RAAF Flight Screening Programme
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Central Qld
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Djmp92, nice initiative. Distance may prevent me from meeting many I person, but in any case I'd be happy to share a few bits and pieces collected along the way that others may find useful in their quest. Cheers.
Good luck to all of you starting down this path.
This week, a former reader and contributor to this thread has passed 2 OCU and received his first posting to an operational Hornet squadron.
The seven years from DFR to ADFA to BFTS...2FTS...79 Squadron...76 Squadron...2OCU...seem to have flashed by.
It's taken a lot of effort and commitment. So has it been worth it? 'Ken Oath! (apparently)
Well done Zulk.
This week, a former reader and contributor to this thread has passed 2 OCU and received his first posting to an operational Hornet squadron.
The seven years from DFR to ADFA to BFTS...2FTS...79 Squadron...76 Squadron...2OCU...seem to have flashed by.
It's taken a lot of effort and commitment. So has it been worth it? 'Ken Oath! (apparently)
Well done Zulk.
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Melbourne
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Think tank
I'm happy to participate and help each other by sharing our own insight into aviation and life in the DF.
I could help to a limited basis, those wanting to know more about aviation before potentially going to FS.
I could help to a limited basis, those wanting to know more about aviation before potentially going to FS.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: AUS
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Since there are now a few posters who have shown interest, how do all of you want to go about organising the group? Emails? Whatsapp? Where is everyone from? I am based in Victoria.
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Melbourne
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Australia
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Laser surgery
Hi all,
This thread is a goldmine of information and thanks to all for their contributions.
My question is whether or not aircrew applicants who have had LASIK eye surgery (as opposed to PRK or LASEK) are still disqualified from enlisting?
A page from DFR's 'Refractive Surgery Guide to Applicants' includes the comment that "LASIK is not an accepted procedure for Aircrew". I believe that document (copy attached) was created in 2012, but I don't know if things have changed since then. Both the USAF and RAF have changed their procedures to allow LASIK, but it isn't clear if the ADF have.
Back on page 159, FlyLowFlySlow posted a comment that: "the Aircrew Visual Requirements have just changed (this week in fact!) so this may work in your favour. I don't have a link or a copy of these new standards though unfortunately." It might be wishful thinking on my part, but I'm hoping these changes might lift the ban on LASIK (assuming it's still there).
I am at the early stages of the process, having completed my YOU session with the next stage being Additional Testing. It seems to me that the LASIK issue will be an effective showstopper for my application, no matter what preparation I undertake from here on in.
If anyone has any useful info on any of the above, I'd love to hear it.
Thanks you.
This thread is a goldmine of information and thanks to all for their contributions.
My question is whether or not aircrew applicants who have had LASIK eye surgery (as opposed to PRK or LASEK) are still disqualified from enlisting?
A page from DFR's 'Refractive Surgery Guide to Applicants' includes the comment that "LASIK is not an accepted procedure for Aircrew". I believe that document (copy attached) was created in 2012, but I don't know if things have changed since then. Both the USAF and RAF have changed their procedures to allow LASIK, but it isn't clear if the ADF have.
Back on page 159, FlyLowFlySlow posted a comment that: "the Aircrew Visual Requirements have just changed (this week in fact!) so this may work in your favour. I don't have a link or a copy of these new standards though unfortunately." It might be wishful thinking on my part, but I'm hoping these changes might lift the ban on LASIK (assuming it's still there).
I am at the early stages of the process, having completed my YOU session with the next stage being Additional Testing. It seems to me that the LASIK issue will be an effective showstopper for my application, no matter what preparation I undertake from here on in.
If anyone has any useful info on any of the above, I'd love to hear it.
Thanks you.
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: NT, Australia
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JBay1,
The best info I could get in regards to LASIK for aircrew was this from DFR:
"Candidates applying for aircrew positions who have undergone LASIK may be acceptable”, “The specialist report must confirm that the candidate has undergone contrast sensitivity testing and must report the results. Contrast sensitivity can be undertaken with the Pelli-Robson chart or any other 5% contrast sensitivity chart used by the Ophthalmologist. Contrast testing and symptom discussion should not be undertaken until 3 months post surgery for myopia and 6 months post surgery for hypermetropia”.
“Candidates who do not meet the AVR standard are not to be advised to undergo surgery as a means of entry….Defence does not advocate surgery as a means of entry: undergoing surgery does not guarantee entry”.
Read into all that as you will, but be aware that LASIK may disqualify you for aircrew indefinitely. I have heard of some great results from PRK however.
