RAAF Flight Screening Programme
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: sydney
Age: 33
Posts: 8
Yeah not sure how it used to be but I think it was 10 and 8 for normal and advanced.
As far as they've told us, RAAF distribution is not for a looong time but army and navy are coming up in the next couple of weeks.
Essentially RAAFies can expect to be starting next year if they are good enough for an offer now. Army/Navy could be starting much earlier.
As far as they've told us, RAAF distribution is not for a looong time but army and navy are coming up in the next couple of weeks.
Essentially RAAFies can expect to be starting next year if they are good enough for an offer now. Army/Navy could be starting much earlier.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Australia
Age: 33
Posts: 61
Well, thought it was time I gave an update.
I got made an offer back in early April for the end of May RAAF intake! So pending my final medicals and so on it should all be happening. Thanks to everyone on here for their help. It's been a long process, all up taking 2.5 years, and now it all seems to be happening so quickly.
I got made an offer back in early April for the end of May RAAF intake! So pending my final medicals and so on it should all be happening. Thanks to everyone on here for their help. It's been a long process, all up taking 2.5 years, and now it all seems to be happening so quickly.
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 28
Hi Oneflewnorth,
Congratulations - well done. It's definitely a long process but well worth it when you get "that" call - something we are hoping will come along soon.
I think you may have been on Flight Screening with my husband? He has had his medicals and we believe they are all ok.
Would be a dream come true if he actually receives a call for Army or Navy.
Heres hoping
Hope you have a blast and it's everything you expected it to be!
Congratulations - well done. It's definitely a long process but well worth it when you get "that" call - something we are hoping will come along soon.
I think you may have been on Flight Screening with my husband? He has had his medicals and we believe they are all ok.
Would be a dream come true if he actually receives a call for Army or Navy.
Heres hoping
Hope you have a blast and it's everything you expected it to be!
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Melbourne
Age: 30
Posts: 7
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and have just passed through my assessment session around a week ago. I was notified by my case manager that I received a high recommendation (although I believe they say that to keep you motivated) and my file has been sent out to PSA.
My case manager has put me through to a pilot officer and she has explained as much as she could about FSP. I'm assuming you have heard it over a hundred times but if I could get some information from anyone who is experienced or undertaken the program, I'd be very thankful.
I have also heard that just because you have passed your assessment session, it does not mean you are going to be given a spot on the FSP. Are there any specific characteristics they look for in an application that would give you a better chance of receiving an offer?
Thanks
I'm new to this forum and have just passed through my assessment session around a week ago. I was notified by my case manager that I received a high recommendation (although I believe they say that to keep you motivated) and my file has been sent out to PSA.
My case manager has put me through to a pilot officer and she has explained as much as she could about FSP. I'm assuming you have heard it over a hundred times but if I could get some information from anyone who is experienced or undertaken the program, I'd be very thankful.
I have also heard that just because you have passed your assessment session, it does not mean you are going to be given a spot on the FSP. Are there any specific characteristics they look for in an application that would give you a better chance of receiving an offer?
Thanks
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 208
Originally Posted by pull-up-terrain
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)?
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Age: 31
Posts: 12
Alright, well my application has hit a couple of roadblocks... I'm passed my assessment day, but am awaiting medical clearance for flight screening. Fingers crossed everything will work out okay; I just have a metal plate fixed to one of my bones is all 
Anyway, I've obtained the required specialist reports and have confirmation that they have been received by DFR, now I am waiting as I have been told my file has been sent to RAAF AVMED pending a final decision as to my being given medical approval. I remember reading somewhere that others who had been in a similar situation had contacted AVMED to confirm that their file had been received and was being processed. I was hoping to do the same as I know things can go missing between destination with DFR... I have the number for RAAF Edinburgh and figured perhaps I could just ring that and ask for the medical section, alternatively I was going to contact DFR and see if they have the number and would pass it on. I thought that before I did that I'd post here to see if anyone had done what I am hoping to and knew of the best way to contact someone who might actually handle my file? Please reply, or PM if anyone does happen to have any info!
Thanks again to all the contributors of this thread, it's a brilliant resource!
Best of luck in all your applications.
Anyway, I've obtained the required specialist reports and have confirmation that they have been received by DFR, now I am waiting as I have been told my file has been sent to RAAF AVMED pending a final decision as to my being given medical approval. I remember reading somewhere that others who had been in a similar situation had contacted AVMED to confirm that their file had been received and was being processed. I was hoping to do the same as I know things can go missing between destination with DFR... I have the number for RAAF Edinburgh and figured perhaps I could just ring that and ask for the medical section, alternatively I was going to contact DFR and see if they have the number and would pass it on. I thought that before I did that I'd post here to see if anyone had done what I am hoping to and knew of the best way to contact someone who might actually handle my file? Please reply, or PM if anyone does happen to have any info!
Thanks again to all the contributors of this thread, it's a brilliant resource!
