Master Aircrew Chris Massingham
Job role: Weapon Systems Operator (Crewman)

Joined the RAF: 1983

Overseas travel: The Falklands, Turkey, Russia, Japan, China, USA

Career highlights:

• Becoming one of the few serving female Master Aircrew
• A fly-past over Buckingham Palace with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight during the D-Day 60th Anniversary celebrations

‘I joined the RAF as an Aerospace Systems Operator but after a few years, I decided to change trades and became a Weapon Systems Operator (Crewman) instead.

‘Since then, I’ve travelled all over the world – including trips to the Middle East, Japan and China, racking up over 5,000 flying hours.

‘One of my trips involved taking the Queen’s household out to Russia to meet the Royal Yacht Britannia, and I was in Bahrain during the first Gulf War, where we refuelled UK and US fighter jets.

‘I now work at RAF Cranwell, training and examining Weapon Systems Operators (Crewmen) to fly in fixed-wing aircraft.’

Web Chat session with Master Aircrew Chris Massingham - Wednesday 24 January 2007

rdog99: How much time do you get to load and unload stuff on to a plane?

Chris Massingham: Anything from twenty minutes to two hours depending on the load.

Angelcat: What's it like having to travel around so much?

Chris Massingham: It's a great opportunity to go to places that you'd never see.

jake1983: You said you were in Bahrain in the first Gulf war - what did you have to do there?

Chris Massingham: We did air to air refuelling. It was an eye opener! It was the first conflict I'd ever been involved in.

Leon172: Do you need to be able to swim to join the RAF police?

Chris Massingham: I wouldn't have thought so. You've got to be able to swim to become aircrew though. Perhaps speak to your local AFCO who might be able to help on specifics.

Chris Massingham: Actually just call in 0845 605 55 55 for help on that.

jay: Hi - at what age can you retire?

Chris Massingham: Hello Jay, anything from after nine years in service. Up to age 55, depending on your rank (You have to be a flight sgt or above to retire at 55).

Mark cur: what is the hardest part of the training at the start?

Chris Massingham: Hello Mark, The physical expectations and long hours with inspections, drill, classroom work and Physical Ed. But you do get used to it and learn a lot about yourself.

Joanne: I am thinking of joining the RAF police however blogs on the internet suggest I shouldn't because I would be hated by all other people in the force

Chris Massingham: Hello Joanne. That isn't true. And there are great opportunities within the police and airforce generally. Including plenty of travel and promotion prospects.

James: How easy is it to change squadrons once you've done your initial first year

Chris Massingham: Hello James. You normally have to do three to six years before changing squadrons.

Tom: Hi - so you have now been in the RAF for over 20 years. Do you have a good chance to move up the ranks?

Chris Massingham: Hello Tom. I've got to the top of my tree within the ranks. So I could always apply for a commission now, if I wanted to. (Commission to become an officer that is!)

Jay: Is it hard holding down a relationship and having kids in the RAF?

Chris Massingham: I don't have kids myself. However, like any career - you've got to work at it.

Chris Courtney: Hi, what would a typical day consist of as a WSOP?

Chris Massingham: There is no typical day. Everyday is different. You may be flying one day and in the office the next. Or on the sports field the next!

Anouska: Hi Chris, I would just like to know if the job of crewman is fun. I am going to apply next month.

Chris Massingham: It's the best there is.

Lydz: Hiya! I am a student nurse and would love to join the RAF as a nurse! However I have had asthma and I am worried this will ruin my chances of getting in? The only thing that triggers it off though is cats and I haven’t had a proper asthma attach for years and years. Can you shed any light on this matter?

Chris Massingham: You should call the advice line which is 0845 605 55 55 in the first instance, or for further guidance.

Abbey: What would you say to someone thinking of joining up who is concerned about how the number of cut backs currently being made will affect my time in the RAF?

Chris Massingham: The RAF is still actively recruiting and there are still great prospects to be had.

Simon: Evening, I am thinking about applying to become weapons systems operator, electronic warfare, what sort of qualities do people look for in an applicant when deciding who goes through and who doesn’t?

Chris Massingham: You've got to be academically qualified, medically fit and have an aptitude to work with other crew members of various ranks. and IT and communication skills are a plus too.

AntonR: Do you know roughly how long it will be from the initial interview at the AFCO until the OASC?

Chris Massingham: Every case is different for all jobs. It's impossible to say.

