RAAF Flight Screening Programme
You may if, you wish re-do, the flying component of FSP after three years. don't forget that it will take a bit of time getting through the recruiting process so apply before the three years is up.
Join Date: Oct 2012
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Hi guys,
Was wondering if someone could PM me the contact details for PSA. I wanted to call them to have a chat about my file, and I cannot find the contact details anywhere on the Air Force PSA site.
Thanks in advance.
Was wondering if someone could PM me the contact details for PSA. I wanted to call them to have a chat about my file, and I cannot find the contact details anywhere on the Air Force PSA site.
Thanks in advance.
Join Date: May 2012
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Start of Officer Training
Does anyone have an idea when you would start initial officer training if you get accepted for a spot in the november distribution???
I would guess next year because its too close to xmas but anything more definitive than that would be great.
Cheers
I would guess next year because its too close to xmas but anything more definitive than that would be great.
Cheers
Join Date: Oct 2012
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Hi guys,
Long time reader first time poster here! I've just finished reading through this thread and I'd just like to give a big thank you to all of those who have contributed, especially the FSP staff and any current/ex pilots for imparting your wisdom! I've found it extremely helpful and hopefully it gives me that edge in preparation to have a successful application.
A bit about me, I'm 23, from Melbourne and currently studying a BBus (Marketing) degree which I hope to finish mid way through 2013. I have completed both the YOU session and specialist aircrew testing successfully and just waiting for educational exemptions to be processed by DFR (I didn't complete the right math subjects at high school, doh!). For those of you interested; I completed a maths unit via OUA (Open Universities), specifically through Murdoch, to gain equivalency for the requirements and a second maths unit to solidify my understanding. It has not been approved as yet but I have emails from VCAA confirming its equivalency to the Victorian Maths Methods standard. I have ~10 hours powered flight time, close to my first solo and considering time in a glider and possibly a couple of aerobatic lessons.
In preparation for the YOU session, if any of you are worried about it, I recommend Free Practice Psychometric Tests, Psychometric Tests Examples - Aptitude Tests, Personality Tests Examples and Psychometric Test Courses Online. They have a large number of practice aptitude questions and while not all of the areas are relevant, I definitely found it very helpful at an affordable price. I DO NOT, however recommend http://www.defenceaptitude.com.au; I was dismayed to find the quality of the materials lower than what I was exposed to in primary school, and after leaving some polite constructive feedback received an abusive phone call. Avoid this site.
For those who have or have had asthma, I have this to say: I had childhood asthma and have not had any symptoms in the past 5+ years. I was required to obtain specialist lung reports, specifically for a spirometry and aridol (mannitol) challenge test or BPT (Bronchial Provocation Test). This was all clear and I have been cleared medically to proceed (having said that, I haven't yet attended assessment day for the more comprehensive medical assessment)
Assessment day is the next stage in my application, and primarily from my attendance at the ADFA open day a couple of years ago at the advice of the RAAFie giving the presentation (can't remember his name!), I have gathered that the defence interview is ranked in competitiveness based on 5 factors which are scored individually out of 5. In no particular order, they were:
- Military Motivation
- Flight Motivation
- Team Experience
- Leadership Experience
- Academics
I'm not sure if there are different weightings to each of these categories, but it is my understanding that these scores are then put into a system and candidates are ranked based on their final score, of which the top are selected for any given FSP place availabilities! I'm also not sure if this is specific to ADFA only, but it would make sense if this is also applied to DEO.
I've been preparing for this since I attended the open day (maybe a bit before) over 2 years ago so I'm fairly apprehensive, hopefully it pays off!
One question I do have; Does anybody know what the recruitment climate for pilots is like at the moment? Or any specifics on intake numbers for ADFA/DEO?
Cheers,
VS
Edit: Sorry for the long post!
Long time reader first time poster here! I've just finished reading through this thread and I'd just like to give a big thank you to all of those who have contributed, especially the FSP staff and any current/ex pilots for imparting your wisdom! I've found it extremely helpful and hopefully it gives me that edge in preparation to have a successful application.
