RAAF Flight Screening Programme
Join Date: Jun 1999
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RAAF Pilot
Taimoor,
The first principle of war is selection and maintenance of the aim. You must decide exactly what you want and do everything possible to achieve this. Part of this might be to decide on an all or nothing approach. An AEA NCO is not exactly a commissioned officer and pilot.
My understanding in 1962 was that it was more certain to be a RAAF pilot from day one, rather than hope for it later. I held this belief during the 8.5 years of my service and my subsequent airline career.
If you cannot hold true to your dream, you will be less deserving of RAAF pilot wings.
The first principle of war is selection and maintenance of the aim. You must decide exactly what you want and do everything possible to achieve this. Part of this might be to decide on an all or nothing approach. An AEA NCO is not exactly a commissioned officer and pilot.
My understanding in 1962 was that it was more certain to be a RAAF pilot from day one, rather than hope for it later. I held this belief during the 8.5 years of my service and my subsequent airline career.
If you cannot hold true to your dream, you will be less deserving of RAAF pilot wings.
Join Date: Jul 2014
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30th Aug Flight Screening
First of thankyou Dan Smith for the reply, I will definitely be hitting you up for some tips for flight screening. I just got called up for the Aug 30th FSP so if anyone else on here is also in that slot, let us know 
) I'll just briefly talk about a few of the not so much talked about aspects of the pilot application process some of you guyz might be going/to go through. First: I was listed as medical 3R after my DI. Failed the spirometry and the blood pressure test. Upon consultation with specialist and doctor I was listed as fine, in fact they were surprised that I failed. For the spirometry they did not explain what to do properly so I just blew in normally. Don't. Blow like your life depends on it and more, also relax your muscles (let out your gut). Before the medicals I suggest practice blowing into balloons, also eat foods such as dark chocolate to reduce blood pressure jic.
) I'll just briefly talk about a few of the not so much talked about aspects of the pilot application process some of you guyz might be going/to go through. First: I was listed as medical 3R after my DI. Failed the spirometry and the blood pressure test. Upon consultation with specialist and doctor I was listed as fine, in fact they were surprised that I failed. For the spirometry they did not explain what to do properly so I just blew in normally. Don't. Blow like your life depends on it and more, also relax your muscles (let out your gut). Before the medicals I suggest practice blowing into balloons, also eat foods such as dark chocolate to reduce blood pressure jic.
Join Date: Jul 2014
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Pt.2
Also to note after I handed in my medicals it took three months and four different enlistment co-ordinators (EC) to send the application through to the PSA. Each time I called within those 3 months they were surprised they had not sent it, even though they told me each time prior that they had sent it through. After it was really sent, the PSA took just 3 weeks to give me a date. So my other advice to those still waiting on FSP, keep calling your EC for updates and if they say they sent it, call em up again and again to make sure. Good people, always nice and accommodating, but very-overworked I think. Just be persistent.
Join Date: Aug 2014
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Introduction
Hi PPRuNe,
I'm new here and thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Lachlan and I've been lurking ... I mean, following this RAAF Flight Screening Program (Merged) thread for some time now. There is a veritable wealth of information contained here that has already answered many of my questions. To that end, I'd like to offer a big thank you to all the contributors who have given of their time and expertise to help everyone out. It's really appreciated!
I'm in my late twenties and am giving serious consideration to embarking on a new career as a Direct Entry RAAF Pilot. After spending the past 10+ years working various office-based roles, studying for university degrees, gathering life experiences and understanding more about what makes me tick, I believe this would be a huge step in the right direction. I'm currently working in the Advertising industry and it's nigh time for a change.
What draws me to this career is:
- Operating airborne vehicles many dream about;
- Receiving extensive world-class training and support;
- Being part of something bigger in a like-minded team;
- Learning a professional skill used and respected the world over;
- Making a tangible contribution to peoples lives (e.g. humanitarian missions); and
- Being in a predominantly non-office based environment.
I'm at the start of this new journey and am ready for the lengthy and challenging road ahead. There are, however, a few potential hurdles to overcome:
a) No flying experience;
b) Past the preferred 27.5 age requirement;
c) Untested dead reckoning and motor skills; and
d) Mild myopia (short sightedness) of -3.25.
Walk in the park, huh! The last two concern me most and stopped me pursuing this career post high school. Thankfully, I found this thread and have been again motivated to investigate all possibilities, ready for the numerous challenges ahead.
I'll definitely be in need of some advice with questions forthcoming soon, but for now I'll keep gathering the available information and check in when I hit a wall.
Thanks in advance and keep up the stellar work.
