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RAAF Flight Screening Programme

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RAAF Flight Screening Programme

Old 16th Apr 2012, 22:38
  #2021 (permalink)  
 
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My appeal against my Class 4 has now been in the system for six weeks and I still have no response. After contacting the medical section in my DFRC, I was told that there is nothing I can do to speed things up and that sometimes it takes longer than the time limit they originally gave me (two to six weeks).
I am not pleased because my life is on hold until I know what is happening. All they have is a letter from me, an orthopaedic assessment and notes from a radiologist and everything says my elbow is perfect.

Regardless of what I have been told by the medical section, does anyone here know of anything I can do to speed up the process?
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Old 17th Apr 2012, 03:35
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Unfortunately you're stuck in the DFR time vacuum now.
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Old 17th Apr 2012, 07:22
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Unfortunately you're stuck in the DFR time vacuum now.
Bummer. How frustrating.
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Old 19th Apr 2012, 07:16
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Having watched this thread for quite a few years, I'm still blown away by the number of people that are too slack to sift through this thread for the gouge, yet claim that they'd do anything to realise their lifelong dream of becoming an ADF pilot... Its a fraction of the effort you'll need to put in before lunch during flight training, let alone the following decade of your career!

This thread is a goldmine of information, if you take the time then you'll know more than enough to tackle the selection process.
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Old 19th Apr 2012, 10:57
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It is indeed a gold mine and definitely worth a read through.

But let's think of this thread like a crowded building and each page is a floor (that's a minimum of 108 floors to date). These floors aren't categorised or uniform in their distribution of information.
Now let's say, you are tasked with finding a specific piece of information on one of those floors, but you don't know which floor it is on. You're told there's a directory on the 108th floor (this 'directory' being the collective knowledge of the people contributing to this thread and an individual's ability to ask questions - just so there is no ambiguity).
Are you going to take the stairs and search each floor, or are you going to take the elevator first and ask at the directory?

Just to make things more complicated, there's always the potential to find outdated information. Asking could resolve such issues.

I have read this thread through from first to last page and I most certainly cannot remember everything, I also see the benefit in making sure that details are up to date. If people don't want to contribute then that is their prerogative, but there has recently been a negative undercurrent from a minority that has the potential to scare off newcomers who may wish to ask questions but feel discouraged by such negative comments. You may not have meant to discourage questions and I may have misinterpreted it, but this is the impression I got.

While I'm on this subject, thanks to everyone that has taken the time to share their knowledge with me (via the thread and PM) and answer my questions. I greatly appreciate it. If and when I am a pilot in the ADF, I will pass the buck down in kind

Last edited by crazydingo; 19th Apr 2012 at 12:57. Reason: Too personal - broadened the perspective
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Old 19th Apr 2012, 22:27
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The tests and selection process haven't changed and won't be changing any time soon, which is what most are asking about. The first half (if that) of this thread will clear up those questions. The medical (ie. Army height restrictions) questions are different.

I enjoyed your amusing building analogy, even if condescending. Now what if I told you that building had a search function that could find anyone in the building, and that someone who is a current RAAF pilot is standing there at the bottom floor telling you that in order to give yourself the best shot you ought to check out each floor. I posted that advice because being one of the few that has been involved in this thread since the beginning and has used/contributed to the information it contains, I know that it has very specific details on all of the selection process. But hey it got me through a few years back and I have since helped a number of candidates that ended up getting selected, so what would I know.

If it was too direct for you, then you're going to struggle with debriefs. Get out a pen, go through the thread and write down all the things you think are important. Yes, the job is good enough to read 100 pages for, trust me.

Last edited by Radithor; 19th Apr 2012 at 22:56.
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Old 20th Apr 2012, 02:42
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I completely agree that it is worth a read through and I don't question your positive contributions. I merely think questions are good and productive.
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Old 20th Apr 2012, 10:24
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They are.

If someone is outside of the system, they have no idea if the system has changed. They most certainly have and will continue to do so as capability, funding and manning change. Asking questions can help identify these changes.
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Old 20th Apr 2012, 11:34
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You've missed the point. "Hey guys I just started the process, what sort of tests are at YOU session and specialist testing?" isn't an attempt to ascertain whether the system has changed.

On a lighter note, congrats oneflewnorth. Waiting in the pool is pretty excruciating, but no doubt you'll get the spot you worked for.
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Old 22nd Apr 2012, 01:24
  #2030 (permalink)  
 
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Agreed, Mudrat.

1103 days after initially applying I have finally been offered a flight screening spot! Anyone else on the 5th of May course? PM if you are. To everyone else, best of luck! Patience really is a virtue you know.
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Old 28th Apr 2012, 07:48
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Hi all,

First post. In the process of being processed.

I have heard that the FSP course has been changes. Does anyone have any idea on if this is true.
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Old 3rd May 2012, 09:56
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1103 days after initially applying I have finally been offered a flight screening spot! Anyone else on the 5th of May course? PM if you are. To everyone else, best of luck! Patience really is a virtue you know
Out of curiosity, is it common to take this long to get to Flight screening?

Im in year 12 currently and just wondering what subjects and extra curricular activities the average RAAF pilot would of done when they were at high school? (i know the minimum requirements and i do meet them, just interested to see what could help me be more competitive).

