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Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone's received an invitation to attend flight screening throughout October? Trying to gauge the liklihood of getting a call before the DEO screenings finish up for the year in November. Obviously I don't know how competitive I am but it would be helpful to see if anyone's been called up for late October in order to vaguely figure out whether I might be called up this year or next. Any insight would be great! Cheers

I've got my Assessment Day for RAAF DEO Pilot next week and I'm just after a bit of last minute info. I'm confident with ADF/RAAF Leaders, Values, Engagements, Structure, Aircraft, Bases and Locations. I've also got training such as OTS, BFTS and 2FTS all pretty much squared away. The only thing I'm a little unsure about is some of the ADF Policies and Military Discipline. If anyone has any links to any of this information or any suggestions on what else i should study its all welcome. I'm sure there's answers to all my questions hidden somewhere within the 130 odd pages here but i have not been able to find them.

Cheers in advance

Cheers Aximus, I ended up getting a call for the 1st of November FSP too, will see you up there!

Hey Spider01,

They'll likely ask you questions about the Defence Force Discipline Act, which is the legal structure that maintains and enforces service discipline. It covers off areas such as unrestricted service (ADF is free to deploy you wherever they need you to be), operational/combat service (all ADF personnel may be required to deploy to war zones and take part in combat), drug and alcohol policy (zero tolerance for drug/alcohol abuse), initial minimum period of service etc.

I'm not sure if it's covered by the DFDA, but they could ask you about tattoo policy, service allowances and pay, leave entitlements, rental assistance etc. as well.

Might not have covered everything but hopefully that points you in the right direction.

Just remember, Prior Preparation Prevents P%ss Poor Performance.
Work hard, remember everything, practice till your eyes hurt.

There are no free passes on flight screening:E

Flight Screening
 

Hey Guys,


This forum has been invaluable to my prep for my assessment day...


I have recently just passed the assessment day and handed back 2 references + photos etc and was just wondering how long between doing that step did you hear confirmation from PSA that they have received your file...and then how long till you heard what program you got on?


Thanks muchly


Taylor

Hey Folks,

After a bit of a delay with my file, I've finally got my medical clearance. However, my enlistment coordinator seems to think that flight screening doesn't re-start until May next year. This can't possibly be the case? The RAAF used to post the coming years schedule online but have not done so since mid 2014. Just wondering if anyone knew when flight screening generally starts in the new year.

Cheers, Ben

Rinzler

Suggest you contact flight screening

Minimum height requirement
 

The minimum height for pilots is 163cm. I'm 161cm. Does anyone know someone who was able to pass selection even though they were a couple of centimetres below the minimum height? Or is it possible to arrange a "cockpit assessment" / reach test? I've read the posts in this thread about people close to the height limits, however these are mostly a few years old.

If it's relevant, I'm especially interested in Navy and Army.

Rinzler

Are you going for Direct Entry or ADFA officer entry??

There is more flight screenings this year but they may already be full. I leave for Tamworth this Saturday (15/11/14).

Cheers Jorgia :)

Delta, I'm not a medical examiner but I'd expect rules are rules. The rules for 163cm are there for a reason.
I'd try and bulk up, see if a workout diet helps grow a bit

Mathematic Course
 

Hi guys,

sorry for being slightly of topic.

I did year 12 in Victoria and only studied further mathematics(basic). I called DFR and was told they do not recommend any bridging courses to meet the maths requirement to become a pilot. Does anyone have any courses they would recommend that is equivalent to Unis 3/4 VCE maths methods?

Thanks

I found this bridging course quite good, and I was able to get someone from VTAC to sign it off as equivalent (you'll need to provide a letter with a letterhead from someone appropriate to say that it is).. and it was also all online which was handy for my timetable:

Fundamentals of Mathematics

Flight Screening
 

Hi guys,

I am booked for the 7th-20th of december flight screening. And I was wondering if anyone has some tips for preparation? I have bought the 'wings' book and the ADF mentors pilot book (which are both being very helpful :ok: ), but what should I be brushing up on? like do I need to know cockpit layouts or start up procedures or anything else?
I am working on my fitness and broadening my knowledge of the defence force and the job as well as ADFA but what should I also be focusing on?

thanks,

Salamor

Hey Salamor,

Those two books are a good start but don't limit your study to just them. Make sure you have a solid understanding of why you want to be a military pilot - broad statements like "I've wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid..." will not get you across the line (not implying you'd use that, but many people do). You'll need to know what the career of a military pilot entails - I found talking to in service pilots a great insight, whether that be on this forum, out on base visits or even up at Tamworth during Flight Screening - they know exactly what the training demands and can really help you to form an accurate picture.

