Want to Join?

We recruit from three universities, these are:

University of Oxford
University of Reading
Oxford Brookes University

Please note, to be eligible to join Oxford University Air Squadron, you must be in full time attendance at one of the above universities - unfortunately we cannot accept applications from affiliated colleges or universities.

At the start of each academic year we visit the Freshers' Fairs at all of the above universities, where potential students will be able to speak to current students and staff. The dates of those we will be attending in 2011 are:

University of Oxford: 5th, 6th and 7th October
University of Reading: 5th and 6th October
Oxford Brookes University: 20th and 21st September

Eligibility

The eligibility rules for joining OUAS are:

• Older than 18 years on joining;
• An undergraduate, attending one of the above universities, with 2 A-levels or equivalent studying for your first full-time degree with at least 2 full academic years remaining before graduation;
• A British, Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland Citizen who has resided continuously in the UK for at least the last three years;
• In receipt of a National Insurance number;
• There are also various medical requirements (you must not be suffering from Migraine, Sinusitis, Diabetes, Epileptic Fits, Haemophilia or in the last 2 years Hayfever or Asthma). At the moment the required medical standard is that of a Group 2 (HGV) drivers' licence - please see the DVLA website for further information (link to the right).

Please note that successful entry into OUAS does not guarantee entry into the RAF.

The Royal Air Force is an equal opportunities employer under the Race Relations Act and welcome enquiries and applications from all ethnic groups.

Open Evening

Students wanting to join the Oxford University Air Squadron will be required to attend an Open Evening (details below), where you will be given a presentation by the Squadron Commander and Senior Student on what OUAS membership has to offer. You will also have the opportunity to speak to current members, experience the lifestyle, and see the Adventurous Training (AT) and flying equipment available to members for free, complete an application form and arrange an admission interview.

Date: Monday 10th October
Time: 6pm
Venue: OUAS Town Headquarters, Falklands House, 1 Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1RX

Interview

The admission interview lasts 45 minutes and will take place at the Town Headquarters (THQ) on Oxpens Road (full address below) between Tuesday 11th and Friday 14th of October, with interviews slots starting at 8.30am and finishing at 5.15pm each day. The interview will cover your interests, activities, other commitments, personal history and your knowledge of the RAF, and will be conducted by staff members of the OUAS.

Those successful after the interview will be required to obtain medical clearance from their GP (see eligibility section for details). Once all the relevant paperwork has been completed satisfactorily, you may be offered a place on the Squadron and begin your two year membership, which can be extended at the discretion of the Squadron Commander to a final third year.

Enlistment and Status

If selected, you will be enrolled as a member of OUAS in the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAF(VR)) with the rank of Officer Cadet University Air Squadron. Membership carries no obligation for you to join the Royal Air Force; on the other hand the Royal Air Force does not have to offer you a commission.

As an RAF(VR) member you will be subject to Royal Air Force law and will be expected to behave in a way that will not bring the Royal Air Force into disrepute. Your University Air Squadron membership will be terminated if you fail to make satisfactory progress, or if you decide the University Air Squadron is not for you then you are free to leave at any time.

Commitments

As a member of OUAS you are expected to show a level of commitment to the Squadron. This can be in the form of flying, sports, adventurous training, or other squadron activities. You will have at least two weeks of flying and adventurous training camps during the summer which you must attend. You will also be required to attend one evening per week during term time of ground training. This takes place on Monday evenings at our Town Headquarters in Oxford (Falkland House, 1 Oxpens Road, OX1 1RX) from 6.30pm until 10.30pm.

OUAS members receive allowances for attendance at RAF stations, and receive pay for all ' duty' activities at the rate of £38 per day. Any authorised travel costs incurred are refunded. As a UAS member you are eligible to apply to attend RAF Adventurous Training courses, including parachute training, rock climbing, skiing and sailing courses to name a few, which are open to all RAF personnel.

Should you still have any further questions about joining Oxford University Air Squadron (OUAS) please follow the Request More Information link at the top left hand side of this page.