Gutted

[Oblivion]

Well, after 12 long years at school, I am finally at my last year at school. Thinking of my future, I decided to apply for the Air Force as a Pilot with full backing from my parents. So I did the test thing that they have, and according to the recruiting officer, got a very high grade of pass.(I'm a Mr. Smartypants :innocent:) The next day I went to go have the interview. They did the usual questions, and told me they will contact me about the outcome. Got a letter in the mail today saying that I did not have the necessary qualifications to become a pilot, saying that I have deficiencies in leadership and working in a team environment, and have a 12 month stand down period before I can re-apply as a Pilot.

Needless to say, I was fucking gutted. Been set on being a Pilot since I was 7. So to hear that was a real letdown. The thing is, I have never been given any leadership opportunities at school. My high school is a majority sporting school. All the prefects are the captains of sports teams, and even the Head Boy is in the 1st XV Rugby. They have never had any academic prefects, and I am not a real sporting person. Never have been. So now I'm pretty much clueless on what to do now really. I do not want to do the course that Massey University does, partly because I do not want a $180,000 student loan at the end of 3 years. The next thing that I was thinking of was the RNZAF officers scholarship, but that has the same hurdles that I have to face, If I were to become a Pilot. I know that a few of you were in the same position as me a few years ago, and I was wondering if you guys could give me some input on what you think I should do.

YES I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A BIKING FORUM AND NOT A COUNSELING SERVICE. :sunny::weird:

[Ender EnZed]

Got a letter in the mail today saying that I did not have the necessary qualifications to become a pilot, saying that I have deficiencies in leadership and working in a team environment, and have a 12 month stand down period before I can re-apply as a Pilot.

Find out what you need to do to not have deficiencies in leadership and working in a team environment. Someone might know on here but I assume the Air Force will tell you what you need if you ask them. Talk to your careers adviser at school, they should also be able to point you in the right direction.

Very broadly: Get a job, join something that involves people (it doesn't really matter what and definitely doesn't have to be through school) and then get some references that praise your team work and leadership ability. You've got 12 months.

[Maha]

Prefect are wankers..
Leadeship skills are to be aquired, not something that is taught by a maths/english/art teacher.
Take the next twelve months to learn/build leadership skills.
Leadership starts with confidence.
Working within a team environment is best done with the aquired leadership skills.

[JimO]

i think your big problem is our airforce dont have any planes, the wanker doing your interview probably made that up to make you feel bad

[Mom]

YES I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A BIKING FORUM AND NOT A COUNSELING SERVICE. :sunny::weird:

Ignore the knockers mate, good post and bummer for you to be turned away. There is a process to follow, there are so few slots available in the Air Force the positions are well over subscribed. Have a search through the forum threads, there are some dedicated to this very issue.

Get yourself a job, a lowly one, say at MacDonalds. Get stuck in and over impress the frachise owner. Take advantage of every course they offer and every approach to become a team leader. Join the Boys Brigade or Scouts as a youth leader. Start taking cubs or keas. Get working or...

I am sure there are plenty of thinsg that a smart lad like yourself can think of to gain some needed skills. Good luck eh, and keep us posted.

[Robert Taylor]

i think your big problem is our airforce dont have any planes, the wanker doing your interview probably made that up to make you feel bad

Its not a real Air Force since the Lesbian lefty sisterhood callously dismembered it.

[jaffaonajappa]

Ignore the knockers mate, good post and bummer for you to be turned away. There is a process to follow, there are so few slots available in the Air Force the positions are well over subscribed. Have a search through the forum threads, there are some dedicated to this very issue.

Get yourself a job, a lowly one, say at MacDonalds. Get stuck in and over impress the frachise owner. Take advantage of every course they offer and every approach to become a team leader. Join the Boys Brigade or Scouts as a youth leader. Start taking cubs or keas. Get working or...

I am sure there are plenty of thinsg that a smart lad like yourself can think of to gain some needed skills. Good luck eh, and keep us posted.

This is great advice.

Noting the Air Force is harder than EVER to join at the moment - facing large redundancies this year, and cutbacks all over the place. Suspect they are being ultra picky with all candidates. Actually, am surprised they are even recruiting at this point.

The skills they are looking for are very very rarely found in teenagers. The odd prefect from the top schools may have them - those 'boys clubs' schools seem to produce a disproportionate number of them too, but its a rare trait to find in teenagers.

