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OCU Stages

All RSAF Pilots after obtaining their wings will have to go through their OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) stages. Though recognized as pilots, they are not yet operational.

New Pilots will be posted to different operational Squadrons. OCUs will undergo operational conversions on the aircraft type that the Squadron is operating. Each operational conversion courses can take a year to complete. Upon completing their operational conversion, OCUs will graduate into Category (CAT) D pilots. CAT D pilots will be put through an upgrade program after gaining sufficient experience. Upon passing the upgrade program, a CAT D pilot will be upgraded to CAT C. This upgrade process carries on until a pilot reaches CAT A, the highest operational CAT. It usually takes 1 year to grade from one CAT status to the next.

On top of flying, pilots take on secondary appointments. Secondary appointments can include planning flying programs and writing staff papers. This helps the pilots to build up other skills other than flying and prepare them for management roles in the future. A typical pilot will spend a couple of years in a operational squadron to hone his flying skills, attaining at least a CAT B status before moving on to instructor roles.

Also must obtain Cat B before releasing to pursue a degree. to qualify for LSA (pilot) scheme, firstly you need to qualify for a recognised local uni. then if you decide to study overseas under the same scheme, you can apply for the overseas uni and you top up the difference in education costs yourself as rsaf only pays for local costs.but if you managed to get the overseas sponsorship then RSAF will pay all the approved tuition costs.

Updated On: 11.09.21

Tagged By: CA NATO FTC.