RAAF Flight Screening Programme

[Zacertsy2005]

Can confirm that I was told the same thing last year re ADFA 2023 intake. They only did Assessment Days (in my capital city) for ADFA in the year preceding the ADFA intake. YOU Session and Additional Testing can occur at any time though (provided they remain valid).

Yeah I’ve done my you session and additional testing already so I’ll just be waiting on assessment day. I’ll give them a visit around November or have a talk with the head recruiter of Newcastle when I go down on a tour next school holidays.

[finestkind]

Sounds like a load of twaddle to me. Look at it this way. You have passed everything, testing, OSB and been given a Letter Of Offer but the enlistment date will be outside the 12 months of the assessment day (which for DEO's is a strong possibility). So does it make sense that you have to go back and do the assessment day again? Either someone has done a typical administrative stuff up or the RC's have instituted this for their own benefit.

[Zacertsy2005]

Sounds like a load of twaddle to me. Look at it this way. You have passed everything, testing, OSB and been given a Letter Of Offer but the enlistment date will be outside the 12 months of the assessment day (which for DEO's is a strong possibility). So does it make sense that you have to go back and do the assessment day again? Either someone has done a typical administrative stuff up or the RC's have instituted this for their own benefit.

I have since spoke with a mate who’s currently at Pearce, assessment days being a year before is purely rc side and you don’t need to retake your assignment day he was well outside that 12 month window after he had to sort out some medical stuff so I’m assuming something must supersedes it at some point

[Zacertsy2005]

Awesome news guys I have just booked in my assessment day for the 11 of October, so keen and I hope it goes well. Been studying hard so fingers crossed it should go well. Any advice?

[Nickyy_AK]

Hey Everyone,

I've got my ASP coming up and have been practicing frequently using the CBAT app and just brushing up on my mental math. I was wondering if there are any other apps/website out there that you guys found useful for your ASP prep? cheers!

[raiden747]

Hey everyone,

After skimming this thread, I thought I'd reach out for some advice regarding my intention towards a RAAF OA role (fast-jet specifically). Thank you to previous contributors, I've learnt a lot already!

I'm currently 30, and I work as a physio. I am hoping someone could give me some insight as to whether my age, social history, or any medical factors would be a firm barrier against my chances.

My social background is that I do not have a mother (her loss put a strain on the family) and have very much had to be the leader of my family over the last decade, which is what led me towards being a physio, as I could be close and support everyone whilst chasing an ambitious career. My intention is to be honest with this during OSB/ psych examination (if I get there), I have absolutely no idea if my situation would be flagged as a concern, or a case of emphasising my ability to navigate hardship/ challenges as I pretty much led my family into now having a very healthy dynamic.

I do believe these social factors have accelerated me towards being ticking the boxes for having the personality traits that ADF seem to express as their selection criteria. Definitely function well under pressure, am adaptable, and have a reflective approach to learning/ work ethic.

Medically, self-assessed with a Snelling chart, I apparently have 20/20 vision, never had issues. Went to an optometrist and they advised I was just below 20/20, which is correctable to 20/20. Also have noticed an asymptomatic potentially varicose vein as well. Are they a hard no on any vision below 20/20?
I should also note, I have never been diagnosed with any mental health issues from the above circumstances, so a clean record in that regard.

At the moment I'm applying the knowledge I have with my profession to get my body as fit as possible, have been training 8-10 times a week with a battery of exercises whilst committing 2 hours of study daily on top of work, to prepare for an application.

Just wanting to set my expectations, any feedback or advice would be appreciated :) I will apply regardless as I believe working towards this goal will make me a better person anyway.

[VHOEG]

Hey Everyone,

I've got my ASP coming up and have been practicing frequently using the CBAT app and just brushing up on my mental math. I was wondering if there are any other apps/website out there that you guys found useful for your ASP prep? cheers!


Hey Mate,

If you can make some space in your message box, I'll send you some advice directly. Let me know if you're interested. Emphasis on this Nickyy_AK as I cannot respond to your message.

[raiden747]

Hey Mate,

If you can make some space in your message box, I'll send you some advice directly. Let me know if you're interested.
Thanks VHOEG, I would appreciate the message.

[ZSZSOP]

Hey Mate,

If you can make some space in your message box, I'll send you some advice directly. Let me know if you're interested. Emphasis on this Nickyy_AK as I cannot respond to your message.
likewise please mate

[virtuallaik]

I am also interested VHOEG, if you have any advice for the general aptitude testing as well? I have been out of school 11 years and when I first sat the YOU session aptitude test, I didn't pass the initial screening for pilot (11 years ago). I spent 6 years in the green and have been on civvy street for 5. I miss the uniform and have always been interested in aviation. I am currently working on mental math and putting some time in on the ADF aptitude training app, anything else I should be looking at?

[Dashy13]

This may be very off topic, but I have a few questions if anyone can answer them.