They are basically looking for someone with a 25 year olds maturity, life experience, and focus - or determination - all the time the candidate must display a deliberate Team Spirited approach to group work.

Like Mom has said - get out int he world, get some experiences under your belt, and try again in 12 months.
While waiting, also, hit the library. Theres millions of books on military training, leadership, teamwork / environment - and also some on how to bullshit your way through interviews. Study the lot.

Also, if funds permit, get some one-on-one training for a professional - there are recruiting and CV outfits around that can speed up your learning, and help with them interviews.

[Laava]

To be honest, and don't be offended cos I know I don't have those leadership skills either, if you have to ask what to do next then that is exactly what you shouldn't need to do. They are looking for very decisive and headstrong type people. Air force pilots are required to fly to extremes that no other professional pilot is even allowed to. If you can prove to them otherwise then awesome. But you may have to fly in a different direction insted. As in PPL and then CPL or go in to the RNZAF in avionics etc and rise thru the ranks as an aquaintance of mine did. Good luck tho!

[R6_kid]

Go to Outward Bound, sooner rather than later. Ignore the 12 month stand-down and come up with a plan for yourself to address the deficiencies they have perceived in you - remember they are using data that goes back over 40yrs so they know who makes a pilot and who doesn't, the problem is that you have to be an officer first, and to be an officer you have to be a leader - though some in the Defence Force may find this last point hard to believe based on their experience!

I'm in the same trap as you mate, except for me it's been a 7yr process. Flick me a PM and I'll get back to you with my thoughts.

There are a multitude of ways to become a pilot, but if you have your heart set on military flying then you need to play their game with the intention of far exceeding their expectations.

I don't know about working at Mc D's, but you can certainly do a lot of things to bring out your leadership potential, the challenge is going to be finding a place to put them to use. Look at getting involved with youth programs, coaching sports/teaching music/tutoring, but I really do recommend you look at something like OPC/Outward Bound/Spirit of Adventure.

Are you still at school?

[Oblivion]

Prefect are wankers..
Leadeship skills are to be aquired, not something that is taught by a maths/english/art teacher.
Take the next twelve months to learn/build leadership skills.
Leadership starts with confidence.
Working within a team environment is best done with the aquired leadership skills.

Yeah. I do have confidence, but I think that finding how and when to apply it is a whole new skill. I do work well in a team, but I think that because I have never had a chance to show anyone, its kinda useless to say it.

And yes, most prefects are wankers. :yes: Some are bloody good blokes, and some are complete fuckwits. Guess the positions of Dick of the Year has to go to someone important


Ignore the knockers mate, good post and bummer for you to be turned away. There is a process to follow, there are so few slots available in the Air Force the positions are well over subscribed. Have a search through the forum threads, there are some dedicated to this very issue.

Get yourself a job, a lowly one, say at McDonalds. Get stuck in and over impress the franchise owner. Take advantage of every course they offer and every approach to become a team leader. Join the Boys Brigade or Scouts as a youth leader. Start taking cubs or keas. Get working or...

I am sure there are plenty of things that a smart lad like yourself can think of to gain some needed skills. Good luck eh, and keep us posted.

The trouble of me actually finding a job is the fact that when I can find the time to go and apply for a job, they are usually taken in a snap. Guess thats why its a recession eh? :shutup:

I am doing scholarship stuff this year, and don't want my performance in that to suffer drastically.

Start small and keep trying would be the best thing wouldn't it?


This is great advice.

Noting the Air Force is harder than EVER to join at the moment - facing large redundancies this year, and cutbacks all over the place. Suspect they are being ultra picky with all candidates. Actually, am surprised they are even recruiting at this point.

The skills they are looking for are very very rarely found in teenagers. The odd prefect from the top schools may have them - those 'boys clubs' schools seem to produce a disproportionate number of them too, but its a rare trait to find in teenagers.

They are basically looking for someone with a 25 year olds maturity, life experience, and focus - or determination - all the time the candidate must display a deliberate Team Spirited approach to group work.

Like Mom has said - get out int he world, get some experiences under your belt, and try again in 12 months.
While waiting, also, hit the library. Theres millions of books on military training, leadership, teamwork / environment - and also some on how to bullshit your way through interviews. Study the lot.