The best info I could get in regards to LASIK for aircrew was this from DFR:
"Candidates applying for aircrew positions who have undergone LASIK may be acceptable”, “The specialist report must confirm that the candidate has undergone contrast sensitivity testing and must report the results. Contrast sensitivity can be undertaken with the Pelli-Robson chart or any other 5% contrast sensitivity chart used by the Ophthalmologist. Contrast testing and symptom discussion should not be undertaken until 3 months post surgery for myopia and 6 months post surgery for hypermetropia”.
“Candidates who do not meet the AVR standard are not to be advised to undergo surgery as a means of entry….Defence does not advocate surgery as a means of entry: undergoing surgery does not guarantee entry”.
Read into all that as you will, but be aware that LASIK may disqualify you for aircrew indefinitely. I have heard of some great results from PRK however.
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Australia
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Laser Surgery
Hi FLFS
Thanks a million for your reply, all may not be a lost then. I had LASIK done a few years ago, so unfortunately there's nothing I can do to change that; back then I was oblivious to the ADF's position on it.
Thanks again.
Thanks a million for your reply, all may not be a lost then. I had LASIK done a few years ago, so unfortunately there's nothing I can do to change that; back then I was oblivious to the ADF's position on it.
Thanks again.
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Melbourne
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G'day,
I've completed my assessment day about six months ago and still haven't received a medical clearance. I've now been advised that this will be delayed to January, since they shut down for the Chirstmas period. However, if I do receive the medical clearance in January, that'll leave me with only about five months in the PSA pool.
I'm in a bit of a unique situation, where I need to appeal (or lodge a complaint if that's the word I may need to use) for my file to be kept at PSA for twelve months after medical clearance. What would be the correct way to do this?
Just to add a bit of clarity, I've done my assessment day thrice over five years and the specialist testing twice. I've never once failed a component and it's always the medicals that keep tripping me up in terms of the wait periods and the assessment day validity expiring in the meanwhile.
I've completed my assessment day about six months ago and still haven't received a medical clearance. I've now been advised that this will be delayed to January, since they shut down for the Chirstmas period. However, if I do receive the medical clearance in January, that'll leave me with only about five months in the PSA pool.
I'm in a bit of a unique situation, where I need to appeal (or lodge a complaint if that's the word I may need to use) for my file to be kept at PSA for twelve months after medical clearance. What would be the correct way to do this?
Just to add a bit of clarity, I've done my assessment day thrice over five years and the specialist testing twice. I've never once failed a component and it's always the medicals that keep tripping me up in terms of the wait periods and the assessment day validity expiring in the meanwhile.
Join Date: Jun 2015
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Hi septerra,
I've asked a similar question except with regards to the YOU session and additional testing. The recruiting officer was firm on the fact that once the applicable time has elapsed for each component of screening, then that component must be completed again. He then told me that he knows of several cases where guys have had to redo their YOU session in the week before they signed up and went of to OTS since it was just over 3 years since they did their original YOU session.
However, no harm in asking and I hope you get a response that helps your situation.
I've asked a similar question except with regards to the YOU session and additional testing. The recruiting officer was firm on the fact that once the applicable time has elapsed for each component of screening, then that component must be completed again. He then told me that he knows of several cases where guys have had to redo their YOU session in the week before they signed up and went of to OTS since it was just over 3 years since they did their original YOU session.
However, no harm in asking and I hope you get a response that helps your situation.
Last edited by 5piece; 11th Dec 2016 at 10:35.
Join Date: Sep 2015
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Hey guys,
I've just received an email from DFR informing me that I have secured a spot for FSP February 12 - 25. Definitely a pinch myself moment. Hope to see some of you there!
ARJM
I've just received an email from DFR informing me that I have secured a spot for FSP February 12 - 25. Definitely a pinch myself moment. Hope to see some of you there!
ARJM
Join Date: Dec 2016
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Congrats ARJM!! How long was your wait between assessment day to notification for FSP? I know for a fact my file hasn't even gone to Tamworth yet but I remain quietly hopeful nonetheless!
Join Date: Aug 2014
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For those who have completed flight screening in last few months, the final RAAF distribution from PSF to headquarters happened this week so offers from that should filter in early next year
Edit:
So the call this morning to say I've been distributed a few days ago made me post the above comment.
But just got a call this arvo to say I've got an advanced job offer for March 24 start!
Anyone else going in March 24 RAAF DEO?
Edit:
So the call this morning to say I've been distributed a few days ago made me post the above comment.
But just got a call this arvo to say I've got an advanced job offer for March 24 start!
Anyone else going in March 24 RAAF DEO?
Last edited by Boltyy; 15th Dec 2016 at 03:53.
