RAAF Flight Screening Programme

[Shonfield]

rotor11,

If you don't mind me asking, what time in year 11/12 did you start your application process? And what were your grades when you started?

Thank you,
Sam

[rotor11]

@Shonfield

I started in late september last year from memory.
I believe i got like all B's except for one A in adv maths, but not really sure.
I go to a Selective high school, so i guess thats factored in.

Good luck!

[Infarction]

rotor11

Do you mind me asking which school?

A friend of mine who is going to Tamworth also goes selective so I was just curious.

PM if you want

[rotor11]

I PMed you infraction

[septerra]

Hello

I had my assessment day earlier today [22/06]. Phew!

It was a extremely long day, as I had to start at 8 AM and did not have a shot at the job interview until about 3.15 PM, by which time I was physically and mentally drained out having been sitting at the same spot for over almost 6 hours.

The psychological and the job interview were almost pretty similar, but they have very different ways to follow up your answers with further questions. I found them both to be very daunting and the job interview in particular wasn't a very enjoyable experience for me. I went in aware that my lack of leadership experience and my complete lack of any flying time in a cockpit would be held against me and that was the case, though I tried to explain the circumstances to them and I think that’s fair enough. Towards the end, it dint look like I was to be recommended. The feedback started off with the lack of the above mentioned experiences and my speed of speech was also brought up [I spoke too fast - account a little bit towards nervousness], since I come from an Asian background [my schooling was completed four years ago in India]. At this point I was completely shaken and almost lost it, when I heard "since the information was very well researched, and though there are negative points, there is just about enough positives for a recommendation, though just marginally".

So, at the end of it all I came out feeling like I have lost something rather than a feeling of having succeeded at the interviews. This is because, from the posts so far, I understand that the interview scores have the highest influence over the FSP selection. However, I would like to hear from others on what they think my chances at the FSP are? Besides, I wasn’t classified as medical 1. I received a 3R pending a few reports from physicians which I hope shouldn’t be much of an issue. The doctor present also informed me that there is a compulsory dental and eye appointment that has to be done for all aircrew applicants. When is this to be done i.e. is this post FSP? And once again my case of residency was brought up, and even though DFR did the same earlier and was told later on that I was cleared for the recruitment process, the interviewer mentioned me having to wait till I received my citizenship for an FSP date. Once again I am unsure what’s going to be the situation here.

I would like to sincerely thank every member who contributed to the thread and every person who PM'ed me with answers to my questions. I derived enormous support off them all and don’t think I would have been able to get this far without it. I hope to be able to go on and prove to everyone that I have got the right attitude and motivation to get the job done. Please PM anytime.

[Blackbird14]

I received a 3R pending a few reports from physicians which I hope shouldn’t be much of an issue. The doctor present also informed me that there is a compulsory dental and eye appointment that has to be done for all aircrew applicants. When is this to be done i.e. is this post FSP?

I was also classified 3R after the physical, the squadron leader told me to get these issues rectified as soon as possible. The quicker you hand in whats needed, the more intent and desire you will show, not to mention the quicker your dossier will be sent to PSA. As for the compulsory dental and eye appointments, they will be completed post flight screening. As the RAAF do not anticipate poor results from these tests. Well done mate, and good luck for flight screening!

[septerra]

Thank you for the reply mate. I was in a dilemma as to whether to spend some saved cash on a few 'flying experience' rides in the coming months to get a feel for it, and also demonstrate an enthusiasm for the position some day in the future at the OSB, or to save it should a contingency arise in the future in regards to my eyesight and a surgery required.

But, there is still the case of the residency being an obstacle towards proceeding to the FSP stage. Probably give it a couple of weeks, get the medicals sorted ASAP as you mentioned, and then see which direction things move, and then make a decision.

Thank you once again.

[greentea84]

I had my YOU session yesterday. First and only preference was Pilot in RAAF.
Although I felt I did badly in the second test, especially the triangle, sin, cos and tan stuff (havnt done that for 8 years!) I was told I did extremely well and would easily be able to apply for my first preference.

However, because of my lack of inititive in Year 12 back in 2002, my English and Math scores are not up to par.
They want me to go to do a 12month TAFE course to get better marks. Unfortunately my current life situations mean I am unable to quit my job and start study full time.
It is a shame that they dont take in to account my 2 year diploma and 6 years of full time work

What kind of Math questions are there on the second session? I found the number sequences and word relation stuff easy.

[MudRat_02]

greentea,

The second test doesn't involve as much higher level maths as the second part of the YOU session test, but it is more difficult. It focusses on job-relevant skills such as speed/dist/time, maths approximations, gauges, coordination tests .ect

This thread has tons of info on those tests if you take the time to sift through it

[numbersguy]

Hi all,

I had my assessment day today and am glad to say was recommended for flight screening (pending clearing a few things first, i.e. classed 3R but luckily nothing major).

It was definitely a full-on day with my psych, med and defence force interview all happening in a short space of time, i.e., out by lunch (guess I got lucky as I have a friend who spent all day waiting).

Anyways, I'd like to thank those who have given me advice in this forum and in private messages, you have helped me immensely and I am grateful.

I'm a firm believer in teamwork and paying it forward so if anyone seeks assistance i'll do my best to impart what knowledge I can.

Good luck to all and hopefully see you in the skies soon.

regards,

Numbers

[Shonfield]

Hi greentea,

I was just wondering if you or anyone else could answer one question for me.