Also, if funds permit, get some one-on-one training for a professional - there are recruiting and CV outfits around that can speed up your learning, and help with them interviews.

Thanks, Will do.

[unstuck]

Every No is one step closer to yes. If you have a dream that you are passionate about,do whatever you feel inspired to do to get there.Read about great leaders,spend time with leaders. Do not listen to any negative crap. You can do anything you want in life with the right attitude,so go for it. No is not final,and does not mean the end of your dream.:woohoo:

[Mom]

Go to Outward Bound, sooner rather than later. Are you still at school?

Great advice! And yes he is.


Yeah. I do have confidence

Back yourself then! Listen to R6_kid, he really does know what he is talking about.
I like what Laava sad too, no offense meant, but good sound advice.

[Oblivion]

I think that the school has info about the Outward Bound course. Will look tomorrow. A Family Friend went, and she said that she enjoyed the hell out of it.

I always thought that it was just an experience kind of thing, not a leadership course. :facepalm: Need to look at things before I assume.....

AND TO WHOEVER MADE THE TAG, I'M SORRY OKAY :rofl:

[JimO]

you would have better luck looking to the Australian airforce at least they have some planes

[jaffaonajappa]

you would have better luck looking to the Australian airforce at least they have some planes

Heard ya hte first time.

The kids got a dream. He may have the perseverance to achieve it. Let him be.
And...id rather fly a Herc in NZ, than even an F35, in dingoland.

[Daffyd]

Maybe you could contact SIT, (Southern Institute of Technology).
They do a pilot's course, and they also have a Zero Fees scheme.

Just a thought...

[Oblivion]

Heard ya hte first time.

The kids got a dream. He may have the perseverance to achieve it. Let him be.
And...id rather fly a Herc in NZ, than even an F35, in dingoland.

I dun wanna fly planes. I wanna fly dem new Helichoppers :gob:

[jaffaonajappa]

I dun wanna fly planes. I wanna fly dem new Helichoppers :gob:

Ahhhh.
Try the Navy too then.
Air Force train em - but you join under Navy, and their recruiting is different - slightly. Ant till the 90's arrive, Navy pilots fly the best choppas in NZ.

Also. Ask the recruiters for some leads. dont argue their decision, perhaps even agree with it, but Do ask them for some advice on what you can do to improve yourself (as they see it). They lap up that shit and love it.

[86GSXR]

Hiya. I'm an instructor at Massey and a very important quality that you need to possess to make it in aviation is perseverance.

If your academic skills are good that's a great start, sounds as if yours are so all good there.

If your heart is set on the AF, then you will impress them by taking on board what they have said and re-applying.

Wouldn't hurt to get yourself a few flying hours either, that shows committment.

Be aware though that you may be turned down again, so be prepared for that too.

If you're determined enough to fly then there are plenty of other routes, but you won't get away without a large financial committment, that's just the way it is.

Quite a few former students have joined the AF after qualifying with civiliain CPL's and IR's and are doing very nicely now.

Also, a lot of airlines are now taking on freshly qualified guys, they are bonded heavily but they're now flying A320's, 777's, 74's, etc and making good money.

There are quite a few big flight schools here now and if you persevere with one of them, you will make it.

I know lots of people just like you who are now flying big jets and turboprops, and helicopters all over the world, the demand is strong so keep at it.

Air NZ have just named Massey as one of their 'preferred providers'. Degree's are highly valued by the airlines (and the AF) so one way or another you'll probably have to get to Uni.

PM me if you like and I'll see if I can put you onto people who can give you more advice.

[Hitcher]

"Leadership" is an interesting concept. If you understand what the Air Force means by leadership you will have answered a lot of questions, like why you want to be a "pilot" in the first place.

New Zealand's Air Farce has no need for glory-boy smart-arse risk takers. Few organisations do for that matter, including the Foreign Legion. Leadership isn't about bossing people around. Understand that and you'll be halfway to wherever you want to get.

[Oblivion]

New Zealand's Air Farce has no need for glory-boy smart-arse risk takers. Few organisations do for that matter, including the Foreign Legion. Leadership isn't about bossing people around. Understand that and you'll be halfway to wherever you want to get.

Funny, thats near the same thing I said in my interview. :blink:

[tigertim20]

its a bit rough for you I guess, but anything worth having is worth working hard for. its like them girls at high school, you can nail the slut if you like, but its much more rewarding to pop little miss bible bashers cherry.

