RAAF Flight Screening Programme
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Congrats guys on getting as far as you have with your respective applications. Whether you be starting Officer training soon or going across to Tamworth to attend flight screening, all the best.
Aloys1us:
I believe, and if an army pilot can correct me if I'm wrong, That Chook conversion is held at 5 AVN Regiment in Townsville. I'm not entirely 100% certain if it is a second tour posting, but if it were the case it would not surprise me as it is a different type of flying. Whereas blackhawks, MRH90s, Kiowas and the ARH's all apply the exact same principles of lift and flight found generic for all helicopters, The chinook would have its own, albeit similar, flying characteristics and principles. At least is my understanding of it anyways. I havn't met too many Chook pilots in my time apart from two crusty Colonels (no names).
Don't let that put you off, Although flying a chinook would have some prestige, The Blackhawk pilots I have met, claim they can't imagine anything more fun than what they do. As for the ARH... Next to being a fighter pilot or a digger on the ground, where else are you gonna blow %*#@ up?
VTIC
Aloys1us:
I believe, and if an army pilot can correct me if I'm wrong, That Chook conversion is held at 5 AVN Regiment in Townsville. I'm not entirely 100% certain if it is a second tour posting, but if it were the case it would not surprise me as it is a different type of flying. Whereas blackhawks, MRH90s, Kiowas and the ARH's all apply the exact same principles of lift and flight found generic for all helicopters, The chinook would have its own, albeit similar, flying characteristics and principles. At least is my understanding of it anyways. I havn't met too many Chook pilots in my time apart from two crusty Colonels (no names).
Don't let that put you off, Although flying a chinook would have some prestige, The Blackhawk pilots I have met, claim they can't imagine anything more fun than what they do. As for the ARH... Next to being a fighter pilot or a digger on the ground, where else are you gonna blow %*#@ up?
VTIC
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Cheers for the info, I did meet a ath pilot while I worked on raaf Darwin. And he swore by it too defs had me convinced to change my mind I guess it all comes down to preference. I wana work with medical evac n spec ops so my only chance of being deployed in such roles would land on the mrh now, If the chook is outa reach straight up
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Hi Everyone, haven't been on here in a while - congratulations to the guys being accepted, brilliant work. I've followed your stories as you've gone through the various stages and its inspiring to see people getting in. 
I finally got a call this morning for Flight Screening starting 12th March, anyone else heading to Tamworth for that course? It's been 18 months since I first applied and I waited all last year for an FSP spot but missed out. Had my 2nd Assessment Day last month and was told my file was sent to PSA on Friday and got a call this morning! Just goes to show if you hang in there you might get a shot!
Zeddy, good luck with the Med stuff. I had my first Assessment Day at the start of Feb 2010 and and my file wasn't sent of until May or something. Just keep checking with DFR as to where it is and how it's proceeding as I doubt my file would have even got to PSA last year if I hadn't...
Good luck to the guys heading to Tamworth on Saturday - PM me if you're on my course and want to have a chat... Whoohoo!!!
Cheers
Jimmy
I finally got a call this morning for Flight Screening starting 12th March, anyone else heading to Tamworth for that course? It's been 18 months since I first applied and I waited all last year for an FSP spot but missed out. Had my 2nd Assessment Day last month and was told my file was sent to PSA on Friday and got a call this morning! Just goes to show if you hang in there you might get a shot!
Zeddy, good luck with the Med stuff. I had my first Assessment Day at the start of Feb 2010 and and my file wasn't sent of until May or something. Just keep checking with DFR as to where it is and how it's proceeding as I doubt my file would have even got to PSA last year if I hadn't...
Good luck to the guys heading to Tamworth on Saturday - PM me if you're on my course and want to have a chat... Whoohoo!!!
Cheers
Jimmy
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Aloys1us:
And always hold on to your dreams. The military can be a harsh place and you may not always find yourself where you wish to be, but no matter what a/c you fly or what operations you do, I can guarantee you'll find it rewarding. Whether it be flying Blackhawks for specops in Sydney or providing an armed eye in the sky with the ARH, you'll always feel a part of something big. Work towards your dreams with the chook and you just might get there!
To the rest of you, good luck at flight screening and the best advice I can give you is this: Study hard, be yourself, show the OSB what you're made of, and most importantly... Have a great time with it.
Might i suggest heading out to the Impy on Friday/Saturday night... Or observing a cluster cup after Friday knock off! See the BFTS culture.
And always hold on to your dreams. The military can be a harsh place and you may not always find yourself where you wish to be, but no matter what a/c you fly or what operations you do, I can guarantee you'll find it rewarding. Whether it be flying Blackhawks for specops in Sydney or providing an armed eye in the sky with the ARH, you'll always feel a part of something big. Work towards your dreams with the chook and you just might get there!
To the rest of you, good luck at flight screening and the best advice I can give you is this: Study hard, be yourself, show the OSB what you're made of, and most importantly... Have a great time with it.
Might i suggest heading out to the Impy on Friday/Saturday night... Or observing a cluster cup after Friday knock off! See the BFTS culture.
