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defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/jobs/Pilot
Document generated on Wednesday, 24 February 2016 at 12:35:45 PM

Pilot
Many young people dream of flying for a living, and for very good reason. That dream job may be
more attainable than you think, and far more rewarding when you choose the Air Force over
commercial options.

Job Details
Officer, Australian Defence Force Academy
Upgrade your flying ambition right now and within just a few years, you could be taking control of
one of the fastest and most manoeuvrable aircraft in the skies. Or transporting troops and supplies to
a disaster zone in a high-capacity heavy transport aircraft. Or carrying out a covert surveillance
mission in an aircraft armed with state-of-the-art radar and sensor systems.
In the Air Force you'll enjoy an exceptionally exciting and highly responsible job, a very competitive
salary package, and a lifestyle like nothing else. Plus, you'll benefit from continual investment in your
personal and professional development.
Better still, in contrast to taking up an airline cadetship, you'll be paid as you train, you'll achieve
captaincy far faster, and you'll experience a wide variety of deployments flying advanced military
aircraft.
Your route to becoming a Pilot in the Air Force will be:
Officer Training - 17 weeks (or 6 hours per week plus 6 weeks for ADFA students).
Pilot Basic Training - 25 weeks including over 60 hours in the CT4B Airtrainer.
PHASE 1:
General flying including basic aerobatics, spinning and emergency handling,
Instrument interpretation skills,
Night flying, and
Navigation.

PHASE 2:
Consolidation of basic general flying skills,

Advanced aerobatics, and

Further development of emergency handling skills.
Plus ground training which covers aerodynamics, aircraft systems, airmanship, air power, air traffic
control, aviation medicine, cockpit systems, meteorology and Morse code.
Advanced Training - 37 weeks including 119 hours in the PC9/A single-engine turboprop.
The emphasis for this stage is taking all the skills learned during Pilot Basic to a higher level in a
higher-performing aircraft. You'll also learn more advanced military flying skills including low-level
navigation to a time-on-target, and formation flying.
For more detail, visit the Employment Training page.
On successful completion of these training programs, you'll receive your wings and be streamed onto
a specific aircraft type, based on your ability, training scores and Air Force needs.
Click below to find out how to start your Air Force career with a degree from the Australian
Defence Force Academy.
Alternatively, if you're considering starting Air Force Pilot training straight from Year 12, click
Officer' in the Method of Entry above.
Or, if you're a young woman who's already studying a Bachelor of Aviation Degree at Griffith
University, click Graduate Pilot Scheme.

Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)

Upgrade your flying ambition right now and within just a few years, you could be taking control of
one of the fastest and most manoeuvrable aircraft in the skies. Or transporting troops and supplies to
a disaster zone in a high-capacity heavy transport aircraft. Or carrying out a covert surveillance
mission in an aircraft armed with state-of-the-art radar and sensor systems.
In the Air Force youll enjoy an exceptionally exciting and highly responsible job, a very competitive
salary package, and a lifestyle like nothing else. Plus, youll experience a wide variety of aircraft and
benefit from continual investment in your personal and professional development.
If youre young, female, and already studying a Bachelor of Aviation Degree at Griffith University, you
can apply for the Air Force Graduate Pilot Scheme (GPS). If accepted youll get:
all your university degree fees paid for,
a salary while you complete your flying hours,
your practical flying hours paid for, and
as little as three years service obligation after receiving your wings.

Entry
Officer
You might be surprised to discover that you can train to become an Air Force Pilot without having first
secured a degree. Though if you do have one, you'll start on a higher salary.
With appropriate grades you can enter the Air Force after completing Year 12, undertaking the Initial
Officer Course at RAAF East Sale in Victoria. This is called Direct Entry'.
Once graduated from there you'll move on to the Pilot stages of your training, as you pursue a flying

career with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Australian Defence Force Academy

If you choose to gain a degree through the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) before
becoming an Air Force Pilot, your flying career will start at the ADFA campus in Canberra. Part of the
University of New South Wales, ADFA offers a world-class education with the best student/teacher
ratio in the country.
Degrees available to Air Force Pilot's include:
Bachelor of Arts,
Bachelor of Information Technology,
Bachelor of Science,
Bachelor of Technology, and
Bachelor of Business.
Your majors and minors can be selected from a broad range of options, and when you study for one
of these degrees at ADFA you'll:
Get paid to study with a starting salary of $38,015 plus 18% super,
Graduate with a guaranteed job,
Have no Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) fees, and
Receive free medical and dental, plus subsidised food and accommodation.
Your time at ADFA
There's much more to life at ADFA than just studying for a degree. You'll also learn how to be a
member of the Air Force, develop your leadership and management skills, and take part in drills and
fitness training.
A typical first year looks like this:

