RAAF Pilot Assessment Day

[jnicholas]

Hey Everyone,
I received a letter on Tuesday letting me know that this coming monday is my Assessment Day for RAAF Pilot. Bit worried at first because of the serious lack of time to prepare in and around school, music and sporting commitments but I have got through some prep work already and have the weekend to go! I am applying to ADFA, and a lot of the details online refer largely to direct entry applicants which is a little bit of an issue.

So far I have been advised to know:
Initial Military Training (i believe this is the first 6 weeks at ADFA as well as blocks throughout the year.)

Initial Employment Training
Things like the AVMED course the BFTS and 2BFTS.
Equipment: Obviously the aircraft types and where they are, the AUSTYER F88, and what sidearm / hand gun to pilot's then get qualified on?

Pay and Benefits, RAAF history, Current Affairs,etc
As well as my motivations and opinions on combat situations, being deployed etc.

So I guess I am really just looking for a bit of guidance / heads up as I am pushed for time and there is just so much to get through. Are there other threads on here with stories / previously successful applicants?

Thanks a bunch guys!

[mcgrath50]

Sounds decent, don't forget RAAF bases and what is based where.

Research what a combat role is and who has a combat role in the ADF.

If this is specialist testing make sure you are familiar with a six pack of instruments and brush up on some 'basic' mental math eg; A plane is flying 200nm at 150kts then slows for the next 50nm to 100kts before, how long has this taken? It sounds simple but I know at the end of year 12 I hadn't done those sort of maths questions in years! Now of course I can do them and couldn't tell you what a trig equation is :ok:

[Keg]

Future aircraft acquisitions and what you can expect to be flying. What sidearm a pilot is qualified on probably won't rate a mention.

Remember, Air Force, Officer, Pilot. Have a think about what other role in the air force you may be interested in if you don't become a pilot. Fine line to tread here between being pragmatic and having another option and being determined that you're going to be a pilot.

Be yourself.

[jnicholas]

I have come across the term "combat role" a few times now and don't fully comprehend it. is it along the lines of:
"A combat role protects Australia as a nation through defending its people, land and rights. A combat situation may arise out of a defensive or offensive situation but is always to protect Australia and her interests. "

Or am i completely on the wrong track here?

[Ducksarse]

Combat Role = Hercs/P3's

Training = All the rest

:E Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Macchi 408]

Just be yourself and try to absorb as much as you can find. The RAAF website is good for current aircraft, future acquisitions, bases and history. Defencejobs also has alot of info that I'm sure you would have made your way through.

Any problems or specific details that you need, feel free to PM me. :ok:

[Arm out the window]

There's a massive thread on this already - RAAF Pilot Selection Process or something like that (?!) Do a search and all should be revealed, I'm sure.

[Erin Brockovich]

or offensive situation but is always to protect Australia and her interests.

Yeah Right. The Afghan War is doing wonders for our security.

Hopefully you can get in; fly (the ONLY reason to want to join); not kill anyone because Julia told me to; and get out with your soul intact.

[Chronic Snoozer]

Don't forget the classics:

Who was Dickie Williams?
Whats that thingy stuck on the back of the P3? and,
Count backwards from 100 by 9s.

[jnicholas]

Ok, so I understand that you are going in as an officer first and pilot second. And that this means, as an officer you will also have ground duties to perform. Can anyone give me some examples of the kinds of ground duties Officers have to complete?

Thx

[Macchi 408]

An Officer is anyone who is "commissioned by the Commonwealth" and holds the rank off PLTOFF or above. Officers tend to have the higher end jobs, a Pilot being one of them. However, as with every other person, you'll undertake SST (Single Service Training) which will go through all the training aspects of the Royal Australian Air Force. My understanding is at ADFA you complete your undergraduate degree (BTech AV) and at the same time complete your SST and related military training. At the completion of ADFA then you do the practical components of flying and go straight in as a Pilot. Recently they changed it so Officers from ADFA enter into the Air Force as a FLGOFF, unless you really :mad: up and then you'll go in as a PLTOFF.

[SgtBundy]

I never actually got in the RAAF, but I spent enough time in the AIRTC to get an idea.

Typically aside from your operational duties you may be tasked with running some on base services such as the officers or airmans mess, administrative duties for say the motor pool or clubs and groups on base (i.e sporting clubs) etc.

Also there is the concept of a duty officer - someone who is responsible and first point of contact for the daily running of a base. This might be running daily ceremonial duties, coordinating and preparing for special visitors etc. Basically a dogs body to make sure things get done (or blamed if it doesn't). This role gets rotated around on a roster, typically to junior officers.

Someone who has actually been there can give you a better idea, but thats the gist of it.