Look into something you can do that will strengthen your application when you reapply in a years time. At the very least, showing a commitment to working towards this goal might help your chances. Good luck.

[jaffaonajappa]

Funny, thats near the same thing I said in my interview. :blink:

Air Farce?
LOL. Dem flyboys hate that......

[jaffaonajappa]

"Leadership" is an interesting concept. If you understand what the Air Force means by leadership you will have answered a lot of questions, like why you want to be a "pilot" in the first place.

New Zealand's Air Farce has no need for glory-boy smart-arse risk takers. Few organisations do for that matter, including the Foreign Legion. Leadership isn't about bossing people around. Understand that and you'll be halfway to wherever you want to get.

I was inclined to climb all over your post Hitcher.
But i woke up.
I will say though, The Air Force are not adverse to risk taking, in fact I suspect they train their lads in how to calculate the risks involved, evaluate a risk, being able to explain the options available, and then following through with your decision - is more important than making the Right decision. ok ok, That is until you start the advance courses and Flying, lol.

I read this in a book. So it must be right. Right?

[FJRider]

Join the ARMY ... the cordons in Christchurch NEED you ...

What makes THEIR requirements more important than YOUR wants ... ???

[James Deuce]

Went through EXACTLY the same thing. At the end of the (almost the same) letter they asked me if I'd consider becoming a storeman.

I said fuck that, went working bought a V8, crashed it, went racing in a Datsun 160J SSS (once), crashed that, got drunk, did drugs, got laid, then settled down and got a job with better pay and study built in. Got a girlfriend and settled down a bit more. Played in a few bands and did some TV work and recorded albums and got married and went overseas, bought bikes, raced bikes, crashed bikes.

Years later I worked for Defence in an IT role. I was jolly glad I got "rejected". I was making more money, still got to play with Defence toys and had a much better standard of living than the uniformed employees. Sure I can't fly a plane and I've never fired missiles at a raghead, but that is actually something to be avoided if at all possible, not embraced with open, naive, ignorant, big giant man-child eyes.

The game's changed - move on as quickly as possible and try to avoid my "mistakes" unless they look like fun, in which case DO IT PROPERLY, not in a "I'm too cool to take this seriously" way like I did. Be obsessed and be really good at everything you do. You're a long time dead. Don't waste life on being miserable about what could have been.

[jaffaonajappa]

Join the ARMY ... the cordons in Christchurch NEED you ...

What makes THEIR requirements more important than YOUR wants ... ???

Ha. He cant join the Army.
Hes graduated from a College. And he can read.

[Oblivion]

Ha. He cant join the Army.
Hes graduated from a College. And he can read.

Ouch...... Got a friend who wants to join the Army. He can read....I think :blink:

[huff3r]

I dun wanna fly planes. I wanna fly dem new Helichoppers :gob:

So do it through a commercial operator. Sure you have to take a loan, but you will get better pay when you do get a job, and you aren't stuck in that job for 12 years.

The helicopter CPL courses i looked at before i decided on fixed wing were all just under or just over $100k, which isn't bad as long as you work hard to get a job at the end of it (and from what i hear most helicopter boys do).

It'll be nearly the same job, sure less benefits but a lot more freedom. Although i guess Officers get it different..

Also, they dont tell ya this, but with budget cuts everywhere the benefits to joining the forces keep dwindling... slowly...


To be honest i'm glad i got out when i could.
(I'm off to CTC to do their IPP course starting next week btw, Airforce wouldnt take me as a pilot cos of my eyes and i got sick of being a spanner monkey).

[Smifffy]

Today was a good day to be gutted. Don't be gutted tomorrow, that's what today was for.

Check this out:

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/training-fitness/royal-marines-state-of-mind/index.htm

And check out the rest of the site too. Don't get hung up on the hut burning baby killing aspects, but study the underlying themes. You don't want them to think you're a psychopath when you go back.

Outward bound - I haven't done it myself, but it is looked on favourably, and people I know have gone on to great things after doing it.

I know this will sound like a drag, but learn from my mistake, and stick to your scholarship studies, a good result here will keep your options wide open. Pick an extra-curricular activity that fits around school that will help you with your goals.