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Spaceman- you sound like a native 
the Impies ok, but a punch in the head from a p*ssed local can ruin your entire career
, so look out for your mates! (this is true for all nights out, runs ashore etc)
the Impies ok, but a punch in the head from a p*ssed local can ruin your entire career
, so look out for your mates! (this is true for all nights out, runs ashore etc)
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I wouldn't say native, lets just say an experienced person! And yes, going to the impy comes with a note, warning and caution... Don't start something because it will hurt
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Just make sure you find out what the rules are for screeners in regards to the Impy before you head in there on friday: I know when I was there last year it was off limits because of previous 'altercations' 
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Likewise we were told to stay away. It's easy to spot a BFTS student or Flight Screener in town because lets just say hair styles tend to differ a bit...
Congrats on the offer BlackBird14, you'll make the right choice, just like we had planned a year ago, so when did you want to leave for sale
Congrats on the offer BlackBird14, you'll make the right choice, just like we had planned a year ago
, so when did you want to leave for sale
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Just make sure you find out what the rules are for screeners in regards to the Impy before you head in there on friday: I know when I was there last year it was off limits because of previous 'altercations'
How about not going into town and sacrificing one Friday night of your lives and actually doing some preparation! You only get one shot at this, kiddies.
If that's too much of a sacrifice for you to make, you seriously need to re-consider your priorities or your choice of career.
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Thanks guys
As stupid as it may sound, I just want to thank all for their feedback on my previously posted rant. I had just hit a wall and was pissed. As a follow up to that rant and a bit of background, I had already had an interview with the Shadow Minister for Defence who informed me of several things. One being that if it was taken further by him and the Minister of Defence then I could kiss any opportunity of joining goodbye as my application would pretty much be blackballed. It may help the recruiting process in the future but my application would pretty much be dirt. His words, not mine. He was also the one who informed me of the Defence forces need to 'force' serving members of the military out, much the same way England has been doing, due to a very low outgoing turnover, due in part to the GFC and the prospect of financial stability in the military. Again, his words, not mine.
I had tried to go up the chain also and was met with brick walls the whole way. I was told the same thing nearly everytime, 'that's just how recruiting works.'
What the problem was was, I had passed up several job contracts on advice from recruiting in that I could be off to Flight Selection within the next month. It makes it difficult to start a new job and then two weeks in have to say, thanks guys but I have to go away for two weeks, I hope you understand. Real world just doesn't work like that. Going the ADFA route while still in school is ok as you have a fairly stable environment around you and no real world commitments (within reason), but for the rest of us out there, things like work, rent, family commitments, etc need to be juggled around the selection process and when it's dragged out over 18 months frustration is going to set in.
Again i do apologise for the rant, it was intended to get some blunt feedback from all perspectives, and I appreciate the feedback that was offered.
As for the old guy statement. It was not meant to be taken how it was. I'm not saying 40 is old per say, but at 22 I was told I was getting to be too old to be looking at joining the Air Force as a pilot, so compared to that, yes 40 is old. It was not meant to be derogatory, or taken as that.
I had tried to go up the chain also and was met with brick walls the whole way. I was told the same thing nearly everytime, 'that's just how recruiting works.'
What the problem was was, I had passed up several job contracts on advice from recruiting in that I could be off to Flight Selection within the next month. It makes it difficult to start a new job and then two weeks in have to say, thanks guys but I have to go away for two weeks, I hope you understand. Real world just doesn't work like that. Going the ADFA route while still in school is ok as you have a fairly stable environment around you and no real world commitments (within reason), but for the rest of us out there, things like work, rent, family commitments, etc need to be juggled around the selection process and when it's dragged out over 18 months frustration is going to set in.
Again i do apologise for the rant, it was intended to get some blunt feedback from all perspectives, and I appreciate the feedback that was offered.
As for the old guy statement. It was not meant to be taken how it was. I'm not saying 40 is old per say, but at 22 I was told I was getting to be too old to be looking at joining the Air Force as a pilot, so compared to that, yes 40 is old. It was not meant to be derogatory, or taken as that.
Join Date: Jul 2010
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off to ots!
Got the offer today to go down to OTS this Saturday, cannot wait to start and get into the training and if all goes well be in the front seat of a super hornet in a few years. The late confirmation was quite interesting but still gladly accepted. The dream is slowly turning into a reality.
The Impy..... we were warned too. There must be some horror stories that come out of that backwater pub, tall poppy syndrome maybe? with the medicine delivered by the locals.. There are better social places anyway. (ie not the Impy)
The Impy..... we were warned too. There must be some horror stories that come out of that backwater pub, tall poppy syndrome maybe? with the medicine delivered by the locals.
. There are better social places anyway. (ie not the Impy)
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I have to disagree with you Captain Sand Dune on the issue of friday nights on flight screening.
Although prep is paramount to being successful whilst at flight screening, an opportunity to let your hair down after what could be a rather stressful week is an important part to staying with it. Hence why most of the students do the same thing whilst on course at BFTS. Its just my opinion ofcourse, because I know many normal guys who would have cracked if they didn't have the opportunity to relax once in a while.
