Becoming a Pilot?

[JOSH_U_WA]

Hi there,

Im here to ask questions about what i need to prepare to becoming a pilot in the australian defence force, what i need to do to prepare for the tests such as YOU session and spec testing and also is there anything that will give me a helping hand for example books, etc.

I already know the requirements for a pilot such as leadership roles, do well at school, etc, but I would like to know if there is anyway to prepare myself for what is ahead of me in the testing stages.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Kilo 2-3]

As a pilot in the ADF, you will be an officer. Not only will you fly; but you will be expected to lead and to be able to communicate well. So, although this is a bit nitpicky, take a look at your grammar and spelling. Coming across intelligently and fluently in writing will get you a long way in the service and in life.

So, with that said, my suggestions for you, vague as they are are thus:
1) Get good at doing math quickly and accurately in your head.
2) Be able to multitask and be able to do it well.
3) Read and learn everything you can about the military and aviation. Go to the library, talk to pilots, etc. Get an understanding for the types of things pilots do in the pit, the types of missions you'll likely fly if you end up in the ADF, how aircraft work, their history, how they're designed and built, etc.

There's also another important question: what do you want to fly? If you want to fly rotary wing aircraft (helicopters), that means Army or Navy. If you want fixed wing (airplanes), that means Air Force. Each force has its own different culture, mission, and lifestyle, so you need to decide which one you'll do best in. ASW (sub-hunting), troop resupply, and air-to-air combat are all very, very different.

Also, be willing to consider flying as a Navy Oberver or an RAAF Air Combat Officer. You won't be at the controls like the pilot; but you'll be right there in the pit, doing a job that can be as exciting and as important.

As for more specific information, here are some links you might find helpful.

General
-http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/Jobs/Pilot/?entryTypeId=3

Air Force
-http://www.airforce.gov.au/careers/pilot.aspx
-http://www.airforce.gov.au/psa/education.aspx

Navy
-http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/navy/Jobs/NavyPilot/?entryTypeId=3

Army
-http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/Jobs/AviationCorpsOfficerSSOPilot/?entryTypeId=13
-http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/Jobs/AviationCorpsOfficerGSOPilot/?entryTypeId=13

 

[Spetsznaz]

I am not sure this is a big factor but you must also have perfect vision, preferably natural vision that in not enhanced through surgery.

And as far as flying and where to join, there is a saying in the USAF

"If you wanted to fly, you should have joined the army, the have more things to fly than we do" (Army Aviation)