general Q's about life in the RAAF
Sodoff - wondered when I'd catch up with you again. Ahh GF1, so many memories!! I'll get the chance to relive GF1 soon -I'm off to FIC in August... If you get the chance, drop me a line at:
the.(my surname)[email protected]
If you can't remember my surname, post another reply and I'll think up another hint for you!
the.(my surname)[email protected]
If you can't remember my surname, post another reply and I'll think up another hint for you!
Dicey,
An update on those course lengths: 79sqn closer to 6 months (with some ops) and 76sqn is now a 4 month course plus any ops time. Almost all guys posted to jets from 2fts can expect to spend some time post course on the pc9 as well.
[ 27 February 2002: Message edited by: Cap'n Bunghole ]</p>
An update on those course lengths: 79sqn closer to 6 months (with some ops) and 76sqn is now a 4 month course plus any ops time. Almost all guys posted to jets from 2fts can expect to spend some time post course on the pc9 as well.
[ 27 February 2002: Message edited by: Cap'n Bunghole ]</p>
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Thanks all.
Booger, do you allow your nav to have a bit of a fly here and there? Also, if I had some flying experience behind me, would I have a better chance to get posted to F111s as a nav? (Don't get me wrong, I'd enjoy the job no matter what I flew in)
Cap'n Bunghole, is that stint on the PC9s post 2FTS or post 76sqn?
fnb
P.S. I now understand that it is hard to get accurate details, as there are a lot of variables that determine the length of the courses.
Booger, do you allow your nav to have a bit of a fly here and there? Also, if I had some flying experience behind me, would I have a better chance to get posted to F111s as a nav? (Don't get me wrong, I'd enjoy the job no matter what I flew in)
Cap'n Bunghole, is that stint on the PC9s post 2FTS or post 76sqn?
fnb
P.S. I now understand that it is hard to get accurate details, as there are a lot of variables that determine the length of the courses.
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Frank,
To plan for the future, I advise you to investigate the reality of the MSBS scheme, and perhaps examine its out dated 'indexation' versus the real world super schemes available.
If you intend to 'use' RAAF to get an airline job later, [ie get out soon after ROSO ] you might consider how much you plan to earn then [crystal ball I know].
It is a harsh reality that although the flying can be fantastic, and friends for life are born, the 'retirement' scheme is lacking. Star rank may get some reasonable MSBS dosh [I don't know the details] but if you want to fly lots aka spec aircrew et al, you may not get above SQNLDR and [in my opinion] retiring on that wage need supplementation. Therefore, there is a fine balance for future between retiring early for the airlines etc, and 'committing' to age 55-60 perhapse with an average Super scheme.
Although I am in the 'old' scheme, it too is antiquated, but you have to get out to get that payrise after 20 years. Silly isn't it.
Booger - nice words.
Fly Safe
To plan for the future, I advise you to investigate the reality of the MSBS scheme, and perhaps examine its out dated 'indexation' versus the real world super schemes available.
If you intend to 'use' RAAF to get an airline job later, [ie get out soon after ROSO ] you might consider how much you plan to earn then [crystal ball I know].
It is a harsh reality that although the flying can be fantastic, and friends for life are born, the 'retirement' scheme is lacking. Star rank may get some reasonable MSBS dosh [I don't know the details] but if you want to fly lots aka spec aircrew et al, you may not get above SQNLDR and [in my opinion] retiring on that wage need supplementation. Therefore, there is a fine balance for future between retiring early for the airlines etc, and 'committing' to age 55-60 perhapse with an average Super scheme.
Although I am in the 'old' scheme, it too is antiquated, but you have to get out to get that payrise after 20 years. Silly isn't it.
Booger - nice words.
Fly Safe
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Booger,
He Boogerlatto, Italian Pig Driver of Love, thought I'd never see you on PPrune, thought you were well above it.
From the best Damn Captain you ever flew with. (Not Cammy)
He Boogerlatto, Italian Pig Driver of Love, thought I'd never see you on PPrune, thought you were well above it.
