Thanks for that informative reply mate! Appreciate your constructing that wall ha.

I'm hoping my physics should be okay as I'm currently studying an intensive course in that! As for the maths side of things I suppose I will have to do as much practice as I can of similar tests and hope for the best. Guess I can only try my best - and then try again repeatedly until they won't let me through the doors :cool:

In relation to the actual testing format, I was under the impression that at the YOU session I would be sitting the general aptitude test, and then the second officer aptitude test - then assuming I was to pass both I would be able to book in a date for the pilot testing. That being more specialised aptitude tests, the hand eye co-ord test, interview, and essay. From there to the FSP assuming results and medicals are all good. I've recently been told that's incorrect though, and that the only thing done at the YOU session is the general ADF aptitude test... If anyone could confirm or deny that it would be most helpful!

Cheers,

Tk

Hey guys,

This is pretty tangential compared to what the current discussion topic is - but has anyone tried to email Dr. Holding recently? I just sent an e-mail inquiring about the ADF Pilot Aptitude Prep courses as well as the Aero Maths course and got an error almost immediately and not sure if this is something on my end or his. Does anyone know what's going on?

EDIT: Disregard above, all is well.

The current format of recruiting as I know it is as follows:

Phase one: YOU
General aptitude test
Maths test - up to yr 10
ADFA officer entry test - this is only for people going for ADFA, and tests you on yr 12 math

Phase two: specialised aptitude
Instrument test
spatial skills tests
maths tests
hand-eye co-ord

Phase 3: Assessment day
Medical interview
Psych interview
Recruiter interview
Essay writing

Phase 4: FSP+OSB

El Rab, thanks once again. Great info, much appreciated.

Lesnak - nice work! Must be a great feeling.

Tk

Hi there,

I did this assesment in march and unfortunately failed :uhoh: However i am still willing to folow my dreams and give it another shot next year (when im aloud).

Now for the question; Is there an resources that i can use to improve in all sectors of the assesment. I think i was particularly bad at the "Gauge reading" and the "computer censor sticks". Does anybody know of any sites or books, I don't mind paying, just don't want it to be a waist of money :rolleyes: .

Appreciate any advice
Matt

Matt, as pedantic as it sounds, if this is your normal style of written skills you will need to improve in this area.

Hi All,

Had my assessment day recently and unfortunately got knocked back due to my lack of leadership experience. While it is extremely disappointing, I can apply again in 12 months. 12 months to make myself a much better candidate!

My interviewer said that the OSB really is focused on leadership at the moment. This was underestimated by myself so my advice to others who may frequent this board is to have a good understanding of your own leadership capabilities so you can explain it to them confidently. Remember STAR, situation, task, action and result and you should be golden.

The recruiter mentioned avenues for potential leadership experience such as SES or Rural Fire Service volunteering, or if you work a full time job try and take on managerial roles there.

Hope this helps all who are in the process.

Liam

Liam,

Bad luck! I hope you do better next time.

Do you mind mentioning what leadership experience you do have?

Not a great deal really.

I have held no managerial positions in my work history, and the jobs I've had while at university haven't really had any opportunities for leadership. I'm part of the SES in QLD, but only at the entry level. I was also music captain in high school, however that was 6 years ago.

Mathematics
 

Hey guys,
I've only recently found this forum from a friend who is also determined to make pilot and I've read lots of the stuff on here and I would just like to say that the information some of you have provided has so far been invaluable and greatly appreciated :)

This brings me to my question (my apologies if this has been answered alread): What are the mathematics used by a pilot whilst inside the cockpit? I am aware of formulas such as speed = distance x time but are there other conversion formulas for simple estimation and such? I know this is basic stuff but I just want to make sure I'm practicing the right stuff.

Again, thanks alot for what you've already provided!

the maths you will use will be speed dist time/ fuel calcs/geometry + the all important:

if my sortie starts at 1045, and its duration is 1.2, and dogs are on until 1230, will i still be able to have dogs?


I find this one quite helpful.

Well done Lesnak!

Good luck on course.

Could be something to do with budget cuts. It'd make sense after hearing a few of the figures OTS has to deal with. Save having to spend top dollar to put someone through the full 17-18 weeks only to have them scrubbed at FTS.

Its true what aus111c says; knowing whether dogs is on the cards before you fly is essential prep.