Get fit. Really fit. Fit like the fitness training on the RMC site. As I read somewhere else just recently, you don't want to just meet the minimum standards, you want to bust them.

Take stuff up, like ATC, a leader's role at the scouts, drama - get a gig as assistant director or stage manager (leadership opportunities), do volunteer work, take that local job for a year after finishing school, keep going on the personal development work, keep reapplying. Read books on leadership and team development, follow blogs/websites, like Ken Blanchard's (http://www.kenblanchard.com/)

Read up on interview techniques and psychometric testing.

Go back and show them that you know what you want, you have a plan for getting it, and that you have the determination to follow through with that plan. Don't be a know it all about it, just know your stuff.

Show them that you are a well rounded individual with all of the attributes that they want for their organisation to be successful. Know what those attributes are.

Achieve this and you will be unstoppable.

It's your career - MAKE IT HAPPEN

[jaffaonajappa]

Today was a good day to be gutted. Don't be gutted tomorrow, that's what today was for.

Check this out:

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarines/training-fitness/royal-marines-state-of-mind/index.htm

And check out the rest of the site too. Don't get hung up on the hut burning baby killing aspects, but study the underlying themes. You don't want them to think you're a psychopath when you go back.

Outward bound - I haven't done it myself, but it is looked on favourably, and people I know have gone on to great things after doing it.

I know this will sound like a drag, but learn from my mistake, and stick to your scholarship studies, a good result here will keep your options wide open. Pick an extra-curricular activity that fits around school that will help you with your goals.

Get fit. Really fit. Fit like the fitness training on the RMC site. As I read somewhere else just recently, you don't want to just meet the minimum standards, you want to bust them.

Take stuff up, like ATC, a leader's role at the scouts, drama - get a gig as assistant director or stage manager (leadership opportunities), do volunteer work, take that local job for a year after finishing school, keep going on the personal development work, keep reapplying. Read books on leadership and team development, follow blogs/websites, like Ken Blanchard's (http://www.kenblanchard.com/)

Read up on interview techniques and psychometric testing.

Go back and show them that you know what you want, you have a plan for getting it, and that you have the determination to follow through with that plan. Don't be a know it all about it, just know your stuff.

Show them that you are a well rounded individual with all of the attributes that they want for their organisation to be successful. Know what those attributes are.

Achieve this and you will be unstoppable.

It's your career - MAKE IT HAPPEN

Fark. You should get the Air Force to read your post...they'll probably offer you a spot in their marketing prison (Cell)

Ok. Blanchard and Baldrdige et al - good to see what thats all about, them flyboys embraced it hard out I heard.
Also, public libraries have copies of that air force monthly magazine. Read it....theres used to be stuff in there about LEadership, and guides for their staff to imrpove aspects for promotions etc. etc. Think all three service have the magazines - well worth reading a few of em. Hell, mate had the army one from a coupla months ago - even had training tips for SAS selection, written up by some army psychologist. Its public stuff...in your local libbray :)

[scumdog]

Don't waste life on being miserable about what could have been.


THAT sums up life whatever you do.

[Smifffy]

Fark. You should get the Air Force to read your post...they'll probably offer you a spot in their marketing prison (Cell)

Ok. Blanchard and Baldrdige et al - good to see what thats all about, them flyboys embraced it hard out I heard.
Also, public libraries have copies of that air force monthly magazine. Read it....theres used to be stuff in there about LEadership, and guides for their staff to imrpove aspects for promotions etc. etc. Think all three service have the magazines - well worth reading a few of em. Hell, mate had the army one from a coupla months ago - even had training tips for SAS selection, written up by some army psychologist. Its public stuff...in your local libbray :)

I believe it would work for anywhere that there is competition for places. The NZDF can no longer afford my time.

Nice tip about the library too.

[jaffaonajappa]

I believe it would work for anywhere that there is competition for places.

I suspect you are 100% on the money.,

ok. last post. Training is Good.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI4d5AeAi7g&feature=related

[R6_kid]

SIT - free fees scheme 'only' covers ground school aspect, you still have to pay for flying time.

