RAAF Flight Screening Programme
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: brisbane
Age: 33
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Hey Ranopaul,
I did the ADF mentors interview course and it was definitely worth it. I ended up getting a recommendation in the top 1/3rd of the pool and looking back I’m extremely glad that I did the preparation because my OSB interview was the hardest interview I’ve experienced (and probably will ever experience) in my life. Their course is very intense and thorough and if you do decide to take it expect to be mentally drained by the end of it. However, it taught me how to convey all of the qualities and information the Officer Board wanted to see in both the interviews and the group activities. A great course and without a doubt it pushed me into the high rec category.
That’s no good about your ankle. I have recently injured myself as well and am now waiting on healing up before I start OTS. Good thing you didn’t go up on a busted ankle though because some of the CT-4’s rudder pedals are extremely hard to manipulate, especially while taxiing.
Shipper
I did the ADF mentors interview course and it was definitely worth it. I ended up getting a recommendation in the top 1/3rd of the pool and looking back I’m extremely glad that I did the preparation because my OSB interview was the hardest interview I’ve experienced (and probably will ever experience) in my life. Their course is very intense and thorough and if you do decide to take it expect to be mentally drained by the end of it. However, it taught me how to convey all of the qualities and information the Officer Board wanted to see in both the interviews and the group activities. A great course and without a doubt it pushed me into the high rec category.
That’s no good about your ankle. I have recently injured myself as well and am now waiting on healing up before I start OTS. Good thing you didn’t go up on a busted ankle though because some of the CT-4’s rudder pedals are extremely hard to manipulate, especially while taxiing.
Shipper
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Canberra, Australia
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Well, I got a call on Friday last week from DFR in Canberra. My Service Suitability check came back approved, so onwards and upwards from here.
Yesterday, I had my Application for Australian Citizenship approved, with a possible ceremony date of June/July this year, so that is another tick in the box from my application perspective.
I will also be looked at for an Education Waiver once I am progressing to the next stages.
So time to brush up on the mental arithmetic etc and get cracking for my best shot!
Yesterday, I had my Application for Australian Citizenship approved, with a possible ceremony date of June/July this year, so that is another tick in the box from my application perspective.
I will also be looked at for an Education Waiver once I am progressing to the next stages.
So time to brush up on the mental arithmetic etc and get cracking for my best shot!
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Hi all,
I got my call for flight screening yesterday and will be attending from the 10th to 24th May. Is anyone else on this program?
For those earlier on in the application process that are interested in timing, I did my YOU Session in January, Pilot specialist testing in February, Assessment Session in March, and received a phone call from PSA about two weeks after they received my file from DFR. So it seems applicants are moving through the system quite speedily at the moment.
I got my call for flight screening yesterday and will be attending from the 10th to 24th May. Is anyone else on this program?
For those earlier on in the application process that are interested in timing, I did my YOU Session in January, Pilot specialist testing in February, Assessment Session in March, and received a phone call from PSA about two weeks after they received my file from DFR. So it seems applicants are moving through the system quite speedily at the moment.
Join Date: Apr 2014
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Questions about Motivations
Hey all,
I'm new to the forum. I finished and passed Assessment Day last Tuesday and now am waiting for a call to Flight Screening. I want either RAAF fast jets or Navy.
I had a few questions, in particular to those who are currently in the force.
One thing the Psych drilled me about was my motivation for flying. We spent about half of the interview on this; he kept asking "why do you want to be a pilot" and my (main) answer which didn't satisfy him was "I've always wanted to be"-I hadn't really thought about it, I just knew that this was what I wanted. His argument was based on the fact that I hadn't done any flight experience (I'd thought about it but on the RAAF website it says they neither recommend nor do not recommend civilian flight training. As it was expensive and money isn't exactly flowing I'd opted not to do any). However after I managed to tell the DFR interviewer every single detail about ADFA and flight training, he ended up recommending me. I don't know how strongly.
1. Do you think this "motivation issue" would adversely affect my application too much?
2. What are some good reasons to want to be a pilot? All I can think about is that I really really love flying but apparently that's not an answer. What are some of you guys' reasons?
I need some by OSB or I'm screwed...
Cheers,
ContinueTesting
I'm new to the forum. I finished and passed Assessment Day last Tuesday and now am waiting for a call to Flight Screening. I want either RAAF fast jets or Navy.
I had a few questions, in particular to those who are currently in the force.