Sounds like the Impy is still off limits anyway... Try the Tamworth, or Tudor... sometimes can be good
Although prep is paramount to being successful whilst at flight screening, an opportunity to let your hair down after what could be a rather stressful week is an important part to staying with it. Hence why most of the students do the same thing whilst on course at BFTS. Its just my opinion ofcourse, because I know many normal guys who would have cracked if they didn't have the opportunity to relax once in a while.
Sounds like the Impy is still off limits anyway... Try the Tamworth, or Tudor... sometimes can be good
I have to agree with Captain Sand Dune.
If you can't cope with the stress of such a short and important Flight Screening and need to head into yokesville to piss it up, then how are you going to cope with OTS, Comsurv, and FTS etc?
This is your future, and not a holiday camp that it depriving you of a few nights out on the turps.
If you can't cope with the stress of such a short and important Flight Screening and need to head into yokesville to piss it up, then how are you going to cope with OTS, Comsurv, and FTS etc?
This is your future, and not a holiday camp that it depriving you of a few nights out on the turps.
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Thanks everyone for the congrats!
And congratulations for getting offers guys! Well done! It must be a bit strange having to pack up your life in a week, but I guess that's what we're signing up for.
As for the flight screening - I'd have to agree with Captain. Sure, on course you need to relax, probably weekly, but if you can't handle 2 weeks without going to the pub I think you might have a bit of a struggle. With the competition there is at flight screening I would rather be working for the 2 weeks without the relax.
And congratulations for getting offers guys! Well done! It must be a bit strange having to pack up your life in a week, but I guess that's what we're signing up for.
As for the flight screening - I'd have to agree with Captain. Sure, on course you need to relax, probably weekly, but if you can't handle 2 weeks without going to the pub I think you might have a bit of a struggle. With the competition there is at flight screening I would rather be working for the 2 weeks without the relax.
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I guess we should leave those decisions up to the people who are there to make them. My point is that one night of putting your feet up does not hurt in the greater scheme of things. You might actually feel you need it or even deserve it and to put a blanket "You must study every single spare minute of your time" is actually counter productive. Think about it, in all your life experiences... School for example, did you spend friday nights studying or relaxing? Uni, same question. OTS/ADFA, same question. BFTS/2FTS, same question. etc etc. You have two days in Saturday and Sunday in which you can study for 16hrs if you please, what's 6 hours of one night?
How much study can one candidate do whilst on Flight Screening? Once you know everything, you know everything... Once you're prepped for the OSB, you're prepped for the OSB... Apart from chair flying there isn't much else you can do.
That is my opinion and have seen it work. I've also seen it fail, but then again i've also seen the other argument work/fail.
I think we should leave it up to the individual.
How much study can one candidate do whilst on Flight Screening? Once you know everything, you know everything... Once you're prepped for the OSB, you're prepped for the OSB... Apart from chair flying there isn't much else you can do.
That is my opinion and have seen it work. I've also seen it fail, but then again i've also seen the other argument work/fail.
I think we should leave it up to the individual.
Sure, it is up to the individual.
But there's been many times I've been under intense pressure in a military cockpit, wishing I had studied for an extra hour or so (despite knowing that I knew it all preflight).
It's an important weekend concerning your life's dream. There are ways to relax or let off steam, or bond with the group, but getting blottoed/bashed/pissed/herpes is a large price to pay. If you can't go without such luxururies for one weekend, then perhaps your heart isn't really in it.
But there's been many times I've been under intense pressure in a military cockpit, wishing I had studied for an extra hour or so (despite knowing that I knew it all preflight).
It's an important weekend concerning your life's dream. There are ways to relax or let off steam, or bond with the group, but getting blottoed/bashed/pissed/herpes is a large price to pay. If you can't go without such luxururies for one weekend, then perhaps your heart isn't really in it.
Last edited by Runaway Gun; 1st Mar 2011 at 13:01. Reason: Studied is the past tense of Studies.
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Conceded,
Getting blottoed/bashed/pissed/herpes (herpes? really?) isn't a great idea, and personally I probably wouldn't go out and do the same... But I would go out and have a couple of drinks to bond with my fellow screeners and relax.
Getting blottoed/bashed/pissed/herpes (herpes? really?) isn't a great idea, and personally I probably wouldn't go out and do the same... But I would go out and have a couple of drinks to bond with my fellow screeners and relax.
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I did go out on the Friday right or wrong, but it wasn't because I couldn't handle a weekend without getting on the turps: part of my reasoning was that you have to sit an OSB with the group at the end of the two weeks that mostly (on the Thursday) involves team exercises that would obviously be a lot easier with a close-knit group. I think blowing off some steam on friday helps in that regard.
I did feel at times as though I really did need a bit of extra study (though I would have thought that regardless!), but being the sole FSP candidate not to go out for a beer would have hurt a lot more than it helped, I think.
I did feel at times as though I really did need a bit of extra study (though I would have thought that regardless!), but being the sole FSP candidate not to go out for a beer would have hurt a lot more than it helped, I think.
