Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Aircrew Forums > Military Aviation
Reload this Page >

RAAF Flight Screening Programme

Wikiposts
Search
Military Aviation A forum for the professionals who fly military hardware. Also for the backroom boys and girls who support the flying and maintain the equipment, and without whom nothing would ever leave the ground. All armies, navies and air forces of the world equally welcome here.

RAAF Flight Screening Programme

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 4th Oct 2009, 11:41
  #641 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Queensland
Age: 41
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MudRat: I had to wait about 6 weeks after my assessment day till my dossier was sent to PSA, though I didn't get the call for another 3 - 4 weeks after that. The long wait was due to the ADFA applicants being processed during that time. If you feel you have scored well during your assessment day and feel as though you have proven you have an above sound knowledge of the ADF, then the call from PSA shouldn't be to far away!!

I believe the next recruitment date for RAAF and ARMY is next February (but don't take that as gospel).

Last edited by Georgo; 4th Oct 2009 at 23:28.
Georgo is offline  
Old 4th Oct 2009, 12:11
  #642 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the great info and advice georgo, can't ever have too much of that! Looks like the odds are stacked in favour of me having a bit of a wait (I'm anticipating one of the mid-Jan courses, but as we all know there could be complications that need to be sorted between now and then that could set me back a few months), but in the meantime I'll be making sure my angles are covered. I haven't yet been locked in for Assessment day (its a few weeks away), but I've been studying all the info I could get my hands on from my school days until now in anticipation for this, so hopefully I can make a good impression there and slot into FSP soon thereafter!

Good luck with OTS, perhaps I'll see you in the RAAF in the coming years
MudRat_02 is offline  
Old 5th Oct 2009, 14:03
  #643 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi all,

I also have just completed the YOU session and the aircrew testing and am awaiting a position for the Assessment Day. I am just unsure about my preferences at this stage. Of course I want to be a Pilot, however I am not sure whether to put ADFA or DEO as my first preference. I am 18 years of age so it's possible that I might be viewed as having not enough life experience. If this is the case, would ADFA be a better first preference? If I put DEO as first and did not make it through, would they consider me for ADFA instead?

Any information would be great thanks
DanniM is offline  
Old 6th Oct 2009, 06:31
  #644 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: albury
Age: 38
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Recruit

Fella's, good job on keeping this thread active.

Quick question as i have my interview/psyche stage in the not too distant futer. Do the interviewers ask you questions about your first preference? as i know a bit about the RAAF. Or do they expect you to know as much about the 2nd and 3rd preferences too?


Good luck to all in the PSA stage.

Thanks
shaunmac is offline  
Old 6th Oct 2009, 12:11
  #645 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: N/A
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
----edit----

Last edited by Dilmah G; 14th Sep 2017 at 14:21.
Dilmah G is offline  
Old 7th Oct 2009, 10:57
  #646 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Dilmah, I am starting to lean towards that direction now. I will have to contact my recruitment centre and hopefully that can help me with the second part of whether they would offer me ADFA if I have applied for DEO (thats if I get recommended in the first place )

Thanks again,

Danni
DanniM is offline  
Old 7th Oct 2009, 11:02
  #647 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Near the coast
Posts: 2,368
Received 548 Likes on 149 Posts
Life as a pilot

Before this moves into the sticky and to save you some time I will add my bit because I'm feeling benevolent.
Despite the days when you will be immensely p1ssed off with your job and will whinge like a good 'un with the rest of us we would probably all admit (certainly in my part of the world) that we love what we do and wouldn't actually change it for the world. We always point out to each other that even the richest guys in the world don't get to roar around in fast pointy jets on a daily basis (yes I know they have plenty of other perks!).
The general theme is that you will love the flying but you will hate the bullsh1t that comes with the job.
Hope that helps.
BV
Bob Viking is offline  
Old 7th Oct 2009, 11:17
  #648 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: these mist covered mountains are a home now for me.
Posts: 1,784
Received 29 Likes on 12 Posts
I agree with Bob. Many would pay millions to do the stuff we do. If you want to fly and become the best pilot you can be, become a military pilot. As you get older, try not to let the BS get you down, just remember that your worst days on the job, are always better than your best days in the Bank/Bakery/Hotel. And the BS is a small price to pay at the end of the day.
Runaway Gun is offline  
Old 7th Oct 2009, 11:25
  #649 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Age: 33
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hey Everyone,

I'm just curious if anyone knows if you are able to have more then one entry type as your first preference?