One thing the Psych drilled me about was my motivation for flying. We spent about half of the interview on this; he kept asking "why do you want to be a pilot" and my (main) answer which didn't satisfy him was "I've always wanted to be"-I hadn't really thought about it, I just knew that this was what I wanted. His argument was based on the fact that I hadn't done any flight experience (I'd thought about it but on the RAAF website it says they neither recommend nor do not recommend civilian flight training. As it was expensive and money isn't exactly flowing I'd opted not to do any). However after I managed to tell the DFR interviewer every single detail about ADFA and flight training, he ended up recommending me. I don't know how strongly.
1. Do you think this "motivation issue" would adversely affect my application too much?
2. What are some good reasons to want to be a pilot? All I can think about is that I really really love flying but apparently that's not an answer. What are some of you guys' reasons?
I need some by OSB or I'm screwed...
Cheers,
ContinueTesting
Hi CT,
Sounds like you've done ok so far. Well done. You wouldn't be the first and you won't be the last to struggle to put into words why you want to fly faster than the speed of sound at low level or perform a rescue in a SeaHawk in heaving seas. But, motivation is a MASSIVE part of your likely success on Pilots Course - so, you do need to be REALLY motivated. If you struggle on course, the first thing they are likely to question is your motivation.
And, to jump through the hoops to get the chance at a crack, you're going to need to give some examples, as you've noted, to convince those assessing you that you indeed do have the motivation to succeed on a VERY challenging and testing course. More challenging these days than went I through, I'm sure. So, the kind of examples you need to think about, need to focus on acknowledging that the road will be tough, but the outcome more rewarding than you can imagine.
Fast jet examples:
- I want to lead a 4-ship of Hornets on a mission - why? The responsibility, the challenge to make it "just right", feeling of accomplishment after a successful debrief and, for the fun of it. I reckon "fun" is a genuine motivation - but perhaps save that for a pilot asking you questions, maybe not the psych.
- I want to conduct air-to-air refuelling in poor weather at night - what a challenge! Single pilot, all the responsibility to ensure a successful refuel or no mission success.
- Chicks dig it.
Navy helo examples:
- I want to drop SF on a drug ship in crap weather which results in the successful apprehension of pirates/druggie scum/etc.
- I want to rescue someone at sea in horrendous weather, keep my crew safe and return at top speed with medical casualties to a tough landing on a pitching deck at night. Who wouldn't want to do that?
- Chicks dig it (but less so than for Air Force pilots...)
You need to live and breath aviation - show you know about everything going on in the RAAF (e.g. MH370 search - how do those crew sound talking to the media about their involvement) or RAN. Overall, think about the things you'd like to achieve as a pilot in the ADF and then think about all the facets that make up such an achievement. Maybe some other current crew can chime in with real life examples of what they've done.
Good luck.
* Disclaimer - "Chicks dig it" - may not be relevant if you're a chick.
Sounds like you've done ok so far. Well done. You wouldn't be the first and you won't be the last to struggle to put into words why you want to fly faster than the speed of sound at low level or perform a rescue in a SeaHawk in heaving seas. But, motivation is a MASSIVE part of your likely success on Pilots Course - so, you do need to be REALLY motivated. If you struggle on course, the first thing they are likely to question is your motivation.
And, to jump through the hoops to get the chance at a crack, you're going to need to give some examples, as you've noted, to convince those assessing you that you indeed do have the motivation to succeed on a VERY challenging and testing course. More challenging these days than went I through, I'm sure. So, the kind of examples you need to think about, need to focus on acknowledging that the road will be tough, but the outcome more rewarding than you can imagine.
Fast jet examples:
- I want to lead a 4-ship of Hornets on a mission - why? The responsibility, the challenge to make it "just right", feeling of accomplishment after a successful debrief and, for the fun of it. I reckon "fun" is a genuine motivation - but perhaps save that for a pilot asking you questions, maybe not the psych.
- I want to conduct air-to-air refuelling in poor weather at night - what a challenge! Single pilot, all the responsibility to ensure a successful refuel or no mission success.
- Chicks dig it.
Navy helo examples:
- I want to drop SF on a drug ship in crap weather which results in the successful apprehension of pirates/druggie scum/etc.
- I want to rescue someone at sea in horrendous weather, keep my crew safe and return at top speed with medical casualties to a tough landing on a pitching deck at night. Who wouldn't want to do that?
- Chicks dig it (but less so than for Air Force pilots...)
You need to live and breath aviation - show you know about everything going on in the RAAF (e.g. MH370 search - how do those crew sound talking to the media about their involvement) or RAN. Overall, think about the things you'd like to achieve as a pilot in the ADF and then think about all the facets that make up such an achievement. Maybe some other current crew can chime in with real life examples of what they've done.
Good luck.
* Disclaimer - "Chicks dig it" - may not be relevant if you're a chick.
