Joining the R.A.A.F
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Joining the R.A.A.F
Hey guys, I've been looking every where for questions like this but cant find any so id thought id ask.
<skip the life story and read the question at the bottom if need be.>
I'm 19 and I've always wanted to become a pilot but always thought it would be one of those jobs that was way out my league (at the end of year 12 i passed maths A and English with a C), but due to my resent independence iv realised that i should do what I want with my life, so I've decided at the end of this year I'm going to attempt to joining the R.A.A.F as a pilot, but I want to be prepared for it being someone who's never studied in his life I need to know what to studie for, by the time i go for my interview i want to be able to pass the aptitude, maths and English test as well as have a minimum of 20 hours of flight time under my belt.
So I would love to know what i need to studie for and how much, what the correct proses is for joining the R.A.A.F as a pilot and any other information that i might need as well as books and night classes that you could recommend?
<skip the life story and read the question at the bottom if need be.>
I'm 19 and I've always wanted to become a pilot but always thought it would be one of those jobs that was way out my league (at the end of year 12 i passed maths A and English with a C), but due to my resent independence iv realised that i should do what I want with my life, so I've decided at the end of this year I'm going to attempt to joining the R.A.A.F as a pilot, but I want to be prepared for it being someone who's never studied in his life I need to know what to studie for, by the time i go for my interview i want to be able to pass the aptitude, maths and English test as well as have a minimum of 20 hours of flight time under my belt.
So I would love to know what i need to studie for and how much, what the correct proses is for joining the R.A.A.F as a pilot and any other information that i might need as well as books and night classes that you could recommend?
You might want to study engrish a bit more, most of that was hard to read because it was poorly written, 
.
morno
.morno
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Yes, looking at that I don't think they'll take your C! 
Old fart comment coming:
Seriously, I don't think they would have let me out of year 10 with grammar and spelling like that.
Old fart comment coming:
Seriously, I don't think they would have let me out of year 10 with grammar and spelling like that.
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Everything you're looking for is here:
http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...am-merged.html
Be warned though that for someone who freely admits you've never studied before that that'll show up in your school transcripts etc and could be a massive indicator to the RAAF about your motivation, and ability to pass one of the more grueling training programs in the world (military pilot training in general)
Good luck though, you won't know unless you try.
Cheers
S2K
http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...am-merged.html
Be warned though that for someone who freely admits you've never studied before that that'll show up in your school transcripts etc and could be a massive indicator to the RAAF about your motivation, and ability to pass one of the more grueling training programs in the world (military pilot training in general)
Good luck though, you won't know unless you try.
Cheers
S2K
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Mate, my new year resolution is stopping me from typing what I'd like to, so I'll be nice.
Go back and get an A in English at night school. You know it's a weakness, and it's painfully obvious to us reading your post. Still apply, and if you get an interview, you can at least say you're trying to improve an identified weakness.
You don't need 20hrs flying experience.
Go back and get an A in English at night school. You know it's a weakness, and it's painfully obvious to us reading your post. Still apply, and if you get an interview, you can at least say you're trying to improve an identified weakness.
You don't need 20hrs flying experience.
Join Date: Dec 2010
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One of the key qualities that is a major requirement for Officers and especially Pilot's going into the ADF - Initiative. As mentioned above, all of this information is easily accessible on the defencejobs website...
But because I'm nice:
It's not so much any practical skills (ie flying) that the RAAF will look at, but more so your ability to learn large amounts of information in a short amount of time.
Don't worry about the flying now, the first thing you'll want to focus on is when you go before the Officer Selection Board (OSB) who determine you're qualities and weaknesses of being an Officer (which RAAF Pilot's hold rank). The things they look for are leadership, initiative, motivation, teamwork etc. They highly regard cases where you've shown these qualities in positions such as School Captaincy's and when you've contributed to the community in your local area.
Think of all the leaders you've had in your life, the people you look up to. The qualities they have are what you should aim to develop, and their bad qualities try and reverse-engineer.
There are two ways of joining the RAAF as a Pilot:
1) Through the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra, ACT. You'll undertake a Bachelor Degree which for pilot's is often the Bachelor of Technology (Aviation). This is administered by the UNSW. Whilst undertaking you're studies you will be given the rank of Officer Cadet (OFFCDT) and will also undergo military training that includes Physical Development, Single Service Training (SST) which is learning about your service - RAAF and many more. It's a great experience and the facilities are some of the best in Australia. On completion of your studies at ADFA you will then be given a job in your field and commence practical flight training. You'll be promoted to Flying Officer (FLGOFF) unless you screwed up badly, in which case you'll be Pilot Officer (PLTOFF).
The prerequisite requirements for entry to ADFA can be found on defencejobs.gov.au and it has a table so you can see what level of education you need in your particular state/territory.
2) As a Direct Entry, which essentially doesn't have the ADFA part.
