RAAF Flight Screening Programme

[13Beast]

Anybody on here also attending the 13th November RAAF OSB in Brisbane?

[muddywaters]

I recently completed the ASP and the tests are completely different to the old FSP. No flying but you will be tested on your memory.

[Aces Up]

rickyrider35;

I'm on ASP from the 2nd of December and I met another OA candidate at last week's Amberley base visit who's doing his on the 9th. That's the latest ASP I'm aware of for 2018.

Mike

[RookiePilot]

Information on the RAAF Aviation Candidate Management Centre

The Aviation Candidate Management Centre (ACMC) is located at RAAF Base East Sale and has the motto ‘Motivate - Select – Progress’ which succinctly outlines the three core functions of the unit.
ACMC was establish in January 2016 with the purpose of identifying primary areas for motivation and talent attraction, providing a central area for the selection of Air Force Officer Aviation (OA) candidates and centralising the career management and administration of OA candidates whilst training. The motivation team consists of variety of aviation and non-aviation roles within the Air Force responsible for increasing awareness and developing interest among young people in OA careers within the Air Force. The Air Force Simulator Experience (AFSE) is the primary motivation program with a team conducting roadshows across Australia, visiting schools, Air Force Cadet Squadrons and public events such as Avalon and the Career Expos. The program is intended to involve students from grades 7-10 but also offers presentations that cater for all ages.

The experience consists of an introductory brief which outlines fundamental flight controls followed by a flying lesson with an instructor inside the mobile Super Hornet simulator, Air Traffic Control computer based games, virtual reality experience and aircrew life support gear demonstrations. The AFSE is an excellent opportunity for young people to interact with Air Force members in an informal setting, ask questions and discover the fantastic aviation opportunities within the ADF.
ACMC also holds the responsibility for screening OA candidates as they progress through the recruiting pipeline. Once candidates complete their assessment day at Defence Force Recruiting they attend a two day program at the ACMC to undertake the Aviation Screening Program (ASP) using the Military Aviation Cognitive Testing System (MACTS) pronounced “MAX”. The ASP is a tri service screening program, screening all Air Force OA candidates as well as Navy and Army Pilots. The MACTS is based off the tried and tested system utilised by the RAF, CAF and NZAF for some time. It provides a more robust snapshot of a candidate’s aptitude for OA roles, ensures the economical use of time and money as well as greatly increases the number of candidates that can be screened, with ACMC having the capacity to screen up to 900 candidates annually. While at ACMC, candidates also get tours through the several training schools at RAAF Base East Sale. The experience that the candidates get from the additional elements of the ASP such as tours, staying on base and eating at the mess exposes candidates to elements of Air Force life that they have not seen before and is invaluable in contributing to the further motivation and education of candidates.

A second site has been established and is staffed by Army personnel at the Royal Military College (RMC) in Canberra to conduct the ASP for pilot candidates who nominate Army as their first preference. The Aviation Motivation and Screening Program Flight Commander Army said candidates undergo the same screening as their counterparts in Sale and also enjoy the benefits of tours and additional information provided at RMC. By running the ASP at RMC it allows Army to easily screen in-service candidates undertaking training at RMC as well as candidates progressing through the recruiting pipeline.

The third function of ACMC is Officer Aviation Candidate Management is handled by the Candidate Management Cell (CMC). The CMC, with a small team of PCO and PCS staff, acts as the career management agency for all Air Force OA candidates from hire through to attainment of D Cat. The CMC is responsible for all career management aspects including selection, panelling to IOT and IET courses, engagement with training schools with regards to individual progression, postings of members awaiting further training ‘white time’, pay and promotions. In addition to this, the CMC also provide PCS support to the Aviation Screening Program and work closely with Defence Force Recruiting in panelling candidates to the Screening Program. The daily tasks undertaken by the CMC are broad and often require lateral thinking to come up with solutions that ensure a positive outcome for individual member’s circumstances and Air Force. The CMC team makes up a key element that supports the candidates as they progress through the training pipeline. In addition to the role of the CMC each Officer Aviation Candidate’s progression is tracked through the Aviation Progression Program headed up by a Behaviour Scientist.

ACMC is a young unit that has seen significant change as it matures into taking on the full mantle of responsibilities. The team at ACMC have proven to be highly flexible and motivated to ensure they get the job done, it has been a busy year so far and is set to get busier with the arrival of 1FTS at Sale in early 2019 and the commencement of the new pilot training system.

[rickyrider35]

Passed OSB but got burnt by DRF.

So I’ve finally sat the infamous MACTS at East Sale. I’m not sure why I previously stated I would be heading on the 2nd of December when I was actually invited to attend from the 18th to the 21st.

Good news is that I’ve passed all the tests and they’re offering me the opportunity to attend any OSB I’d like with the exception of Army Direct Entry pilot, as the there’s been a backlog since a while back this year.
The issue is that while I could ask to be given a mission role and I would be able to enter ADFA in 2019 with my current scores, I was told that the score of my OSB from last year (FSP46) was almost definitely too low to make the cut for pilot (probably something to do with the fact that it only lasted 15 minutes since I had already failed my flying component), and so I would have to repeat it sometime next year, to then try and enter through ADFA or DE in 2020.