Cheers,
Lachlan (and all its variations ... I love them all!)
I'm new here and thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Lachlan and I've been lurking ... I mean, following this RAAF Flight Screening Program (Merged) thread for some time now. There is a veritable wealth of information contained here that has already answered many of my questions. To that end, I'd like to offer a big thank you to all the contributors who have given of their time and expertise to help everyone out. It's really appreciated!
I'm in my late twenties and am giving serious consideration to embarking on a new career as a Direct Entry RAAF Pilot. After spending the past 10+ years working various office-based roles, studying for university degrees, gathering life experiences and understanding more about what makes me tick, I believe this would be a huge step in the right direction. I'm currently working in the Advertising industry and it's nigh time for a change.
What draws me to this career is:
- Operating airborne vehicles many dream about;
- Receiving extensive world-class training and support;
- Being part of something bigger in a like-minded team;
- Learning a professional skill used and respected the world over;
- Making a tangible contribution to peoples lives (e.g. humanitarian missions); and
- Being in a predominantly non-office based environment.
I'm at the start of this new journey and am ready for the lengthy and challenging road ahead. There are, however, a few potential hurdles to overcome:
a) No flying experience;
b) Past the preferred 27.5 age requirement;
c) Untested dead reckoning and motor skills; and
d) Mild myopia (short sightedness) of -3.25.
Walk in the park, huh! The last two concern me most and stopped me pursuing this career post high school. Thankfully, I found this thread and have been again motivated to investigate all possibilities, ready for the numerous challenges ahead.
I'll definitely be in need of some advice with questions forthcoming soon, but for now I'll keep gathering the available information and check in when I hit a wall.
Thanks in advance and keep up the stellar work.
Cheers,
Lachlan (and all its variations ... I love them all!)
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FSP
Hi All,
Long time reader, great information on here most if it first hand which is always the best info.
Just wondering if anyone can provide some feedback. I recently got through my extra pilot testing after my you session (3rd time lucky). Have been recommended from my assessment day and have handed in extra medical info which I have been cleared for.
I have 50 hours flying time which puts me into the advanced category for FSP. I haven't flown for over three years now.
Does anyone have an info on how this changes how I will be assessed at Tamworth and any tips as to what to prepare for in particular being part of the advanced section.
Cheers Guys
PilotJimmy
Long time reader, great information on here most if it first hand which is always the best info.
Just wondering if anyone can provide some feedback. I recently got through my extra pilot testing after my you session (3rd time lucky). Have been recommended from my assessment day and have handed in extra medical info which I have been cleared for.
I have 50 hours flying time which puts me into the advanced category for FSP. I haven't flown for over three years now.
Does anyone have an info on how this changes how I will be assessed at Tamworth and any tips as to what to prepare for in particular being part of the advanced section.
Cheers Guys
PilotJimmy
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Hi Jimmy,
As one of the guys said a few pages back, the only thing that differs between the three courses (basic, int and adv) is that they have different amounts of sorties(so basically as advanced you are expected to learn the stuff quicker than those with less experience). You also need to do a few more things as advanced (from memory I think low level ccts and glide approaches). If I recall correctly, advanced candidates also have to do a stall turn (which is usually the unbriefed aerobatic maneuver for basic and intermediate in the last "check/assessment" flight [some guys on my course had to do a half Cuban eight instead).
You can also use your flight experience as an advantage on your OSB, saying it shows your motivated with flying etc etc
Just make sure you go in with a clear mind, and don't lean back on old habits you may have from your previous flying experience. Make sure you attitude fly and not performance fly.... Oh and don't go to the imperial on the middle weekend
As one of the guys said a few pages back, the only thing that differs between the three courses (basic, int and adv) is that they have different amounts of sorties(so basically as advanced you are expected to learn the stuff quicker than those with less experience). You also need to do a few more things as advanced (from memory I think low level ccts and glide approaches). If I recall correctly, advanced candidates also have to do a stall turn (which is usually the unbriefed aerobatic maneuver for basic and intermediate in the last "check/assessment" flight [some guys on my course had to do a half Cuban eight instead).
You can also use your flight experience as an advantage on your OSB, saying it shows your motivated with flying etc etc
Just make sure you go in with a clear mind, and don't lean back on old habits you may have from your previous flying experience. Make sure you attitude fly and not performance fly.... Oh and don't go to the imperial on the middle weekend
Join Date: Oct 2010
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Hi Lachlan,
Good luck with your application. It can be a long process at times but stay focused! Make sure you get started ASAP on your application process as age for RAAF can become an issue as they are screening for fast jet pilots as a priority at this stage. It would also be highly beneficial to score as high as possible in your specialist skills assessment obviously. Keep an open mind about navy and army flying as well as the assessment process is for general ADF pilot entry. I changed my preferences at the beginning of my OSB in Tamworth so don't write those off as options. A lot of the slightly older guys seem to get army SSO, I think one guy in my FSP was 32 and he got into army.
