How'd it go? I've heard there's a new extra aviation battery.

Post ASP
 

Hi pimpslayer,

It went well for me, I ended up walking away with a high recommendation for Pilot. I was one of 2 out of 7 candidates on my course.
Everyone on my course Met the Required Standard (MRS) which is great and apparently quite rare, but not everyone got recommended for their first job preference.
SAYING THAT, most of the guys still did really well and were given recommendations for ARMY - Pilot which they're chuffed with.
one thing the ASP does really well is educate and motivate candidates on the different types of flying that all 3 services perform and most of us would have changed
our preferences even before getting our results based on the info they provide. Best advice is to go in with an open mind and listen to everything the advocates have to say.

I don't know what you mean about an additional aviation battery, if you want to elaborate I'm happy to share whatever I can, having been through it now.

The long and short of it is that if you've found the RAF CBAT TMI page (and trust me, they know TMI exists, they know PPrune exists and they know about the CBAT app)
which outlines the tests and have been practicing your mental arithmetic, there aren't TOO many curve balls. From that point it just comes down to how you do on the day.
Obviously they keep a few aces up their sleeve for the real testing and it really makes you think quite quickly in order to react effectively (fancy that for a military pilot application).

Good luck to anybody looking to attend ASP in the future.
It's a roller coaster, but if you think about it as a fun experience and make an effort to get along with the people on course, you really can't lose.

follow up
 

Another point I'll bring forward that I forgot to put in my last post.

Both candidates who were highly recommended by the MACTS testing had 0, zilch, zip, zero flying experience, so if that's holding you back because you're worried about how you might perform, don't let it.
Personally, I'm an Engineer and a gamer and I think that's what got me through.

Officer Aviation Test Battery
 

Hi SandpitNinja, thanks for the reply! Congratulations on passing, best of luck with your OSB.
I did a little bit of research, the new Officer Aviation Test Battery (OATB) I was talking about seems to be something you do at your local recruiting centre after your YOU session aptitude test, and before the ASP. Do you remember doing anything like that? I think it's a pretty new test, added within the last 6 months.

Jumping on the bandwagon😄
 

Hi Guys,
I'm preparing for the ASP which is in 4 days time. I know I left it till the last minute. But this is after rescheduling three times due to lockdown in NSW. I'm going to study on the CBAT app from today. Is there any other apps/material available which will make me ready for the day? Even though my name is flyingbuddy, I have never been to the cockpit of a plane 😅, which gives me so much pressure and anxiety about the ASP.
Thanks in advance for the tips.
Regards,
Yours truly

Hey Flyingbuddy,
From the email you sent me, I assumed you were talking about the additional testing day after the YOU session and before assessment day. Is this incorrect?
If I've given you the wrong info in my reply email I'm sorry, lmk (email will be faster) and I can point you in the right direction for some ASP info if needs be.

Have they changed the ASP due to lockdowns? Do you no longer have to go to RAAF East Sale in VIC?

I just assumed that due to Vic lockdowns they weren't running ASP at the moment, but makes sense that they would run satellite ASPs for interstate candidates to get them through the pipeline.

Hi all,

I recently was recommended at my OSB for RAAF DEO pilot. Just wondering if anyone who still peruses this forum, or is in a similar position has any info regarding dates they will be sending out offer letters?

VHOEG,

it has always been this cycle. ADFA intake is early in the year and the last testing is done late in the year.

Hey there,
Does anyone have any idea when the RAAF do their distributions for offers/select who they’re taking on for the next OTS? Say, a month before course, etc?

RAAF flight training
 

All, this is a word of advice for those considering pilot training. The failure rates for those without any flying experience at all are anywhere from twice , to four times as high as those candidates with some flying experience. The sweet spot is probably about 25 - 30 hours at RPL level. More than this probably isn’t needed , but zero hour candidates before starting actual flying are highly represented in suspensions. This is not always ability but often the environment that comes as a surprise ( being in a cockpit , g suit and vest , with a helmet / oxy mask and then the information overload plus 3 - D nature of flying. Simply going solo at a flying school can be enough to let you realise what you are in for. This is not something that a game can replicate. Even though testing metrics show you can get on and pass the course, doing is often a better indicator … it also demonstrates motivation if you have done a little flying - and often that alone can get you through the pilots course .. FYI