As for the 6 week course, they are trialling it at the moment apparently to save money (ie, because of the decent scrub-rate at pilot's course, they'd rather not put you all the way through OTS if they're going to lose you). You do the initial 6 week block which is the first (introductory) of the three OTS phases, do BFTS, then finish OTS off before 2FTS. lesnak, the most recent course at BFTS when you were here was the one with the first batch of 6-week OTS guys so its a pretty recent thing.

I don't envy that route, it was good to get it all out of the way in one go! ;)

Don't forget to calculate weather you can fit one or two dogs aus111c!:E

Going back in time, there was previously 6 week OTS courses for pilots as well, so perhaps they are revisiting that idea.

theres always room for double dogs!

unless your jack,

when you come here for flight screening, bring coin on fridays to buy dogs.

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anyone has managed to get through the pilot selection process without having any previous piloting experience?

I just got through my Assessment Day and am now waiting to get the call up for the pilot screening course in Tamworth. I have been in a flight simulator, been a passenger on an aerobatic flight and done a lot of traveling around the world, but thats as far as my flying experience goes. Does anyone know if this will go against me?

Jack,
On the contrary, it makes it easier in some ways as you don't have to 'unlearn' anything. Still have to work your b#tt off learning workcycles etc Seen quite a few with even less experience do quite well.


Good luck!

An article from '08:

WGCDR Smith: "A good majority of our FSP students come to us with less than five hours total flying time. While we prefer them to have done some flying so that we can be sure this is what they want to do, sometimes having more experience can impact them, but we keep an open mind".


http://www.******************/files/B...g%20School.pdf, p. 49

Having read that though, the majority of guys I know who scored extremely well (stanine 8-9) had between 10 and 20 hours behind the controls. Read in to that what you will!

Hi Guys,
I got back from flight screening a few weeks ago and had a blast! I've just got some questions on stuff that was posted here lately:

Would someone please outline a few more details about this modified OTS program for pilots? Is it currently happening and will it continue to happen into next year? I had expected a 17 week OTS course then onto BFTS but this may no longer be the case?

Cheers.

any tips for getting fast jet potential???

Yes, 2FTS is where it all gets decided.

thx for that info guys, i know it isn't every day that ADFA candidates get changed to DEO but plz understand I am just trying to tell my little story of my application process. I give myself no better or worse shot than anyone else who has applied for this year or any other.

I would still appreciate some info on this modified OTS and BFTS program if any of you guys on the inside could spare a moment of your time.

Cheers guys

Edit: I posted about the 6 week OTS course not long ago.

look guys i get the point, thx for the mockery and personal attacks. I don't want to be seen as a ******** because i'm really not, this whole thing has just swept me off my feet since getting back a few weeks ago.

Just want some info on the OTS

EDIT: Mudrat, just read your post on the previous page - can't believe i didn't see it before! Did you go through the modified course path?

Standard for this place mate, dont let it get to you. Well done and best of luck!

Hi guys,

In celebration I have had a few drinks so sorry in advance for any sloppy grammar or spelling!

Thanks for all the help on this forum! It has helped me a lot in getting through the application process for becoming a pilot in the ADF.

I applied for the pilot position again this year in March - 5 years after I last applied when I was in grade 12 (I got knocked back for low school marks and life experience). I went to flight screening around July this year and recieved a phone call 1 month ago from the ADF letting me know that my documents would be sent down to Canberra for the RAAF and that I would recieve a phone call soon. I finally recieved that call today with an offer for DE pilot for the RAAF for the middle of February :D. Just thought I'd let you guys know for those of you waiting for the call.

Also FYI I went to flight screening with around 130 hrs of gliding and 30 hrs of powere flying. I highly recommend gliding for potential FS candidates and I believe that 5-15 hours of flying would be great a number to go to flight screening with, however that is my opinion.

If anyone else going in at the same time feel free to contact me!

Good luck to the rest of you going through this process.:ok:

Luke

yeah they gave me the DEO option so i've transferred to that pool now, I never had an offer from either entry avenue. But this might be BS like the "fast jet" thing too (hope not), but the board and admin guys said they wouldn't have given me the option if they didn't think I would get on course. Could just be more crap though, fingers crossed and i guess we'll see if a letter comes in the next few weeks or not!

How bad can the pass rate be if they are breaking up OTS to save some coin.

Nicholas, don't let the BFTS kiddies get you down. They prob wasted 3 years at adfa.

