RAAF Flight Screening Programme
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I think someone might be trying to sus out his future gaming options 
I wouldn't be too worried about the laptop, its a trifling matter in the grand scheme of things when you think about the effort you'll expend and the money that will be spent on you over the course of your career (or even the selection process, for that matter!). If what I've heard is true, its not a basic notebook but it isn't a worked gaming machine either (obviously). Your guess is as good as mine as to what the stats are.
I wouldn't be too worried about the laptop, its a trifling matter in the grand scheme of things when you think about the effort you'll expend and the money that will be spent on you over the course of your career (or even the selection process, for that matter!). If what I've heard is true, its not a basic notebook but it isn't a worked gaming machine either (obviously). Your guess is as good as mine as to what the stats are.
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And besides, if you want a computer for gaming, go out and buy one. Hell, if you want a computer, go out and buy one. I'd be much happier knowing that I was decently competitive if I got the ADFA Award, rather than worrying at all about what it could entitle an award recipient to.
Last edited by Dilmah G; 1st Feb 2010 at 10:49. Reason: Typo + Rephrase.
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Hi guys
I applied back in Feb 2009 for ADF pilot and quite frankly I'm fed-up with the whole application process. I was very surprised with the smoothness of it all to begin with up until flight screening, but now it all seems to be just a joke. Medicals being lost, dental records not sent through to avmed for processing etc. I had my dental check-up 8 weeks before I had a call from DFR to say the results had been sent to Canberra for clearance. It's all a bit of a joke.
I understand that they want to get the right people for the job and everything, but considering the amount of money the taxpayer has spent on me already and my medicals all check out... seriously, there's nothing stopping me just walking away and gaining employment elsewhere. Shouldn't the taxpayer be extremely worried by this? I seem to be always reading of recruiting targets not being met year after year. The whole process has to be changed. I applied wanting to join then (and still do) but not in 5 years' time.
At least if they could just tell me; "Listen, maybe instead of pilot you'd be more suited to obs, atc, aco etc". But I've had no such recommendation. They seem to want me to wait for a pilot offer, but for how long? Luckily I do have a job, not one I enjoy immensely, but if you were seeking to gain employment in the ADF straight after school, or seeking employment, do they expect you to get a "filler" job at Maccas or Big W? Something needs to change, because I'm so frustrated right now.
Just keep in mind, for anyone applying you have to be very patient and don't even think about quitting your current job. End rant.
Hopefully I get a call mid-Feb, like PSA have suggested!
I applied back in Feb 2009 for ADF pilot and quite frankly I'm fed-up with the whole application process. I was very surprised with the smoothness of it all to begin with up until flight screening, but now it all seems to be just a joke. Medicals being lost, dental records not sent through to avmed for processing etc. I had my dental check-up 8 weeks before I had a call from DFR to say the results had been sent to Canberra for clearance. It's all a bit of a joke.
I understand that they want to get the right people for the job and everything, but considering the amount of money the taxpayer has spent on me already and my medicals all check out... seriously, there's nothing stopping me just walking away and gaining employment elsewhere. Shouldn't the taxpayer be extremely worried by this? I seem to be always reading of recruiting targets not being met year after year. The whole process has to be changed. I applied wanting to join then (and still do) but not in 5 years' time.
At least if they could just tell me; "Listen, maybe instead of pilot you'd be more suited to obs, atc, aco etc". But I've had no such recommendation. They seem to want me to wait for a pilot offer, but for how long? Luckily I do have a job, not one I enjoy immensely, but if you were seeking to gain employment in the ADF straight after school, or seeking employment, do they expect you to get a "filler" job at Maccas or Big W? Something needs to change, because I'm so frustrated right now.
Just keep in mind, for anyone applying you have to be very patient and don't even think about quitting your current job. End rant.
Hopefully I get a call mid-Feb, like PSA have suggested!
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Reply to Johnny_Chase
' End rant'
Yea, life's abit like that - Suck it up
If it makes you feel any better, I started my application in September '07.
I haven't 'failed' anything, starting to lose motivation with my application... I'm halfway through my engineering degree thinking it'd just be a filler until I get in, hopefully my persistance pays off and I'll find myself in the skys down the track.
' End rant'
Yea, life's abit like that - Suck it up
If it makes you feel any better, I started my application in September '07.
I haven't 'failed' anything, starting to lose motivation with my application... I'm halfway through my engineering degree thinking it'd just be a filler until I get in, hopefully my persistance pays off and I'll find myself in the skys down the track.
JC/KB where are you at. Is it still recruiting that is holding you up? I had a friend who applied and found out that by the time he jumped through all the hoops and recruiting forgot/remembered him that when his dossier finally arrived at PSA it was the wrong time. That is they had gone into the ADFA cycle and therefore it was at least three months before DEO was back up.