From the best Damn Captain you ever flew with. (Not Cammy)
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Frank. .I'm stepping on Booger's turf here (and he's a lot more current than I am), but anyway: most pig drivers are happy enough for the nav to have a bit of a pole (at least in my day we were!). Also, navs are trained in basic unusual attitude recovery on conversion course, so that they can at least get the jet the right way up to eject from if the pilot's U/S.
You seem to be attaching a bit of importance to this issue. The thing is, any actual flying you might do as a nav would be not much and not often (and probably not very satisfying if the left hand seat is where you really want to be). Also, navs are normally busy enough doing their own job. So my advice is that if you want to fly F-111s, aim to do so as a pilot! Any flying you might get as a nav, while fun, would be trivial in the big scheme of things.
Good luck!
You seem to be attaching a bit of importance to this issue. The thing is, any actual flying you might do as a nav would be not much and not often (and probably not very satisfying if the left hand seat is where you really want to be). Also, navs are normally busy enough doing their own job. So my advice is that if you want to fly F-111s, aim to do so as a pilot! Any flying you might get as a nav, while fun, would be trivial in the big scheme of things.
Good luck!
FnB,
Mr Hanky is spot on.
Your research is to be commended (to be forewarned is to be forearmed) but I think you may be losing yourself in a little too much detail. When all is said and done, it's a long road. Try to keep a simple philosophy like aim high and have fun. Having said that, you're obviously keen and motivated which is half the battle. Keep it up and your RAAF career is inevitable.
Melchett & Sodoff - Long live "Squisho the Wondercat"!!!
YoubuymeVByoucanmakelub2me - G'day mate, what do you mean you're my favourite captain, Cam was & always will be!!!
Mr Hanky is spot on.
Your research is to be commended (to be forewarned is to be forearmed) but I think you may be losing yourself in a little too much detail. When all is said and done, it's a long road. Try to keep a simple philosophy like aim high and have fun. Having said that, you're obviously keen and motivated which is half the battle. Keep it up and your RAAF career is inevitable.
Melchett & Sodoff - Long live "Squisho the Wondercat"!!!
YoubuymeVByoucanmakelub2me - G'day mate, what do you mean you're my favourite captain, Cam was & always will be!!!
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Hi,
Does anyone know the situation with age limits in joining the RAAF ?. I know it is currently 27.5 years, but on the recruiting website it mentions that older applicants will be assessed on "an ability to provide economic return of service"
Have any older applicants made it through ?. What is the max age people have been accepted ?.
Does anyone know the situation with age limits in joining the RAAF ?. I know it is currently 27.5 years, but on the recruiting website it mentions that older applicants will be assessed on "an ability to provide economic return of service"
Have any older applicants made it through ?. What is the max age people have been accepted ?.
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Thanks all for your help and encouragement. I am truely grateful, as would anyone else be after reading this and who is deadset on a career in the RAAF.
LJR, I wasn't planing on leaving after my ROSO, but I don't know what will happen in the future. I don't want to 'close doors' for employment outside. As for retiring on a bit of a **** scheme, I don't know. Initially, I would be comparitively very well paid, and maybe I could invest (That's if I don't spend it getting drunk!) <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
Mr Hanky, I see what your saying, but how many defence personel who aren't (or even are) pilots get to put their hands on the controls of an F 111! Just an added bonus if I was a nav on one!
Booger, thanks man. I'll keep that in mind. Maybe I'll fly next to you some day.
Thanks again, and goodluck to anyone else who found the answers they're looking for on this topic.
LJR, I wasn't planing on leaving after my ROSO, but I don't know what will happen in the future. I don't want to 'close doors' for employment outside. As for retiring on a bit of a **** scheme, I don't know. Initially, I would be comparitively very well paid, and maybe I could invest (That's if I don't spend it getting drunk!) <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
Mr Hanky, I see what your saying, but how many defence personel who aren't (or even are) pilots get to put their hands on the controls of an F 111! Just an added bonus if I was a nav on one!
Booger, thanks man. I'll keep that in mind. Maybe I'll fly next to you some day.
Thanks again, and goodluck to anyone else who found the answers they're looking for on this topic.