Very valid points.... for the old and bold system and in essence I agree. Are you quoting the failure rate from the new training system? You indicate that there is a "high" suspension rate before even starting flying. If so than this could well be from RC's sending anyone and everyone for testing, without real aviation motivation (you could be a pilot, wanna give it a go), or yep did very well on MACTS but education is not very good and therefore find it difficult with ground school (and if things are difficult with ground school than that resilience that has been fostered since birth will kick in, won't it?). The new system supposedly alleviates the cockpit shock significantly. Also the selection system is/was MACTS weighted, meaning that if you did very well and I mean very well than either deficiencies could be excused or the RAAF would help correct those deficiencies. In regards to flying time, yes and no. Once this would be a help in a) assessing motivation (keeping in mind location and financial constraints of candidates) and b) having airborne experience to substantiate that flying desire. Have already had this occur with a successful MACTS candidate with no airborne experience undergoing training and stating to his instructor "that if I had known that flying was like this I would not have joined".
As far as assessing the failure rate the RAAF has set itself up very well once again. Introducing a new selection process with a new aircraft and new training syllabi. I mean what could go wrong. Given the current inventory there can be little argument, I would think, that being a systems operator rather than a hands and feet operator is as desired if not more so.

finestkind
So the MACTS testing seems to be a reliable indicator of someone successfully passing flight training - along with motivation and perhaps some flight hours as mentioned?

Does it appear there’s at least been an improvement in pass rates since the closure of the old FSP?

It is untenable to assess pass rates based on MACTS. As I indicated the introduction of a new selection process and assessment of it's success is stymied by a new aircraft, new training syllabi, and the reintroduction of a straight through one type aircraft training. Combine this with a more open filter at recruiting allowing a significantly larger number to undertake ASP ( which brings in other issues impacting on success rate, education being one) than assessing MACTS as being successful in itself would be delivering false statistics.

finestkind
If you had to name five qualities/attributes a candidate should posses, to successfully pass flight training, what would they be?

Put me on the spot but I'll give it a go.

Potential. But potential without motivation is a fail.
Motivation. But motivation without application is a fail.
Application. But application without realistic appreciation/maturity of the difficulty is a fail.
Realistic appreciation/maturity. But without a goal is fail.
A goal provides motivation, application, appreciation and if you are upright and breathing potential can be developed.

There are a few more attributes and aptitudes that will help along the way. Such as military ethos etc. Airborne adaptability Had a candidate that threw up on every sortie at least twice if not more. Now there was no doubt with his motivation and he had reasonable potential but he was never going to make the standard in the desired time. He had chronic motion sickness (plan's, train's, and automobiles, plus anything that had any motion i.e he could not watch Top Gun). Even if he had been allowed to progress at his own rate having a squadron mate that threw up all the time presents it's own issues.

finestkind
Ack, I’ll keep this in mind if I am lucky enough to get my foot in the door.

Being a “good bloke/blokette” goes a LONG way to your success on course, too…
Nobody likes to fly with, or train, a knob.

Several comments made about ground school.
Might I enquire what the current ground school
(a) subjects are
(b) training material in each subject is like
(c) instructors are like so far as technical competence and delivery is concerned
(d) rate of material delivery is like
(e) instructor/student ratio is

Hey everyone,
I'm currently in the pipeline for a RAAF OA role and am starting flying lessons very soon to get some hours in, and I am implementing the great advice I'm finding as I go through this thread. I am currently waiting on my assessment day due to being in year 11 still and AD results only lasting 12 months I've been advised by DFR to wait until early next year to have my assessment day before progressing on to ASP, OSB. I acknowledge this is going to be a long process but I am really looking forward to the challenge as this is something I have wanted to do since I was young, can't wait to read through all the information here over the coming months and continue to come back to this thread as my application progresses.

Hopefully, I will make it for the 2024 ADFA intake!

-Zac

Sounds good Zac.
Word of advice. Make certain you adhere to a/your timeline so that you do not end up missing out. YR 12 will be busy enough and more so if you add in your ASP and OSB. The new system (if it has not already been stuffed up) has a bit more flexibility to it. I would certainly make sure you have all your RC stuff done by the end of the year which should allow you to be available for testing etc. Do not forget if there is a hiccup in the RC line i.e a medical issue which you may wish to dispute, that this will take time. Once again you will have enough to do next year without having something like that on your plate.

Good luck.

Thanks for that advice I'll make sure to keep in touch with DFR in order to keep my application progressing and I'll make sure to get my assessment day out of the way. How long is the process between AD-ASP-OSB is this process feasible to complete in year 12?. Fingers crossed there are no medical issues and my preparation pays off.

