Grades (again!)
 

-----edited-----

Luckily nobody gets stirred up like this in reality though, otherwise we'd always be "down"...:uhoh:

I'm not going to ride the ever-popular ADFA bashing bandwagon; the people you're referring to didn't go to ADFA, but it is a perfectly viable choice. Whoever is considering applying for that mode of entry, don't let these erroneous attitudes have an impact your choice. There are pros and cons to both.

So anyone know when and how many offers are being put out for RAAF DEO? I'm going to call around tomorrow and see what I can find out. I will post what I know after that if no one beats me to it.

:eek:
INCOMING!!!!

Hi Captain Sand Dune,

Not sure how to take your post, I am presuming there is humour involved :)

This has been such a long fight for my husband. He joined the army at 16, completed his apprenticeship, then HSC and was accepted for flight training. I believe at that point in time the age cut off was 26 - his dreams were shattered when he had to undergo a knee reconstruction and by the time he had rehabilitated, he had missed the cut off age - he then decided to leave the defence force after serving 10 years.

About 14 months ago I was talking to a girlfriend (as we do) and she mentioned her husband going to flight screening anyway to cut a long story short we found out the age cut off had been increased. Hence the application. I think the first time we applied was about 14 months ago and in this time my husband has lost close to 20kgs, exercises like a demon, has got his cholesterol down to normal levels by diet alone and is basically the fittest he has ever been.

It's amazing what motivation can do for you - he is so focused and I am personally so excited at the prospect of him living his dream.

Flight screening is the next step, so we are nervously anticipating the call/letter.

Worst case scenario is that he is fit and healthy but the kids and I all have our fingers and toes crossed for him.

Wag

Great to see someone chasing their dream and actually applying themselves.

I do not wish to appear to be a doomsayer but unless your hubby is one of those natural freaks it is a long shot. Not wishing to pour cold water over a dream but hopefully there is some realistic appreaciation of his chances.

The grapevine has it that intake numbers are down for all three services and the RAAF is only, at the present time, after fast jet jockies.

Good luck

Hi all,
I'm 15 (16 in Sep), starting year 10 this year. I want to proceed to a career as a fast jet pilot in the RAAF, but I'm not sure what to do about consulting a careers councillor and whatnot. I have picked subjects like Maths B and Aeronautical Engineering, and I do plan to join the RAAF Cadets ASAP. I don't have any medical conditions, but my right index finger had about 3mm chopped off the end in an accident on a Scout hike in 2009. I was wondering though, should I try for Direct Entry, or should I go to ADFA? I would prefer to go via Direct Entry and spend some cash on glider lessons (as suggested by multiple people on the thread) and get about 15hrs on it so I have some sort of "hands-on" experience with flying an aircraft, but if ADFA would be a better way, I wouldn't ignore it as an option.

Thanks finestkind,

Yep we are realistic but the worst case is a "no" and if you don't try, you will never know.

I would say he is a bit of a freak :) so will keep you posted on his progress.

Cheers
Liz

Leadership Opportunities
 

Hey again everyone,

I've been looking around at leadership opportunities since getting knocked back. I'm in the SES and have gone back to full-time work/part-time uni seeking a promotion at work.

I also had the though of joining the Scouts as an adult member/leader as well as the Big Brother program.

Is anyone able to give their thoughts on what stead this would put me in for the next time I'm in the interview chair?

LM

RandosaurusRex,

The ADFA DEO question is a very personal thing to answer. They both will get you onto pilots course, one 3 years later than the other, but with a degree in hand.

You've got to weigh it up yourself, its not really something anyone else can answer for you.

Perhaps think of things like am I mature enough to tackle DEO, do I need a few years at ADFA to further develop such traits, can I stand waiting 3 years before beginning pilots course :E etc.

I had to make the same decision, and have no regrets going DEO.

Cheers

Nick

Hi Folks,

I'm about to go for my assesment day.

I got an interesting call just the other day. DFR rang me up to conduct a 'mock interview' for assessment day.

Is this a recent thing? I definitely do not recall a similar thing happening when I applied back in the day. It seems like a strange thing to do.

Just found out file to be sent to Flight Screening tomorrow. Fingers crossed we hear in the next few weeks!

Got a bite afterall

Sorry to hark back to post #2044 but ...

It was called "You've Got The Job (2006)' and was hosted by Chris Bath being aired on Ch 7.

For those desperately keen there is a DVD copy of the free to air broadcast sitting at Deakin University (Geelong) as per below link.

