Danni check ya emails mate sent ya one? not sure bout the 3 minute talk i would say they give us a topic and we have to chat about it. i just recieved all my emails from flight screening and nothing was said about it in them. yer i organised a few flights and trying to do some aerobatics.

Hi all,

Completed FSP halway through this year and was recommended by the Board. I have been offered GSO and SSO with the Army with a 3 for preference. I didn't have a great stanine but I believe I scored well in other areas. I am holding out for a position as Navy pilot (5 for preference), as I'd love to have the oppurtunity to fly the PC-9 and fly from ships after operational conversion. I understand with the cancellation of the Seasprite, Navy pilots aren't in great demand unfortunately...

Does anyone have any advice for me as to hold out for what I really want or take the Army offer? Do service transfers occur?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Hey mate,

I know that the navy isn't employing as many pilots as other services, but keep in mind that in the next few years they are receiving new helicopters so will need extra pilots!

Or maybe try RAAF?

Johhny Chase
 

Hi mate,
Can you please confirm that you have received an actual Letter of Offer from the Australian Army? If you have received a LOO it will detail which method of entry it was for - be it GSO or SSO. Bare in mind that you can only apply for either GSO or SSO at the one time - I was in this same boat earlier this year - do I apply for GSO or SSO???? I picked GSO and got my offer.
Here's a few home truths for you to help you out:
1. Recruiting has the most amount of people sitting in the pools of successful applicants all wanting a spot on some sort of pilots course, than they have ever had.
2. A lot of the people sitting in these pools have scored very highly.
3. The intakes over the next twelve to eighteen months and possibly longer have been scaled down considerably, for all services, for all methods of entry.
4. Put simply, there is excess supply of good applicants and limited demand.
5. You have received an Offer for a service that wasn't your first preference.
6. I will completely disregard what you think your flying scores were and look purely at the situation. You have obviously scored well enough to earn an offer for a service you wanted in to, but not well enough to earn an offer for what you wanted more.
7. The powers that be honestly have your best interests at heart, as well as those of the ADF. They will not cut their nose off to spite their face. They have offerred you a place because they want you as an ADF pilot, but couldn't offer you the service that you wanted for any numerous reasons.
8. If you turn an offer down you will not be offerred it again. I don't know what your chances of getting an offer with a different service are, but if you were going to get one, you would have gotten it instead of this one.
9. Inter-service transfers do occur, but not regularly, and if you bank on doing it in the future you should really reconsider accepting the offer in the first place.
10. And finally, one of the first things you would have been told by recruiting when you went in there at the beginning was that pilot selection is more than super competitive and a "willingness to accept an offer that is not your first or possibly second preference will greatly increase your chance of getting a jersey".

I apologise in advance for being a bit blunt in parts - but it's best you have the home truths out on the bare table to help you make your decision.

Regards Ryan

Top notch reply Ryan. Cheers for the insight mate. I received a verbal offer from the Wing Commander for GSO over the phone just after my FSP course. He said an SSO offer would also be valid if I decided I wanted to go that route. It's a pretty big decision to make, as I'll be dedicated to that job and service for a decade of my life! I like the idea of GSO, but hate to think of the risks of getting booted from BFTS after a few months and having to serve in an infantry unit. I'd much prefer to work in an area of aviation. This may just work as extra motivation in BFTS (as if I would need any).

I find it interesting that on the defence jobs website, every pilot job other than Navy pilot is a priority job. Quite an interesting observation if there is such a large pool of successful applicants waiting for a spot on BFTS!

Might see you at RMC soon Ryano. Just got to keep my fingers crossed and see what happens.

Hey Ryan

With that last post, about waiting pools, does the same apply for ADFA applicants, i am off to flight scrrening soon and just say i am lucky enough to get through what happens then?? Do i get a offer for ADFA or go into a waiting pool?

Cheers Dan

Johnny Chase
 

Mate, check your PM's.

To the pool mate, the services then skim the best ones off the top and offer them spots.

Two avenues - ADFA or Direct Entry. Whether or not you have (or desire) a university degree is irrelevent. From mid to late high school develop a keen interest in aviation and the ADF. Study well at school and study the right subjects. Don't listen to people who say it's too hard or you won't get in. Speak to the real people doing to job (get numbers through recruiting/cadets/contacts). Finally just do it - get to recruiting and do the tests and interviews when you are at the right age or have finished school.