I have heard of people putting all three services as equal first preference but I'm wondering if you would be able to do this with the DEO and ADFA preferences.

I've weighed up both of them and have decided that I would be equally happy with either outcome. I would love to be payed to study and earn a degree but I would also love to start flying as soon as I can and take the more hands on and direct approach to a flying career.

Thanks,
Jessica
wolfos3d is offline  
Old 7th Oct 2009, 11:31
  #650 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Gold Coast
Age: 34
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Quick question as i have my interview/psyche stage in the not too distant futer. Do the interviewers ask you questions about your first preference? as i know a bit about the RAAF. Or do they expect you to know as much about the 2nd and 3rd preferences too?
Shaun I was asked questions about my second and third preference as well as my first, just things like what aircraft those services fly and what is involved with training for those specific services. Also a little bit of knowledge about them, but not as much as my first preference.

Hope it helps
alexp3734 is offline  
Old 7th Oct 2009, 11:38
  #651 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hey Jessica,

At the end of my testing I was told by my Careers Councillor that you put different entry types as different preferences. So for example, you could have DEO pilot as your first preference and then ADFA pilot as your second. I think I'm in the same position as you with that as I wouldn't mind ADFA or direct entry.

Hope this helps,

Danni
DanniM is offline  
Old 10th Oct 2009, 17:45
  #652 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Australia
Age: 37
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi everyone!

I've been trawling this forum post on and off for years now and have a question for anyone out there.
In 2005 I went to my JOES day and did well however decided to put it on hold and pursue a uni degree. 4 years later and it's finally coming to a close (changed degrees). I'm absolutely pumped by the thought of flying in the RAAF still, and want in! I'd start the interview process again next year. So! It may or may not be a stupid one but my question is this; I'm a little rusty when it comes to maths, what kind of maths would I be facing throughout the process and would any of you recommend/should I do a 6 month TAFE course or something similar to bring me up to standard? I don't want to flunk and have to wait 12 months, i already feel I've waited too long.
Almost forgot! I also have eyesight issues. Does anybody have any official documents on surgery options for RAAF flight crew?
Any info would help

Thanks
oneflewnorth is offline  
Old 11th Oct 2009, 06:25
  #653 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: N/A
Age: 36
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi there guys and girls,

As somebody who has done FSP in August '09 I'd like to offer my opinion. If you read previous posts from Sept '09 onwards, you'd be aware that PPRune member "Georgo" who has posted on this thread was also recently down there and has since taken up a RAAF offer to begin BFTS shortly.

In fact, the pair of us were on the same FSP course and I wish to congratulate him - he's a fine fellow and I wish him well on BFTS! My opinion on and experience at FSP is closely aligned to his, and from other posts on this thread, to many others as well.

Providing you make it through the recruiting process you may be offerred a place on FSP. Please note that simply passing your Assessment Day does not mean you will be going to FSP. Places on FSP are limited and some are assigned to ADFA applicants and others to Direct Entry scheme applicants, and there are always more applicants than spots at FSP. The timetable for when FSP courses run and how many people are on that course can be found on the RAAF website. There is no set answer on when you'll get a spot on FSP, if you do. Simply pass your Assessment Day and wait - best answer.

I cannot stress to you how competitive it is getting a spot on BFTS. Getting onto Flight Screening is one thing, but getting through it and getting a spot on BFTS is another thing entirely. I have seen so many questions about so many things on this thread. Ultimately, to get a shot at Flight Screening you must be competitive in the avenue that you are applying for (there are different qualities that are sought after for ADFA and DE applicants). There are several hundred people who make it through Assessment Days each year, and less than 300 spots on FSP, and less than half that number of places on BFTS.