I've just recently applied for a position as a SSO Pilot for the Australian Army and studying up so I can make sure I score well on my aptitude test. So I've been reading on and on about people talking about some experience is better then none, but in my case - I've had alot of flight experience just never flown the planes myself.

In my family there is about 6 pilots (Pop, Aunty, Mum, Step Dad + 2 first Cousins) so I have been in the air for countless hours and know that flying is something I have always wanted to pursue. My question is, if I pass my aptitude test, should I still look at getting some hours up in a glider or other aircraft before the FSP?

Dru,

I would suggest that you should have some"flying expereince". Getting past the aptitude test is only the first step. You have to be selected to get a position on FSP.You are a 25 y.o with what appears to be no logged hours, with numerous relatives that are pilots. How do you think this looks for motivation? Getting hours after doing the RC stuff is like putting on a condom after the act.

Having a few hours under your belt before FSP means you can focus on the flying having gotten over the initial "wow" moments of your first few flights (in your own time) & get's you used to the sight & sounds plus hearing ATC comms in your headset. Gives you some confidence.

If funds & time allow, I'd recommend trying to get at least to your 1st solo.

If not, spend some of your prep time at least learning the phonetic alphabet.

Good luck.

Dru,

I went to flight screening about 5 months ago and my recommendation would be to do about 5-12 hours of flying with the majority of those hours being in a glider. I recommend that you start out gliding and then around 3-4 hours in an aerobatic plane.

Gliding helped me out ALOT at flight screening as you get a good feel for rudder and aileron co-ordination. Definately get some hands on flying under your belt before you go, however a few guys on my flight screening course had 0 hours and were recommended.

Hope that helps and good luck,

unfortunately due to personal reason i was unable to afford flights over the last few years. I'm hoping that the knowledge i will show them will be a sign of motivation. If i can, i'll even try and fit in a logged hour between now and the aptitude test.

I will take the time to learn the phonetic alphabet. Thanks.

BFTS Documentary
 

Guys, a few years ago I saw a documentary of BFTS at Tamworth. It followed a group of prospective candidates as they went through the flying and officer board. I am pretty sure it was on the ABC. Does anyone remember this and perhaps point me to where I can watch it again? Cheers

WellingtonX
I'm pretty sure it was called "You've got the job", either ABC or SBS. No idea how you can get your hands on it though.

It was on channel 7

Hi all,

Well great news. My husband applied over a year ago and medically was rejected (after being recommended for flight screening). We appealed - he went back and had to re-do physc as it only lasts a year and then was classified as 3R as he had to submit medical reports. This included blood tests, blood pressure readings and a few other little things.

We sent everything off on Monday (21/12) and they rang on Wednesday to confirm everything has been received and they are preparing the file to be sent to PSA.

Whilst army was first preference he is 1cm to tall so will go Navy and/or Airforce. Being a pilot is his preference.

We are really excited and hope to hear from PSA soon.

Lesnack - just wanted to say thanks - your posts proved invaluable. Congrats on your appointment - brilliant news!

Cheers
Liz

hey all,

So I'm seriously looking into applying as a pilot through ADFA.

I'm 17, and in year 12. Currently completing Mathematics (2u), English Adv, Physics, Bio and Business Studies. Additionally, I've actually completed the entire Mathematics (2u) course as I took part in an accelerated program, however fell 3 marks short of being able to sit the HSC.

One of my concerns was that if i was to apply now, will there be enough time for the entire selection process (assuming I pass each stage) to begin ADFA in 2013? I've yet to book my YOU session and was hoping to get some tips from anyone on here, a basic run down. Basically, what will happen, what i should study on..etc.

Furthermore, I have read that there are a number of different tests involved during the specialist stage, gauge, instrument, distance time questions...etc. I was hoping if someone could point me in the direction of some resources to familiarise myself?

thanks :)

Pacificjet,

12 months should be plenty of time. I applied in February a couple of years ago, had the YOU session in March, spec. testing April, assessment day in late May, file got to PSA mid-July, position on next available course (25 Sep - 09 Oct from memory), was told of an offer from a certain FLTLT at PSA in late October and officially received the offer in November.

Of course if your friendly DFR is not on top of their game, you'll have to poke and prod them to get the ball rolling and get yourself in for your various tests and interviews in a timely manner.

Check out google for free online IQ tests for basic stuff that you'll find in the YOU session and the RNZAF website for the more aircraft specific stuff in the spec. testing.

Enormous amount of advice on the whole process in this thread. Have a read!