I am going for my YOU session soon, does it contain speed/distance/time and fuel questions? I have heard yes and no's.

Thanks,
Sam

[greentea84]

Hi Shonfield,

The YOU session does not seem to contain anything specific to your preferred choice. They test you to see what you can apply for.

The first test is number sequences and name relation, like Water is to Sea and Ground is to .....
They are all multiple choice questions. The second test is maths. I saw fractions, percentages, quadratics and trigonometry.

[DrDave]

Just to let you know MudRat, you're not the oldest one in the running for RAAF pilot anymore, I'm 41 (42 next Jan) I know that doesn't leave much time for faffing about getting forms in and the like.

I've got my Spec testing this coming Tuesday (29th June). Here's hoping my run is somewhat smoother than allot of you seem to have had to PSA, if my process goes astray at any point I'm likely to be over the stipulated 43 maximum. Fortunately enough for me, I'm pretty certain there are no issues with my eyes (or any other organ) though I'm likely to be too tall for army.

I've put Navy pilot and Observer as my second and third choices, though fixed wing is my hope and dream. I know I'm way over the stated preferred age for RAAF, but I am still (though only barely) below the maximum allowable. I like to think they've put that maximum in for exactly the type of candidate I am, I'll just have to prove that at every stage in the process.

Thanks for all the inspiration in this gargantuan thread. It's shown me even with my potential difficulty with the age issue, every problem can be mastered with persistence and self belief.

Doc

[DrDave]

Well folks, I had my spec testing today... I'm a band 2 pass. I guess that's ok for someone who did his last exam over 20 years ago and wasn't brought up on a steady diet of X-box, but I was hoping for better from myself.

I'll just have to wow them at the assessment day next month.

[cj0203]

You'll be right mate.

[DrDave]

Thanks CJ, I know I will, I'm well prepared for my Assessment day (27th July) and getting even more so as time goes by.

[Jimmy Recard]

Pilot Selection Process

Hi Guys,

Just finished reading this thread (only took about three days ) and thought I would post my experience of the application process so far. I’m applying for DEO RAAF or RAN pilot (originally Army as well but I’m 191cm tall so was of course notified that I’m now above the maximum sitting height). Like a few here my file has been sent off to PSA in the last few weeks so will hopefully get a call for one of the August/October courses. Interesting to see quite a few older guys on here going through the application process; I’m 27 in August and thought I would be one of the older applicants, but now I’m feeling quite sprightly!

My experience with DFR sounds pretty similar to many here and the best advice I can give to others applying is the same as BlackBird a few pages back. Be proactive about your application; keep calling/emailing them to find out what’s happening etc. I originally applied September 2009 and if I hadn’t been in constant contact (particularly with the medical section) I would be months behind where I am now. At one point they told me I had provided all required information and that my file would be sent to PSA within a few days. I rang a month or so later and they told me they were still waiting for me to supply information regarding an issue that had not been mentioned for months. This sort of thing has been commonplace throughout my application process.

In relation to the initial aptitude testing and interviews just about everything you need to know is in this thread somewhere. One thing I’ve seen mentioned that applied to me – make sure you brush up on your high school (and I mean down to Year 10 level) maths. I have done advanced maths at uni and some pretty heavy calculus etc. and I couldn’t remember SOH-CAH-TOA because I haven’t done any trig for nearly 10 years.

I’ve got a couple of flying lessons booked for this weekend and looking to do maybe between 5-10 hours prior to Flight Screening. I know this has been discussed previously but just wondering what others think of getting some lessons / how many hours they have (or had) etc., especially those who have just been to FSP or looking to go soon. It seems like a good idea to me to have at least some command of the controls before going to Tamworth even though the flying component is scored on learning ability. My uncle is an ex-Army pilot and he suggested I not have too many lessons as “there is only one way to fly in the military and that is their way”, so i figure 5-10 might be about right. Anyway it will be the first time I’ve flown anything so really looking forward to it!

Apologies for the essay… Would love to hear if anyone gets into the upcoming DEO FSP courses and I’ll do the same – I’m guessing we won’t hear anything for another few weeks though.

Cheers,

Jimmy

[Blackbird14]

@ Jimmy Recard

I’ve got a couple of flying lessons booked for this weekend and looking to do maybe between 5-10 hours prior to Flight Screening.

Initially, my thoughts mirrored this plan of attack (5-10 hours). But after careful deliberation I decided it to be more relevant to gain experience in an aircraft similar to the CT4. I've decided to book a few flights in a Decathlon in order to get accustomed with a control stick, rather then a control column. Also, I'll be able to experience some G-force maneuvers. I want to be put out of my comfort zone, so I'll have some sort of aerobatic exposure before giving flight screening a whirl.

Would love to hear if anyone gets into the upcoming DEO FSP courses and I’ll do the same – I’m guessing we won’t hear anything for another few weeks though.

I received a letter in the post from PSA in Tamworth today confirming that they have received my dossier. They state in the letter that selections for the program are conducted approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of the course. The next course starts on the 21 Aug; so here's fingers crossed for you and I getting a call on the 7th of August!

[cj0203]

I was told today the Army has increased the max sitting height to 95cm. I'm 95 so am lovin this news. Pity my file runs out before the next intake which I was told is March next year.

[oneflewnorth]

You've gotta love this system don't you? You'd think that in your situation, after having an offer, they'd just say, "thats ok mate, we'll extend the expiration date."....not likely haha, sucks mate, but awesome to hear you're in the running again. Congrats!