If you do decide not to take the air force route then decide now what you really want to do, a lot of people want to fly for airlines and are lured in by big money down the line (spoke to a Qantas A330 Captain who earns $330k a year!). You may want something more rewarding than being a "well paid bus driver"... I really like the idea of flying for the Royal Flying Doctor Service over here, or doing humanitarian support flights in the third world, it'll never make me rich, and the latter will put me close to death on a regular basis but the flying would be hugely exciting and you'd get to have that 'feel good' vibe all the time - but then a big house with a flash car and a hot air hostess as a wife might be more your idea of 'feel good'. The end outcome you desire will affect what choice you need to make now (or soon) as where you do your CPL course is likely to be a factor when it comes to getting a job - Massey/CTC will hold you well for getting these second officer roles as a direct entrant with an airline, but it's hard work. Doing it through an aero club or one of the NMIT supported flying schools with the Diploma in Aviation will likely land you in a GA role (instructor/charter work) for a few years before you can make the jump to the big time and start flying for an airline, but it'll be hard work. I Hope you're noticing the pattern here.

Taking on a degree would also be smart, and don't think it has to be centered around aviation either. One guy that got in on my PERSEL board had just finished second year B.Physical Education - I'd suggest you do something you're passionate about, if that's flying then consider Bachelor of Aviation Management if you want to stick with the Air Force route, they aren't too keen on people with a large amount of stick time, in saying that you haven't been to PERSEL yet so you've still got to pass the co-ordination test either way.

Going to uni will give you a chance to grow and more time to get involved with group stuff, pick up a sport (I suggest rowing...) to emmerse yourself in the team environment, and look for places to exercise you're leadership abilities - heck even join up to the territorials and get some real life military experience and see if they can't help you to develop and grow into a leadership role - you'll soon know either way if it's going to be a happening thing.

As for me - I'm waiting on the RNZAF to put me through PERSEL one last time for a shot at Air Warfare Officer, over a few weeks/months I realised that I would be happy serving as Officer Aircrew if that was an option so I've taking what they've offered and will hopefully find out by the end of the year if it's a happening thing. In the meantime I managed to secure a six figure income in Australia so I'm working 45-50hr weeks, studying a B.Av Man extramurally with Massey and paying for my flying out of my own pocket. If the Air Force thing doesn't happen, I'm going to be well on my way to getting my CPL with a well regarded flying school and will hopefully be looking at some GA work in Australia while I build up to the flying I really want to do, but unlike most guys in that position I won't have a $100k+ loan to worry about.

[Fatt Max]

Ignore the knockers mate, good post and bummer for you to be turned away. There is a process to follow, there are so few slots available in the Air Force the positions are well over subscribed. Have a search through the forum threads, there are some dedicated to this very issue.

Get yourself a job, a lowly one, say at MacDonalds. Get stuck in and over impress the frachise owner. Take advantage of every course they offer and every approach to become a team leader. Join the Boys Brigade or Scouts as a youth leader. Start taking cubs or keas. Get working or...

I am sure there are plenty of thinsg that a smart lad like yourself can think of to gain some needed skills. Good luck eh, and keep us posted.

Couldnt have put it better myself. Get into somewhere like Maccas where they run a myriad of courses for this and that. Put your hand up for all the shifts that noone wants, you will find yourself part of a much smaller team and if you shine within it you will be recognised.

The UK used to run a pre qualifiaction weekend course for the armed forces, dunno of the same is done here but might be worth a look.

Get involved in local charity work, get your picture in the paper, do all the volunteer work you can get your hands on, all of this stacks up to showing you as a leader.

Good luck to you mate, keep the dream alive and you will get there......:yes::yes:

[scissorhands]

My Dad got the arse from the Air Force when he crashed the Spitfire and bent the propeller. He never learnt how to ride a motorbike, even though I had a few from the age of 12 onwards.

I dont know you at all, but autistic traits may be an issue for your prospective employer.

Even though Spock could easily captain The Enterprise, his interactive quality on the crew is a non fit, therefore 'it is illogical':facepalm: to expect a neurodiverse to hold sway/leadership over a neurotypical majority, esp in the air on a plane.

Leadership normally requires respect, and as a high functioning autistic myself, I've got a lot of personal success, except in relationships including leadership.

Its not my place.

What about navigator?

[avgas]

Heh 1 year of learning leadership and you would be telling the airforce what to do. Those boys have the confidence of a day trader in a stock crash.
It only takes them, 14 hours to make a decision and get a bird in the sky:facepalm:

Still we have to have something in NZ that makes AirNZ seem efficient.