Make sure you know at least a little bit about all of the aircraft in the ADF (current and future) and a lot about the aircraft you wish to fly (1st choice and 2nd - they will ask...). Have some leadership and military/aviation motivation examples you can give from your life - even if there are none that stand out, many experiences can be shaped in the retelling to demonstrate how you took the lead and made the hard decisions...

Make sure you arrive every day at the crew room with a positive attitude ready to hook in 100%. The time up there is slightly pressured by nature, but it's important that you demonstrate you're enjoying the process - smile and don't be intimidated by the Defence personnel, they were in your position once - have a chat with them if the situation allows :) Also, don't play boardgames (there are many scattered in the BFTS crew room) - use your time to study! Playing games implies you know the material back to front (it's great if you do, just make sure your flying reflects this... you are always being watched...).

Additionally, work together with your fellow Flight Screeners!! I cannot stress this point enough. You will inevitably form strong friendships with the girls and guys on your course - you're all going through a unique and challenging process - but it's amazing how fun it can be when you're all helping one another out and overcoming those hurdles together!

Finally, don't worry about studying checks or cockpit layouts. They are not assessing your ability to fly. They are assessing your ability to learn. It's a strange concept, but they aren't necessarily looking for aces, more so people that can show consistent improvement when learning a new skill.

All the best!!

Advice on flight screening
 

Hi guys,

I am currently finishing year 10 at high school and I have aspirations to be a pilot in the RAAF, I am asking about how the flight screening program works between the basic and advanced courses and on how people are ranked within them?

I am keen to give gliding a go but a bit unsure at powered flying (costs) and the benefits that previous flying experience will have on helping me get through the processes. If it means anything I want to go through adfa after I finish year 12.

The ADFR website wont let me apply yet as I am still 15 but in FEB when I turn 16 I will definitely apply.

Best regards
Hamish

Hi all

I had my assessment session for DE Pilot on Monday and have been recommended for flight screening. I was just wondering if anyone who had been to flight screening had any advice on the best way to prepare?

Thanks

Rhino6 - sorry i just have to do it. This entire forum, whilst dedicated to flight screening, is riddled with both the 'what' and advice on the 'how' of the entire RAAF pilot process. Have a read - the answers will already be there. Spend some time looking through and then by all means ask questions if still required.

RAAF Assessment session medical
 

Hey guys,

I have read this forum until my eyes feel like bleeding and have found some fantastic information. I have recently completed the assessment session and thought I would share my two cents worth. Things went very well until at the end of the day I had to see the medical examiners. This started off with discussing the medical history questionnaire in which you complete at your YOU session. And as of two years ago I had glandular fever. When asked about it, I told the doctor I had it roughly over a year ago.

She immediately typed this down and proceeded to tell me this would be an issue and I may be deemed class 4 (permanently unfit). After realising the ramifications of what I had said, I suitably thought a little harder about how long I had been symptom free - this was exactly 1 year and ten months. But what I said first was taken as cold hard truth and has taken precedence over my official medical history at my local surgery. Luckily, I only have to wait another 5 months until I can proceed to go into the pool for flight screening (a magic number the doctor thought suited). So moral of the story, don't be unprepared like me and not know exact times that you have had any serious sicknesses in the past, because that seemingly harmless conversation could end your career before it even starts.

Lincoln,

Also, what happened to hornet boy?!

hamish757, Think about joining the Air Training Corps. the RAAF likes to see your early interest in flight. I believe 3 yrs in the ATC helped my 1962 RAAF DE selection.

How old is too old for Air Combat Officer -WSO (F18f back seat nav) realistically to start?

And also for any pilot role?

Would be good to hear from those completing/completed flight screening if there were any 30+ guys on it in the mix.

thanks for the reply I'll consider that.

Air training
 

autoflight,

It's a shame though as I am already in my schools Cadet corps and there are restrictions on joining others if you're already participating (I'm in the army cadets).

Hamish.

