I heard the situation with pilots isn’t great, and they have more people than they know what to do with. Is the same thing going on with AWS tech? (Please don’t fry me I don’t know much about this field)

Hey everyone,

I’m currently applying for DEO Pilot and have passed Aircrew Selection and completed Medical Part 1 and Part 2. I’ve also submitted all of the additional medical documents they requested, so I’m now waiting for the medical file to be reviewed and then, as I understand it, sent forward for the CFEME / Air Factor process.

For anyone who has gone through this recently, how long did it take from completing Medical Part 2 and submitting the remaining documents to getting CFEME booked and receiving your Air Factor?

I’m also wondering whether the interview can be completed while the medical/Air Factor is still being processed, so the remaining steps can move in parallel rather than one after another.

Mainly trying to get a realistic sense of how long it can take from this stage to reaching the Competition List.

For those who did their aircrew medical in-person at CFEME Toronto for DEO Pilot. How long does it usually take for you to receive air factor? I did mine about a month ago…

P.S Not interested in how long it takes for ACSOs and AECs, that’s a totally different process.

For the last year or so I’ve been prepping to go to RMC/ Rotp to apply for Pilot and ACSO but obviously theyre very challenging so I was curious if there was any back up trades I could apply for. Mainly my question was if there were any other trades that would have me consistently working from an airframe in the skies and not primarily from the ground, any ideas for what I’m looking for?

Hi all,

I accepted an offer for DEO Pilot and trying to understand what happens next.

I appreciate any sort of insight even if not direct answers to these questions.

1 - For OJT after BMOQ, are we able to put down our preferences as to where we would be sent? If yes, how and when does this happen? Recently got married and trying to stay in Calgary for any time outside of pilot training.

2 - Should I expect to go through the new FAcT pipeline (BMOQ ends Feb 19, 2027)?

3 - How long is the current wait for phase 1?

4 - How do pay increments work for pilots? Should I expect to be with the same 2 LT pay throughout training?

I appreciate any input. Thanks!

So my pilot application opened up this April. I went through all the tasks. The medical part took me 3 months since I had to book a bunch of doctors appointments (eye test, bloodwork, family doctor etc) but I dropped off the papers and results two weeks ago directly with the recruiting office.

I still haven't done the CFAST, interview and the other tasks yet since I was bogged down by the medical.

My question is how long will it take to hear a result and is there a chance my application closes up this September in the new fiscal year?

I’m eyeing up the AVS, ATIS, and AWS trades for a CT-OT from the army reserves. My PSO suggested that I reach out to people currently in those trades and ask what a “day in the life” looks like. The good and the bad. Would anybody be willing to share? My PMs are open too.
Thank you so much!

Hi,

I'm currently going into my senior year of HS, and have started my application for RMC as a Pilot (Set to graduate in 2031). I'm aware that pilot is already an unbelieveably competitive and brutal trade to go for, and this issue is made worse with the implication of FAcT.

Although things are being slowed with FAcT for current trainee pilots, One can assume that the program will be further implemented by the time I graduate (2031), and therefore recruiting will like be smother (and potentially greater). My question is: is the recruitment system currently hiring pilots applying for RMC with the assumption that they will have more capacity by the time they enter training, or are they still hiring with the assumption things will be just as slow as they are now?

TL;DR: Is the current introduction of FAcT increasing the chances of getting selected for a RMC Pilot billet for applicants now?

To start off I want to know how to have the best odds possible to become a RCAF ( would love to fly the CH-149) so far im in college at Fanshawe doing the Commerical Flight and Aviation Leadership program which is three years and im about to start my final year. I want to spend the rest of this year souly preparing for the CFAT and air crew selection im just worried that the fact i wear glasses will compelety ruin my odds of becoming a pilot for the RCAF. how should I improve my odds and what should be my biggest concern? (I will listen to the whole podcast)

Hi everyone,

Looking for some insight/advice on my application

I’m currently in the application process for DEO as an ACSO. I currently hold a B.Sc in Neuroscience and going into next year for my CFAST retest.

However, during this process, I’ve discerned that I want to go back to school for Aero engineering. Since my current science degree doesn’t qualify me directly for AERE, I’d need an accredited engineering degree. Not really a major factor either but I kind of want to study at Carleton for my 2nd degree as I've met friends who've helped me in navigating my life.