Best of luck in all your applications.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 310
Quote:
There are prob more people after a kc30 spot than jets much to the frustration ofACG
I'm genuinely surprised!
Quote:
Well they've only got themselves to blame!
Why is that?
There are prob more people after a kc30 spot than jets much to the frustration ofACG
I'm genuinely surprised!
Quote:
Well they've only got themselves to blame!
Why is that?
ACG need to change the way they do things, the vast majority of fast jet QFIs at 2FTS do not want to go back as they are sick of the workload. This attitude is passed on to the students.
I have sat in on a few posting meetings over the last few years and the most popular A/C is the C-17 followed by the C-130J. Fast jets are still high on the list but most know they will not be going......
P3s are generally last on the list. Not sure why a Whomping Stomping ASW killing machine sits so low but it's probably something to do with being based in Adelaide and it's old as the kids all want shiny new toys.
32 is fairly obvious, not only are you flying a civi light twin turbine but you are based in Sale, nothing worse for a 22 year old single guy!
38 - it's a king air, nuff said.
Last edited by Slezy9; 13th May 2012 at 23:39.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 48
I can remember having a FJ instructor at 2FTS and that turned me off FJ for life. I remember asking him questions in debriefs and I all I got back was icy contempt. Oh, and he gave out scores that were always 2 lower than anyone else. I gave up asking him anything.
Basically, this guy thought that instructing and the PC9 were beneath him and he went out of his way to upset everyone around him. His attitude was appalling.
It seems to be that most of the instructors at BFTS and 2FTS come from a multi-engine background and until there are more FJ role models in the training system, who properly mentor and encourage their students you will find that the graduates will still prefer the big heavy jets.
By the way, I am a realist and I know this will never change (for a whole number of reasons) and we will never see lots of happy Hornet pilots spreading the good word at 2FTS and BFTS.
Basically, this guy thought that instructing and the PC9 were beneath him and he went out of his way to upset everyone around him. His attitude was appalling.
It seems to be that most of the instructors at BFTS and 2FTS come from a multi-engine background and until there are more FJ role models in the training system, who properly mentor and encourage their students you will find that the graduates will still prefer the big heavy jets.
By the way, I am a realist and I know this will never change (for a whole number of reasons) and we will never see lots of happy Hornet pilots spreading the good word at 2FTS and BFTS.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NSW
Age: 61
Posts: 150
All good chatty stuff guys...
As a former military fast jet pilot, Fighter squadron CO and mentor/role model for a few folk over the decades (in a variety of countries), may I advise any of you who think being a military pilot in any aeroplane type is going to be easy, look elsewhere because the military will screen you out. None of it is easy. All of it takes huge amounts of time, energy and commitment. You don't get your hands on multi-million dollar equipment without being thoroughly prepared, and that actually applies to any job you choose to contemplate. Not just the military.
For those who think it is good to wish for any form of military transport or support job over a fast jet post, let me just say that if you manage to slip through the selection process don't try to talk up the fact that you are aiming low. The only reason for aiming low is to avoid disappointment, and if that is how you think I hope the military doesn't want you. To my mind, the military needs go getters, not settlers.
You will find there is inter-type rivalry, inter-service rivalry, inter-personal rivalry. All of it is a part of the competition and camaraderie of service life. Everything about screening is about you presenting yourself in the best possible way to get selected for what you really want. Argue all you like about who goes where, who does what and who gets the gongs...the fact is that most people aspire to be fighter pilots, and they are the kind of people the military want. From those selected, pilots for all types will be trained/picked. Nobody joins to fly BBJs, Challengers, B350s...or for that matter CT4s and PC9s. Don't even think about them! These are all just aeroplanes around for you to fly when you are on your way to a warplane, or on a break from a warplane. They do have a mission, but you must aspire to something higher!
Think about the air force motto and what it means. Can you really do that if you peak on a PC9?
As a former military fast jet pilot, Fighter squadron CO and mentor/role model for a few folk over the decades (in a variety of countries), may I advise any of you who think being a military pilot in any aeroplane type is going to be easy, look elsewhere because the military will screen you out. None of it is easy. All of it takes huge amounts of time, energy and commitment. You don't get your hands on multi-million dollar equipment without being thoroughly prepared, and that actually applies to any job you choose to contemplate. Not just the military.
For those who think it is good to wish for any form of military transport or support job over a fast jet post, let me just say that if you manage to slip through the selection process don't try to talk up the fact that you are aiming low. The only reason for aiming low is to avoid disappointment, and if that is how you think I hope the military doesn't want you. To my mind, the military needs go getters, not settlers.
You will find there is inter-type rivalry, inter-service rivalry, inter-personal rivalry. All of it is a part of the competition and camaraderie of service life. Everything about screening is about you presenting yourself in the best possible way to get selected for what you really want. Argue all you like about who goes where, who does what and who gets the gongs...the fact is that most people aspire to be fighter pilots, and they are the kind of people the military want. From those selected, pilots for all types will be trained/picked. Nobody joins to fly BBJs, Challengers, B350s...or for that matter CT4s and PC9s. Don't even think about them! These are all just aeroplanes around for you to fly when you are on your way to a warplane, or on a break from a warplane. They do have a mission, but you must aspire to something higher!
