How to Join

Recruitment Information

Recruitment is now closed for the academic year 2011/12. Please check this site in Summer 2012 for details on how to join next year.

The Selection Process

Each year staff and existing students from the Squadron recruit approximately 30 new students from the following universities:

Leeds College of Music
Leeds Metropolitan University
Sheffield Hallam University
The University of Bradford
The University of Huddersfield
The University of Hull
The University of Leeds
The University of Sheffield
The University of York
York St John University

If you decide to enquire further you will be invited to fill out a variety of forms and then have an informal chat with a member of staff. Approximately 2 weeks later you will receive a letter informing you if you have been successful in passing the initial sift and inviting you to attend a selection day at RAF Church Fenton, near Tadcaster. Selection is incredibly competitive, however you will be given advice on how to prepare for your selection day. This day provides you with a chance to have a look at the base, find out what we do as a squadron and meet the existing students. You will also be able to participate in various team-building exercises. Throughout the day each attendee will have a formal interview with a member of staff which allows us to assess your potential as a member of the Squadron. Successful applicants will be notified shortly after their selection day and will then be attested into the RAF(VR). Uniform is free of charge and RAF(VR) members are paid an attendance allowance for the mandatory elements of training in line with published rates of pay.

We advise potential candidates to check this page in Summer 2012 when specific recruitment dates for the forthcoming year can be confirmed. If you are unable to visit our stand at your respective university you can attend one of our other venues, however where possible we prefer you to attend at your own Fresher's Fair. Our stands should be easy to find as there will be posters and students in flying suits who, along with YUAS staff, will be there to answer any questions you may have.

Eligibility & Requirements

To join Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron as a Volunteer Reserve you must:

Be older than 17½ years on joining the UAS and, if you have aspirations to join the RAF as a pilot, younger than 25 years old on entry into Officer Training after your graduation.
Be a full time undergraduate on your first degree course with at least 2 A2 level passes or equivalent, studying for a recognized degree with at least 3 academic terms remaining before graduation.
Have been born in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland or a country which was, at the time, a member of the Commonwealth.
Be a citizen of one of the above named countries since birth or be a naturalized citizen with supporting documentation. You may join if you have dual British/other nationality.
Have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years.

You will be expected to demonstrate Officer potential and a genuine interest in taking an active role in UAS life. If successfully selected for training you will be enlisted into the RAF(VR) with the status of Officer Cadet for a duration of 2 years, with further extensions of service requiring an application to the Commanding Officer. Although not a Commissioned Officer, once attested you become subject to Air Force Law and will be expected to behave in a way that does not bring the RAF into disrepute. UAS membership in the RAF(VR) carries no obligation on your part to join the RAF and equally for the RAF to offer you a Commission. Membership of the Squadron can be terminated if you request it or if the Commanding Officer believes that you have not made satisfactory progress.

As an absolute minimum you will be expected, during term time, to attend weekly training on Friday evenings and Squadron Development sessions (usually Sport or Force Development) on Saturday mornings. You will also be required to attend week-long continuous camps each year, with the more prominent being Induction Camp, Easter Camp & Summer Camp. There are significant opportunities to become involved in other aspects of Squadron life on top of the compulsory aspects of training, such as Sport, Social Events, Adventurous Training as well as Flying. It is, generally speaking, up to you which other aspects of Squadron life you wish to pursue, however we expect all students to take an active role on the Squadron through being involved in and organising further activities.

Flying medical requirements for the UAS allow individuals to wear glasses or contact lenses and the medical standards are comparable to those required for a driving licence (DVLA Class II). It should be noted that different medical standards are applicable if you subsequently wish to apply for regular service in the RAF.

Image Information

Main Picture: Shutting down after First Solo 2011, RAF Church Fenton. Off Cdt J Sillett.