A bit about me, I'm 23, from Melbourne and currently studying a BBus (Marketing) degree which I hope to finish mid way through 2013. I have completed both the YOU session and specialist aircrew testing successfully and just waiting for educational exemptions to be processed by DFR (I didn't complete the right math subjects at high school, doh!). For those of you interested; I completed a maths unit via OUA (Open Universities), specifically through Murdoch, to gain equivalency for the requirements and a second maths unit to solidify my understanding. It has not been approved as yet but I have emails from VCAA confirming its equivalency to the Victorian Maths Methods standard. I have ~10 hours powered flight time, close to my first solo and considering time in a glider and possibly a couple of aerobatic lessons.
In preparation for the YOU session, if any of you are worried about it, I recommend Free Practice Psychometric Tests, Psychometric Tests Examples - Aptitude Tests, Personality Tests Examples and Psychometric Test Courses Online. They have a large number of practice aptitude questions and while not all of the areas are relevant, I definitely found it very helpful at an affordable price. I DO NOT, however recommend http://www.defenceaptitude.com.au; I was dismayed to find the quality of the materials lower than what I was exposed to in primary school, and after leaving some polite constructive feedback received an abusive phone call. Avoid this site.
For those who have or have had asthma, I have this to say: I had childhood asthma and have not had any symptoms in the past 5+ years. I was required to obtain specialist lung reports, specifically for a spirometry and aridol (mannitol) challenge test or BPT (Bronchial Provocation Test). This was all clear and I have been cleared medically to proceed (having said that, I haven't yet attended assessment day for the more comprehensive medical assessment)
Assessment day is the next stage in my application, and primarily from my attendance at the ADFA open day a couple of years ago at the advice of the RAAFie giving the presentation (can't remember his name!), I have gathered that the defence interview is ranked in competitiveness based on 5 factors which are scored individually out of 5. In no particular order, they were:
- Military Motivation
- Flight Motivation
- Team Experience
- Leadership Experience
- Academics
I'm not sure if there are different weightings to each of these categories, but it is my understanding that these scores are then put into a system and candidates are ranked based on their final score, of which the top are selected for any given FSP place availabilities! I'm also not sure if this is specific to ADFA only, but it would make sense if this is also applied to DEO.
I've been preparing for this since I attended the open day (maybe a bit before) over 2 years ago so I'm fairly apprehensive, hopefully it pays off!
One question I do have; Does anybody know what the recruitment climate for pilots is like at the moment? Or any specifics on intake numbers for ADFA/DEO?
Cheers,
VS
Edit: Sorry for the long post!
Last edited by Very Sneaky; 8th Nov 2012 at 08:54.
Join Date: May 2012
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Sky high from what I hear its going to be end of jan when you start
Sneaky, in all seriousness mate I respect your preparation and effort you have put towards getting in but their is one hard reality that you should plan for the most.
If you have passed the you session and specialist pilot testing you will most likely pass the assessment day providing you can sell yourself well. Once you have passed that , the real test is up next
Regardless of your prepping, when you're up in the pilot seat you either have that natural ability or you don't. Civilian flying hours really are to familiarise you with a plane and that is how you should treat it. It will not teach you how to fly a ct -4. I can guarantee you that. Gliding is great experience for flying and I would recommend that but I urge you to prep yourself mentally. You will feel down at some point and you will need to dig deep and stay focused. Believe in your ability and accept the fact that you may be good enough or you may not be. This is not a maths test that you can study for.
Also if you find chair flying is not for you, don't waste your time doing it , an early night sleep rather than staying up chair flying and studying does a lot more for you
I won't say any more about flight screening as I know PSA would prefer details of the 2 weeks to not be discussed, but good luck to you and all others
Sneaky, in all seriousness mate I respect your preparation and effort you have put towards getting in but their is one hard reality that you should plan for the most.
If you have passed the you session and specialist pilot testing you will most likely pass the assessment day providing you can sell yourself well. Once you have passed that , the real test is up next
Regardless of your prepping, when you're up in the pilot seat you either have that natural ability or you don't. Civilian flying hours really are to familiarise you with a plane and that is how you should treat it. It will not teach you how to fly a ct -4. I can guarantee you that. Gliding is great experience for flying and I would recommend that but I urge you to prep yourself mentally. You will feel down at some point and you will need to dig deep and stay focused. Believe in your ability and accept the fact that you may be good enough or you may not be. This is not a maths test that you can study for.