Think about the air force motto and what it means. Can you really do that if you peak on a PC9?
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 310
Nobody joins to fly BBJs, Challengers
Maybe nobody joins to fly these but by the time it comes to posting these are two of the most popular types.
You have obviously been out of the game for a while, we are dealing with a new breed of pilot.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NSW
Age: 61
Posts: 150
Hey Slezy
You might think that, but no. Close enough to the game to know with absolute certainty that we still need the same breed of military pilot we have always needed. If you think differently then it is more likely you have slipped through and are in the wrong game. Good luck!
You have obviously been out of the game for a while, we are dealing with a new breed of pilot.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Towards the Front
Posts: 25
DBTW,
You really do need to have a quick re-assessment of the playing field today. No doubt those qualities you mentioned are what the Air Force needs but todays Generation Y 2FTS student is a little bit smarter than you give him credit for. ACG have developed a generation of jaded and overworked individuals who have permeated the training system and rubbed the sheen off the post Top-Gun era - fast jet marketing boom of the 80's and 90's. Todays high performing 2FTS student only needs to ring his mates at 3 or 77 to discover the workload on offer in that arena. He would much prefer to follow in the footsteps of his C-130J and C-17 mates and enjoy that easy lifestyle and extra $$$ and gongs to boot. With the global travel and first-class rationing coupled with an easy workload the studs are jumping over each other to get to 34SQN too. They probably joined to fly fast movers but after hearing what the lifestyle entails quickly changed their mind. Todays jet driver works twice as hard for effectively half the pay (due to no deployments) and as such a savvy Gen Y kid can't make it stack up. I have seen numerous high-flying 2FTS grads (i.e. Dux's and top 2/top 3 finishers) thumb their noses at fast jets and opt for a window seat in those other types you mentioned much to the despair of the 2FTS hierarchy. Meanwhile ACG has scrubbed all the guys that could have passed and are now scraping the bottom of the barrel and offering FJ's to almost anyone who wants it.
Airshows aside, Fast movers have lost their appeal to a generation that's all about getting stuff yesterday. Gen Y have realised that all that work wont get you additional dollars, female attention or kudos at the bar and as such FJ's have become undesirable. Stayed tuned for the expen$ive TV campaign about to start soon as a direct result of this crisis.
You really do need to have a quick re-assessment of the playing field today. No doubt those qualities you mentioned are what the Air Force needs but todays Generation Y 2FTS student is a little bit smarter than you give him credit for. ACG have developed a generation of jaded and overworked individuals who have permeated the training system and rubbed the sheen off the post Top-Gun era - fast jet marketing boom of the 80's and 90's. Todays high performing 2FTS student only needs to ring his mates at 3 or 77 to discover the workload on offer in that arena. He would much prefer to follow in the footsteps of his C-130J and C-17 mates and enjoy that easy lifestyle and extra $$$ and gongs to boot. With the global travel and first-class rationing coupled with an easy workload the studs are jumping over each other to get to 34SQN too. They probably joined to fly fast movers but after hearing what the lifestyle entails quickly changed their mind. Todays jet driver works twice as hard for effectively half the pay (due to no deployments) and as such a savvy Gen Y kid can't make it stack up. I have seen numerous high-flying 2FTS grads (i.e. Dux's and top 2/top 3 finishers) thumb their noses at fast jets and opt for a window seat in those other types you mentioned much to the despair of the 2FTS hierarchy. Meanwhile ACG has scrubbed all the guys that could have passed and are now scraping the bottom of the barrel and offering FJ's to almost anyone who wants it.
Airshows aside, Fast movers have lost their appeal to a generation that's all about getting stuff yesterday. Gen Y have realised that all that work wont get you additional dollars, female attention or kudos at the bar and as such FJ's have become undesirable. Stayed tuned for the expen$ive TV campaign about to start soon as a direct result of this crisis.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: SAUDI
Posts: 311
DBTW,
fraid Upgarded has hit the nail on the head. Gen Z wants it easy and now. I don't know that many knuckleheads that would complain of a 10 hour, five day a week work rate. More like 12 plus, 6 to seven days a week.
A bit like the infantry. Most of their guys are busted by 35 if not 30 due to the physical demands. Most FJ boys are burnt out after a 4 year posting and certainly after two postings. Yeah I know a few old and bold that are still punching around but it aint like the good ol days
fraid Upgarded has hit the nail on the head. Gen Z wants it easy and now. I don't know that many knuckleheads that would complain of a 10 hour, five day a week work rate. More like 12 plus, 6 to seven days a week.
A bit like the infantry. Most of their guys are busted by 35 if not 30 due to the physical demands. Most FJ boys are burnt out after a 4 year posting and certainly after two postings. Yeah I know a few old and bold that are still punching around but it aint like the good ol days