[imdying]

Have you considered that you're smarts are wasted on being what is basically a glorified bus driver? Maybe get into a profession that pays well; well enough that you can do all of your flying as recreational?

[Grasshopperus]

Been set on being a Pilot since I was 7. So to hear that was a real letdown.


Yeah it sucks but that's life. Most people don't get to do what they love.



The thing is, I have never been given any leadership opportunities at school. Whine, whine, whine.


Leaders don't sit around around waiting for someone else to hand-out opportunities. Why didn't you create a school club for others who were also interested in flying and then "lead them" through; visiting airfields, discussing flying, studying aviation related stuff etc etc.

[admenk]

All the best with your dream and I really do hope you make it. However, I'm also sure you're smart enough to realise that sometimes dreams remain just that..dreams. :sunny: Work towards it as hard as you can by all means. I'm certainly not trying to put you off, but for some people, no matter how much they work towards achieving something, it just doesn't happen. I don't agree with the often quoted line of "if you want something bad enough and work hard enough, you'll get it". It's not a bad goal, but half the world work really hard just to put a decent meal on their plate, and fail, due to a whole load of reasons outside of their control.
On the other hand, don't be put off after your first rejection either, just be prepared that one day you may have to call it a day on that paricular goal. We can only influence some of what life thows at us.

Having said all that, good luck with whatever you do, and apologies if I sound like a grumpy old git!!

[Hoon]

I don't agree with going to places like McDonalds etc to learn about leadership. Firstly I think a lot of you are confusing management with leadership. It is similar but Defence Force leadership is totally different again to workplace leadership let alone management. Secondly by starting at McDonalds you are going to be learning by observation only - observing those above you which means the quality of your observation is limited by the quality of your superiors. Places like that aren't going to send you on courses unless you are committed to a future with the company. As a school leaver I worked at Foodtown for 5 years and although there were great managers there I didn't learn shit from them.

I'm fortunate enough to have received months of formal leadership training. As an Infantry Section commander in the Army, peoples lives are in my hand on a constant basis. What I knew back at Foodtown regarding leadership vs what I know now is like night and day and I can't see how any teenager could acquire these skills without formal training or mentoring/coaching of some type. The better junior leaders I have seen are all busy bodies types with prefect, team captains or ex cadets/scouts experience.

For someone wanting results in 12 months you have limited options.

Apply for any Youth leadership course or training you can find - heres one: http://rotary.co.nz/news/ryla/

Immerse yourself in an activity which gives you the opportunity to hone these skills and take on some responsibilty. Doesn't have to be sport, can be a club or even an online gaming team (clan/guild).

Identify some good leaders/mentors you know (in the field) and bounce any leadership problems you're having off them. I do this all the time and learn a lot of good techniques.

[Hoon]

Hell, mate had the army one from a coupla months ago - even had training tips for SAS selection, written up by some army psychologist. Its public stuff...in your local libbray :)

You can download these from the Army website http://www.army.mil.nz/at-a-glance/news/army-news-pdfs/default.htm. Feb 2010 issue has a good one but theres usually some selection related every month.

[jim.cox]

If you want to be a pilot...

Then just go fly

Join your local aeroclub

Fly a microlight

Grab a paraglider

The airforce is more likely to teach you how to march than how to fly

Just my $0.02

[jaffaonajappa]

I'm fortunate enough to have received months of formal leadership training. As an Infantry Section commander in the Army, peoples lives are in my hand on a constant basis. What I knew back at Foodtown regarding leadership vs what I know now is like night and day and I can't see how any teenager could acquire these skills without formal training or mentoring/coaching of some type. The better junior leaders I have seen are all busy bodies types with prefect, team captains or ex cadets/scouts experience.

For someone wanting results in 12 months you have limited options.

Apply for any Youth leadership course or training you can find - heres one: http://rotary.co.nz/news/ryla/

Immerse yourself in an activity which gives you the opportunity to hone these skills and take on some responsibilty. Doesn't have to be sport, can be a club or even an online gaming team (clan/guild).



This. Is Gold.
+1


Pretty Geeky stuff....and NEVER tell the dafence force you have this interest....but one day have a listen in on Ventrilo to a raiding guild on world of warcraft game. If you dont play it....someone you know Will do.

[JimO]

. Get into somewhere like Maccas

does fat max ever post a post that doesnt include a reference to fast food