Hamish,

You're grouped into one of three levels based on your "residual" flying experience. The documentation explains how this all will work(as well as this thread). Basically the three courses have slightly different syllabi that assume a different starting point. This will all be sorted by PSA from the hours you declare on your sheet, so be honest. As MajesticCasual said, the assessment is not of your flying ability, but rather of your learning ability.

Everyone in this thread makes different claims here. In my personal opinion, having two hours in the air before heading to Tamworth was very helpful. This also helps to demonstrate some motivation. Gliding experience is counted as half time because it is naturally different to powered flight. I would suggest if you are keen to do it, give gliding a go at the very least.

The previous flight experience will help develop your control skills of an aircraft and build up some instincts on how to "feel" what the aircraft is doing. You'll find the intensive two weeks at FSP will develop these skills markedly.

ADFA entrants are usually coursed with other ADFA entrants. If you're finishing Year 10 now, you'll want to start your application process at the end of this year so you can go on Flight Screening during a holiday in Year 12. Be mindful that this will be difficult and affect your study, so be prepared.

If you have any questions about the application process, I am all ears. Naturally those who have been on Flight Screening will be tight lipped over the assessment and OSB elements, but everything else is fair game. the guys over at ausmilitary forums have fantastic threads about the application process too. I highly suggest you give them a read.

Tracer,

I wouldn't say you're too old, there were guys at BFTS in their 30s for Air Force and Army while we were on Flight Screening. Give it a crack and see how it pans out.

Hey Flyingsoon,

Thanks for your reply. I will definitely take up some gliding lessons and give it a go. I feel like there's something about gliding that makes it seem really interesting. From reading about gliding, I think it gives you better control of the aircraft because of the finer inputs required when there isn't an engine and hence I feel like it will actually help me more anyways apart from being a lot of fun.

Thanks for the reply.
Hamish

From what I remember a lot of the questions were time based. If you're worried about maths, my recommendation would be to practice your basic arithmetic (focus on times tables) and approximation skills. Aside from that, my memory is that you need to be able to read and interpret information (gauges) quickly and also conceptualise aircraft orientation. I'm not sure if theres much prep you can do for the latter of these.

Hi Taylor

Suggest your contact case manager and confirm your application has been sent to PSA.

Geff89,

To be honest I would not recommend it for the cost. The aircraft they will put you in (a Robin) is not a Constant Speed Unit governed aircraft like the CT4B. I would instead recommend getting General Flying lessons from other reputable pilot training organisations, or not at all.

I went in to Flight Screening with very little flying experience (1 sortie) and found that the learning curve is designed so that you are catered for if you have 0 flight experience. The experience of lesson 1 of the CRAM helped me gain an understanding of the aircraft's operation, however it is not worth the cost and provided very little benefit other than the ability to demonstrate motivation.

Thanks All
 

Hi, new to this forum and want to say thanks to everyone who has contributed here. It's a lot to read through but there seems to be plenty of gold in them there hills.

I'm 25, ex-Army. I was unfortunately medically discharged, unfit for infantry due to persistent shin-splints...followed by a period of being diagnosed with depression after having to leave the ADF.

Did quite well back at my YOU session and had all jobs available for application, however I had done General Maths not 2-unit so I thought aviation was off the table (didn't realise I could do bridging courses etc), anyhow it seemed like a dream only fit for those greater than I. Army it was. Set my sights and got on a good course. All was well until it wasn't.

Looking back, as one sometimes does, I have regretted not chasing the dream to fly, as well as questioning the sense in not choosing a role that was potentially more suited to my attributes. (I'm 170cm, 70kg, and apparently somewhat flat footed, but with a good general fitness, focus and a love for learning)

Not wanting to live life wondering, I am going to see if there is any way that I can convince a board to let me in to show what I can learn and do.
Either way at least there may be some closure and I will have tried.

I see my hurdles as:
Medical history:
Physical component - Must determine suitability based on past injury and current status. Pack marching ability / Orthodics may not be such a big issue for aircrew.
Mental component - Must determine what they consider my current status and how long to have gone on fine without medication etc for.

Age - I realise that this window may close on me before I can get cleared for the above issues, depending on how harsh the AvMed Class 1 timeline requirements are.