Mark Cur: Do U get paid UR first YR

Chris Massingham: Hi Mark, You get paid on a monthly basis as soon as you join.

Nick: Hi. Is mechanical transport driver a good career to get into?

Chris Massingham: If that is your interest then yes! But have you considered aircrew too?

Dale: Any tips for OASC??

Chris Massingham: Be yourself and be honest! If you don't know the answer say you don't know. But you'll endeavour to find out.

Anouska: What are the eyesight requirements for aircrew like?

Chris Massingham: Hi Anouska. I'd say check the website. You'll have an eye test as part of the medical. Each case is different.

James: I am thinking about becoming a weapon system operator or a weapon system officer, I really want to do a few tours and have a attempt at a search and rescue squadron, which would you say gives me the best chance?

Chris Massingham: In that case you'd probably want to go for weapons systems operator, ideally rotary. That would be your best avenue.

Ann: Hello, I have my aptitude test on Tuesday at my AFCO… Any tips?

Chris Massingham: Hi Ann, keep practising your maths and your time speed distance problems. Good luck!

Abraham: Why did you switch job

Chris Massingham: Hello Abraham, I switched to travel the world. Which I couldn't do in my previous job as easily.

AntonR: Chris, do you also train the aircrew cadets for their six month aircrew training course or do you just work on fixed wing students?

Chris Massingham: Hi Anton, I work with fixed wing students only.

Dale: What would you do if you couldn’t be a WSOP?

Chris Massingham: Hello Dale, Good question! Aircrew is the best job and I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

Joel: Hi, Chris I note you joined in 83 how has the RAF changed since then?

Chris Massingham: Hi Joel, It's moved with the times. Now more of a modern military force.

DJ Dave: Why did you decide to work with weapons?

Chris Massingham: Hi Dave, I don't work with weapons. It's the title of the job. However, if you go the Rotary route you could become a air gunner.

Chris Courtney: How long is it before you can volunteer to train as winchman on a Sea King?

Chris Massingham: Hello Courtney, You've got to complete a couple of tours (so six years) before you'll be considered. However if you're really good you could go as a first tour.

Simon: Where have been the most difficult conditions in which you have had to work?

Chris Massingham: Hi Simon, overseas on exercise. Again another eye opener for me.

Charlie: Your current job looks really exciting, do many women join that area?

Chris Massingham: Hi Charlie, no there aren't that many women at the moment. But, you need to apply to be considered. It's open to all and the opportunities are the same.

Anouska: If I was successful, after training do you think I will have time to continue my engineering degree with the Open Uni?

Moderator: This chat closes in 10 minutes.

Chris Massingham: Hello Anouska, Yes no reason why not!

AntonR: How would you address Master Air Crew from within the services?

Chris Massingham: Hello Anton, If you're male "sir" female is "ma'am". An officer would say "Mr" then the surname.

Dale: Can you choose between fixed wing or rotary after U complete your initial training?

Chris Massingham: Hi Dale, you are selected to go fixed or rotary. However, there is opportunity to switch from one to the other at a later date.

Tom C: Hi, I am going to OASC soon and was wondering how you prepared for yours?

Chris Massingham: Hello Tom, Wow that was years ago! Things have changed. As I said earlier just be honest, be yourself.

KC2: Are the entry requirements the same regardless of which profession within the RAF you want to join?

Chris Massingham: Hi KC2, No! It depends on which job you want to do. Check the website jobselector for more detail.

Tom: What was the best base to go to across seas and what did you do there. Does a PTI stay overseas?

Chris Massingham: Hi Tom, Best place - USA. A PTI can be posted overseas for a three year tour.

Jason: Would you recommend joining the RAF at a later age or asap?

Chris Massingham: Hello Jason, It depends what job you want to do. Check age requirements on the website. That might help.There are advantages with joining early or late.

Sox: Is being a member of an aircrew really stressful?? Does it really make life hard?

Chris Massingham: hello Sox, It can be as stressful as you want to make it! Life's been good for me.

Anouska: Have you been to Iraq yet? Every time I see it on TV I want to do be doing my bit.

Chris Massingham: Hello Anouska, I've been at Cranwell for the last 4 years, so I haven't been involved. However, if you're selected as crewman you will be doing your bit out there!

Charlie: Did you find it difficult to transfer jobs in the RAF?

Chris Massingham: Hello Charlie, No, but then I prepared myself for it. And did lots of research.