It’s pretty frustrating especially seeing as DFR didn’t set any OSBs up to follow ASP, whereas 8/10 of the kids that were attending my course had one a few days to a week later. It needs to be mentioned that they were not sure at that point if I would meet another OSB since I had already sat one and it is valid til the 1st of December, but I’m sure that if they had allowed me to sit FSP around September/October as was originally planned, they would have had time to book one in before the end of the year.

While I wait, I need to give them a numbered order for the OSBs that I want to attend. I think I’ll number RAAF ADFA 1, NAVY ADFA 2, Mission ADFA 3 and maybe put army pilot in fourth (highest required first), although I was warned that getting into an ADFA intake next year (2020 course) will be harder for me since I’ll be 20 going 21 and I’ll have completed two years of another degree. That being said, I don’t have much leadership experience past year 10 so I doubt they would consider me very competitive for a direct entry.
If anyone has any opinions regarding this they would be appreciated.

Also, does anyone know if in the event that you don’t make it as an ADFA entry for a particular service after completing both the OSB and the ASP, would that service still allow you to come in for a direct entry OSB or would they disregard you as soon as your combined standing isn’t high enough for one of the two options?
This is going to be critical in deciding the order of the OSBs, although we have been warned by the army representative at Sale that we could realistically get any possible order.


Thank you in advance to any replies.

[Slezy9]

Originally Posted by rickyrider35

I was warned that getting into an ADFA intake next year (2020 course) will be harder for me since I’ll be 20 going 21 and I’ll have completed two years of another degree. That being said, I don’t have much leadership experience past year 10 so I doubt they would consider me very competitive for a direct entry.
If anyone has any opinions regarding this they would be appreciated.

I got in as a 19 year old with Assistant Patrol Leader (from scouts) pretty much summing up my total leadership experience! I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you want to make the RAAF your entire career go ADFA, if you only want to fly go, Direct Enrty.

[Smott999]

Hello - sorry the spam, just making a test post per Mod request.
Thanks for the informative forums!

[finestkind]

Ricky, not trying to sound condescending. First point is your OSB was not 15 min long. The interview stage of the OSB was/may have been 15 min long. You may have some questions about the length of this but don't forget to task into consideration that you have been observed for the past 12 days. Your instructors have also spent some time with you and would have provided feedback. So arguably there may not be a lot to discuss at interview which would also, time wise, be impacted upon by your service preferences (not interested in a service then no questions from that service advocate).

[13Beast]

Not wanting to derail this thread too much, but can anyone point me in the right direction towards any current flying instructors who are ex-military pilots and at an aviation school within a few hours drive from the Gold Coast?

I have absolutely NIL flying experience/hours, and would love to get a few hours familiarisation/instruction (ground school + perhaps some flying) with an ex-military pilot so I am not a total fish out of water when I get down to Sale.

I've done a ring around to schools in Brisbane/GC/Archerfield and haven't had much luck so far.

Thanks in advance!

[kukushka]

Originally Posted by 13Beast

Not wanting to derail this thread too much, but can anyone point me in the right direction towards any current flying instructors who are ex-military pilots and at an aviation school within a few hours drive from the Gold Coast?

I have absolutely NIL flying experience/hours, and would love to get a few hours familiarisation/instruction (ground school + perhaps some flying) with an ex-military pilot so I am not a total fish out of water when I get down to Sale.

I've done a ring around to schools in Brisbane/GC/Archerfield and haven't had much luck so far.

Thanks in advance!

Not really how it works mate.

Go flying for fun, not to find the mythical ex-mil CFI (why an ex-mil pilot would stick around as a CFI other than to bumble around and kill time is another story) who will make you pass the ASP.

I'd wager a very hefty amount that doing flying would do little to nothing to help you down there.

Try focusing on mental maths and all else others have recommended in this thread. The ASP is good fun, you'll enjoy it.

[13Beast]

Originally Posted by kukushka

Not really how it works mate.

Go flying for fun, not to find the mythical ex-mil CFI (why an ex-mil pilot would stick around as a CFI other than to bumble around and kill time is another story) who will make you pass the ASP.

I'd wager a very hefty amount that doing flying would do little to nothing to help you down there.

Try focusing on mental maths and all else others have recommended in this thread. The ASP is good fun, you'll enjoy it.

Thanks for the reply. At what stage of the process are you? I have done both ASP and my OSB and am currently waiting on a LOO, hence doing what I can to prepare for jumping into it down in E.Sale in the not-too-distant future.

[kukushka]

Originally Posted by 13Beast

Thanks for the reply. At what stage of the process are you? I have done both ASP and my OSB and am currently waiting on a LOO, hence doing what I can to prepare for jumping into it down in E.Sale in the not-too-distant future.

