CT4-B Aircraft / Flight Screening

[jnicholas]

Hi All,
I am going on RAAF Flight screening in a few weeks, and will be on the Advanced Course as I have my PPL. Knowing that the advanced is going to be more challenging, I thought it might be a good thing to get into a CT4-B before hand and get familiar with the layout etc, just to take 1 of the challenges out of the equation. I live on the Sunshine Coast in QLD (1 hr north of Brisbane), so i was wondering if there was one anywhere in SE QLD? I don't know of one on the coast, but maybe in Brisbane, Toowoomba, or out west somewhere a bit?

Also please make any comments on flight screening that might help me get through it, as I am proud to have gotten this far but nervous as it is the make or break for my entry in the RAAF next year.

Cheers guys,
Jake

[Bug4514]

G'day Mate, There was one at the Sunshine Coast a few years ago. Maybe check at the Aero Club. Also there is one in Mackay which I seen getting around a few months ago. If you call Air Pioneer up there on 4957661 and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Good Luck.

[djpil]

Contact Matt Handley at Aerotec, Toowoomba.

[jnicholas]

Thanks I will give Mackay and Toowoomba a call. There used to be one at Fogarty's Aviation when I was there many years ago, haven't seen it in ages though.

[Steve888]

+1 for Matt Handley at Toowoomba. His aircraft is a CT4-E, but I imagine they're very similar.

[345789]

Try Gympie Aero club/ if its not them they will know who owns it? I know there is one in a syndicate/ share club hanger up there.

[drpixie]

Hi - You might find someone with a Victa/AESL Airtourer. Will handle similarly as they're both derived from the original Airtourer.

Or you could try an Alpha - a similar low wing, tricycle, bubble-canopy aerobatic aircraft.

I wouldn't be too fussed about the specific aircraft - they're not going to expect you to be familiar with the layout. Would be more useful to be reasonably current - just go flying. Also perhaps get familiar with some unusual attitudes - go flying with aerobatics instructor, perhaps get a spin endorsement (hour or two of good fun:)

Good luck.

[Victor India]

Jake,

DrPixie's comments re familiarity are correct. As far as I recall, the Flight Screening Program (FSP) is deliberately designed to avoid the candidate needing to know the detailed cockpit layout and checklists. Generally speaking (at least for the basic FSP), the instructor will complete all checks and radio procedures.

You will be briefed extensively at FSP on the required workcycles, procedures, techniques and airmanship points. In a reasonably short program, these are more highly valued by the ADF than the candidates' ability to know the checklists and switchology.

I also agree that some recent flying might help, but beware FSP will be demanding on very disciplined attitude setting, trimming and workcycles, so don't go out and just enjoy the view if you decide to get flying before you go.

Hope this helps.

VI

[Ancient Rotorhead]

jnicholas,
Check your PMs.
AR

[Di_Vosh]

VI and DrPixie are on the money.

IMHO, they will want to see how you perform flying their workcycles, procedures, etc.

The way that they fly the aircraft may well be very different to how you fly. They know this, and will be interested in how you adjust to their way of flying.

In any case, the advanced course you'll do around half your flights in a CAP10(tailwheel a/c). If you want to prepare, perhaps get some t/w time.

Suggest you also do some IF time in a flight school SIM.

Having said all that, your raw flying ability isn't the full determinant on how you go. Your attitude over the two weeks will be assessed, as well as how you go during the team exercises and the interviews. Plenty of people who fly really well get scrubbed during the latter part of the assessments.

There are a few threads on this in D&G. Suggest you do a search for more pointers.

DIVOSH!

(Disclaimer: I did my assessment in 2004 so some parts may have changed)

[djpil]

The CAP 10 is no longer used.

[Di_Vosh]

Disregard my comments on the CAP10, then...

Pity. Was fun to fly.

DIVOSH!

[Buck Rogers]

The latest news Aircombat Australia in Camden has 2 CT4E's and conducts military style training for students wanting a head start in flight screening:ok:

[HappyJack260]

Matt Handley used to (maybe still does) flight screening for the RAAF, and has a CT4 with, IIRC, the IO-540 engine, so would be a good choice.

[Dora-9]

It's so obvious: Matt Handley at Toowoomba!

[Buck Rogers]

If its flight screening your trying to get through ,formation flying is a must and you need more than 1 CT4 ,it's obvious

[DBTW]

There is a specific flight screening thread...all your questions will be answered there.

http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/333897-raaf-flight-screening-program-merged.html

About formation in flight screening...there is none. That comes at Pearce for the RAAF/RAN and much later in BFTS for the Army.

In my view, there is no need or benefit in flying the CT4B before screening. Your knowledge will be assumed to be zero and you will be taught what you need to know when you need to know it. The cost of my advice is the same as the cost to you for the flight screening itself...nothing. People who advise otherwise are probably wanting you to give them money. Tread warily.