Join Date: Jul 2008
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CT
I wouldn't get too specific with your reasoning. Remember your goal is to be a pilot, but you also need to show that you're going to make a good RAAF Officer above all else.
Things to consider:
You want to be a military pilot, not a commercial pilot, what does the military give you that commercial won't? Teamwork? Set career progression? Stable pay/conditions? Adventure and seeing the outdoors through extra curricular training?
What do military aircraft offer you that commercial won't? Low and fast? Smaller teams of people that you can build solid friendships with and see the world? Unique opportunity to fly some of the best aircraft in the world?
You'll get the best training in Australia and potentially the world. That one speaks for itself.
Whatever reasons you come up with, rehearse them, make them genuine. Make sure they highlight the fact that military is what you want. They want fast jet pilots, not freeloaders trying to get to the airlines. Saying "it's what I've always wanted to do" is valid, but there must be something else there that's really solid, and drives your motivation and eagerness to get through the real crappy times, because you will encounter more then your fair share of them through training!
Good luck.
I wouldn't get too specific with your reasoning. Remember your goal is to be a pilot, but you also need to show that you're going to make a good RAAF Officer above all else.
Things to consider:
You want to be a military pilot, not a commercial pilot, what does the military give you that commercial won't? Teamwork? Set career progression? Stable pay/conditions? Adventure and seeing the outdoors through extra curricular training?
What do military aircraft offer you that commercial won't? Low and fast? Smaller teams of people that you can build solid friendships with and see the world? Unique opportunity to fly some of the best aircraft in the world?
You'll get the best training in Australia and potentially the world. That one speaks for itself.
Whatever reasons you come up with, rehearse them, make them genuine. Make sure they highlight the fact that military is what you want. They want fast jet pilots, not freeloaders trying to get to the airlines. Saying "it's what I've always wanted to do" is valid, but there must be something else there that's really solid, and drives your motivation and eagerness to get through the real crappy times, because you will encounter more then your fair share of them through training!
Good luck.
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Adelaide, Austraila
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Hi ContinueTesting
I am currently also in the application process, and I think you concerns are valid, however you did get a recommendation so that is a good thing. The reason your psych questioned you a lot about your motivation to be a pilot is because outside your application, you haven't shown any. For me personally, I don't understand why people don't at least try some flying before applying...you claim you love flying but how do you know if you haven't tried it? If successful you will be spending the next few years flying light aircraft before conversion, which is a lot different to being a passenger on a commercial airliner.
Remember, officer first, pilot second. You've been recommended, which means they believe you have officer potential. So my advice to you would be to find your local gliding club and do a few hours in a glider before going to PSA. It's relatively cheap, gets you more comfortable in a small aircraft and should teach you both some basic hand-feet coordination and basic procedures around an aerodrome.
I am currently also in the application process, and I think you concerns are valid, however you did get a recommendation so that is a good thing. The reason your psych questioned you a lot about your motivation to be a pilot is because outside your application, you haven't shown any. For me personally, I don't understand why people don't at least try some flying before applying...you claim you love flying but how do you know if you haven't tried it? If successful you will be spending the next few years flying light aircraft before conversion, which is a lot different to being a passenger on a commercial airliner.
Remember, officer first, pilot second. You've been recommended, which means they believe you have officer potential. So my advice to you would be to find your local gliding club and do a few hours in a glider before going to PSA. It's relatively cheap, gets you more comfortable in a small aircraft and should teach you both some basic hand-feet coordination and basic procedures around an aerodrome.
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Hey Stephlou,
I got the call up as well and will be on the 10th-24th May Flight Screening Program. I'm quietly packing my pants but it will be good to get up there and finally put everything into practice!
See you up there!
I got the call up as well and will be on the 10th-24th May Flight Screening Program. I'm quietly packing my pants but it will be good to get up there and finally put everything into practice!
See you up there!
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: WA
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Hi,
Just wondering if any applicants from Perth or the southwest have had the call up for PSF 18th-31st May?
Best of luck to everyone currently on course or gearing up to head over.
Cheers.
Just wondering if any applicants from Perth or the southwest have had the call up for PSF 18th-31st May?
Best of luck to everyone currently on course or gearing up to head over.
Cheers.
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Hey Ferguson14
I think there are only 6 people on that flight screening course (you can check the schedule in the link below) so you may even be the only one from WA!
You are crossing over with the course that RinzleR and I are on though, so we might see you there in your first week
Good luck with your prep.
Pilot Selection Agency Flight Screening Program Schedule - Royal Australian Air Force
I think there are only 6 people on that flight screening course (you can check the schedule in the link below) so you may even be the only one from WA!
You are crossing over with the course that RinzleR and I are on though, so we might see you there in your first week
Good luck with your prep.