If you are unhappy with recruiting talk to someone about it like the manager.
If you are unhappy with recruiting talk to someone about it like the manager.
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Nah, I'm through flight screening and I'm class 1 medically fit...
My frustration stems from the fact that I could be at OTS now or even 6 months ago if I had've been told that "you're not good enough for pilot" or "try something else". I would still love to work in aviation. Working as an Observer in a Seahawk would be a truly exhilerating experience and it can't be as challenging to get into as pilot. Same goes for ACO. ATCO would be more boring, but still working in aviation and good prospects post-career. I've been basically told nothing along the way. Very frustrating from my prospective employer... Is this what's to be expected from the next ten years?
My frustration stems from the fact that I could be at OTS now or even 6 months ago if I had've been told that "you're not good enough for pilot" or "try something else". I would still love to work in aviation. Working as an Observer in a Seahawk would be a truly exhilerating experience and it can't be as challenging to get into as pilot. Same goes for ACO. ATCO would be more boring, but still working in aviation and good prospects post-career. I've been basically told nothing along the way. Very frustrating from my prospective employer... Is this what's to be expected from the next ten years?
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Why? Because I would obviously prefer to be in the right-hand seat of the said Seahawk. And obviously any more time taken to apply for a new job role may be the amount of time it takes to get the offer for pilot anyway.
The point is, the Government will waste many dollars on the recruiting process if I just walk away out of sheer frustration... It's a totally inefficient process which has mainly been outsourced to a private contractor in order to "save money". None of these concerns or possibilities are discussed at JOES day. No-one says; "It could take one or two years to join, are you okay with that?" It just didn't happen.
The point is, the Government will waste many dollars on the recruiting process if I just walk away out of sheer frustration... It's a totally inefficient process which has mainly been outsourced to a private contractor in order to "save money". None of these concerns or possibilities are discussed at JOES day. No-one says; "It could take one or two years to join, are you okay with that?" It just didn't happen.
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JC,
Mate, recruiting are ****, you are just going to have to suck that one up! If you want it bad enough, you will wait! Walking away is not going to achieve anything, you will still not be in and you will still be in a crappy job you don't like. You will however be leaving a spot for somebody who really wants it!
I am assuming by talking about the Seahawk that you are applying for Navy, well get used to waiting as it will be quite a few years before you become operational even after you get wings! I have a few mates off my pilots course that have finished the squirrel (after 2FTS) and have been told up to 2years for Op conversion. Every service is hurting for conversion spaces post wings, so waiting WILL be part of the game. Again if you really want it, then its no big deal!
If you decide it is worth the wait, perhaps you could try PSA to find out how you sit in the pool? Remember they only take from the top, possibly why you are waiting? (Not trying to be rude there mate, you just never know who is ahead of you?)
As for the Observer, ATC, ACO thing, if you want Pilot, go for it! Dont accept becoming a Blunt due to frustration, only take it as a second if things dont work out!
Mate, recruiting are ****, you are just going to have to suck that one up! If you want it bad enough, you will wait! Walking away is not going to achieve anything, you will still not be in and you will still be in a crappy job you don't like. You will however be leaving a spot for somebody who really wants it!
I am assuming by talking about the Seahawk that you are applying for Navy, well get used to waiting as it will be quite a few years before you become operational even after you get wings! I have a few mates off my pilots course that have finished the squirrel (after 2FTS) and have been told up to 2years for Op conversion. Every service is hurting for conversion spaces post wings, so waiting WILL be part of the game. Again if you really want it, then its no big deal!
If you decide it is worth the wait, perhaps you could try PSA to find out how you sit in the pool? Remember they only take from the top, possibly why you are waiting? (Not trying to be rude there mate, you just never know who is ahead of you?)
As for the Observer, ATC, ACO thing, if you want Pilot, go for it! Dont accept becoming a Blunt due to frustration, only take it as a second if things dont work out!
As for the Observer, ATC, ACO thing, if you want Pilot, go for it! Dont accept becoming a Blunt due to frustration, only take it as a second if things dont work out!
Keenas,
For our overseas friends, ACO is Air Combat Officer as Navigators (in my day) are now classified. Sure, the young guy should shoot for pilot's course, but being a Nav - I can assure you - ain't "Blunt". Would happily show you my logbook.
Boris
Keenas,
For our overseas friends, ACO is Air Combat Officer as Navigators (in my day) are now classified. Sure, the young guy should shoot for pilot's course, but being a Nav - I can assure you - ain't "Blunt". Would happily show you my logbook.
Boris
Last edited by BBadanov; 2nd Feb 2010 at 21:28. Reason: Added nickname Boris
Sure, the young guy should shoot for pilot's course, but being a Nav - I can assure you - ain't "Blunt". Would happily show you my logbook.