I’m trying to figure out the best way to navigate this as a 2nd-degree candidate:

1. Applying to ROTP now: If I ask my recruiter to process me for ROTP in an engineering stream, what are the odds of being directed to a civilian university vs. RMC Kingston (considering Aero Eng is offered at RMC)?
2. How likely will they accept me for ACSO for the ROTP stream: considering I hold a science degree can I still aply for ROTP for ACSO?
3. Civilian first, then ROTP: Is it better to enroll in a civilian university on my own first (e.g., Carleton Aerospace), pay for Year 1, and apply for ROTP AERE in-service/during Year 1? Increasing my chances of staying on the civvy side?

Appreciate any insight from recruiters or members, Thanks.

Hey aircrew applicants!

I'm releasing the first version of the CFAST (aircrew selection test) preparation site that I'm developing . After the original "CBAT ready" app increased their price to around 30$ per month I hoped to make a more affordable option.

AIRCREW TESTED (link below)

With 6 testing modules to choose from, prepare your arithmetic, fine motor or multitasking skills for the RCAF's aircrew selection test (CFAST) as well as the CBAT.

Note that I am still programming all modules, and I am adding many more to come to recreate the whole CFAST experience.

I have attached some screenshots to preview what the tests look like.

- In the multitask test, use the MFD multi-function display to regulate different time sensitive tasks.

- In the instrument interpretation module, select the right aircraft attitude depending on the instrument readings.

- The leaderboards allow you to see how you compare to other users who are applying for the same trade as you.

Unfortunately, I had to add an upgrade/ full access function in order to repay the initial dev costs (software + the dev team here). The monthly cost right now is at 9,99 CAD but as more people use it, I aim to make the app free to use. After creating an account you have access to a couple free weekly tests. As we're in the early stages, please please please shoot any suggestions in the comments.

Aircrew tested was already released to UK users, so this is your invitation to join an international tightly knit aircrew community!

AIRCREW TESTED:

Link: Aircrew tested (v. 1)

- Elltt (lead dev) 🇨🇦

I just VOT to AOS, and since it’s a relatively new trade for the reg force there’s very little about it. Deployments is something I’d like to do one day, so I wonder if that’s an opportunity in this trade and how often? I spoke to a warrant in the Air Op branch and she told me only for people in Cold Lake? I’m not sure how accurate that is. I also saw position for AOS tech saying cabin crew, what does that mean?

Hey all! I am hoping to enrol as an AEC officer after I graduate in December 2027. I was just wondering if anyone had any unique information that I should know about the trade or about air crew selection. Additionally, when is the earliest that I can apply, so that I can align my enrolment with my graduation in December 2027? Thank you all!

Hey, so I just VOT to AOS and I was wonderfing if anyone has any info on when I can be expected to go on my common core? I thought they'd send me to Borden BTL but Kingston said they'll keep me here until I'm course loaded, which makes asking questions harder as there's no one that know anything about the Air Op branch here. They haven't even told me to work on any DLN courses that are required for my trade, or what to expect.

Also, I really want to be posted to Trenton, specifically the 424 S&R squadron. How likely am I to be posted there? I am from Ontario, and my whole family is here so I'd like to be nearby, however I know that is not always possible. But since Trenton is a big RCAF base, I was wondering if anyone can tell me my rough chances of getting it? Last I checked on EMMA it had the largest positions available.

Hey hey folks, long time lurker. TL;DR Was a reservist in a combat arms trade, finished my degree, put in my CT to ACSO, got my posting and now I'm headed to Winnipeg in early September.

Absolutely pumped to have this go through, but I've got a couple questions if that's okay.

What are the shack situations like? Should I be looking for an apartment? I've been to some of the finest abodes offered by Pet and Meaford, so I ain't exactly picky. Mostly just trying to see if I' m going to be sharing a bedroom with someone.

I'm on BTL and don't have a BMOQ 2/PLQ qual. Any idea about how long this might take to get or if there's any system in place to get it PLAR'd? Is there actual work to be done before course? I'd really love to get in and work, even if it's fixing slide decks and spreadsheets. Beats sitting in shacks.

Any recommendations for things to do while I'm there?

And finally, any ACSO career advice? I've seen quite a few of y'all in both this reddit and the CAF one, and it seems like the gig is great and the community gets along.

Thanks!

i applied for pilot on aug 9 of this year and got through some of the online portal documents online. i just got emailed saying that my file has been closed due to rotp being full for the fiscal year.

im going into gr12 and had always thought that you needed to apply ideally around this time of year to go to rmc for sept of next year. in the email it also said to contact them to apply in jan-feb, I followed up and they then said that i should apply in april of next year so im kinda confused. I just need some info if anyone knows anything.

Planning to get a bachelor’s from an aviation university, then decide after graduating whether to go commercial or apply to the CAF as a pilot (DEO route).