You'll find they encourage as many people under 25 as they can to go through ADFA, and it's become the standard method of entry. Direct entry is more so focused on people who already have a significant amount of flying time or are coming over to Australia from an overseas Air Force.
I know many people who have applied to become Pilot's and have been told to come back in 12 months multiple times. If they reject your application, find out why and then build on that. Biggest thing is to never give up, as they only take the cream of the crop.
But because I'm nice:
It's not so much any practical skills (ie flying) that the RAAF will look at, but more so your ability to learn large amounts of information in a short amount of time.
Don't worry about the flying now, the first thing you'll want to focus on is when you go before the Officer Selection Board (OSB) who determine you're qualities and weaknesses of being an Officer (which RAAF Pilot's hold rank). The things they look for are leadership, initiative, motivation, teamwork etc. They highly regard cases where you've shown these qualities in positions such as School Captaincy's and when you've contributed to the community in your local area.
Think of all the leaders you've had in your life, the people you look up to. The qualities they have are what you should aim to develop, and their bad qualities try and reverse-engineer.
There are two ways of joining the RAAF as a Pilot:
1) Through the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra, ACT. You'll undertake a Bachelor Degree which for pilot's is often the Bachelor of Technology (Aviation). This is administered by the UNSW. Whilst undertaking you're studies you will be given the rank of Officer Cadet (OFFCDT) and will also undergo military training that includes Physical Development, Single Service Training (SST) which is learning about your service - RAAF and many more. It's a great experience and the facilities are some of the best in Australia. On completion of your studies at ADFA you will then be given a job in your field and commence practical flight training. You'll be promoted to Flying Officer (FLGOFF) unless you screwed up badly, in which case you'll be Pilot Officer (PLTOFF).
The prerequisite requirements for entry to ADFA can be found on defencejobs.gov.au and it has a table so you can see what level of education you need in your particular state/territory.
2) As a Direct Entry, which essentially doesn't have the ADFA part.
You'll find they encourage as many people under 25 as they can to go through ADFA, and it's become the standard method of entry. Direct entry is more so focused on people who already have a significant amount of flying time or are coming over to Australia from an overseas Air Force.
I know many people who have applied to become Pilot's and have been told to come back in 12 months multiple times. If they reject your application, find out why and then build on that. Biggest thing is to never give up, as they only take the cream of the crop.
Last edited by Macchi 408; 8th Jan 2011 at 02:55. Reason: Spelling :S
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You need to show an amount of *desperation* to be successful and demonstrate that you will do *anything* to get in.
Had a mate who eventually got in after 3 years being told to come back in 12 months each time.
He faced questioning like:
Raaf - What kind of vehicle do you drive?
Kid - A $7,000 Ford Falcon ute
Raaf - Why didn't you buy a $1,000 car and spend the remaining $6k on flying lessons?
Essentially, they said, get 3 jobs, work your a-rse off, start uni, get jacked off and come back to us when you you really need a job in the raaf.
This particular guy missed out on his second last run because the guy he was up against, points for points, equivalent candidates, but the other guy had a $30k debt for his CPL, so he got in, because he needed it the most. (I'm not just making this up by the way)
Basically you need life experience. Same with the police force, you *could* get in at 18, but you wouldn't have the required *life experience*.
Had a mate who eventually got in after 3 years being told to come back in 12 months each time.
He faced questioning like:
Raaf - What kind of vehicle do you drive?
Kid - A $7,000 Ford Falcon ute
Raaf - Why didn't you buy a $1,000 car and spend the remaining $6k on flying lessons?
Essentially, they said, get 3 jobs, work your a-rse off, start uni, get jacked off and come back to us when you you really need a job in the raaf.
This particular guy missed out on his second last run because the guy he was up against, points for points, equivalent candidates, but the other guy had a $30k debt for his CPL, so he got in, because he needed it the most. (I'm not just making this up by the way)
Basically you need life experience. Same with the police force, you *could* get in at 18, but you wouldn't have the required *life experience*.
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Hey Mate, I went through all the testing a few years ago. It is tough and all the above comments are right.
By the looks of things you do need to do a lot of work.
Look up Doc Holding from the Colleage of Aeronautical Science, he has some great courses that will help you out a lot.
He has a web site so check it out. If you get to OSB don't show fear and stand up for yourself they love it.
Good luck.
By the looks of things you do need to do a lot of work.
Look up Doc Holding from the Colleage of Aeronautical Science, he has some great courses that will help you out a lot.
He has a web site so check it out. If you get to OSB don't show fear and stand up for yourself they love it.
Good luck.
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Also adding, I know people who have had their applications rejected even when they satisfied all the selection criteria because when they finally had a psychologist examination they were deemed "not aggressive enough".
You really need what they're looking for, because there's a big line to get in and they want the best of it.
Good luck
You really need what they're looking for, because there's a big line to get in and they want the best of it.
Good luck
You really need what they're looking for, because there's a big line to get in and they want the best of it.
You really need what they're looking for, because there's a big line to get in and they want what they want!