The four most useless things in Aviation,
1. Runway behind you
2. Height above you
3. Fuel in the bowser
4. Hours in a Navigator's Log Book
"Working as an Observer in a Seahawk would be a truly exhilerating experience and it can't be as challenging to get into as pilot. Same goes for ACO."
JC,
take Keenas' advice. Yes it is frustrating but if you ain't competitve you ain't competitive. I believe yor stated you got offered GSO or SSO what happened there?
JC,
take Keenas' advice. Yes it is frustrating but if you ain't competitve you ain't competitive. I believe yor stated you got offered GSO or SSO what happened there?
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I'm sure there are issues with the recruitment process, but there's also one hell of a backlog for Navy aircrews at the moment; many are flying a desk waiting for a training slot, and few are getting sufficient hours. Hence the rush to get a new helo to replace Seasprite and eventually Seahawk!
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What kind of interview questions do recruiting ask?
And I've got my assessment day booked in for next week and I'm confused as to why the interview time is set for 7:40am?
And I've got my assessment day booked in for next week and I'm confused as to why the interview time is set for 7:40am?
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What kind of interview questions do recruiting ask?
And I've got my assessment day booked in for next week and I'm confused as to why the interview time is set for 7:40am?
And I've got my assessment day booked in for next week and I'm confused as to why the interview time is set for 7:40am?
).Questions are asked by a Psyche and a current member of the defence. In my case it was a Navy officer, though RAAF is what I have applied for (other two in second and third preference). The interviews are a chance to show the defence you're pilot material: psyche is probing your character whereas DFR making sure you have the appropriate desire to both serve as an officer and as a pilot. Take from that what you will, if you read through this thread you'll have a good idea.
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What kind of interview questions do recruiting ask?
The medical component is rather simple, just making sure you're physically up to the challenges of training. The psych just wants to see if you're not crazy... However do not be afraid if they try to push some buttons. They don't want to crack you but they want to understand if there are any external forces that will create problems for you during training and the rest of your career. Answer honestly with a level of maturity expected of your age group, if not more so.
The actual Defence Interview varies from person to person. You'll meet with a military member usually Warrent Officer or Captain in rank (service equivilants). They will quizz you on the career you are about to undertake. Know relevant things like training locations, length of courses, (i.e. Flight training begins at OTS or ADFA, (time dependant on which stream you do), BFTS 6 Months and then 9 Months 2FTS), and possible future postings after completion of training (F/A-18 at 3, 75, 77sqns located in Tindall or Williamtown).
Also learn up on tri service things like the current personal weapon operated by the ADF, Fitness standards etc etc. They will ultimately show that you are keen and know what you are getting yourself into. Which is what they want to see most of all.
Hope this helps, Recommended sites are obviously recruiting website, and the various services aswell. Its good background knowledge to have and will put you in good stead.
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I wouldn't be too sure about that mate; I hade mine December 09 and as I said, started 8:30 and finished at 5! I doubt that there was a total of three hours assessment to the day, but perhaps it depends on location as to whether you have to sit the marathon. Best advice, bring a decent book if you don't want to watch DFR recruitment vids and Gallipoli all day
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I wouldn't be too sure about that mate; I hade mine December 09 and as I said, started 8:30 and finished at 5!
Although the Dr's and psych usually don't get too busy there are only x amount of defence interviewers in the building and they can get back logged pretty easily. Alot of reporting goes into the interviews and they have to prepare for each candidate on a case by case basis. Ends up taking alot of time but I guess you don't really need to know the inner workings of recruiting. Just know that although its slow... It does work.
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JC,
Hang in there - work out what you want - and determine the way you can best phrase it to defence recruiting to make it happen for both of you. Don't forget, unless you ace flight screening they're not going to come after you - its a big pool. Be proactive.
If your flight screening result wasnt good enough - move on. If its another factor, you just need to determine if you'll be a chance next round.
As per the previous advice, dont go blunt for frustration. They're good jobs, but you can talk to the f111 navs rerolling to pilot if you like, to see a real perspective.
To those at recruiting logging 12 hours for 3 hours of interviews,
Not the biggest sacrifice, and perhaps a glace at what its going to be like, every time you roll down to medical/pay section/the mess/dental for the next 15 years of your career!
Hang in there - work out what you want - and determine the way you can best phrase it to defence recruiting to make it happen for both of you. Don't forget, unless you ace flight screening they're not going to come after you - its a big pool. Be proactive.
If your flight screening result wasnt good enough - move on. If its another factor, you just need to determine if you'll be a chance next round.
As per the previous advice, dont go blunt for frustration. They're good jobs, but you can talk to the f111 navs rerolling to pilot if you like, to see a real perspective.
To those at recruiting logging 12 hours for 3 hours of interviews,
Not the biggest sacrifice, and perhaps a glace at what its going to be like, every time you roll down to medical/pay section/the mess/dental for the next 15 years of your career!