RAAF Pilot selection help

[Kirkoss]

Hey Guys and Girls.

I'm obviously new here as this is my first post. I came across this website after seeking help on possible opinions and general help on what could make me stand out when applying for the RAAF as a pilot next year.

First of all, I'm currently in Year 12. I'm doing level 2 maths, level 3 Geography, level 3 AIT (Applied Information Technoogy, aka Computing), level 1 Religion (compulsory) and a study period in the library.

I would like some help regarding on what I could improve on. Because I am not doing the required, or preferred, level 3 maths and level 3 physics, Ive decided to do a level 3 maths bridging and level 3 physics bridging course after my current Year 12. At the same time as doing the bridging course I was thinking of getting a job, doing some local or community volunteering work while also possibly going gliding or flying etc.

I do, (as does everyone else these days), want to fly fast jets, preferably since I'll be applying in a few years the F-35A will be the aircraft of choice. I do not mind about how long it will take for me to get into that cockpit, the hard work I have to put in and the sacrifices I'll have to make, but that is my main goal. As you will probably mention the competition is high and I have a possibility of being disappointed, but that is why I came here to ask for advice and tips on what I could do to make myself a good applicant.

Sorry for the wall of text, I would just like to get specific and direct answers. (I have spoken to defence recruiting, but i believe that talking to current and or past pilots in all Air Forces would be a bit better).

To sum it all up I was curious or not whether this would be a good start to show my motivation and enthusiasm to get into the RAAF?

Thanks to all and sorry again for the wall of text.

[junior.VH-LFA]

There is a thread literally 5 spots down which has over 111 pages of information. Start there.

[Kirkoss]

I have looked there, but this is just for initial, step 1 entry to getting in the front door, not flight screening.

[Dilmah G]

^What he said.

Your course codes are probably going to be in a different language to everyone else bar us WA-ers, so a quick translation:

Stage 2 = Year 11 level subject.

Stage 3 = Year 12 level subject.

Here's a quote from a website you should be/become familiar with:

..Emphasis is placed on piloting ability and aptitude as measured by the ADF aircrew test battery, Flight Screening Program and the Officer Selection Board. Equally important are qualitative assessments of personal qualities such as maturity, confidence, motivation, interest in flying, and interest in the role and lifestyle of a ADF pilot. These factors will be examined throughout an applicant's involvement with Defence Force Recruiting, Flight Screening Program and the Officer Selection Board.

The whole process is competitive in nature and applicants are ranked against each other. The ADF always draws from the top down. Applicants are pooled and must compete for selection to Flight Screening Program. If successful at that stage, applicants are pooled again and must compete for appointment to a particular Service.

Initial vetting looks at citizenship, education and medical considerations, however, the ADF Pilot's Course requires both intellectual and physical vigour. Consequently, Defence Force Recruiting will pay particular attention to an applicant's educational background, record of academic achievement and their ability to study and produce results.

You'll notice when reading up about this a little more that all pilots in the ADF are also Officers. The role of a Military Officer - paraphrased - is to Command, Lead, and Manage. And so you're going to need to be able to show the selection staff and hopefully, an Officer Selection Board that you're the kind of bloke people follow. It's all well and good to be a straight-A student, but things like Captaining sporting teams, being a Captain at school, having any other leadership role within the community/etc are all going to put you in good stead.

If you don't have any, start. Send me a message and depending on where you are in Perth, I may be able to get you into a leadership position in the community.

Finally, and this isn't the only time you're going to hear this, read the thread.

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

From the beginning, and ignore all of my posts. :ok:

NB: I'm not a pilot, but I've experienced and passed Army Officer selection, with an offer to start training, so I have a rudimentary knowledge of at least the Officer selection side of things.

[Kirkoss]

Thanks for the information!

Do you have the link to the website I should be getting familiar with? The text looks familiar.

Also I'll message you maybe later tonight or tomorrow, I've got a few things to catch up on at home.

[Dilmah G]

No worries.

I didn't see that you'd posted in reply earlier - the thread name is a misnomer, it covers every part of pilot selection, from getting to the door to some particularly interesting information about streaming to aircraft type after 2FTS. You may also want to read Junior's previous posts before dismissing any advice he gives in future - he's more in the know than you'd think.

Also, initiative is a prized quality by recruiting for any job. You're sitting in front of a computer that obviously has access to the internet, and by extension, search engines. Try copying a few lines of that quote-box into google and seeing what you come up with... My intention isn't to be condescending, but if you practice those bolded qualities in your personal life, they'll show to anyone trying to assess your potential.

I also notice that you've sent me a message. I'll get onto that ASAP.