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VB - I agree with Booger- Methinks you overestimate yourself.I believe that you might be the second best capatin I ever flew with behind you know who. . . Booger you will also be the best number 2 copilot I flew with.
Although on second thoughts I think that you to also forget another illustrious captain from that time and space.- So VB maybe you have slipped to three.
Cheers
Although on second thoughts I think that you to also forget another illustrious captain from that time and space.- So VB maybe you have slipped to three.
Cheers
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While we're on the who's the best kind of theme....
....Booger I reckon I am the best wingman you've ever flown with.
Sorry you're not coming north with us on our CON... Exercise. But wait for your dash 3 to arrive is going to be heaps more fun. See you when we get back.
TW.
....Booger I reckon I am the best wingman you've ever flown with.
Sorry you're not coming north with us on our CON... Exercise. But wait for your dash 3 to arrive is going to be heaps more fun. See you when we get back.
TW.
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Hey Sight Board Runner,. .. .Give me your initials please. I need to know who thinks I am slipping in the ratings. And please let me know the initials of the other captain who you have put ahead of me thus putting me down to number 3. It hurts you know.. .. .If I said to you in a slimy little voice "You like????" would I be getting near the mark.. .. .Tommoy
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FnB, if you really want to do some flying you may want to seriously consider rotary wing as an alternative. I don't think you can beat it for variety of tasks and the ability to get out and about amongst the public. I know lots of RAAF helo pilots who went back to FW after the army took control of the battlefield helos and really miss their rotary days. Plenty of hours are generally available and operational service is almost guaranteed. A well known ex RAAF pilot got out after 20 yrs with 10000+ hrs and almost all on helo. Before deciding what you want to do, check your motivation. Don't go military if you're just going to be another pain in the b*&t 'civie in uniform'. We need warriors in the ADF, not bludgers looking for free training and a leg up to Qantas.
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ozy. .Thanks for the post. I would like to get a few RW hours (just to see what it's like), but FWs fly higher, faster and further. I think any kind of flying that one engages in will be rewarding (even as a nav, or RW), but FW is what I want to do for a living.. .. .I started this post after being told by 'ex RAAF now QF' pilots who said that the RAAF was fun, but not worth it. They suggested I sould just focus on flying in the airlines, ie: flying a drunken hooligan across the Pacific. Trouble is, I reckon I'd love it in the military, whether flying or ground job. Using the RAAF as a stepping stone to 'bigger and better' things wasn't behind my motivation for applying (although many do have this idea). It is just one of the many jobs availiable on the outside.. .. .fnb
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We shouldn't be surprised by people wanting a leg up to QANTAS given that recruiting ran ad campaigns stating "A Better start to your career"! (Not saying FnB that you want that).. .. .I'd be careful what you wish for in terms of "Ground Jobs" . You just might get one. Although Jets aren't the only aircraft in the RAAF. There are some other great roles - may not be the ones "signing autographs" at airshows - but good none the same. Some people have to work <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />
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ozy,. .. .Mach 2.5 at FL500, then roll inverted and dive down to tree tops @ 400kts.. .OR. .FL250 with auto pilot, then the next day, auto pilot off, dropping supplies at 500 ft.. .OR. .'130kts at FL0005'. .. .To me, the variety of the different flying operations (high alt, or tree tops) is what would make it awesome.. .. .Having said that, 130kts at 50 ft would still give most blokes a ripple in the groin (myself included). It would be fantastic flying (certainly better than 5500ft at 125 kts, straight and level!), I'd just prefer FW, for the time being, as I haven't really experienced your view of the world...yet. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> . .. .fnb. . . . <small>[ 14 March 2002, 22:11: Message edited by: franksnbeans ]</small>
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pass_the_frozo,. .in my 12 months of flying non-fighter types, I took part in 2 airshows, and have not taken part in one in years of flying fighters. Not all squadrons are glory seekers. As far as your closing statement questioning fighter pilot work ethic, you are surely joking. I will guarantee that the average fighter bograt is putting in at least as many hours as the transport QFI.(If they are still doing 50-60 hour weeks, every week, like they were when I left). .fnb,. .last year my allowances were well over the $10,000 mark for fighter deployments, so it ain't that bad.