I am currently 18 and would like to join the RAAF in mid 2024 to pursue my goal of becoming a fighter pilot. I have put between 15 and 20 hours towards my RPL just over a year ago but stopped due to my final year of school.

I have recently finished school, and am thinking towards the future. I have other goals I would like to pursue other than flying, and would want to start achieving those sooner rather than later, as they will take time.

My main question is regarding the fast jet role, and the minimum service time for such.
As far as I can find on the ADF website, it states that there is a 11.5 year commitment for Direct Entry Officers or a 1-6 year commitment through general entry. What would be my best option to become a fast jet pilot, but also serve for the least amount of time so I can pursue my other goals?

Cheers

[VHOEG]

Hey Dashy,

I'll try and clear up the commitments for you. I'm just a bloke online so none of this is guaranteed to be correct.
As all Officer Aviation (OA) (i.e. Pilot) roles are officer roles, general entry isn't an option.
OA candidates can enter the ADF via either:

Direct Entry Officer (DEO) or
The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).


Regardless of your entry method, if you successfully pass pilot training for the RAAF, you will incur a 9 year Return Of Service Obligation (ROSO). This kicks in the day you graduate from your operational conversion (OPCON) (i.e. the day which you become fully qualified to fly a front-line plane like the Hornet or Hercules). It's backdated to the day you started your OPCON though.To clarify, let's say you begin your Hornet OPCON in January of 2027, and you graduate (complete) it in July of 2027. When eligible to graduate, your ROSO kicks in, but it's treated like it started in January of 2027 instead. This means you have to commit for a 'slightly shorter' period of time to the RAAF.

Keep in mind that your ROSO only begins well-into your training, so you will have likely spent several years at different flying training courses and Officer training as well before this even kicks in. So in reality, your time served may substantially longer than your 'commitment'.

Currently, the above system for ROSO means that if you have no other commitments and are unsuccessful in the pilot training pipeline before being eligible to graduate from your OPCON, you could theoretically leave the RAAF with no further commitments. I have been told that this doesn't happen however, as people choose to stay and pursue other roles instead due to the great deal of satisfaction within the RAAF.
If you go to ADFA, you will also incur an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). OA candidates can only do three-year degrees at ADFA. The IMPS begins immediately upon joining the RAAF and immediately begins counting down. Currently, this is seven years long (calculated as the length of your degree plus another year. I.e. a three year degree means you return three years plus one (i.e. four years) of service). Currently, there is a two-year grace-period for RAAF Officer Cadets, meaning you can leave RAAF up until the second year of ADFA and have your IMPS and any other commitments waived if you find it's not for you.To clarify, let's say you join the RAAF via ADFA in January 2025. When you sign the paper, your 7-year IMPS begins counting down. You finish your degree in December 2027 and begin flying training (in a perfect world) in January 2028.
At that point, you'd have four years of your IMPS left, and zero ROSO because you haven't completed an OPCON yet.
If you have an IMPS and a ROSO simultaneously, they will both count down at the same time, independently of each other.


Hope this clears it up.

Keep an open mind about ADFA as well. Younger applicants tend to be pointed towards ADFA to help them mature personally and as leaders given the different environment at OTS compared to ADFA. You also get a degree of your choosing fully funded and earn a salary while studying. It's an extra commitment but long term, it may be good to have that degree and extra experience.

Also, as someone who's been through the process, the recruiters don't want to see someone who's itching to leave as soon as possible and solely focused on fast jets. Fast jets are extremely hard to be selected for, and you cannot choose to go to them, it's based on your performance throughout flying training and a range of other factors. Keep up the research and keep all of this in mind and consider whether RAAF is the right pathway for you given your interests.

All the best.

[Dashy13]

Cheers legend, will do.

[virtuallaik]

Anyone else here a lateral transfer? Trying to get some information on the psych assessment, does it include the aptitude testing? Mine are all out of date and I haven't done one thus far in the process.

[Watson7]

Hey iv got my asp in the next few weeks. Iv been smashing CBAT and a few brain games on lumosity as well as maths and bearings. Is there any other recommendations on what I should look at or go over to help.

cheers

[Foz97]

Hi Team,

I've just passed my Assessment Day and have been told I'll be on my way to ASP soon for OA - Pilot. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations on study tools/additional information.

So far my study consists of:
- CBAT App
- Mental Math, Luminosity & Elevate App workouts
- Math exercises on DST, Angles, Bearings etc. through Maths Books

Any further recommendations are greatly appreciated! (within fairness to other candidates)

Cheers,
Foz

[finestkind]

Anyone else here a lateral transfer? Trying to get some information on the psych assessment, does it include the aptitude testing? Mine are all out of date and I haven't done one thus far in the process.


Unable to PM. Inbox full?

[virtuallaik]

Yeah Sorry,

It seems I have a 1 item limit on mail. So if I forget to delete the email I send in reply I can't receive any. I have cleaned out my sent emails. Should be able to rx now.

[Zacertsy2005]

Hi Guys,

I'm panelled for my ASP testing which is occurring on the 11 and 12 of April, feel free to reach out if anyone else is also heading down at the same time.