Dale: I don’t have many qualifications to speak of. Do U recommend doing a year at college before applying for aircrew?

Chris Massingham: Hi Dale, you need qualifications for aircrew. But you can join the RAF in other jobs without any quals.

Chris Courtney: Were you a member of the ATC?

Chris Massingham: Chris, I was a member of the GVC (girls venture core!) the female equivalent.

Leon172: Do the RAF police go on operations or stay on base?

Chris Massingham: Hi Leon, Yes they do. As do all other trades within the RAF.

Anouska: I am married now, Can my husband live with me on base after Halton?

Chris Massingham: Hi Anouska, Yes he can. You will qualify for a married quarter or you can buy your own.

Since the live chat, Chris has answered some questions which she didn't have time to respond to on the day:

rogz: do u het to hold a gun at all. like caryy it about with you?

Chris Massingham: You are required to undergo Weapons training, (either rifle or pistol) and will on certain occasions / situations have to carry them about with you.

Mark cur 28 2 join raf: ok,do u get much time 2 ur self in the wk

Chris Massingham: It really depends on what you are doing and where you are doing it.

Jcat99: What were you in when flying by Buckingham Palace?

Chris Massingham: I was with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in a Dakota

Lee: I am set to begin my recruit training at RAF Halton in April, from your own experiences of initial training is there any advice you can pass on with regards to coping well and getting through the training?

Chris Massingham: Do your best at everything and remember why you are there and think of the goal after Halton.

Chris Courtney: I am coming to Cranwell in February for OASC selection. Can you give me any tips or advice that may help me during the selection process? I am applying for sixth form sponsorship.

Chris Massingham: Be honest and yourself; if you do not know an answer say you do not know, do not start waffling or making things up. Practice “speed Time Distance” calculations and try and get as fit as possible.

Dale: Hi Chris.....Hows life treating you at Cranwell. Ive been a few times....Im an instructor with the Air Cadets......Anyway....I would like to join the RAF as aircrew like yourself......im 22 and not the fitest guy in the world......any advice?ll

Chris Massingham: Get yourself as fit as possible and make sure you are up to date with current affairs and world news. Ensure you prepare yourself as well as possible, and have a good working knowledge of the Armed Forces, particularly the RAF their roles and assets. (eg. Squadrons, aircraft types, Operations, etc…)

Antonr: OASC, what is the swimming test for aircrew?

Chris Massingham: Swimming Test: - Jump in the pool with coveralls on, swim 100 metres any stroke, tread water for 2 minutes and then get out of pool unaided and not using the steps

Chris Courtney: What type of aircraft are you working with presently?

Chris Massingham: I am a Ground Instructor at present but have recently worked on the Dominie

Nighters: Hi, is it better to work on a fixed wing aircraft or a rotary winged for a weapon sytems crewman (in your opinion)? Or is it just based preferance and ability?

Chris Massingham: Working on Rotary of Fixed aircraft is determined by numbers required at any one time. However ability and suitability is taken into consideration. As to whether if one is better than the other it is really difficult to say.

Dale: Do you have any tips for OASC at RAF Cranwell?

Chris Massingham: Be honest and yourself; if you do not know an answer say you do not know, do not start waffling or making things up. Practice “speed Time Distance” calculations and try and get as fit as possible.

Dale: Being one of the only women of your rank......does that cause problems?

Chris Massingham: No it does not.

Jay: Whats the length of Service for an weapon systems officer

Chris Massingham: If you join from Civilian street it is 12 years service.

Antonr: For aircrew, how long would it be to wait for OASC after the intial interview?

Chris Massingham: Very dependent on course dates, there is no set time period, all cases are different.

Simon: Is WSOP a very competitive career within the RAF, with many people applying and not many progressign through?

Chris Massingham: Yes it is competitive.

Joel: what is the most challenging part of your current job?

Chris Massingham: Most challenging part of current job is:- it all tends to be challenging these days.

Abraham: how long have you served in the raf

Chris Massingham: Just over 23 years!

James: What qualifications do most people have when they enter as WSOP

Chris Massingham: A lot of entrants have degrees and A Levels, however the minimum standard is 5 “O” Levels (GCSEs) to include Maths and English.

Jacob: Hi im from spain could you say how is life at RAF

Chris Massingham: Life is good for me at least.

Views expressed during the web chats are those of individuals and do not necessarily reflect RAF policy.