Also if you find chair flying is not for you, don't waste your time doing it , an early night sleep rather than staying up chair flying and studying does a lot more for you
I won't say any more about flight screening as I know PSA would prefer details of the 2 weeks to not be discussed, but good luck to you and all others
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Thanks for the advice mate,
I've spent a lot of time contemplating my desire to do this for the past couple of years, and have long since come to the firm conclusion that this is what I want to do and am prepared to do whatever it takes to get there. I don't feel as though my motivation or any lack there of will create any problems for me because of this, as I know exactly what it is I want and how far I'm willing to push myself for that.
Having said this, you're right in that successful flight screening is for the naturally gifted. I seem to have adapted to the air quickly enough, but whether I meet this standard is another question. It is also one for which there is nothing I can do to prepare, so instead I prefer to concentrate on elements within my control
Good tip on the chair flying; I haven't yet done any so I'll have to try it out to find out!
Cheers
VS
I've spent a lot of time contemplating my desire to do this for the past couple of years, and have long since come to the firm conclusion that this is what I want to do and am prepared to do whatever it takes to get there. I don't feel as though my motivation or any lack there of will create any problems for me because of this, as I know exactly what it is I want and how far I'm willing to push myself for that.
Having said this, you're right in that successful flight screening is for the naturally gifted. I seem to have adapted to the air quickly enough, but whether I meet this standard is another question. It is also one for which there is nothing I can do to prepare, so instead I prefer to concentrate on elements within my control
Good tip on the chair flying; I haven't yet done any so I'll have to try it out to find out!
Cheers
VS
Join Date: Nov 2012
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Hey all,
Just wanted to say first a huge thank you to everyone who's contributed (positively) to this thread
I just finished reading through the whole thing, and have gained some awesome insight into the entire process. I'm currently in the process, just finished additional testing and waiting on an assessment day date. I just had a few more things that I want to clarify:
1. What is the accommodation situation at Tamworth? Is it organised by PSA, or are candidates expected to organise their own accommodation? No troubles either way, just curious.
2. I recently called DFR and asked how to get into contact with a currently-serving pilot, but the kind lady who answered had no idea. I tried to find the number for my closest base (Amberley) but couldn't find one. Does anyone know the best way to go about this? Or, if there are any current-serving pilots on these forums that want to message me, that'd be awesome On that note, I'd love to contact a pilot from each stream (ACG, ALG and SRG), is this possible?
3. I noticed a few pages back that the whole basic/advanced system had been changed at FSP, does anyone know in the current situation, how many flying hours puts you in each category?
4. Should the assessment day go well, and depending on the answer to the previous question, I'm planning on getting about 10-15 hours in the air before (hopefully) heading to Tamworth. One of the ways I was going to go about this is the ADF Cram Course at Red Baron Flight Training (Red Baron | Advanced Flight Training | Bankstown Airport Sydney). I've heard only good things about this course, and I don't mind spending the $$, but I'm wondering if it would be more beneficial to take that $2550 and spend it on ~10 hours in a glider? What do you guys think? Ideally, I'd like to do the Red Baron course and put a few glider hours on top of that, but I'll have to see how the financial situation goes later in the process.
Again, thanks to everyone who has contributed! And sorry for the long post
Just wanted to say first a huge thank you to everyone who's contributed (positively) to this thread
I just finished reading through the whole thing, and have gained some awesome insight into the entire process. I'm currently in the process, just finished additional testing and waiting on an assessment day date. I just had a few more things that I want to clarify:1. What is the accommodation situation at Tamworth? Is it organised by PSA, or are candidates expected to organise their own accommodation? No troubles either way, just curious.
2. I recently called DFR and asked how to get into contact with a currently-serving pilot, but the kind lady who answered had no idea. I tried to find the number for my closest base (Amberley) but couldn't find one. Does anyone know the best way to go about this? Or, if there are any current-serving pilots on these forums that want to message me, that'd be awesome
On that note, I'd love to contact a pilot from each stream (ACG, ALG and SRG), is this possible?3. I noticed a few pages back that the whole basic/advanced system had been changed at FSP, does anyone know in the current situation, how many flying hours puts you in each category?
4. Should the assessment day go well, and depending on the answer to the previous question, I'm planning on getting about 10-15 hours in the air before (hopefully) heading to Tamworth. One of the ways I was going to go about this is the ADF Cram Course at Red Baron Flight Training (Red Baron | Advanced Flight Training | Bankstown Airport Sydney). I've heard only good things about this course, and I don't mind spending the $$, but I'm wondering if it would be more beneficial to take that $2550 and spend it on ~10 hours in a glider? What do you guys think? Ideally, I'd like to do the Red Baron course and put a few glider hours on top of that, but I'll have to see how the financial situation goes later in the process.