Education - I will enrol in a qualifying bridging course AERONAUTICAL MATHEMATICS,Mathematics Bridging,Maths Bridging,Physics Bridging,HSC Mathematics,HSC Physics | Aeroscience
(This one looks ok I believe)

In summary, this is a statement of my intention to get back to what I have always felt was right, performing effective service in the ADF.
If there is anyone who can shine a light for me on any of the above points in particular, it would be much appreciated.
Information regarding if I would be uncompetitive on entry or unable to serve in certain capacities would be especially useful. I shall continue reading and searching these forums in the meantime, and pursuing other avenues for direct sources of information.

Regardless, I appreciate your tolerance of the above brain-dump, it feels good to have said it all out loud, so to speak.

Take care, take risks.
- RecoveryMode

Recovery Mode.

I would suggest confirming your medical status before putting effort into fixing what is fixable.

I would also suggest that if recruiting indicate that you are not medically fit to pursue all avenues to confirm or overturn.

Thanks for the response finestkind.

1. Am going back to all related specialists to determine injury/illness status.
Is this what you mean?

2. Will get in touch with Aviation Medical to see what they think about my chances of getting cleared to fly (class 1)

3. Have contacted recruiting to hear back from their medical side about what they would require in terms of remission, acceptable conditions.
Hopefully they can also give me some indication of how problematic these 'black marks', even if resolved, would be for actually getting selected.


Considering I see my options as either getting cleared and having the chance to fly for the country, or building a time machine to go back and make some changes...you can bet that I'll busy myself doing whatever I can to get a green light. :p

RM.

Yes basically you need to determine what if any barriers are in front of you so that you can prioritise the show stoppers.
If its medical and there is no way to correct than fixing your academics is not going to help.

Understood, not much sense in jumping over hurdles if I'm about to hit a brick wall.

Related question, my son is soon to go for his assessment day. He's starting to have second thoughts about joining as an Engineering Officer via the ADFA scheme. Would really like to get in touch with a serving EngO for him to have a talk to about typical career path, work type etc. Located in Perth would be awesome but we'll take what we can get.
Thanks.

RE: Screening waiting time
 

Hello ojscott,

Last year it took 2 months from when my dossier was complete (including Aircrew Selection Form and other material sent to my EC) till I hit Flight Screening. This was also about 2 and a bit months from when I finished my medicals, however as far as I know medicals can be completed after FSP, some of my fellow Flight Screeners got recommended but then failed the medicals :/

Waiting is the name of the game with Pilot selection. The longest wait will be from recommendation to a potential job offer(if you're recommended and competitive enough!).

Best,
fs

chute packer check your PMs - I can help.

Im after some opinions regarding previous flying experience and the ADF Flight Screening Process. Im currently working up to my solo license with a few hours under my belt now and have been advised to be careful about doing too much. I understand there are beginner, intermediate and advanced bands for Flight Screening. What is the cut off for each one and how different are they all? I've been told its not good to get lessons because you form bad habbits. Can anyone elaborate on that? Are there any ways to keep flying without logging too many hours? I'm dead keen to keep flying because i love it and dont want to put it on hold until november (assessment day). However, if it is going to be absolutely detrimental to my RAAF application i'll consider it. Cheers!!

cheers ojscott

I wouldn't say age "restrictions" as such, but i am aware that age/maturity is a big factor when it comes to Direct Entry pilots. I just think id be giving myself the best chance by being 20. I'm currently employed at 3 jobs to pay for flying, playing 2 team sports, boxing, volunteering and living independently. I think having all that under my belt for more than one year looks a bit better than rocking up as a teenager. I did my first year of a science degree last year (with great marks) and deferred it for this year. I'm open to any suggestions on how to make myself a more competitive candidate. just trying to show DFR i'm made of the right stuff.

The reason i was still going to consider pursuing my PPL is because i want to be able to fly outside the ADF. Do the wings you get after 2FTS mean anything in the civ aviation world as far as licensing goes? or do CASA take no notice at all?

Of course the training is recognised, it is just planned so it is only recognised after you have commited to your ROSO. That way you can't resign just before 2fts finishes and walk away with all these hours. You will leave with a cpl being recognised by casa at the very least.

When it comes to instrument ratings etc the military does them differently as they dont don't do a broad IFR rating but focus on individual ones for each aircraft and apparently that doesn't translate to a general IFR rating with Casa.