All the best.

The pools
 

Once you have been to FSP, and done the flying side of things you will sit your OSB. The OSB will determine whether or not you can be trained into a military officer (by you displaying the relevant qualities) and they will also take into account how well you did in the flying phase and the rest of the tests you complete during recruiting. If they feel that you can 1) be trained into a military officer and 2) be trained into a military pilot, you will receive a "recommendation" for further training.

Once you have that recommendation, you are then placed into the relevant waiting pool. There are many different pools because there are many different avenues of entry. The number and quality of people in each of these pools is constantly changing because new people join the pool and others drop out. Where you sit in those pools will also naturally change. What differentiates people is their score relative to each other, and that is based on all your scores throughout the entire recruiting process. When the ADF draws from the required pool, it will naturally take from the top. There are many people who miss out on a spot each year who have been recommended at FSP and gone into a pool.

To all those who read this post, I ask that you understand that the pools are CONSTANTLY changing and the needs of the ADF are also CONSTANTLY changing. I am not (read NOT) trying to put off anyone from applying - I fully encourage everyone to put in their best and give it a shot and I am happy to provide pointers when asked. I was in a very similiar position to Johnny Chase earlier this year and provided him with the info I had been made aware of.

Even at the worst times, those that are good enough to get through, will. It's as simple as that - do the tests, do them well, impress the socks off everybody and sit back and wait.

Maths courses for ADF pilots
 

G'day guys and gals, hoping someone could help me out with recommending some mathematics bridging courses to bring me up to ADF pilot entry standard as I do not make this standard at the moment. The quickest is preffered and do not mind where it is or if it is correspondence as long as its recognised by the ADF as a pass in maths B (Queensland level). Thanks to you all happy aviating :)

Hey mate,

Best idea would be to talk to your local recruiting centre, and see what maths course they will endorse. I could think of nothing worse than spending time on a maths course only to find that it wasn't good enough.

James.

WannabMaverick: Go back to page 34, there's a fair bit of info there regarding some courses.

Everyone else: I went solo today!! Was unreal! Didn't really have time to think about it. I did a few circuits and then my instructor hopped out and said do one more haha. It was awesome. Can't wait to go back up tomorrow.

1 flew- Not too hot in the cct today for you?:ok: Good effort, and keep encouraging the wannabees- not always enough of it on this thread!

To WannabMavrick

I was in the same situation after i left highschool, i went through i school in perth call SIDE (School of isolated and distance education), they send there work through the mail and you complete the subject through correspondence, they offer it Australian wide to. It took me a year to complete and now i off to flight screening so the courses they offer can be used for ADF. I do know there is a course offered in Queensland which would probably be better for you but i think its expensive. if ya need there number just let us know.

Regards Dan

oldpinger
 

Thanks! It wasn't too bad this morning, about 28 (40 now!), bit hotter under the bubble though (very sweaty). I highly recommend anyone get flying before making it to flight screening.

Maths Courses for ADF Pilots - Extended
 

I've got a slightly similar question, Regarding my subjects for Years 11/12, is doing Calculus (WA course) worth it, when DFR accept on Applic? I have a feeling that I may not be able to score too highly on Calculus (not that I won't give it 110%), and would a C/B- in Calculus mean a lot more than a B+/A in Applic to them? Also, would it help one's case to DFR if they took Physics, Chemistry and Geography? I wouldn't mind doing Physics and Chemistry (in fact I enjoy them to some extent), but I feel I may be able to score higher in other subjects.