Again, thanks to everyone who has contributed! And sorry for the long post
Hi Frappe,
Try calling the Defence Switchboard on 1300 333 362, they should be able to connect you to your closest base.
To add to what VS recommended regarding practice aptitude tests I found these helpful in preparing:
Assesment, IQ and Aptitude Test Training
How to pass aptitude tests with example tests
Defence International Training Centre
Aptitude test questions
Apologies if some of these links have been posted before.....
Try calling the Defence Switchboard on 1300 333 362, they should be able to connect you to your closest base.
To add to what VS recommended regarding practice aptitude tests I found these helpful in preparing:
Assesment, IQ and Aptitude Test Training
How to pass aptitude tests with example tests
Defence International Training Centre
Aptitude test questions
Apologies if some of these links have been posted before.....
Join Date: Feb 2012
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Hey mate,
RAAF, RAN and ARA offers went out on the 20th so if you didn't recieved a call you've missed out this time. From what I remember being told when I was on flight screening, the next intake is in April (though you probably have a more up to date time). When the offers went out there was approx 70 candidates in the pool for RAAF and 15 offers were given out. Not sure about the size of the RAAF/RAN pools.
Best of luck,
Steve
RAAF, RAN and ARA offers went out on the 20th so if you didn't recieved a call you've missed out this time. From what I remember being told when I was on flight screening, the next intake is in April (though you probably have a more up to date time). When the offers went out there was approx 70 candidates in the pool for RAAF and 15 offers were given out. Not sure about the size of the RAAF/RAN pools.
Best of luck,
Steve
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Hi Liz,
From what I have been told there have actually been 2 distributions since March this year; one in June (while I was on flight screening actually) and the other was at the same time as the RAAF/RAN distributions on the 20th November. If you want to know when the distributions are going out just call the Pilot selection agency with the details your husband would have received in his FSP joining instructions.
Good luck,
Steve
From what I have been told there have actually been 2 distributions since March this year; one in June (while I was on flight screening actually) and the other was at the same time as the RAAF/RAN distributions on the 20th November. If you want to know when the distributions are going out just call the Pilot selection agency with the details your husband would have received in his FSP joining instructions.
Good luck,
Steve
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Liz,
I believe what you are referring to which took place on Nov 20th was not an intake, but actually the date on which the ADF phoned potential RAAF/RAN/Army officers swimming in the pool and informed them that they were taking the next steps towards sending them an offer for enlistment; the associated enlistment dates being early in 2013.
From the limited information I've gleaned I think the next call out will be in April 2013.
Hope that helps,
Cheers.
I believe what you are referring to which took place on Nov 20th was not an intake, but actually the date on which the ADF phoned potential RAAF/RAN/Army officers swimming in the pool and informed them that they were taking the next steps towards sending them an offer for enlistment; the associated enlistment dates being early in 2013.
From the limited information I've gleaned I think the next call out will be in April 2013.
Hope that helps,
Cheers.
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Flight screening cram courses...
I'm interested in the 'ADF Flight Screening Cram Course' at Red Baron.....
Good on you guys for supporting GA though, if it makes you feel better about your chances at FSP, sounds like a win to me. Always be honest with the number of hours you have actually flown when you arrive....
The FSP instructors will know when you have more flying than you let on too, if you are one of those. FSP is exactly what the name says - flight screening, not flight training, hence conducting other flying before hand there is usually very little benefit to your performance at FSP. The reason is that the rate at which new sequences are introduced on FSP is in excess of what even the most capable pilots can keep up with - and its designed that way so the instructors can assess where you sit on the bell curve.
My best advice still remains to LISTEN to your FSP QFI. They have all the information you will need. Most guys who come unstuck are either not suitable, or just too ignorant to understand that they have an expert sitting with them giving them the answers...there are no secrets, they tell you everything!
All the best, thanks to those supporting Australian General Aviation.
Good on you guys for supporting GA though, if it makes you feel better about your chances at FSP, sounds like a win to me. Always be honest with the number of hours you have actually flown when you arrive....
The FSP instructors will know when you have more flying than you let on too, if you are one of those. FSP is exactly what the name says - flight screening, not flight training, hence conducting other flying before hand there is usually very little benefit to your performance at FSP. The reason is that the rate at which new sequences are introduced on FSP is in excess of what even the most capable pilots can keep up with - and its designed that way so the instructors can assess where you sit on the bell curve.