@Pilot Jimmy,
I went in with about 70 hours but hadn't logged one for about 2 years. They have a way of working out what your residual experience is based on the time since you last flew. I ended up on the intermediate course so I'd say you would be the same. I had one less flight that Basic and one more that advanced and was doing things a couple lessons ahead of the basic guys. Definitely focus on attitude flying and really forget about the instruments in terms of angle of bank, straight and level etc and treat things as if you are starting from 0 hours again to some extent. Don't try and use what you previously have learnt because they have their own way of instructing. It's kind of like monkey see monkey where the instructor will show you and then get you to follow it through with them then you try it.
I didn't practice anything else in regards to prep for the intermediate flying, you have a lot of study time and you will be given the flight briefs there so don't stress about flight prep, focus on what you can study for now which is the OSB as you will find you won't have much time to work on that.
Above all else work as a team and have fun, it's a great experience.
Good luck with your application. It can be a long process at times but stay focused! Make sure you get started ASAP on your application process as age for RAAF can become an issue as they are screening for fast jet pilots as a priority at this stage. It would also be highly beneficial to score as high as possible in your specialist skills assessment obviously. Keep an open mind about navy and army flying as well as the assessment process is for general ADF pilot entry. I changed my preferences at the beginning of my OSB in Tamworth so don't write those off as options. A lot of the slightly older guys seem to get army SSO, I think one guy in my FSP was 32 and he got into army.
@Pilot Jimmy,
I went in with about 70 hours but hadn't logged one for about 2 years. They have a way of working out what your residual experience is based on the time since you last flew. I ended up on the intermediate course so I'd say you would be the same. I had one less flight that Basic and one more that advanced and was doing things a couple lessons ahead of the basic guys. Definitely focus on attitude flying and really forget about the instruments in terms of angle of bank, straight and level etc and treat things as if you are starting from 0 hours again to some extent. Don't try and use what you previously have learnt because they have their own way of instructing. It's kind of like monkey see monkey where the instructor will show you and then get you to follow it through with them then you try it.
I didn't practice anything else in regards to prep for the intermediate flying, you have a lot of study time and you will be given the flight briefs there so don't stress about flight prep, focus on what you can study for now which is the OSB as you will find you won't have much time to work on that.
Above all else work as a team and have fun, it's a great experience.
Join Date: May 2014
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FSP
Hey everyone, I just got accepted into the September 6th PSA FSP session and was wondering if anyone else is headed for that session and if anyone has any advice. Thanks
Join Date: Aug 2014
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Hi all - been following for a while but never posted. I have my ACO OSB tomorrow so any last minute tips would be appreciated.
Then I've got FSP a week and a half later on 30th - any others on this FSP flying up from Sydney?
Then I've got FSP a week and a half later on 30th - any others on this FSP flying up from Sydney?
Join Date: May 2014
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Hey Boltyy, assume ACO -WSO?
Would be great if you can post up once you go through your OSB, let me know what its like (or PM me) I also want to go for ACO-Wizzo, but at 30 not sure if ive left it to late.
Would be great if you can post up once you go through your OSB, let me know what its like (or PM me) I also want to go for ACO-Wizzo, but at 30 not sure if ive left it to late.
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So I have my YOU Session in three weeks, and after talking to many people everyone is still split on what's best to wear. I understand that it is the YOU Session and the assessment day is more important, however, first impression are what counts right? So, people please don't say I should wear a suit or something... What should a inspiring female pilot applicant wear to their you session? Please help! Thanks heaps!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks heaps!!!!!!!!!!!
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You always want to try to impress and show you are serious, I've seen people show up to YOU sessions in ratty jeans, t-shirts, etc. Definitely NOT the way to go.
You'll only be doing an informal type interview at YOU so I didn't go full suit, just good business type attire is fine.
For Assessment day, and definitely OSB, you definitely want to go with a business suit.
Good luck!
You'll only be doing an informal type interview at YOU so I didn't go full suit, just good business type attire is fine.
For Assessment day, and definitely OSB, you definitely want to go with a business suit.
Good luck!
