RAAF Flight Screening Programme
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 62
From: North Queensland, Australia
PS: While choppers are !!!! hot, bear in mind the differences in flying training between the services.
It sounds like you're set on helicopters, and that's not a bad thing at all. An operational helo conversion teaches you all kinds of good stuff, and with the types in service these days, stands you in good stead for post-service flying too.
However, the 2FTS path with its fighter slant takes you that bit further, in my opinion. If I was king and money wasn't an issue, I'd put all our military pilots through 2FTS, then send them off to train on fighters, helos, maritime, transport or whatever.
This is pie-in-the-sky stuff, but in a relatively small defence force aviation community like ours, the ability to swap pilots between types and roles, even services, would be very beneficial in many ways, not just for surge capability.
Anyway, I digress.
It sounds like you're set on helicopters, and that's not a bad thing at all. An operational helo conversion teaches you all kinds of good stuff, and with the types in service these days, stands you in good stead for post-service flying too.
However, the 2FTS path with its fighter slant takes you that bit further, in my opinion. If I was king and money wasn't an issue, I'd put all our military pilots through 2FTS, then send them off to train on fighters, helos, maritime, transport or whatever.
This is pie-in-the-sky stuff, but in a relatively small defence force aviation community like ours, the ability to swap pilots between types and roles, even services, would be very beneficial in many ways, not just for surge capability.
Anyway, I digress.
Last edited by Arm out the window; 15th September 2011 at 10:02.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Tamworth
Slightly on that topic of 'Arm out the window' and Captain Sand Dune would probably be the best person to ask, what would be the chances, hypothetically speaking of course 
, of someone transferring from say RAAF/ Navy to Army during BFTS or at the completion of?
, of someone transferring from say RAAF/ Navy to Army during BFTS or at the completion of?
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
From: Victoria
Fail 2FTS at the right time and you can go to the army!
what would be the chances, hypothetically speaking of course , of someone transferring from say RAAF/ Navy to Army during BFTS or at the completion of?
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
Hello folks,
A question to those who may be in the forces or have more information than I do -
if you do get recommended after attending FSP, what are the chances of being selected while in the pool? Let’s assume a worst case scenario and you end up with a recommendation but at the bottom of the pilot pool - is there an estimate of the number of recommended candidates in the list and the number that get to training?
Thanks. Hope that made sense. I’m just trying to gauge and make long term plans and would like to know.
A question to those who may be in the forces or have more information than I do -
if you do get recommended after attending FSP, what are the chances of being selected while in the pool? Let’s assume a worst case scenario and you end up with a recommendation but at the bottom of the pilot pool - is there an estimate of the number of recommended candidates in the list and the number that get to training?
Thanks. Hope that made sense. I’m just trying to gauge and make long term plans and would like to know.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Tamworth
In the current situation mate, I hate to say it but if you've got a low recommendation, it's unlikely you will get a spot. so few spots are being handed out, only the top ones are getting the nod. Army SSO is stopped completely so there's one avenue out of the picture. My first time around, I found out I had a low recommendation, was made medically unfit for Army and didn't get picked up for Raaf or Navy. I'm better placed this time around but where exactly in the pool, they wont tell you. But let's face it, you could be tenth place and if only 9 spots get offered, you miss out. Then again, a big intake maybe just around the corner. It's out of your hands at this point and I know it's hard but just stay with it. 10 years ago, it was a different story I am told, there were more spots available than people in the pool!
If you don't get a call, you can do it all again. If you want it.
If you don't get a call, you can do it all again. If you want it.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 472
Likes: 13
From: SAUDI
Sep,
don't forget the other part of the pool, which is it is continually being added to. So even if you are competitive and the intake numbers are down it dosen't neccssarily mean you move up in the pool when some are taken out.
don't forget the other part of the pool, which is it is continually being added to. So even if you are competitive and the intake numbers are down it dosen't neccssarily mean you move up in the pool when some are taken out.
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Perth
Somewhat inspiring
To all those who doubt whether or not they are capable of achieving a spot in any of the forces as a pilot( or aircrew for that matter), let me paraphrase something penetratingly insightful and inspiring:
"Everyone who attempts selection has the basic mark-one body:two arms, two legs, one head and one pumping set of lungs. What makes the difference between those that make it and those that don't is what goes on in here," ( touching chest), " heart is what makes the difference. Only you know if you have got what it takes. Good luck"
-a senior , ex-SAS officer
"Everyone who attempts selection has the basic mark-one body:two arms, two legs, one head and one pumping set of lungs. What makes the difference between those that make it and those that don't is what goes on in here," ( touching chest), " heart is what makes the difference. Only you know if you have got what it takes. Good luck"
-a senior , ex-SAS officer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
Thanks cj and finestkind. It is quite disheartening to be left in a state of uncertainty even after being recommended, albeit a low one at that. I’ve still got medicals to complete, and my eyesight hopefully gets through as a marginal issue.
However, I went in to FSP with no flying. I now know what I can be and what I really am missing out on. I am more determined than ever to do whatever it takes and wait for however long the system requires me to, in order for me to wear the flying suit again, this time around with the Australian flag and my name tag on it.
Afraidofheights,
Very true Sir. I drew most of my inspiration and support from these forums and the internet, so thanks for sharing.
However, I went in to FSP with no flying. I now know what I can be and what I really am missing out on. I am more determined than ever to do whatever it takes and wait for however long the system requires me to, in order for me to wear the flying suit again, this time around with the Australian flag and my name tag on it.
Afraidofheights,
Very true Sir. I drew most of my inspiration and support from these forums and the internet, so thanks for sharing.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Tamworth
NicKM91,
Apologies mate and cheers.
Would be good to know how many, roughly, were in the pool? I thought it was around 150 when intakes are at their normal pace but I was told recently it may be as little as 50 applicants, but I can't see that being quite right? I have "heard" not as many people are getting recommended lately due to the fact that they don't want to have an overcrowded pool.
I stress, these are just things I've "heard".
Apologies mate and cheers.
Would be good to know how many, roughly, were in the pool? I thought it was around 150 when intakes are at their normal pace but I was told recently it may be as little as 50 applicants, but I can't see that being quite right? I have "heard" not as many people are getting recommended lately due to the fact that they don't want to have an overcrowded pool.
I stress, these are just things I've "heard".
Last edited by cj0203; 19th September 2011 at 09:28.
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Perth
Was just booked into an assessment day in two weeks time! I have scoured this thread, however, perhaps someone who has recently attended their assessment day can suggest some particular area to concentrate on, or criteria the interviewers are targeting more recently! Cheers and good luck to everyone working hard towards any part of the recruitment process, keep your heads up, and remember "the only difference between 'try' and 'triumph' are varying degree's of umph" - bear grylls
Never considered swapping... but I know people who have
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Perth
Cj, my advice would be not to worry with things that are out of your control. The issue isn't whether or not there are 50 spots or 150 spots or any number above, below or in between. Make yourself as competitive as possible. The harder something is the more rewarding it is. Whether you outclass 1 person or several hundred- do your best and the universe( and the forces) will decide whether you have what it takes. All the best mate!