RAAF Needs FJ Pilots

[Black Shadow]

The RAAF is foreseeing a considerable shortfall in numbers of trained FJ pilots: there are not enough studs in the system to meet the requirements. If you're one of the many unfortunates about to be on the receiving end of the recently announced RAF cuts, you might want to contact the Lateral Recruitment Cell in Canberra. If you don't ask...

[Captain Sand Dune]

........to man all those J35s that are going to arrive on the ramp at Willy en masse on Monday.
Think Labour government, think DMO, think budget cuts - don't hold your breath lads.

[Matt Skrossa]

Not enough 'studs' in Oz the land of macho surfers, sheep shearers and other ruffy-tuffies, maybe some of the unfortunate 'studes' could pop down under and give some loving to those nice, accommodating Aussie ladies?

[Runaway Gun]

Matt, do you mean Berrichon Du Cher, or the more common Charollais variety?

[NicKM91]

I'm up for it!:ok:

On a more serious note...

Despite the reality of budget cuts, delays, changes to future acquisitions and the overall number of aircraft, does anyone have any idea just how many fast jet pilots will be needed say in the next 2-4 years? Given that the first 14 JSF's are "meant" to arrive within that time period. How does that figure compare with the previous requirements for FJ pilots?

I suppose more importantly, of those pilots currently rated on the f/a-18 A/B, what kind of numbers are likely to move onto the F-35's? Is it likely that the first few pilots trained on the type, presumably in the US, will be current FJ pilots doing a conversion or those who, at the time have recently graduated from the Hawks?

Cheers

Nick

[iccarus]

Guys,
I spoke to a WgCdr at the Australian Embassy in December and he indicated that there were no FJ vacancies in the near future, irrespective of Qwialifcation.

[L J R]

Thanks for the CORRECT rumour Iccarus.....I was wondering how long the truth would eventuate...

[noobie]

all else aside, although the RAAF does recruit those with military experience from overseas, they only do so if they can't fill the gap with native aussies.

I believe they are currently only after test pilots and qualified instructors from abroad.

[Lost Again..]

Not FJ, but at ALG we have guys arriving from 2FTS waiting up to 15 months for conversion. Number of qualifying ab initio's is not the problem. Getting them through conversion is. I bet the other groups are in a similar way.

The tap was turned full on prior to GFC with the big exit rates of SQNLDR QFI's. Unfortunately it was never really re-adjusted when separation rates dropped to 2%. We are seeing that pain now. Easy example is last years promotion board for FLTLT Pilot's to SQNLDR. Target of zero....

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Wait until the new pilot training system (Air 5428 - but don't hold your breath:rolleyes:) is in place and THEN we'll likely be looking for FJ pilots...the goal is to nearly double the eventual FJ throughput!

The first group of F-35 pilots will come from the project team and from classic Hornet ranks...I doubt there'll be a direct stream until the first sqaudron has achieved IOC and the rest are on their way...say 2019/20.

[Captain Sand Dune]

I believe they are currently only after test pilots and qualified instructors from abroad.
We have plenty of QFIs, thank you.

[crackling jet]

How about giving the poor partly trained pilots who are out on their arses due to the deffence cut backs in the RAF a chance, savings can be made on their initial flight training as it is already been done and what other training they may have completed.It will also give them a chance to get out of this hell hole called the UK, as they have no reason to give any loyalty to this country, given the way some of them found out about being made redundant via e-mail, that's how valued they are. When you think we can pay a layabout mega pounds a year to sit on his backside and laugh at us tax payers, or failed assylem seekers who have not been sent home or a married migrant worker over here on his own and we're paying child benefits to his brood of kids who are not even in this country.I am ex RAF, though not aircrew, slightly lower down the pecking order, but i for one thank you for your service to us and i am disgraced at your treatment.I've known people who have left the RAF and gone to Oz,and are now serving in the RAAF, whether the possiblity exists still, but good luck and all the best to you lads effected - you desrve better !..Please excuse my post, but although it was paragraphed, for some reason it all comes out as one.

[Runaway Gun]

Because CJ, the RAAF have more than enough trainees in the pipeline. They don't need more.

[Aussie_Aviator]

The RAAF TRG pipeline is full !

ALG are hard pressed getting their new guys through conversion and I bet the other FEG's are experiencing the same issues. The RAN is even worse off ! :sad:

I'm sure a few of the ex-RAF guys' might get a 'run' ... it's worth a try; but - the waiting period will no doubt become monotonously lengthy and any successful (inexperienced / partially trained) applicants' will almost certainly have to go through OTS ... again !!
Though, the prospects 'Down Under' do sound significantly more optimistic than that compared to the current situation in the U.K. :O

I believe the ACO (WSO equivalents in the RAF) category is only accepting native Aussies too. A recent course suffered well over 70% attrition !!

[L J R]

...and some of us very experienced FJ pilots are waiting for our turn to fly OUR aircraft....

[Black Shadow]

My post referred to trained FJ pilots in the future. I believe that the Lateral Recruitment process can take at least 12 months from application. Start the ball rolling now with enquiries. Ask the question...and keep asking. There is no shortage of RAAF students in the pipeline but the majority do not have the motivation to succeed in the FJ environment. C17s seem to hold more appeal for many. Captain SaD means F35s not J35s.

[Finningley Boy]

Now that would say it all about the UK's position in the world, if our trainee pilots all start heading off to the R.A.A.F. and good luck to them!:ok:

FB:)