Join Date: Aug 2014
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Hey Future_Female_Pilot,
You definitely want to go into the YOU Session making a great first impression. Wearing business attire will indicate to DFR that you are taking the process seriously and can conduct yourself in a professional manner. Not being a woman, my experience is pretty limited with female business attire... but maybe an office skirt, blouse and jacket would be a good start. It's surprising how much your interviewers will write down, and being in the minority of candidates wearing business attire (surrounded by candidates in jeans and t-shirts) will help you to shine through.
Unrelated question to anyone in the know... I successfully passed my Assessment day last week and have been asked to complete Aircrew Medicals. I haven't heard anything from PSA as yet and always thought the Aircrew meds came after Flight Screening? Has the process changed recently? It's got me a bit confused
You definitely want to go into the YOU Session making a great first impression. Wearing business attire will indicate to DFR that you are taking the process seriously and can conduct yourself in a professional manner. Not being a woman, my experience is pretty limited with female business attire... but maybe an office skirt, blouse and jacket would be a good start. It's surprising how much your interviewers will write down, and being in the minority of candidates wearing business attire (surrounded by candidates in jeans and t-shirts) will help you to shine through.
Unrelated question to anyone in the know... I successfully passed my Assessment day last week and have been asked to complete Aircrew Medicals. I haven't heard anything from PSA as yet and always thought the Aircrew meds came after Flight Screening? Has the process changed recently? It's got me a bit confused
Join Date: Apr 2014
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@Majestic
Same happened for me, mate. One thing I've learned is that DFR aren't really on your side, so be persistent with them, they have a lot to do and can takes ages to do things.
I passed my assessment and it was a solid 3 weeks with no contact at all so I called them every day for a week (for some reason nobody at the medical centre ever picked up the phone) and finally got the info I needed. Then they'll just send through all the info you need for your dental, optometry etc...
You have to do more medical testing after flight screening so have fun with that
Same happened for me, mate. One thing I've learned is that DFR aren't really on your side, so be persistent with them, they have a lot to do and can takes ages to do things.
I passed my assessment and it was a solid 3 weeks with no contact at all so I called them every day for a week (for some reason nobody at the medical centre ever picked up the phone) and finally got the info I needed. Then they'll just send through all the info you need for your dental, optometry etc...
You have to do more medical testing after flight screening so have fun with that
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Majestic,
My suggestion would be to get onto your DFR about your ophthalmology and dental, which should be the only components left if you have done the medical on your assessment day. It is rare that they will send through your application without you having completed the medical, and it being assessed by AVMED.
Most people are forced to do it pre-flight screening, though some slip through without it, just depends on your DFR. Chase it up yourself and get yourself in, remembering DFR have a tonne of people they deal with, and prompting them to move forward with your application is likely to get you what you want, rather than it remaining in the pile of people they need to contact.
ps. Wear sunglasses to the ophthalmologist, you will not regret it!
My suggestion would be to get onto your DFR about your ophthalmology and dental, which should be the only components left if you have done the medical on your assessment day. It is rare that they will send through your application without you having completed the medical, and it being assessed by AVMED.
Most people are forced to do it pre-flight screening, though some slip through without it, just depends on your DFR. Chase it up yourself and get yourself in, remembering DFR have a tonne of people they deal with, and prompting them to move forward with your application is likely to get you what you want, rather than it remaining in the pile of people they need to contact.
ps. Wear sunglasses to the ophthalmologist, you will not regret it!
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Cheers for the feedback! Had the dental check the other day at Richmond, just waiting for the ophthalmologist appointment at the end of the month, so I assume - all going well - my file will make its way up to Tamworth early October. My eagerness for flight screening will have to be channeled into some other area for now - further study methinks!
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Thanks all for the help 
Sadly, I wasn't offered officers at my YOU Session, which really upsets me. I've worked so hard for everything I get and the one thing I want more then anything I didn't get.
In saying that, I'm going back in March and trying again. So advice for anyone who is going for their YOU Session. It goes to show that this is only the start. DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! I'm not going to tell you it's easy because it's not. And that's the point, they're trying to find the best applicants. Prove your worthiness and remember that you can do anything when you put your mind to it! It's frustrating and annoying. But fight for your place!
Sadly, I wasn't offered officers at my YOU Session, which really upsets me. I've worked so hard for everything I get and the one thing I want more then anything I didn't get.
In saying that, I'm going back in March and trying again. So advice for anyone who is going for their YOU Session. It goes to show that this is only the start. DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! I'm not going to tell you it's easy because it's not. And that's the point, they're trying to find the best applicants. Prove your worthiness and remember that you can do anything when you put your mind to it! It's frustrating and annoying. But fight for your place!