[alexei1]

Hey Zacertsty,

I shot a message over to you. Check your inbox (:

[Zacertsy2005]

Hey Zacertsty,

I shot a message over to you. Check your inbox (:

I think your inbox is full when I tried to reply, if you want to have a chat about the asp or something send me a message on my Instagram zacertsy.

[alexei1]

I think your inbox is full when I tried to reply, if you want to have a chat about the asp or something send me a message on my Instagram zacertsy.

Hey mate, tried finding your instagram but couldn’t. Feel free to add me on instagram. 06.alexei

[crash868]

Hey there I am currently trying to lateral transfer to OA-Pilot and was wondering if anyone has any info on the Psych test which I'm booked in next week but I keep getting mixed responses about what is involved especially on whether there is aptitude testing within the psych. Also if anyone has advice on studying tips for ASP I have been going through the MACTS preparation guide as well as using the CBAT app but any further advice would be greatly appreciated

[virtuallaik]

Probably a bit late Crash, I'm going through the same process as yourself. I've just completed the psych eval, mostly just a background check. A few questions on leadership, dealing stress, motivations, family life etc. A look at your education and a general evaluation of your suitability. Send me a DM if you wanna discuss study for ASP, we might even be on the same one!

[Mothy.]

Gday Everyone,

Anyone thats attended ASP recently able to spill to gouge regarding large number multiplication and division, questions like 16x17= & 272/16= etc.. or is it mostly 12times and under?

Cheers and good luck to everyone in the pipeline :ok:

[dmitree00]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I’ve been invited to ASP early in May.

I’ve been practicing with the CBAT app, Lumosity to work on other cognitive things and refining my speed, distance, time and fuel calculations. I’ve also been practicing MACTS questions.

Is there anything else I can add on top of these to prep better for the ASP?

[SebTurner05]

In the same boat as dmitree00,

have been using CBAT but need other resources. Also want to ask about the SDT fuel/parcel calculations where I’m left dividing 360 by 450 for example any tips?

[SebTurner05]

Hi Guys,

I'm panelled for my ASP testing which is occurring on the 11 and 12 of April, feel free to reach out if anyone else is also heading down at the same time.



yeah that’s me. What are you doing for prep?

[dmitree00]

In the same boat as dmitree00,

have been using CBAT but need other resources. Also want to ask about the SDT fuel/parcel calculations where I’m left dividing 360 by 450 for example any tips?

divide both numbers by 10 and go back to your times tables

36 = 9 x 4
45 = 9 x 5

discount the 9 and you get

4/5 which is equal to 0.8

[SebTurner05]

yeah that’s me. What are you doing for prep?

thanks mate, found that converting km/h to km/minute works too.

[Zacertsy2005]

thanks mate, found that converting km/h to km/minute works too.

hey mate if you want an invite to our group chat add my Snapchat zacersty

[SebTurner05]

hey mate if you want an invite to our group chat add my Snapchat zacersty

thanks mate I’ve just added you

[enii0002]

Hi Guys,

I'm panelled for my ASP testing which is occurring on the 11 and 12 of April, feel free to reach out if anyone else is also heading down at the same time.
Hey, I'm not sure if ours overlap, but mine's happening over a span of four days starting on the 11th, with the testing happening on the 12th and 13th of this month

[enii0002]

Just reaching out to see if anyone has their ASP during the same session as me.
Probs a little too late, but better then nothing...

FB: Eryue Ni
(profile picture is a black cat)

[Watson7]

Hey guys,

Iv got my OSB coming up in a few weeks. Just wondering if there’s any specifics I should particularly work on or if anyone has any advice they think would be helpful that would be great.

cheers

[The Wawa Zone]

It's truly amazing that this thread has been running for 22 years, and some of the original posters would have long since left military service, be approaching middle age, and may well have kids who want to follow a similar career path and are looking for advice here a generation later. :8

[Yuri.7n1]

Hi All.

I have my ASP date pinned in for the 25th-28th of April, and have been practicing for the tests with the CBAT app. Is there any other apps/programs that could help with the testing?
I had a look on the RAF CBAT website and they had some good run downs on the types of questions. In particular my quick division and multiplication skills for the SDT and CLAN tests could use some work...

All replies appreciated :)

[dmitree00]

Hi All.

I have my ASP date pinned in for the 25th-28th of April, and have been practicing for the tests with the CBAT app. Is there any other apps/programs that could help with the testing?
I had a look on the RAF CBAT website and they had some good run downs on the types of questions. In particular my quick division and multiplication skills for the SDT and CLAN tests could use some work...

All replies appreciated :)

Damn, that’s very soon. Good luck!

get used to working with fractions like 1/10, 1/60, 1/12, 1/15 and 1/3 for calculating SDT.

Doing this has helped me calculate a lot faster, while practicing at least.

I’m going down 2nd week of May too.
Let us know how you go! 😎