You've got the job (DVD video, 2006) [WorldCat.org]

My recollection is that it was pretty good and although a little dated might answer a few questions for some aspiring candidates.

I remember watching it back in the day. From memory WDCDR Smith, currently at PSA was the guy on that doco 'grilling' the pilot applicants. Thought I recognized him from somewhere, now I remember! :E

Waiting for PSA
 

Hello all,

This is my first post on the forum. Up until now, reading peoples posts on this thread has been really helpful in preparing me for things like my aptitude testing and assessment day, so thank you.

As I'm sure is the same with many of you, I have dreamed of becoming a RAAF fighter pilot since I was a little kid. Right now, however, I will accept any pilot offer in any service. I passed my assessment day for RAAF pilot and I believe DFR is sending my info to PSA this week, now I play the waiting game...

I have a few questions that, if answered, will put me at ease until, God willing, I get that phone call inviting me to a FSP course.

Firstly, DFR explained to me that once you pass your assessment day and your file is passed on to PSA, you are assigned a quantified value and placed in a rank with all the other candidates. The highest ranking 7 or 9 candidates (depending on the number of places available on each course) are invited to the next FSP course.
Does anyone have a rough idea of the ratio of candidates who pass their assessment day to the candidates who get a spot on a FSP course?

When quantifying your 'potential', I gather PSA accounts for factors like motivation, pilot aptitude performance, leadership potential and suitability as an ADF officer.
I dont suppose anyone knows how they calculate your value in the ranking?

And finally, for those that have been on FSP, how much notice do they give you before your course starts?

Appreciate your help

Wag888,

PM sent

G'day All,

I had my "YOU Session" recently and was given the date for my specialist pilot testing. I just have a couple of quick queries about this testing that I hoped anyone who had recently undergone it might be able to answer for me...

I am aware that it will involve essay writing, more maths testing, coordination testing, aviation related comprehension tests, and memory testing. I am really just concerned about the further maths testing. I was under the impression it was mostly speed/distance/time style questions - not overly difficult but teamed up with a short time limit! I wondered if there was other mathematical testing than this; eg, trigonometric questions similar to that of the YOU Session, regular arithmetic questions such as 3905678 x .004357 etc etc. Would very much appreciate any insight into this, and also if anyone is able to confirm or deny whether there is further reading comprehension, or abstract reasoning testing. I presume there is no interview or medical testing on the specialist testing day, and that that all comes down the track at the assessment day?...

Thanks in advance for any help guys,

Good luck with your testing!

hey again, just had another few questions...

the first one being that before you initially apply to the ADF, what should you do, what documents should you have, physical capabilities, service knowledge etc. Basically, what do you need to do and what is involved in the YOU session for someone wanting to be a pilot.

Also, if anyone knows any links for pilot specific aptitude tests, speed/dist/time problems etc

thanks guys, much appreciated.

Queestce,
The testing is mostly maths/logical reasoning questions. There are some aviation based questions. However, I wouldnt worry about trying to find pilot aptitude tests to practice, they usually cost money and aren't really going to prepare you any more than standard aptitude tests. Just google maths aptitude testing and do some practice tests online. If you can get quick at mental arithmatic and logical reasoning this way, you can easily apply your abilities to aviation based questions. That was my findings anyway. My main problem in the testing was solving a given problem, answering the question but feeling the urge to double check it before moving to the next question. You dont have time, quickly solve the problem, go with your gut and move on to the next question.

I dont remember there being comprehension but there is abstract reasoning.

The hand-eye coordination testing is hard to prepare for, I reckon you've either got it or you dont. I guess playing games on xbox360/PS3, especially actions games, where you're using both thumbsticks on the controller will increase your dexterity somewhat (and will make studying more fun!).

No interview and no medical, thats for assessment day.

pacificjet,
The answers to all those questions can easily be found on the DFR website, you need to do your research. Also, if theres anything you're unsure of, call them and a recruiter will point you in the right direction, a phone call also shows your motivated.

Hope this helps!

Is anyone going to Flight Screening for the Feb intake? or has anyone received a letter from Flight Screening saying their file has been received?

Wag,

I am awaiting a call regarding flight screening with my file sent to PSA earlier this month. I believe you cannot really put a timeframe on the phone call regarding any allocation and you can only assume they received the file when DFR sent it. If I am wrong, mine must have been "lost" in the post :ooh: Best of luck.

