Need some help on my career goals (RAAF PILOT)

JOSH_U_WA

New Member
Hey...
I am currently study year 11 in Queensland... I am currently studying Math B, Math C, Physics, Chemistry, Graphics and English. I am very interested in becoming an RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) Pilot but am very confused on what path to go down. Either Direct Entry or ADFA.
If you dont mind I would like some advice on both entries and what would best suit me now and in the long run.

These are the two options I have:
ADFA

Should apply in second half of 2010 (131901 or online application)
Attend a YOU session in second half of 2010 (aptitude testing, initial medical screening and counselling)
Attend pilot specialist testing in second half of 2010
Attend an Assessment Day in early 2011
Attend Flight Screening and OSB in Apr 2011
Receive required OP and begin study at ADFA in 2012


Direct Entry Pilot

Apply in late 2011
Attend YOU session in late 2011
Attend pilot specialist testing in late 2011
Attend Assessment Day in early 2012 (cannot attend assessment day until you have year 12 results, this is different to ADFA)
Attend Flight Screening and OSB in early 2012
Receive offer and commence training at some stage in 2012

If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it....
Thank-you
 

south

Well-Known Member
Check out this link. Read all 59 pages. It has been running for 9 years - and will have everything you want to know and more. It has up to date information from people who are currently going through the process, and I believe that current RAAF Aircrew and Instructors. Come back if you have any further questions.

RAAF Flight Screening Program (Merged) - Page 59 - PPRuNe Forums

To answer your direct question

there is no right or wrong. Both ADFA and DEO offer advantages. i think that you will find that you will be very very lucky (read it is very very rare) to be accepted for DEO straight out of school. From what I understand the DFR staff and the airforce want you to have a little more "life experience". So more than likely if you are going to apply for the end of yr 12, DFR will push you in the ADFA direction. If you decide you dont want to go for ADFA, they may tell you to wait for a year or two, get a job, go to uni that sort of thing.
 
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JOSH_U_WA

New Member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
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That’s what I was afraid of... I have been emailing a Career's Councilor at Defence Force Recruiting and he has said most younger applicants usually go to ADFA as they get more 'life experience' there before being put into a stress role of a trainee pilot...

But the thing is, I really want to go through Direct Entry, is there any known pilot’s out there that have gone through Direct Entry straight after high school and have gotten into the flight training program?

Also, would it be wise to gain some work experience around the aviation industry? Would that boost my chances of getting through direct entry? Maybe even getting some hours in an introductory flight or even going for some other flight license (recreational license etc...)? Would any of these convince the board that I would have enough ‘life experience’ and show determination of becoming a pilot in the RAAF?

This is my dream and I will stop at nothing until I get it…. Any advice that will and can guide me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, thank you South for the response. I have been reading the forum and is very helpful explaining and giving details about the selection board, testing etc... Tops!

Thank-You

Joshua
 

gf0012-aust

Grumpy Old Man
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
So more than likely if you are going to apply for the end of yr 12, DFR will push you in the ADFA direction. If you decide you dont want to go for ADFA, they may tell you to wait for a year or two, get a job, go to uni that sort of thing.

I'd endorse what South is saying. RAAF is moving into some very very complex systems, and the fixed wing combat elements are required to play very much in the joint space. There is an expectation that the future C3I3 environments will be taxing, so the pref would lie with those who undertake further study via ADFA.
 
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