Finestkind,
As someone trying to get in (either ADFA or DEO) for 2023, would you mind enlightening me on a few things?

• I certainly have a goal.
• I believe I've got the motivation.
• I believe I can apply myself (at least based on school experience).
• I don't know about the potential [yet] (I've flown a little which I loved and seemed to "understand" - for what it's worth in ~10 hrs - according to instructors).
• I think I have a realistic appreciation for the difficulty and demands of pilot's course.

But I'm a bit lost regarding maturity.
I think I'm 'mature' but was told at the start of the year to gain more leadership experience (which I have since done) to 'mature' a bit before continuing on the DEO application side later this year.
Do you have any suggestions on what you're looking for in a person on pilot's course regarding maturity? Likewise, are there any 'indicators' for potential (or any other areas, for that matter) that you look for?

Admittedly, at the end of the day, my biggest fear would be to fail pilot's course (particularly after getting an IMPS from ADFA) so I want to make sure that if I'm offered a place as a pilot, I put myself in the best possible position (and state of mind) to pass (and hopefully excel at) pilot's course.

Thank you.
Got ASP coming up soon so any advice will be great to take into OSB if successful at ASP.

The ASP should enlighten you on a number of aspects. If you want to punch holes in the sky than the RAAF is the only way to go. But bear in mind that you join as Officer Aviation in the RAAF which means you can end up being a number of things, aviation wise, apart from pilot and also not necessarily a fast jet pilot i.e UAV pilot. The Navy and Army do sign you up as helicopter pilot and that is where you go and either gain your wings or not.

In respect to IMPS for ADFA that is your choice. A couple of points. You get paid whilst gaining a degree and you have a job after gaining that degree. So worst case scenario is unsuccessful on pilots course but have a few years of paid employment (of which you may end up finding that you really enjoy even if not pushing and pulling). This as opposed to civvy street where you owe for your degree and either do not have a job or one that is not related to your degree.

Maturity? Well there are a number of 22/23 year old's out there as DEO's doing it. I think you will find that the maturity aspect is highly related to what you have done, application, and also to an appreciation of what you are getting yourself into. By what you have said I would think that your maturity is fine.

Leadership is still looked at but not as heavily as once with MACTS results having a major bearing. But like anything if you have two candidates that have very similar results who do you pick. The one with a track record/history in what you are looking for.

Confidence ;

• I certainly have a goal. Tick
• I believe I've got the motivation. No you have shown you have motivation through going through the RC BS and undertaking flying lessons
• I believe I can apply myself (at least based on school experience). I have shown application through my school results and xyz
• I don't know about the potential [yet] (I've flown a little which I loved and seemed to "understand" - for what it's worth in ~10 hrs - according to instructors). According to my instruction I have potential and as far as an OSB goes shown through your MACTS results.
• I think I have a realistic appreciation for the difficulty and demands of pilot's course. I have looked into pilots course, spoken to xyz, read forums, asked questions to gain an insight into what I am undertaking.

With the OSB suffice to say be prepared. In regards to how it once was, with blood having to be cleaned up before the next interview, to how it is now it has evolved into a more civilised equation.

[QUOTE=Zacertsy2005;11268424]Thanks for that advice I'll make sure to keep in touch with DFR in order to keep my application progressing and I'll make sure to get my assessment day out of the way. How long is the process between AD-ASP-OSB is this process feasible to complete in year 12?. Fingers crossed there are no medical issues and my preparation pays off.[/QUOT

Unable to give you a time line Zac. To many variables from the RC loosing your app to issues with maybe your medical to completed ASP and although your in the pool your call up to an OSB may be as long as a piece of string if there are others that are ahead of you or more going into the pool in a better position.

Just got back from DFR today and got some info regarding those who are looking at joining for the 2024 ADFA intake. The recruiter I spoke to confirmed that assessment days for the 2024 intake won’t take place until around Feb-ish and at least any applicants from the Newcastle centre have been placed in a queue for next year. It’s a bit unfortunate as it tightens the schedule for going through all the steps but it gives a bit more of timeline. Hope this helps if anyone was wondering.

I know you don't want to rock the boat but I would be questioning that. I wonder if it is just Newcastle or is this a nationwide RC thing. Ring Parra RC and ask when you can do your testing for ADFA 2024, without giving your location or give one on Sydney (relations or friends in Sydney.) Or call 131901 and ask when you can do your testing.

