RAAF 34 Squadron

[Soulman]

Could anyone give me, or direct me to some information regarding the RAAF's 34 Squadron based at RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra. (They fly the RAAF Boeing BBJ)

I'd just like to know who exactly flies them (i.e straight off advanced course at Pearce or later conversion course?), what the hours are like (subject to usage or train daily?) and the general feeling of working in that squadron.

If anyone can help me out, I would be most grateful.

Thanks in advance,

Souls.

[L J R]

Hey Soulman, If you are planning on using RAAF to get those much honoured 'corporate jet' hours - good luck!!

You might wish to re-consider your motives if you intend to 'sign-up' to do pilots course in order to get same experience,as the ROSO for pilots course is 'moderate' to say the least.

Whilst I do not know why you are 'sniffing' you might want to consider that the RAAF intends to train fighting pilots as a priority, and whilst 34 do get to do some good stuff in a pretty gucci jet, there is more to military aviation than flying the PM et al in the wee hours between Sydney and Canberra.


....mt tin hat is now firmly on expecting the response....

[Surditas]

As far as I know, you can be posted directly from PEA to BBJ's. I think progression is similar to other ALG Sqns, ie: you may or may not get a captaincy on your first tour.
However, why oh why would you join the RAAF to fly an airliner? Sure, I can understand blokes whose ROSO is running out heading to 34 to fly the BBJ to look more attractive to Mr Qantas or Mr Virgin, but I cannot understand why you would want to go there straight from pilots course.
You've got so many other choices that all involve doing stuff you will NEVER do with the airlines: screaming around in a Pig or Hornet, shooting Harpoons out of an Orion, operating out of goat tracks in a Caribou or flying a Herc over here in and out of Iraq. Why not have fun with your RAAF career? You still get to travel if you aren't at 34 Sqn: I've been to six different countries this year, although the loadmasters aren't as good looking as the crewatts.
If I eventually end up at an airline at least I'll be able to look back on my military flying knowing that I got to do stuff you can't do anywhere else.


Joining L J R in the bunker with my own tin hat...:D

[Soulman]

Hey L J R and Surditas,

No need for the tin hats fellas - I have no intention of rushing off to join 34 Squadron only to have a computer fly around for me! :p (What could be more boring than flying around Johnnie, Mr. Downer and all the boys?) ;)

There is a method to my madness - I'm off to do Specialist Testing for RAAF - Pilot in a week and a half (24/9) and as part of the testing, I'm required to have a pretty good understanding of the who, what, when, where and why of all the Aussie squadrons. Although I may not be questioned on these until December/January, I thought I'd better get started on it, so as you can see, I'm purely researching! :)

Thanks very much for the info guys, better than what I could find on the internet! :p

Oh, and just before I go, L J R and Surditas, have no fear - All I can think of is a Hornet cockpit. Like I said - why waste time flying Johnnie around, when I can cruise about 100 ft AGL @ 500kts? :E (Makes my skin crawl everytime I think of it.)

Thanks again guys, and I might see you round someday... somewhere...

Cheers,

Souls.

P.S > Might want to reconsider on those tin hats boys - heard that they aren't much protection against Mk.84 2000lbs. LGB's!!! :}

[L J R]

Having spent a day or two with the RAAF, and a little knowledge on the selection board on more than one occasion....
My advice to you is to know what the RAAF does, know a little about its structure, and some tidbits about aerodynamics - not RMIT level, but a little understanding in order to show that you have looked at the subject.

Always go with a positive 'front' - not over-bearing but a confident accum will assist. Get the message across that the RAAF NEEDS YOU!.

Don't bullshyt.. - It is spotted at 10 miles.


And by the way , delivering GBU 24s are cool!!


.

[Runaway Gun]

Keep it in the back of your mind however that where you end up is little to do with 'your choice'. Posting availability, personality and performance on course counts for more. Good luck!

[Soulman]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the info. Off to Melbourne on the 24/9 for my Spec Testing. Will let you know how I get on. Hope to see you round the skies somewhere soon. ;)

Cheers,

Souls.

[Surditas]

Soulman,

Good luck. Remember, be yourself in the interview.
Let us know how it goes.

[Fox3snapshot]

I guess you guys would have been a bit disappointed you didn't get your first preference of Air Traffic when you joined......

:E

(My comment an equivalent of a MK84! :p )

[Surditas]

F3S,

My secret shame!

How did you know?:D

[Fox3snapshot]

Surditas,

Its OK mate, its every real man's secret desire.

You made it past that first crucial step of admitting it, now try waking up every morning and yelling out to the world really, really loud......

"I do wanna be a Controller.....show me the money....show me the money!!!!!!!"

:p :ok:

[lever_in_lights_out]

want the cash cash cash...Flight Test Engineer...Engineer bonus as well as flying pay.....