You will be assessed on three things while at FSP and it is vital to know that they are ALL important. You must demonstrate a required rate of learning. In other words, you must have a degree of raw ability in learning to and being able to fly. This does not require previous flying experience, if you have some, great, if you don't, don't worry. Flight Screening assesses where you started from and where you end and how you did in the middle. I went to FSP with no flying experience, as did others on my course, as have others who have made it onto BFTS.

The remaining two items will be assessed during the two week course and finally in your OSB. Your level of motivation and commitment is critical and can be easily assessed during the two weeks. If you rolled over one morning and decided to become a pilot, you may have made it through your Assessment Day but this will not suffice at FSP and your OSB.

Your level of officer qualities is also equally important to your success at FSP. Your general behaviour, your organisational skills, how you fit in a military environment, your personality etc etc (the list is endless) will ultimately determine whether you receive a recommendation or not. As "georgo" pointed out, two guys got very very good flying scores, one with a shed load of civvy hours and quals, but received "not yet recommended" because they needed to improve certain aspects of their officer qualities.

You will reap what you sow at FSP. If you stay up late, get up early, chair-fly the lounges in the crew room like tomorrow and are as prepared as you can be for each flight, you're off to a good start. You will have an absolute blast down there and you will make good friends who come from around the country. It is as much fun as it is hard work.

There is enough information out there to give you an idea of what you'll encounter down there. My advice is to prepare yourself well and handle yourself well. Be prepared for your OSB, think of every question under the sun you could be asked and have a solid answer. Speak to as many people as you can, show some initiative and find someone if you don't know someone. Be adaptable and always perform at your best.

Otherwise, good luck with it.
ryano is offline  
Old 11th Oct 2009, 10:28
  #654 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Aus
Posts: 26
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi all,

This the draft Minimum Visual Requirement - 1A for Pilot as of May 2004. Hopefully it will give some insight as to the standard required.

Visual Acuity (each eye separately): Unaided 6/12, Aided 6/6
Near Vision (Corrected): N5 at 30-50cm N14 at 100cm

Refraction Limits with cycloplegia

Hypermetropia: +1.75 dioptres
Hypermetropic astigmatism: +0.75 dioptre
Myopia: -1.00 dioptre
Myopic astigmatism: -0.5 dioptre
Heterophoria, Eso or Exophoria: Must not exceed 6 prism dioptres

Convergence: 10cm or less
Age in years Cm
17-20 10-11
21-25 11-12
26-30 13-14
31-35 14-16

Fields of vision: The fields of vision should be normal to confrontation or, in cases of doubt, to perimetry.

Diseases of the eye or eyelids: Acute conditions to be treated first. Chronic conditions may result in rejection. Seek opthalmological opinion.

Intraocular pressure: Normal range for technique used.

*Please Note: This information is freely available on the internet. If you would like a copy of the document, please PM me with an e-mail address and i will send it to you. It does have details pertaining to LASIK surgery which clearly states that it is not acceptable for aircrew entry, however this document is dated 2004 and is only a draft, their stance may have changed.

I strongly recommend that you contact your DFR Office, if you have any questions about the Minimum Visual Requirements forAircrew entry. If you do not wish to raise any alarms at DFR about your eyesight, I would suggest ringing around your local optometrists/opthalmologists and ask them if they are familiar with the standards required for the ADF. Then go and have a test done to put your mind at ease.

Sorry about the length of the post.
ol-mate is offline  
Old 11th Oct 2009, 11:03
  #655 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia
Age: 40
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
To Oneflewnorth.....

In terms of doing a 6 month maths course thats a little over kill, I did a 4 week course with a bloke called Dr. Steven Holding which was well worth it and not too expensive, he also offers a 3 day aptitude course, he however is based in Brisbane, not sure where you are, but he does offer some via correspondance.

www.aerophysics.com.au/

That is his website, I recommend him if you are worried, there are other courses out there, known people who have done "PATS" said it was pretty expensive for what they recieved, their opinion not mine I didn't do that course, hope that helps a little.
dmcleod is offline  
Old 11th Oct 2009, 12:30
  #656 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Australia
Age: 37
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the info dmcleod. That course sounds really good. So you did the aeronautical mathematics course? Im not sure i can spend 1600 on a 4 week course haha. I'm in Sydney though, maybe there's something similar here. I saw your in the feedback on his website. Hows the course going? Is it how you imagined it would be?