I also would prefer to go through direct officer entry but i do realize that they usually dont accept the younger ones in because of "lack of life experience" but have they accepted anyone in who is 18, 19, 20 year's old recently?
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Old 3rd May 2012, 10:25
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Hi pull-up

1103 days is definitely not the norm, while I am not aware of Zeddy's specific situation, he may have had medical or educational problems to overcome before being put into the flight screening pool. Generally those who have good grades, perform well at the YOU session and assessment day and are deemed a competitive candidate will be given priority for a slot at flight screening.

As for extra curricular activities, my suggestion is to take on as much as you can without sacrificing your grades. Having a busy schedule is a good look as life in the military can be quite hectic. I would suggest air cadets, a team sport and a community service of some description. Hobbies are a good way to show your enthusiasm, for instance, remote control models, plastic modelling (VERY handy for the selection process ) or even reading magazines.

And don't worry about your age, I personally know a couple of blokes who have been selected recently for DEO who are 17 years of age.

Hope this helps and good luck...
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Old 3rd May 2012, 22:08
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Hi pull-up

1103 days is definitely not the norm, while I am not aware of Zeddy's specific situation, he may have had medical or educational problems to overcome before being put into the flight screening pool. Generally those who have good grades, perform well at the YOU session and assessment day and are deemed a competitive candidate will be given priority for a slot at flight screening.

As for extra curricular activities, my suggestion is to take on as much as you can without sacrificing your grades. Having a busy schedule is a good look as life in the military can be quite hectic. I would suggest air cadets, a team sport and a community service of some description. Hobbies are a good way to show your enthusiasm, for instance, remote control models, plastic modelling (VERY handy for the selection process ) or even reading magazines.

And don't worry about your age, I personally know a couple of blokes who have been selected recently for DEO who are 17 years of age.

Hope this helps and good luck...
Cheers, thank for that. I have that covered.

Just wondering, after completing your training in the RAAF what is the chances of ending up on the 737 BBJ or the new A330 as a pilot (as in are those planes least popular because everyone probably wants to fly the FA-18's)?
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Old 4th May 2012, 00:50
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Well it took 8 weeks, but I finally got a response from DFR Medical Section/Chief Medical Officer/Aviation Medical that my appeal was successful!

So for those that may be concerned in the future, it is possible to be a pilot if you have broken your elbow in the past! I know someone far back in this thread mentioned that their friend didn't get in because of the same thing.

Now I'm off to have a great weekend after a very stressful two months
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Old 5th May 2012, 11:29
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Migraines

Hey all!

Firstly, thanks to everyone who has made posts in here! As everyone has stated, its a great place to pick up information!

I have one question in particular that i am curious about... I am just beginning my application for DEO, and i am worried about a medical issue.. migraines.. now i realise this could potentially take me out of the hunt.. however i suffered from them primarily when i was 14/15 going through puberty etc.. I am now 24 and over the past 8/9 years have had less than 3.. I do however no what causes them to be brought on..

Any information/advice?? ??

Thanks
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Old 5th May 2012, 11:37
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Mate, two things:

1. Mate of mine was classed 3R over migraines (temporarily unfit for mil service, pending specialist medical reports) and after a spec medical report was reclassified to 1 (fit to serve), so I think you should be fine. He had about the same amount of migraines as you've had in your life and was about 7 years younger. He's currently a Reserve Rifleman so I think if he was alright with that, you should be alright with yours.

2. Be careful about what else you put down on your questionnaire. I was offered a position as a part-time GSO by my selection board but a week before my appointment date was Class 4'd because I have an allergy to peanuts. It was erroneously classified as severe when in actual fact it's mild, but as some very recent posts have alluded to, the medical appeal process is long, stressful, and expensive and I would avoid going down that route at all costs.
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Old 5th May 2012, 11:50
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Cheers for that mate!

Yeah that was the main thing that i was concerned with.. so i think i will just get ahead of the game and book in with a neurologist so i have the report good to go and hopefully save myself a bunch of time!
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Old 5th May 2012, 12:05
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That's a VERY good idea!

I don't have the form with me anymore but I found basically an ad verbatim copy of what the ADF like addressed by specialist medical reports, so hopefully this'll help when you rock up:

1. Confirm the nature of the problem/diagnosis.

2. Describe the limitations it places upon the applicants functional capacity.

3. Describe any limitations upon duties because of safely considerations (eg. inability to work alone or at heights, necessity to practice 'universal precautions').

4.What is the medium and long term prognosis for the condition?

5.Does the condition require any ongoing medication, specialist review or potential demands on the ADF as a health care provider?
Of course a simple letter that doesn't say too much other than 'this man is basically fine' that you hand to your doctor at the medical may do the trick. Either way, I hope it goes well for you mate.
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Old 5th May 2012, 22:07
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I don't have the form with me anymore but I found basically an ad verbatim copy of what the ADF like addressed by specialist medical reports, so hopefully this'll help when you rock up
That's interesting because when I went to an orthopaedic surgeon for an assessment, he expected a letter with details of what they wanted to hear but DFR never sent me anything to that effect.
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