Was on the phone with 131901 and they reiterated what Newcastle said not running assessment days for adfa 2024 until next year. I asked them for further clarification and they said assessment day results only last one year and that your enlistment must be within that one year period with zero flexibility. I guess it gives me more time to continue studying everything I can about defence, practice my mental arithmetic/other CBAT skills and get more flight time in :)

Zack check your PM's, make that times two. Enlistment within one year of assessment is very questionable. As I indicated, your MACTS results will supersede your RC assessment, your OSB will supersede your RC interview.

Many thanks for your insights finest kind. It appears my initial reply didn't come through so I'm resubmitting it here.
Thanks again.

Can confirm that I was told the same thing last year re ADFA 2023 intake. They only did Assessment Days (in my capital city) for ADFA in the year preceding the ADFA intake. YOU Session and Additional Testing can occur at any time though (provided they remain valid).

Yeah I’ve done my you session and additional testing already so I’ll just be waiting on assessment day. I’ll give them a visit around November or have a talk with the head recruiter of Newcastle when I go down on a tour next school holidays.

Sounds like a load of twaddle to me. Look at it this way. You have passed everything, testing, OSB and been given a Letter Of Offer but the enlistment date will be outside the 12 months of the assessment day (which for DEO's is a strong possibility). So does it make sense that you have to go back and do the assessment day again? Either someone has done a typical administrative stuff up or the RC's have instituted this for their own benefit.

I have since spoke with a mate who’s currently at Pearce, assessment days being a year before is purely rc side and you don’t need to retake your assignment day he was well outside that 12 month window after he had to sort out some medical stuff so I’m assuming something must supersedes it at some point

Assessment Day Booked In!!!!!
 

Awesome news guys I have just booked in my assessment day for the 11 of October, so keen and I hope it goes well. Been studying hard so fingers crossed it should go well. Any advice?

Hey Everyone,

I've got my ASP coming up and have been practicing frequently using the CBAT app and just brushing up on my mental math. I was wondering if there are any other apps/website out there that you guys found useful for your ASP prep? cheers!

Hey everyone,

After skimming this thread, I thought I'd reach out for some advice regarding my intention towards a RAAF OA role (fast-jet specifically). Thank you to previous contributors, I've learnt a lot already!

I'm currently 30, and I work as a physio. I am hoping someone could give me some insight as to whether my age, social history, or any medical factors would be a firm barrier against my chances.

My social background is that I do not have a mother (her loss put a strain on the family) and have very much had to be the leader of my family over the last decade, which is what led me towards being a physio, as I could be close and support everyone whilst chasing an ambitious career. My intention is to be honest with this during OSB/ psych examination (if I get there), I have absolutely no idea if my situation would be flagged as a concern, or a case of emphasising my ability to navigate hardship/ challenges as I pretty much led my family into now having a very healthy dynamic.

I do believe these social factors have accelerated me towards being ticking the boxes for having the personality traits that ADF seem to express as their selection criteria. Definitely function well under pressure, am adaptable, and have a reflective approach to learning/ work ethic.

Medically, self-assessed with a Snelling chart, I apparently have 20/20 vision, never had issues. Went to an optometrist and they advised I was just below 20/20, which is correctable to 20/20. Also have noticed an asymptomatic potentially varicose vein as well. Are they a hard no on any vision below 20/20?
I should also note, I have never been diagnosed with any mental health issues from the above circumstances, so a clean record in that regard.

At the moment I'm applying the knowledge I have with my profession to get my body as fit as possible, have been training 8-10 times a week with a battery of exercises whilst committing 2 hours of study daily on top of work, to prepare for an application.

Just wanting to set my expectations, any feedback or advice would be appreciated :) I will apply regardless as I believe working towards this goal will make me a better person anyway.

Hey Mate,

If you can make some space in your message box, I'll send you some advice directly. Let me know if you're interested. Emphasis on this Nickyy_AK as I cannot respond to your message.

Thanks VHOEG, I would appreciate the message.

likewise please mate

I am also interested VHOEG, if you have any advice for the general aptitude testing as well? I have been out of school 11 years and when I first sat the YOU session aptitude test, I didn't pass the initial screening for pilot (11 years ago). I spent 6 years in the green and have been on civvy street for 5. I miss the uniform and have always been interested in aviation. I am currently working on mental math and putting some time in on the ADF aptitude training app, anything else I should be looking at?