I don't get the scholarship, although I'll be gutted, it will be a positive experience and one which I can make use of.

Do wish me luck, I want this opportunity more than anything!