I received my offer late November, but for ADFA intake so I presume you may have a little more waiting if you're going direct entry. I suppose it doesn't bother or worry me too much yet since I won't be there for three years!

Basics are the same... but you don't need to have flown before and I really don't know how much help it'd give you on the coursework down at Sale. They teach you all you need.

[13Beast]

Originally Posted by hansfalkenhagen

Just pay for a bunch of aerobatics flights. In the position you're in, with nil hours, I can only imagine that doing loops, barrel rolls and incipient spins until you're comfortable in the air/with the g forces would be a hell of a lot more valuable than a few GA hours learning straight and level flight.

Good luck with it!

Definitely acro all the way. That's a must. In addition I was also hoping to source an ex-mil fixed wing pilot out there who may dabble in some instructing to pick his brain and/or get some pointers from in the cockpit. Not looking to get my CPL or anything, just a couple hours of familiarisation in and around an aircraft.

[Robertsmith39]

Morning all and the best of festive greetings to you all.

I fully intend to give you all a ripper of a laugh here today.

I’m a 29 year old train driver who wants to tick his ultimate bucket list item off and become RAAF aircrew in the form of an Ait Combat Officer. I few “minor” obstacles that may prevent this. Here’s where I’m at:

I didn’t do physics or 2 unit maths in High School. That’s fixable by a TAFE course, not a huge barrier.

Second is that I wear glasses for a shocking astigmatism in my left eye. Also fixable by laser surgery but might preclude me from passing an aircrew medical.

Third and probably most prohibitive I feel is I’ve been diagnosed as a very mild asthmatic for some years. If I was to apply, would I be wasting my time?

i guess the other big question is pursuing this stream of aircrew going to become redundant for those who want to fly considering the introduction of the F-35’s that will leave the Super Hornet ACO’s needing redeployment to the P-8’s and Wedgetails?

[FlyingSoon]

Originally Posted by Robertsmith39

I wear glasses for a shocking astigmatism in my left eye.

Laser only has a temporary "unfit for flying" period, which would mean you can get your TAFE course done while you sit out that waiting period.

Originally Posted by Robertsmith39

Third and probably most prohibitive I feel is I’ve been diagnosed as a very mild asthmatic for some years. If I was to apply, would I be wasting my time?

Asthma is a huge problem, and is going to be your biggest issue. If you declare it, it will likely mean you will be assessed as unfit for aircrew. Even non-specialist employment roles in the wider ADF require negative results to the "salt water test" and normal spirometry. Lung function is a key testing criteria for specialist medicals, so you can expect to be subject to this testing for any specialist role.

Lastly, I can't comment as to the employment roles in Air Force as that's not my bag.

Best, fs

[13Beast]

Let me chime in here.

Originally Posted by Robertsmith39

I didn’t do physics or 2 unit maths in High School. That’s fixable by a TAFE course, not a huge barrier.

Neither did I. This has never been mentioned nor raised in any way by DFR - and I am now past ASP, OSB and am waiting on a LOO for RAAF pilot. Caveat; I am 38 and hold two degrees; one Arts degree (useless!) and a Mechanical Engineering degree. Whether I have slipped through the cracks or if it is "waived" due to age and/or tertiary education, I am not sure.

[QUOTE=Robertsmith39;10341920]

Originally Posted by Robertsmith39

Second is that I wear glasses for a shocking astigmatism in my left eye. Also fixable by laser surgery but might preclude me from passing an aircrew medical.

Third and probably most prohibitive I feel is I’ve been diagnosed as a very mild asthmatic for some years. If I was to apply, would I be wasting my time?

I had corrective laser surgery performed in mid-2016 due to being classed as Med 4 - unfit. At the time I did some inquiries, and PRK surgery was the only one accepted for any AIRCREW position. The ADF does accept other forms of laser surgery for other non-aircrew roles however. This may or may not have changed since 2016.

Furthermore, with regards to your asthma, I had a guy going for pilot on my ASP who had asthma. I asked him about it and he got the doc to check him out and it was all good (at least at that point in time). DFR didn't seem overly concerned with it in his case. He was very early 20s and is now waiting for an OSB for RAN pilot. Take that with a grain of salt though, as everybody's experience with DFR and DFR Medical can differ.

[quantify]

13Beast When you did your ASP, what recommendation did you get before going to OSB? As in "likelihood of getting an OSB offer?" Cheers and hope you get an offer soon.

[13Beast]

ASP and OSB done, now waiting on a LOO. I sent you a PM.

[quantify]

Hey guys, I had my ASP last April. I decided to resit in a year and DFR just called me up saying that they got a call from ACMC stating that I had been essentially fast tracked to a March sitting instead of waiting for the full year to be completed this April, my EC said this was really weird and hasn't happened before. Would any of you guys have any ideas why they might do this? I don't have any special circumstances within April that would make them reconsider the 1 year rule.
Cheers.

[josephfeatherweight]

Maybe you aced all the tests? Certainly sounds good news - don’t second guess it, grab it by both horns and go for it! Good luck!