Thanks Tony360. I'm considering just doing a 'bridging' course at uni to brush up, should do the job, need to speak to a few more people...plus it's free

Ol-mate, that info's great, thanks for that. The rules have been relaxed a little since 04, surgery is now accepted on a case by case basis as far as I'm aware. May take a bit of a fight to get through though. I've heard some people in the past have elected to do the FSP prior to surgery, then, when accepted, get the surgery and if all's well, go through...something like that anyway. I believe 'HornetBoy' did this. ??
oneflewnorth is offline  
Old 11th Oct 2009, 13:00
  #657 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: N/A
Age: 36
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi guys and girls again,
I have noticed several questions pertaining to preferences and different avenues of entry (ADFA/DE etc) lately and think I can help. I will not go so far as to say whether you can have an ADFA preference and a Direct Entry preference open simultaneously as my word is not gospel. Your recruiter can tell you or find out for you.
There comes a point when you are "playing the game" and where you are genuinely trying to get in. The people who pick applicants are not silly and they will spot you out in a heartbeat.
If you genuinely want to study and gain a university degree first, then have ADFA down as your preference and work towards that. With programs like BTech with the RAAF and Army Aviation Scholarships, you are reserved a spot on BFTS before you start your studies. If you are not serious about ADFA or Direct Entry, do not put it down - at all.
ADFA and other officer training programs that you complete irrespective of service will have different affects (sometimes quite a difference) on your career as a military officer and pilot. You should be aware of these when you make your decision.
When it comes to Direct Entry, it is generally (and not always) accepted that those with maturity and life experience do better than their younger counterparts. This does not preclude youngsters from Direct Entry, everybody and their circumstances are unique.
If you would rather not complete tertiary studies than Direct Entry is your avenue. You need to be aware though that you can only go to FSP once and Direct Entry is the most competitive avenue to get in through, in terms of number of people who apply and number of positions available. It is not good enough to get through FSP and get your recommendation - that is NOT a spot on BFTS. In order to get that spot, you need the recommendation and to be super competitive. Your age will not stop you getting recommended at FSP and in your OSB, but a lack of maturity and life experience will make it more difficult to get an offer.
If you want to go DE and feel that at the moment you may not be as competitive as you could be, my best advice is to stop now, go and do something else that will improve you as a person, your experiences, your resume etc. A couple of years out of school will make a HUGE difference to you, significantly improve your chances etc. A few years may sound like a long time, but it isn't at all. Your aviation training program could take several years to complete (depending on what you do), not including any officer training. You should know that there are many people who are working towards the same goal as you and have put in the hard yards, who have pursued avenues that they do not particularly like but have done so because it presents them as the person that stands out.
Military aviation will still be there in the future, the big question is whether you are prepared to do what it takes to be a part of it.
ryano is offline  
Old 11th Oct 2009, 23:51
  #658 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Oz
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ryano

well said sir!
oldpinger is offline  
Old 12th Oct 2009, 07:06
  #659 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Tamworth
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Is there any fitness tests done whilst at FSP?
cj0203 is offline  
Old 12th Oct 2009, 12:29
  #660 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: N/A
Age: 36
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes there is a fitness test done at Flight Screening.

It is usually conducted once the flying phase has been, or is close to, completed.

Regardless of which service you are applying for or have preference for, you will be tested according to the Australian Army fitness requirements. These can be found on the Army's website or at any recruiting office.

The fitness test will not affect your Flight Screening results - it is an independent test. As far as I am aware, should you fail you will be required to pass it before you can be eligible for selection should you be recommended.

A quick note on the beep test: You will be stopped once you have reached the required level. You should be able to do more than this level though, to allow for a degree of exhaustion after an intense fortnight.
ryano is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.