[Captain Sand Dune]

Matt Handley used to (maybe still does) flight screening for the RAAF
Matt Handley never did (and still does not) do flight screening for the RAAF, and the website for the company for which he is the C.P. does not advertise as such. Flight screening for the ADF is done at Tamworth by the Pilot Selction Agency - no-one else.
There is a mis-conception that experience on a CT4-E will give one the edge at the FSP. If FSP candidates want to spend money flying Matt's CT-4, well good for them. I'm sure Matt is a fine instructor, but the fact is he has no experience in the role.
If its flight screening your trying to get through ,formation flying is a must and you need more than 1 CT4 ,it's obvious Bullsh*t!
Formation flying is not done done on the FSP.
Finally, what DBTW said - look at the comprehensive thread that already exists.

[yakkman52]

Having learnt to fly in Toowoomba with Matt, I feel qualified to answer this question. Without doubt he is your go to man. His machine, (VH-CTZ) is an immaculate CT-4E with the full 300hp AEIO-540. Whilst it isn't the 'B' model that the RAAF use, it will certainly give you an edge on anyone without any CT-4 time. He has shown many now RAAF pilots how to handle the CT-4 and you won't find a more professional operator IMO

[Buck Rogers]

Old Sand Dune
let me tell you when the air force has an intake of students and the end result is an arm wrestle due to not having the funds to train them all as there are plenty of pilot standing around as we speak ,, it comes down to a lot of issues but what I can tell you if you have the same aptitude and skills base as the guy standing next to you , but you have a little more knowledge and experience than the next guy ,,,,well that's how it works old Sand dune..

[Captain Sand Dune]

well that's how it works old Sand dune
Trust me mate, I know how it works.

[BoxBoxCheez]

I guess prior to 2FTS you could hit up Switzerland and get some PC9 time too...

[Captain Sand Dune]

Their's probably work:eek:

[Arm out the window]

Their's

You won't make it to Chief with apostrophe abuse like that, CSD!

Buck Rogers can probably give you a few pointers on writing skills if you need any further sage advice.

And how come he's calling you old?

[Captain Sand Dune]

You won't make it to Chief with apostrophe abuse like that, CSD!
And I so wanted to be CAF too!!
And how come he's calling you old? I reckon he's coming on to me!

[Runaway Gun]

I guess Young Buck is a shoe in for the next CDF !!

[DBTW]

Old Buckie R says:
it comes down to a lot of issues but what I can tell you if you have the same aptitude and skills base as the guy standing next to you , but you have a little more knowledge and experience than the next guy

And I say, "CSD is being too polite!"

Folk here should listen to CSD on this one.

PSA have huge amounts of experience in selecting the right stuff for pilot's course. There is way more to consider than Buck R's brief statement. The PSA in the described circumstances is just as likely to say, "If you have the same aptitude and skills base as the guy standing next to you, but you have a little more knowledge and experience because you went out and bought it, the other guy is the preference because he will not have any preconceptions about what to expect on pilot's course, and he obviously has more talent because he is the same as you even though he didn't pay for extra specialist training."

My advice is that if you are interested in FSP, do not go dipping into your pocket for extra training. Sure, if you are keen to be a pilot regardless of the military, self sponsor your licences etc. This kind of enthusiasm may well work in your favour.

Even so, consider and NB: children walk off the streets with no experience whatsoever and make it through screening and go on to become fighter pilots. There is no hard and fast rule because others not quite so young make it through having enjoyed significant commercial training as well.

There is an established thread elsewhere in the forum to pick up tips. Go there and have a long read. Don't go wasting your money trying to buy something the PSA are likely to see straight through. Not specifically wanting to take away a well defined business opportunity from some excellent folk with outstanding instructional skills and wonderful equipment, before money leaves your pocket remember you have to declare all your previous flying, and buying a pre-screening course can be interpreted in many ways, and not all of those ways are favourable.

[Captain Sand Dune]

And I say, "CSD is being too polite!"
To quote Mark Twain, never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not know the difference.

[gutso-blundo]

Just remember - "More Rudder!"

[oldpinger]

CSD,

You must be getting old, you've turned polite! Either that or you're in RDP for your next job!

Buck, one thing to know about aviation, military or otherwise, always be prepared to listen to the old gits, could learn something:ok:

[Baritji]

I too would hit up Matt Handley. CTZ (not 100% sure on rego?) is a nice plane. Matts aircraft is a bit different from those of the RAAF.

Still, both him and his CT4 got me through flight screening!

PLENTY of old Victas around too. Saw a green one in Darwin last year (yuck!)

[Captain Sand Dune]

ITW,

No, formation flying is not done on the FSP. My mistake, which has now been corrected.
They have stopped using the CAP10s though (big mistake!), which sort of makes it a new course.

[Markoshark]

There is one up in Townsville for anoyone up in the north who wnats some time in one. Its the CT4A not the B but i have flown both and they are the same plane essentially

[Captain Sand Dune]

The -A and the -B share the same airframe and engine. Therefore the powers/attitudes will be very similar.