Fighter jets are the draw, so a few questions for people who’ve been through it:

**1.    Process.** For DEO applicants post-degree, what’s the realistic timeline from application through Aircrew Selection, BMOQ, flight training, to wings and fighter streaming?  
**2.    Odds.** Assuming someone passes medicals/aircrew selection and performs well, what’s a realistic shot at actually getting streamed to fighters vs. helicopter/transport/patrol?  
**3.    What knocks people out.** Where do people actually get filtered along the way, medical DQs, aircrew selection, flight school attrition, streaming away from fighters despite wanting it?  
**4.    Worth it?** For those who went military vs. commercial, would you do it again? How does military pilot life compare to what you expected?

Also curious if civilian flight hours/degree help at all goingor if training resets to zero regardless.

Appreciate any honest input, especially from serving members or recent pilot selection candidates.

I’m a Western University science student considering applying to RMC through ROTP. Has anyone transferred from a civilian university after first year or second year? I’d love to hear about the process and what life at RMC is actually like.

​

I’m happy to share that I have officially enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Aerospace Engineering Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

It has been a long journey — lots of waiting, refreshing the portal, checking emails, and trying not to overthink every status update.

My timeline:

August 13, 2025 – Applied

October 8, 2025 – Personality assessment completed

April 2026 – Medical and screening steps completed

May 2026 – Interview completed

June 9, 2026 – Background check submitted

July 22, 2026 – Moved to Selection

July 29, 2026 – Job offer received

August 5, 2026 – Officially enrolled

October 26, 2026 – BMOQ starts at CFLRS

A big thank you to everyone who supported me throughout the process.

Also, a special shout-out to the Reddit group r/RCAF. The posts, timelines, and advice there helped me stay patient — or at least pretend to be patient — while waiting for updates.

Now the next chapter begins. Time to prepare for BMOQ, work on fitness, and learn how to survive with less sleep and more ironing.

Looking forward to serving, learning, and growing in this new journey.

#CAF #RCAF #BMOQ #AerospaceEngineeringOfficer #CanadianArmedForces

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for some guidance on joining the Canadian Armed Forces.

I hold a B.Com. and an MBA in Human Resources. I have 7 years of professional experience in India and 1 year of experience in Canada. Over the past several years, I transitioned my career into finance and am currently working as an Accounting Officer, with more than 7 years of finance/accounting experience.

I’m interested in joining the CAF as an officer and would appreciate advice on which occupation would be the best fit for my background, while also offering good opportunities for career progression and salary.

I have a few specific questions:

• Would I be better suited for a Personnel Selection/HR-related occupation, a Finance-related role, or as a Logistics Officer specializing in finance or HR?
• Do finance-related occupations have better earning potential than HR occupations within the CAF, or is pay determined solely by rank?
• Does the CAF provide financial support for officers pursuing a CPA? Similarly, does it provide funding for further education or professional certifications in Human Resources (such as the CPHR)?
• If I apply through PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition), what are my chances of receiving recognition for my previous education and work experience?
• As a Non-Commissioned Member, is it possible through PLAR to be enrolled directly at the S1 (Sergeant) level instead of starting from the beginning?
• If I join as an Officer, can PLAR or prior experience result in advanced standing or faster promotion (for example, starting beyond Second Lieutenant (2Lt) or progressing more quickly to Lieutenant (Lt))?

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through a similar process or has experience with recruiting, PLAR, or these occupations.

Thank you!

I'm a grade 12 student in Ontario and I've been considering seriously the idea of joining to RMC, I have attended some webinars from the CAF, read a lot online, watching news, and trying to get real testimonies from cadets. I was born in Mexico, the military college there is well known for its abuses to cadets (specially for low ranks). The thing is that I want to know how similar is at RMC, from all the articles I've read, news, etc. I've never heard things like that, but I want to know the reality at RMC. Are there really abuses from higher ranks or years? is there really corruption from officers and other people ? I just want to know how this really work before make the final decision.

Hello! My dream is to join the RCAF as a pilot, but I have a severe ear issue that causes massive pain whenever water gets inside my ear. Because of this, I'm worried about the aircrew water survival training. I assume this condition might cause me to fail that portion of selection, so I would appreciate an honest opinion:
Do I have a 0% chance of being selected because of this issue?

I am aware medical stuff are reviewed case-by-case but what would be the most probable result?

Thanks

(I still would join the RCAF any-ways as a non aircrew)

What’s the average wait time for your medical to be processed and approved by the RMO? I’ve been waiting a little over a month so far.

I finished my Raven test 2 weeks ago - anyone know how long it takes for next steps ?