Dr
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Swift91, You sound much like myself 9 years ago. Me no good at english. I had a 'gap year' (I hate that saying) where I surfed most of the east coast. I then took some time to find my feet. Now I am a employee of the Queen with many interesting and happy years of flying behind me and many more to come.
How I hear you say? One word, 'determination'. If you listen to the negatives in aviation you will be one of the 'could have beens' or 'never was' aviators out there. If it takes you a year or two to prepare, take it. But also there is no time like the present to give it a go.
Why the entry criteria? To ensure that there is a logical list of potentials. Book smart aviation buffs. Well sort of book smart. After the entry criteria it is all up to you to land the job.
Remember... step on the ball and always think wind.
How I hear you say? One word, 'determination'. If you listen to the negatives in aviation you will be one of the 'could have beens' or 'never was' aviators out there. If it takes you a year or two to prepare, take it. But also there is no time like the present to give it a go.
Why the entry criteria? To ensure that there is a logical list of potentials. Book smart aviation buffs. Well sort of book smart. After the entry criteria it is all up to you to land the job.
Remember... step on the ball and always think wind.
If you listen to the negatives in aviation you will be one of the 'could have beens'
However, having watched my son recently (and successfully) undergo the RAAF Pilot Selection process
, I thoroughly endorse those who advise you to upgrade your educational skills (getting in seems to be the comparatively easy bit - doing the course and being there at the end will take a lot of strength and determination), thoroughly research what is required and persevere.Best of luck.
Never tell me the odds.
Don't let other people decide what you can or cannot do.
Your success or failure may be determined by how much of this question you can answer by yourself.
So I would love to know what i need to studie for and how much, what the correct proses is for joining the R.A.A.F as a pilot and any other information that i might need as well as books and night classes that you could recommend?
Work your but off to research, talk to people and gain knowledge of the job and the service. Study up on maths, aviation and military/world knowledge. Be confident, enthusiastic, honest and humble when talking to DFR or personnel.
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned, but unless you have done physics and calculus at a recognised academic institution, don't even bother with an application. I made it through all of the aptitude testing up to the point of officer selection until it occurred to someone that I hadn't done the appropriate maths and sciences at high school and suggested that my application would not even be considered. So if you haven't done said subjects at school (and it is worth clarifying with a few people in the selection process- don't rely on the advice of just one, as I did during initial application- if there are any other academic requirements) you will have to look at doing them before applying.
Last edited by walesregent; 7th Feb 2011 at 11:42.
Sorry to rain on the parade a little, however the prevalence of good ADF salaries and lack of leavers means the RAAF training "tap" is being turned down a bit at the moment, so it will be harder to secure a position.
That being said, history shows that this is an indicator of an imminent upswing in the aviation industry (ADF actions being delayed over a couple of years), so in a year or so there will likely be strong moves to turn the tap back up again.
Regardless of what happens, just know what you want to do, learn everything you can about it, make good contacts and go for it. No regrets. Cheers.
That being said, history shows that this is an indicator of an imminent upswing in the aviation industry (ADF actions being delayed over a couple of years), so in a year or so there will likely be strong moves to turn the tap back up again.
Regardless of what happens, just know what you want to do, learn everything you can about it, make good contacts and go for it. No regrets. Cheers.
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You don't need 20hrs flying experience.
I failed in my first attempt to join the RAAF and knew I had to come up with something different to impress the RAAF Interview Board next time around. Due to circumstances beyond my control I was living alone and on the bones of my arse at age 18 but was able to save enough money by going short on food buying (Mars Bars for evening meal) until I scraped up enough cash to learn to fly.
Was fortunate enough to have a wonderful former wartime Hudson pilot as an instructor at Bankstown and was able to go solo in eight hours. By then I had run out of money. A few months later I proudly presented my brand new flying log book to the Interview Board and got the nod. The rest is history.
Now here is the interesting part. 45 years later I applied for a copy of my RAAF Service Records which duly arrived in the mail from Canberra. One of the first entries was by the senior officer in charge of the Interview Board.
Among his comments was an annotation that I had 8 hours flying experience since the last failed interview and this revealed enthusiasm and keeness. He ticked the boxes and I was in like Flynn.
The initial flying training was called "Flight Grading" on Tiger Moths at Archerfield. There you were given ten hours of dual instruction in a Tiger Moth including a Progress test by the CFI ar five hours, and another test at ten hours this time with the Commanding Officer.
Those students that were marked above a certain level during the flight grading were then scheduled for pilot training - while those under the line were sent to the RAAF School of Navigation to be trained as navigators.
My previous eight hours on civilian Tiger Moths gave me that vital leg up the ladder and I passed flight grading and became a pilot. Without the confidence that gave me, I would have been just one of 70 hopefuls trying to get above the red line and it could have gone either way. So much depended on the quality of your flying instructor. A sceaming skull instructor would have been disastrous but even so, the eight hours of civilian flying before joining the RAAF gave me a distinct advantage.
Apologies for long story...