In my situation, i was studying at home through correspondence and started doing Calc, found not being in a class room and not having teacher really hard so dropped to applic and scored a High B, but saying that calculus would be the best option if teachers are there (or your smart enough to do it of course)!!! i also did physics. hope this helps

Dilmah G
 

Hey Dilmah,

That's a tough one but think of it this way. I'm not sure how it works in WA but in NSW you want a good overall mark (UAI here) in order to inevitably get into good courses. If you were to do applicable maths, as accepted by ADF, and did well in it would that give you a better overall mark than if you did Calculus?
I just feel that a better total mark will benefit you so pick the subjects that can provide that. Chemistry and Geography aren't a necessity, do them if you enjoy them. You can do Art and the ADF will take you! Maybe even pick one subject that provides an 'outlet'. What I'm getting at is that if you meet the minimum requirements you're safe but that doesn't mean you shouldn't push yourself. Don't pick Geography and Chemistry because you feel it will look good at DFR, pick the subjects you'll do best in and enjoy. Some level of enjoyment = motivation = marks. You can get into the ADF as a pilot with no physics and minimum applicable maths but I would definitely suggest taking Physics.

You need to speak to a year coordinator or similar to get the best advice. They can tell you if Applicable maths marks scale differently to Calculus or if your abilities are best suited for one or the other etc.

Sorry if I'm being blunt or making it sound like I think you shouldn't challenge yourself with Calculus, Chem and Geo, that's not the case, it's just that I feel that you should do the subjects you'll do best in and that you enjoy more than "to some extent". Pick something that interests you more, your marks will show it, it's all about marks.

When I went to recruiting they looked at my UAI (marks), if I'd done the correct maths and asked if I'd done physics. Hope that helps in some way.

That's interesting, I found correspondence learning easier. You could work at your own pace and not have the distractions of other class mates.

Suppose everyone is different, I just found calculus without the teacher there to guide you through certain things, saying that i did do alright with applic but no where near as hard as calc.

can akntone tell me besides flying what is the other primary roles of a pilot and also there secondary??

Primary and Secondary Roles
 

The roles of a pilot depends first of all whether they are deployed or at home.
While at home (and not on exercise) a pilot will spend usually only a little bit of time flying compared to fulfilling secondary duties. These duties will be assigned according to your level of seniority. Junior officers will usually be tasked with more squadron-based roles. These include keeping the maps up to date, ensuring everybody's log books are correct, being a PR point of contact for the squadron, being a family liason officer for those members that are deployed etc etc. Any day to day jobs you can think of to keep a squadron running have to be done by somebody.
There are also a raft of other jobs that involve keeping the base your stationed at running day to day, and it is likely you could pick up some of those responsibilities as well.
While on exercise or a deployment, pilots will spend the majority of time either planning or flying - completing the job they've trained to do.
As you become more senior through your career, the jobs you're assigned will become more complex and you will bare more responsibility.
To sum it up, the ADF is like any other organisation really - junior officers (managers) tend to be more concerned with day to day operations, and senior officers (managers) tend to be more concerned with the medium to long term strategic planning.

Thanks heaps Ryano

Got 9days till Flight screening so just want to be ready, I have read through all these posts, any other usefull tips or hits??? Like i said just want to be 150% prepared. Any info will help?

Regards Dan

-----edited-----

Hey guys,

Can anyone shed some light in regards to career development for pilots in the RAAF? For example, how long until you are promoted flying officer ect.? I just want to have an idea of the type of timeline one would be looking at incase I'm asked a similar question at the Board.

Thanks,

Danni

No offence intended Dilmah, but you are 15 years of age and have not attempted any part of the RAAF testing process. I don't think you are in a position to give advice to anyone at this stage..

Danni
Promotion after pilots course vaires but is put in the contract. Promotion to FLTLT is time based. I believe if ADFA and graduating as PLTOFF after ADFA and FLGOFF after 2FTS you would then be promoted to FLTLT after 3 years. Promotion after that is not time based but a min of 4 years in rank i believe.

BlackBird14
 

Oh no, you're perfectly right. I was parroting what I'd read here on the thread (almost word for word). I'll step back and shut up for the time being. ;)

Hey Guys,

I need some advice.

I'm currently residing in the UK, I have close family out in Australia in Melbourne. I am hoping to join the Military as a Pilot, currently I'm doing a degree course in Aeronautical Engineering with French.

Maybe after my degree course, I'm looking to migrate like some of my family have done so to Aus. I've enquired about gaining permeant residence in Australia, I've been told that I shouldn't have a problem

Would someone kindly outline the steps of the application processes with details of Aptitudes and what happens/ experience people have gone through during the Flight screening program. Please PM me, or post on main thread. Also, How do and on what parameters do the Defence Board select Pilots for RAAF, Army or Navy?

