RAAF Flight Screening Programme
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hey. i've just received a phone call placing me in the flt program for the 9th of January 2010. Although I clearly state my preference as airforce, navy, army, due to the desire to fly planes instead of helicopters, the course on the 9th states that its specifically for GSO's for the army. Does any one know why this may be? Should i be concernced or overjoyed i got a place??
ta
Sarah
ta
Sarah
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Sarah congrats!! It is possible that PSA just doesn't have enough people who want Army GSO as a first preference to run a full FSP and so have filled up any remaining places with other candidates. Yes you should be chuffed that you're going down there!! If you are that concerned about it go ahead and make a phone call to PSA to clarify, preferably someone you have spoken to already. The flying side will be the same for everyone. Not too sure about your board, but I bet it'll be similar to what others have been through.
To you other guys, congrats on your achievements!!
To you other guys, congrats on your achievements!!
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Thought that would be the case. Army GSO isn't usually high up on anybody's list - it wasn't on mine either until I was told to strongly consider it in my board. If they can't fill 9 spots for Army GSO FSP, maybe people should really re-consider it because they still have to put people into spots at RMC and then BFTS........ If you got onto a FSP earlyish in the year, you'd be well placed to make the July intake for RMC, and on Pilot's Course by the end of 2011. 18 months of hard yakka = locked in spot on BFTS, compared to trying to get one of the few SSO spots that almost EVERYONE is competing for.
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Absolutely. I've got RAAF as my top preference (mainly because I am more interested in fixed wing aircraft) with Army GSO second and Navy Pilot third (no SSO preference nominated), so I hope they consider me for one of those slots. To get started that soon and to attend RMC would be great.
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It doesn't matter what your preferences are pre-FSP and there's only certain times where your preferences will get you onto FSP (Army GSO and observers courses). Your preferences only count once you sit your OSB and they ask you to lock in your preferences (lock in isn't quite right, I changed from Army SSO to GSO afterwards), although you would have to have good reasons for changing post-OSB. Your competitiveness as a candidate is what will determine when you get to FSP.
Mhale, if (and hopefully when) you get to FSP, I would really urge you to reconsider Army SSO. Army SSO is the default for Army - in effect you will be competing with people who have Army as a preference, for one of a few places. Reason One: This pool is quite large, with a lot of high quality candidates and places are very limited at the moment which means the chances of getting a spot are low. Reason Two: Even if you got a spot on an Army SSO intake tomorrow, by the time you did your Helicopter Tactics Course and got your wings, you'd end up sitting in a holding squadron doing sweet FA waiting for an operational conversion course on ANY a/c.
To quickly sum up, if you're prepared to accept a spot as a GSO (and I assume so by having it as second preference) then why not just go for it, significantly increase your chances of getting a spot at BFTS and allow time for the backlog of people chasing conversions to clear so you get a smooth run through (hopefully). There are other pro's and con's of SSO's and GSO's, but by far these are the two biggest one's.
Mhale, if (and hopefully when) you get to FSP, I would really urge you to reconsider Army SSO. Army SSO is the default for Army - in effect you will be competing with people who have Army as a preference, for one of a few places. Reason One: This pool is quite large, with a lot of high quality candidates and places are very limited at the moment which means the chances of getting a spot are low. Reason Two: Even if you got a spot on an Army SSO intake tomorrow, by the time you did your Helicopter Tactics Course and got your wings, you'd end up sitting in a holding squadron doing sweet FA waiting for an operational conversion course on ANY a/c.
To quickly sum up, if you're prepared to accept a spot as a GSO (and I assume so by having it as second preference) then why not just go for it, significantly increase your chances of getting a spot at BFTS and allow time for the backlog of people chasing conversions to clear so you get a smooth run through (hopefully). There are other pro's and con's of SSO's and GSO's, but by far these are the two biggest one's.
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I'm going to assume Mhale that you mean "indebtedness" and it means to be "in debt" or "to owe". No, you will not be frowned upon for having a car, home, margin, credit card or any other sort of loan you can get these days. Debt is a powerful financial instrument and when used correctly can bring substantial rewards to the borrower. Having a loan/s and being able to reasonably meet those obligations though are two completely different things. Failing to meet your obligations and defaulting or having some other action taken against you can be seen as a serious personal flaw. Leverage yourself to the hill if you want, just don't go beyond your means.
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Flight Screening
Hey this one is for people who have been through the FSP or have knowledge of it.
The letter suggests that the appropriate attire is shirt and tie almost everywhere in the airport facilities. Do applicants generally adhere to this?
Also, I'll be in the advanced course as I have a PPL. Other than a few spins however, aerobatics is a new concept to me. Hence I have booked a few lessons, is there anything I should be asking instructors to focus on that will be useful to me at Tamworth? I'm aware the focus is on your learning ability.
Finally, any tips for the OSB would be great, I have read through most of the posts on this site; however I'd be grateful for anyone's opinions about the day.
Cheers
The letter suggests that the appropriate attire is shirt and tie almost everywhere in the airport facilities. Do applicants generally adhere to this?
Also, I'll be in the advanced course as I have a PPL. Other than a few spins however, aerobatics is a new concept to me. Hence I have booked a few lessons, is there anything I should be asking instructors to focus on that will be useful to me at Tamworth? I'm aware the focus is on your learning ability.
Finally, any tips for the OSB would be great, I have read through most of the posts on this site; however I'd be grateful for anyone's opinions about the day.