Pilot Selection Agency Flight Screening Program Schedule - Royal Australian Air Force
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Hi steplou,
I remember seeing the course schedule and thinking there would have to bit a bit of luck involved for any of the other 5 screenees to be out of Perth. I decided to just put it out there in case there was anyone from this neck of the woods so I could extend an invite into meeting up beforehand - although I'm sure the 7+hr flight over will lend us plenty of time for that.
Best of luck to RinzleR and yourself for your first week of screening, hopefully I can wish you luck for your second week in person.
All the best with your prep!
Cheers!
(I'm sure you're pretty well sorted with everything at this stage of the game but for anyone else in the earlier stages of their DFR adventure for ADF Pilot I've found the ADF Mentors e-pub a great time saver and consolidator of information. Just my two cents! Happy to take PM's from anyone regarding my process up to now.)
I remember seeing the course schedule and thinking there would have to bit a bit of luck involved for any of the other 5 screenees to be out of Perth. I decided to just put it out there in case there was anyone from this neck of the woods so I could extend an invite into meeting up beforehand - although I'm sure the 7+hr flight over will lend us plenty of time for that.
Best of luck to RinzleR and yourself for your first week of screening, hopefully I can wish you luck for your second week in person.
All the best with your prep!
Cheers!
(I'm sure you're pretty well sorted with everything at this stage of the game but for anyone else in the earlier stages of their DFR adventure for ADF Pilot I've found the ADF Mentors e-pub a great time saver and consolidator of information. Just my two cents! Happy to take PM's from anyone regarding my process up to now.)
Join Date: May 2014
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I've completed year 12 but didn't have the right package e.g not enough majors
Just seeing if anyone is in the same boat/was in the same boat and what did they do.
Just seeing if anyone is in the same boat/was in the same boat and what did they do.
Join Date: May 2014
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Not having the right year 12 package. E.g 4 majors etc etc
Just seeing if anyone currently having this problem or had this problem in the past and what alternate route they took.
Just seeing if anyone currently having this problem or had this problem in the past and what alternate route they took.
Join Date: Oct 2010
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Hi vjnr,
I was in your boat and passed my specialist skills assessment and did well so it was valid for 3 years (thank god) because it took me another 2 years to get to my assessment day. I was not good enough in mathematics from school so I took a course to bring me to the correct level that was available on open universities. It was really hard to get a direct answer as to which course to complete and I wasted 6 months doing the wrong course based on bad advice from DFR. I eventually spoke to a great officer at DFR Perth who really helped me choose the right course, but it can be funny. I have a bit of knowledge about what is acceptable, if you want more info PM me with what you need to complete and I'd be happy to help direct you.
I started the whole process when I was 23 and now I'm 25 and sitting in the distribution pool with a strong recommendation waiting for an offer, so don't let it deter you!
I was in your boat and passed my specialist skills assessment and did well so it was valid for 3 years (thank god) because it took me another 2 years to get to my assessment day. I was not good enough in mathematics from school so I took a course to bring me to the correct level that was available on open universities. It was really hard to get a direct answer as to which course to complete and I wasted 6 months doing the wrong course based on bad advice from DFR. I eventually spoke to a great officer at DFR Perth who really helped me choose the right course, but it can be funny. I have a bit of knowledge about what is acceptable, if you want more info PM me with what you need to complete and I'd be happy to help direct you.
I started the whole process when I was 23 and now I'm 25 and sitting in the distribution pool with a strong recommendation waiting for an offer, so don't let it deter you!
Join Date: Jun 2013
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Similar to myself. I finished year 12 but didn't have a science or 2 unit maths. I did a bridging course for each designed for tertiary entry level (through QUT) and these were accepted by DFR and I was able to progress to the next stage (I think I had to have passes in both subjects before I could do aircrew specific testing - which I passed also) it is very doable!
Join Date: Oct 2012
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I didn't do methods in year 12 and so took a bridging course through open universities. It matched the requirements fine, I just had to get a letter from VTAC stating that it was equivalent to methods (I'm in Victoria, so you might have slightly different requirements).
I found it gave a really good basis, especially for calculus, here's the link if you want to check it out: Fundamentals of Mathematics. Takes 3 months to complete
I found it gave a really good basis, especially for calculus, here's the link if you want to check it out: Fundamentals of Mathematics. Takes 3 months to complete
Join Date: May 2014
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CT4B cockpit
Hi everyone. I've been reading through the forums as I am hopefully going to Flight Screening at the end of June and was wondering if anyone who has been through it could provide any pointers for preparation, and if anyone knows where to find a layout of the CT4B cockpit. Thanks