I'd also like some knowledge of Initial officers training and flying training in the RAAF. I'd like to hear from servicing members to give me an idea of life in the Austrailian Defence Force.

Thank You in advance,

ZD714

(I know I said I'd shut up, but I don't think this is such a sticky thing to slot my $0.02 into) ;)

Well, I'm obviously not a serving member, and hell, I haven't even finished High School or SEEN a DFR office before, but as far as the Application Process goes,

I understand you have to apply first (Over the phone, or through Home | Defence Jobs), after that, you'll be required to go to a YOU Session, where they'll talk you through a few a things/Interview you and you'll sit a basic Aptitude Test to assess your ability for the job you've applied for, and if successful there, they'll try and book you in for a Specialist Testing Date, and after that, you may/may not get a shot at Flight Screening, depending on how well you go. That's all I can recall off the top of my head, and I won't vouch for its accuracy. Hopefully someone who's been through the process (Believe me, there are plenty of people around here) can give you a more in-depth run down, but if you haven't already, reading this thread is an excellent start, since many people here have been in similar positions and made it, + There are some very informative posts you might find interesting. :)

Dilmah is correct.

You session

Assessment day

Flight screening/OSB

If you pass each of these successfully then you go into a distribution pool, the ADF then selects candidates out of the top of these pools when they need pilots. You remain in the pool for a year.

Hey Guys,
I haven't had a chance to check this thread in a while and it seems there has been a lot of repeat threads posted on here. For anyone wanting to know anything specific about the recruitment process, have a look back through this thread first. This thread is incredibly helpful but show some imitative and don't take the easy option.
This may help you in the future if you do get to OTS as I can attest to. I'm in my 6th week and to say it has been full on would be an understatement. You need to be on the ball all the time and people that take the easy option are found out very easily.
As for young guys and gals not sure about DEO or ADFA options - Don't listen to all the rumours that they wont take anyone to that is to young for DEO. There are 9 pilots on our intake, and 4 of them are under 20. Two of them are only 18 and they are holding there own very well. Be confident about your ability and show you are ready to work your ass off. On the other hand, ADFA isn't a bad idea if you know there are a few qualities you need to work on, and you get a degree at the same time.
Not sure about the intakes for next year but I'd have to agree with Ryano that there seems to be a lot of guys that have gone through recently and with not many leaving. I went to FSP with Ryano and he has great knowledge of not only the ADF but the requirements and the processes as well, well worth listening to!!
All the best for everyone going through the recruitment process at the moment!

Well actually Tony I've done it all this year and thats what I did.. my assessment day consisted of my Spec Testing. I assume everyone else's would also.

I concur with Tony, Spec Testing is done on a different day to Assesment Day...

Hey guys, I was at flight screening on the 24th Oct-7th Nov and was successful. Does anyone know when the next Army offers come out? I believe it is around March?

The rumour also at FSP was that there will only be 1 Navy, 10 SSO Army slots and 5 Raaf positions on offer. Spewin'. Not sure about GSO but I believe there are plenty.

Cheers
Chris.:ok:

I would say those rumours would ultimately be false.. I already know of 4 RAAF offers been given out for ADFA next year. There would be at least around 30 RAAF spots for pilot from what I've seen.

I think I did my spec testing and assessment day on the same day due to me not having anywhere close by to do my spec testing. Therefore I had one big session and just did it all.

From what I have heard, there will be 5 DEO offers for Raaf. The Army offers for SSO were due in Jan 10 but that may have changed.
30 offers for Raaf sounds very excessive James. There is also a rumour floating around that the recruitment drive for the start of next year has been cancelled due to the high numbers that have already been taken in, but that is yet to be confirmed.

I'm no expert, but wouldn't one applicant be a little illogical seeing as the Flight Training Process has a <50% washout rate?

How do you find out these figures? Those odds are ridiculous! Kind of disconcerting. 4 years ago they were begging for applicants, I guess they got them.

You can be cut at anytime up until when you get your wings. The failure rate is well over 50%. They say that there is only about a 7% chance of getting onto fast jets as well.
Just because you get an offer doesn't mean that it is plain sailing, the work has only just begun.