Cheers
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Shirt and tie is the norm and yes everyone adheres to it. Virtually the only time you're not in it is if you play any sport, do your physical or in the accomodation blocks. Given the limited clothing you can take down with you, best bet is to take more shirts, ties and slacks than casual clothes.
When it comes to the flying, focus on accuracy and repeating what they show you, how they show you. It'll still move at a very fast pace for you. Go and get thrown around for a bit if you wish, but proper preparation before each flight is essential.
Your OSB is your chance to display your leadership potential and this is a critical part of FSP. Confidence and maturity are important. There's not really that much more to add about it if you've read this thread from start to end.
When it comes to the flying, focus on accuracy and repeating what they show you, how they show you. It'll still move at a very fast pace for you. Go and get thrown around for a bit if you wish, but proper preparation before each flight is essential.
Your OSB is your chance to display your leadership potential and this is a critical part of FSP. Confidence and maturity are important. There's not really that much more to add about it if you've read this thread from start to end.
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o.O
Doesn't sound like that backlog of pilots is going to clear anytime soon.
What's the reason behind there not being enough Conversion Courses to match the number of qualified pilots out of Flight Training? Is it lack of instructors, or is this just the way the army works... *sighs*
What's the reason behind there not being enough Conversion Courses to match the number of qualified pilots out of Flight Training? Is it lack of instructors, or is this just the way the army works... *sighs*
Last edited by Dilmah G; 27th Dec 2009 at 07:04.
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In all fairness to Army Aviation, there has been and will continue to be a significant amount of change. An aircraft type was phased out, the Blackhawk is being replaced by MRH (not up yet), ARH still isn't up yet, and Chinooks need bugger all people (and can choose other people instead of lid pilots). Introducing new aircraft is a significant challenge. These things don't just turn up and you start flying them that afternoon. All the infrastructure, the systems and processes, the training programs, the training of maintenance crews etc all takes time, let alone if the aircraft run late. Does is suck, yep, a thousand times over.
And in change there is opportunity. Once things get cracking, there will be quite a bit to do. In the meantime though........
Dilmah, mate it's fantastic to see your level of motivation. But mate, you've got a while left at school yet, plus if you choose ADFA, plus officer training, plus BFTS, plus further basic training depending on the service you go to. You've got a few years ahead of you before any of this will affect you and by then hopefully things are very much different to what they are now.
And in change there is opportunity. Once things get cracking, there will be quite a bit to do. In the meantime though........
Dilmah, mate it's fantastic to see your level of motivation. But mate, you've got a while left at school yet, plus if you choose ADFA, plus officer training, plus BFTS, plus further basic training depending on the service you go to. You've got a few years ahead of you before any of this will affect you and by then hopefully things are very much different to what they are now.
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Fair enough, I'm beginning to see the supposed logic in all this now. 
Yeah hope so.
Seems you've misinterpreted my earlier post, I asked the question out of genuine curiosity (and made the earlier statement referring to one of your earlier posts, I believe you were one of the first on this thread to talk about this issue :P), rather than an "OMG. THIS IS THE END OF MY DESIRED CAREER *goes into cardiac arrest*" standpoint. I'm a fair bit more concerned than that about how I'm going to go during that 'while left of school' I have. 
Yeah hope so.
Seems you've misinterpreted my earlier post, I asked the question out of genuine curiosity (and made the earlier statement referring to one of your earlier posts, I believe you were one of the first on this thread to talk about this issue :P), rather than an "OMG. THIS IS THE END OF MY DESIRED CAREER *goes into cardiac arrest*" standpoint. I'm a fair bit more concerned than that about how I'm going to go during that 'while left of school' I have.
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Hey all,
Two questions..
firstly, is anyone else here going to fsp on the 9th?
secondly, what clothes do we fly in/ are we given clothes to wear under the flight suit? i have been told i'm allowed to wear skirts and dresses as part of the dress code, but im concerned that under a flight suit this may be somewhat less than practical?
im aware the majority of you would not have first hand experience of the latter but any advice would be super,
also, 'intheweeds'' question is seconded, ryano.
ta
sarah
Two questions..
firstly, is anyone else here going to fsp on the 9th?
secondly, what clothes do we fly in/ are we given clothes to wear under the flight suit? i have been told i'm allowed to wear skirts and dresses as part of the dress code, but im concerned that under a flight suit this may be somewhat less than practical?
im aware the majority of you would not have first hand experience of the latter but any advice would be super,
also, 'intheweeds'' question is seconded, ryano.
ta
sarah
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Sarah,
There are change rooms so you can change out of your dressier clothes into the flight suits. Flying in that heat with that many layers would be very uncomfortable. They're not barbarians
Enjoy!
There are change rooms so you can change out of your dressier clothes into the flight suits. Flying in that heat with that many layers would be very uncomfortable. They're not barbarians
Enjoy!
You will be given a flying suit to fly in. Under it wear a t-shirt and underwear. At that time of year it will be toasty in the CT-4!
Do FSP people get fitted for helmets these days or do they wear a base ball cap like the good old days?
If its just a base ball cap make sure you take your sunnies.
Do FSP people get fitted for helmets these days or do they wear a base ball cap like the good old days?
If its just a base ball cap make sure you take your sunnies.
Last edited by Slezy9; 2nd Jan 2010 at 02:46.
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Helmets and parachute for the CT4, parachute and headset for the CAP10. Can't close the canopy on the CAP10 if you wear a helmet.
Therefore take a cap and sunnies
Therefore take a cap and sunnies