Cheers
Dan

ADFPSA
 

Hey everyone

I too am waiting for my file to be sent to ADFPSA. As far as I'm aware, about a month after your file has been sent to Tamworth, you will receive a letter from ADFPSA confirming they have received your file.

Here's a link to the courses available for this year:

http://www.airforce.gov.au/psa/docs/...ourse_2012.pdf

Hope this helps

If you want to check on the status of your file, just call CPL Maher - if you don't have her number PM me for details. They're scoring the files at the moment for the march-april FSP's...

Does anyone know anything about the next RAAF distribution? I am told there will be a course in May, but I'm trying to figure out how early they are likely to make selections as my OSB expires in March and PSA don't appear to have scheduled any OSB only courses before then.

Caity1835 - Give your YOU case manager a call. They will be able to get an answer fairly quickly.
Hope this helps.

Thanks Zeddy - fingers crossed we get a call soon

CharlieMikeKilo,

Yeah I spoke to my case manager, but she doesn't know what's happening. I might try Corporal Maher, but experience says she doesn't give away much information...

Reserves?
 

Hey fellas,

Not to detract from the current discussion RE:FSP/Distributions, but has anyone else here done time in the Reserves prior to becoming pilots?

I had my YOU session yesterday, did (and dressed :ok:) reasonably well and put down for Army Reserve GSO. Logic being that 3/4 years part time during uni would be a good way to go about things as opposed to not doing anything + the stuff they get up to down here seems fairly sweet.

I'm just curious as to whether it would make it harder to become a pilot in the long run because of the wishes of the Commanding Officer and the bureaucracy? I assumed by the fact that several of the earlier posters had made the transition that it was possible, however I've heard a few rumours here and there about blokes being forced to leave the Reserves altogether and apply again for a full time role.

Well, March it is! Got an offer yesterday for flight screening. Absolutely stoked!

Great news mate!
You will love Tamworth, hot in the day and freezing at night ;)

Best of luck!

well done "oneflewnorth". Can I ask did you receive the letter first saying they received your file or did you get the phone call first?

Cheers
Liz

I never got a letter saying my file was received. I called my co-ordinator and asked if it was sent/received because I hadn't heard anything after a month or more. The offer was a call though. So if you're unsure, just call.

Mid Feb 2012 OTS
 

Hi Guys,
Anyone else here on the Mid Feb OTS intake? If so, drop me a PM or e-mail as I am too.

Cheers

Hi all. First post in the forum for me. Thanks to everyone for their contributions because it has been of great help to me.

I have completed the YOU session and have my pick of the litter, however I'm stuck with a past issue on my medical history.
I'm told I'll get a letter from an ADF/recruitment doc asking for more details or saying that I'm not eligible to join. I'm hoping it's the former and that things go relatively smoothly, because if they dont then I'll most definitely be appealing the decision.
Anyone know how long the appeals process takes?

Hi Crazy Dingo,

You will find heaps of posts in here about appealing. I suppose it depends what they pick up in the medical. For example my husband was on Lipitor for high cholesterol so in order for him to be deemed fit he had to be without medication for 3 months and then get his blood tests done again. He also had to see a knee surgeon and nose surgeon as his nose has been broken.

Also because he was over 35? he had to have routine blood tests.

I thought the appeal process was actually quite fast once they received all the information - from memory it was a few weeks. His file is now at Tamworth and we are just waiting for a call..............

In the end I suppose it's about how bad you want it - there are many times when you question the process, time etc but it's all part of the journey.

I wish you the best of luck

Cheers
Liz

I broke my elbow a few years back, so they aren't too happy about that. I saw that someone else here wrote that their friend didn't get in because of the same issue.
I'll see what the letter says and work it out from there I guess.

Hi all,

Well husband got his call this morning to attend Flight Screening in March - so excited!!!! and I'm not going anywhere!

Cheers
Liz

Good on you, Liz, and congratulations to your husband.

I'm sure you already know it's a big committment, and a supportive spouse as it seems you are will be a massive help to him throughout the course.

I wasn't married when I went through (a long time ago) but I remember how all-consuming it gets, so hang in there both of you and good luck.

There are numerous things in military life that can stuff you round and get you down, but for someone who's intent on pursuing the job, it can also be very rewarding.

Hi Arm out the window,

Thanks - we are all really excited. The kids and I are fully aware of the commitment that is required and are more than happy to support him in this.

Getting to flight screening has had it's challenges but so worth now he is on his way!

Cheers
Liz