My best advice still remains to LISTEN to your FSP QFI. They have all the information you will need. Most guys who come unstuck are either not suitable, or just too ignorant to understand that they have an expert sitting with them giving them the answers...there are no secrets, they tell you everything!
All the best, thanks to those supporting Australian General Aviation.
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The Wings Book
OK, so I have my assessment day coming up this Monday (10/12/12), and have been preparing using the defencejobs website and the letter that DFR sent me in the mail, which from what I can tell it seems fairly basic.
I bought the "Wings" book a few months ago as a preparation tool, and there seems to be a big contrast in what should be prepared for between the two, specifically in terms of the detail. I've read a few posts in this thread in regards to this book about claims of it being inaccurate in areas and unhelpful.. My question I guess is whether the guide provided for assessment day in the book (chapter 3) is an accurate representation of questions and topics that will be covered in the respective interviews, and whether I am safe using it to prepare?
If anybody has any insight in to preparation for assessment day it would be much appreciated!!
Cheers
VS
I bought the "Wings" book a few months ago as a preparation tool, and there seems to be a big contrast in what should be prepared for between the two, specifically in terms of the detail. I've read a few posts in this thread in regards to this book about claims of it being inaccurate in areas and unhelpful.. My question I guess is whether the guide provided for assessment day in the book (chapter 3) is an accurate representation of questions and topics that will be covered in the respective interviews, and whether I am safe using it to prepare?
If anybody has any insight in to preparation for assessment day it would be much appreciated!!
Cheers
VS
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So I have been trying to up my general fitness.....and thought a good goal may be to attain the RAAF requirement of 2.4 k run, the push ups, sit ups etc. ...But I cannot seem to find what the swim requirement is? Does anybody know what the swimming component consists of?? I guess It's just a few 100m, and treading water full clothed, or something like that...? Thanks in advance
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Hi VS,
I used the book whilst going through recruiting this year and must say it was an invaluable resource. There are areas in which the book is inaccurate (only this such as aircraft in service, pay rates etc - anything that has changed since it was published.) The Defence Jobs website really doesn't push the study and prep as much as it should (particularly for a pilot - it is a very competitive position). I ended up committing most of the info in the Wings book to memory; the defence interviewer said I was one of the best applicants she had ever interviewed. That got me onto flight screening shortly after. Study just as much for your OSB and you'll be leaving Tamworth with a high recommendation. AS long as you double check anything that may be outdated in the book you'll find it to be very useful.
Cheers,
Steve
I used the book whilst going through recruiting this year and must say it was an invaluable resource. There are areas in which the book is inaccurate (only this such as aircraft in service, pay rates etc - anything that has changed since it was published.) The Defence Jobs website really doesn't push the study and prep as much as it should (particularly for a pilot - it is a very competitive position). I ended up committing most of the info in the Wings book to memory; the defence interviewer said I was one of the best applicants she had ever interviewed. That got me onto flight screening shortly after. Study just as much for your OSB and you'll be leaving Tamworth with a high recommendation. AS long as you double check anything that may be outdated in the book you'll find it to be very useful.
Cheers,
Steve
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Thanks Steve!
That makes me feel a lot better about it haha. I guess the next few days will be spent going over every relevant detail then! Another thing I wanted to clarify; Is there currently a written component to Assessment Day? I've seen past posts make reference to an essay, but when I asked my case manager he said "we aren't supposed to know what is involved in assessment day for pilots", but went on to say he didn't think there was. This obviously didn't fill me with confidence. Can anybody confirm?
Cheers
VS
That makes me feel a lot better about it haha. I guess the next few days will be spent going over every relevant detail then! Another thing I wanted to clarify; Is there currently a written component to Assessment Day? I've seen past posts make reference to an essay, but when I asked my case manager he said "we aren't supposed to know what is involved in assessment day for pilots", but went on to say he didn't think there was. This obviously didn't fill me with confidence. Can anybody confirm?
Cheers
VS
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Hi Queestce,
To be honest I'm only sure about the army. I was told the calls for army would be in early March. Received this info from Tamworth when I called.
Cheers
Liz
To be honest I'm only sure about the army. I was told the calls for army would be in early March. Received this info from Tamworth when I called.
Cheers
Liz
Best of luck to your husband!