1 weekOrientation,
4 weeks Academy Military Education and Training,
1 week Chief of the Defence Force Parade,
16 weeks Session 1 academic studies (includes a 2 week recess of career development and
field trips which can be either academic or military in nature),
2 weeksMid-year exams, followed by two weeks Single Service Training (SST) at HMAS
Creswell,
14 weeks Session 2 academic studies (includes a 1 week study recess),
2 weeks Study and end of year exams,
3 weeks SST at respective Single Service Colleges,
1 week Graduation, and
5 weeks End of academic year leave.
During the year you'll also get involved with academic field trips, military tours, excursions and
adventure training.

Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)

If you're a young woman who has completed the first year of a Bachelor of Aviation Degree at Griffith
University and are currently in years two or three, you can apply for our Graduate Pilot Scheme
(GPS).
To be selected for the Scheme you'll need to pass aptitude and fitness tests and successfully
complete Flight Screening and Officer Selection. If accepted, you will join other female candidates of
a similar calibre, receiving support, mentorship and companionship throughout the training programs.
Following entry you will undertake Initial Officer Training, followed by Pilot Basic flying training and
then Advanced Training.

Your questions about the Graduate Pilot Scheme answered

What are the selection criteria for GPS?
Youll need to be a female Bachelor of Aviation student Degree at Griffith University, and will be
required to successfully complete Air Force Pilot selection aptitude tests, Flight Screening and Officer
Selection. During the selection process your physical fitness, education, character, and suitability to
hold a security clearance will be assessed.
At what stage of my degree will I be selected for GPS?
Selection will take place after you have successfully completed at least two full years of study.
However, you can start the application process on commencing your first semester of your first year
of Bachelor of Aviation studies.
What happens if I am successful?
On appointment to the Air Force youll go to Officer Training for 17 weeks, followed by Basic Flying
Training (BFTS), then Advanced Flying Training (2FTS), assuming success at each stage. Once you
have successfully graduated from 2FTS youll be awarded your degree from Griffith University.
What happens after Advanced Flying Training?
After 2FTS youll be posted to an Air Force squadron to undertake conversion on a specific type of
aircraft (fighter, transport, surveillance etc.). The decision regarding which route you take will depend
on your performance during training, along with the needs of the Air Force at the time. The highest
performers are more likely to proceed to fast aircraft training.
Will I be the only woman in training?
If you are accepted into the GPS well aim, where possible, to ensure you have the opportunity to
train and learn with other women. All successful applicants will be assigned a female Pilot mentor, to
support you both during training and in your subsequent career.
What happens if I fail to get my wings following 2FTS?
We will only reimburse university fees if you graduate from Advanced Pilot Training at 2FTS and are
awarded your wings as an Air Force Pilot.
If you fail pilot training you can request transfer into another priority recruiting role such as Air
Combat Officer. But if you do not choose this option, or you are not considered suitable for retention,
then your probationary appointment as an Officer will be terminated.

Pay & Allowances

Officer
During initial military and employment training, as an Officer Cadet you will receive the following
salary package:
$55,691 per year if degree qualified + 18% super
$50,343 per year if non-degree qualified + 18% super
These figures include a Training Allowance and a uniform maintenance allowance.

Upon completion of your military and employment training your salary will increase to
$67,084 per year plus 18% Super. This includes Service and Uniform Allowances.
In comparison, if you learnt to fly through an airline cadetship you could expect to be paid around
$60,000 per year once qualified; and that's after paying for all your own training fees and living
expenses for four years.
Salaries increase with rank, years of service and additional skills and qualifications gained. SeeSalary
Scalesfor more details.
Please note, the above salaries do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals,
accommodation and utilities (as applicable).

Australian Defence Force Academy

While studying at ADFA you will receive:
Year 1: $39,891 per year
Year 2 $45,346 per year
Year 3: $50,801 per year
Year 4: $56,256 per year
These figures include a Training Allowance but do not include the 18% Super given to members of
the ADF. Trainees with dependants may be entitled to a minimum salary of $43,766 per year.
During Military Training and (Initial) Employment Training, you may be required to pay a contribution
towards meals, accommodation and utilities.
$68,154 per year plus Super will be your starting salary package on graduation from ADFA. This
includes Service and Uniform Allowances.
Salaries increase with rank, years of service and additional skills and qualifications gained. See Salary
Scales for more details.

Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)

You will be appointed as an Officer Cadet (OFFCDT) upon joining the Air Force and receive the
following salary while undertaking Military (Initial Officer) Training and Employment Training:
Degree Qualified: $45,457 per year ($1,744 per fortnight).*
Non-degree Qualified: $40,109 per year ($1,539 per fortnight).*
While under training, you will also receive $9,552 per year pro rata ($366 per fortnight) Trainee
Allowance.
Salary on completion of Military (Initial Officer) Training and Employment Training: $53,478 per year
(2,001 per fortnight).*
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $12,924 per year ($497 per fortnight)
except while undertaking Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a
member for the unique requirements that service life may impose on an individual and his or her
family.

Uniform Allowance at a rate of $682 per year ($26 per fortnight) is also paid to assist you in
maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition.
Your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service
completed in that rank. Your pay grade may increase following the acquisition of additional skills and
completion of further training. Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and
utilities (as applicable); or superannuation.

General Requirements

Age Requirement
Officer, Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)
On the day you enter the Air Force you must be at least 17 years old and (preferably) below the age
of 27.5.
Those older than 27.5 will be considered for selection if they can demonstrate significant potential for
Air Force Pilot training.

Australian Defence Force Academy

On the day you enter the Australian Defence Force Academy, you must be at least 17 years old and
(preferably) below the age of 24.5.
Those older than 24.5 will be considered for selection if they can demonstrate significant potential for
Air Force Pilot training. Or you may wish to consider Direct Entry as a Pilot instead of ADFA.

Citizenship Requirement
To serve in the Australian Defence Force you must be an Australian Citizen or in exceptional
circumstances, a Permanent Resident.
Find out more in ourRecruitment Centreor ask your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Security Requirement
When you apply for Air Force Pilot training youll be subject to a standard series of background
checks. This means youll have to have lived in Australia for the preceding 10 years, or have a readily
checkable background for the period.

Aptitude Requirement
To check you have the natural aptitude to train as an Air Force Pilot, your verbal, spatial, numerical

and mathematical ability will be assessed. You can find out more about these assessmentshere.

Gender Restriction
Entry to Air Force Pilot via the Graduate Pilot Scheme is restricted to females only.

Education & Experience

Officer
The requirements for acceptance into Initial Officer Training for a Pilot Career are:
Completion of Year 12.
Passes in English, Mathematics (Tertiary Entrance Level, not modified) and two other academic
subjects.
If studied, minimum grades are set for chemistry, geography and physics. Applicants must have also
achieved a minimum of a C grade or equivalent in Year 10 science, if sciences were not completed
and passed at year 11 or 12.
Requirements can vary slightly by state. Find out more on theADF Pilot Selection Flight website.

Australian Defence Force Academy

The requirements for acceptance into ADFA for a Pilot career are:
Completion of Year 12.
Passes in English, Mathematics (Tertiary Entrance Level, not modified) and two other academic
subjects.
The desired ATAR or equivalent for your chosen degree.
If studied, minimum grades are set for chemistry, geography and physics. Applicants must have also
achieved a minimum of a C grade or equivalent in Year 10 science, if sciences were not completed
and passed at year 11 or 12.
Requirements can vary slightly by state. Find out more on theADF Pilot Selection Agency web
site.
As well as applying to the Air Force for entry, you must also apply to the University through the
Universities Admissions Centre (NSW and ACT). The UAC website is:
http://www.uac.edu.au

Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)

The requirements for acceptance into Initial Officer Training for a Pilot Career are:
Completion of Year 12.
Passes in English, Mathematics (Tertiary Entrance Level, not modified) and two other academic

subjects.
If studied, minimum grades are set for chemistry, geography and physics. Applicants must have also
achieved a minimum of a C grade or equivalent in Year 10 science, if sciences were not completed
and passed at year 11 or 12.
Requirements can vary slightly by state. Find out more on theADF Pilot Selection Flight website.
To apply for our Graduate Pilot Scheme you must also have started your Bachelor of Aviation Degree
course at Griffith University; though entry will be conditional on you having successfully completed
the first two years.

Medical & Fitness Requirements

Australian Defence Force Academy, Officer, Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)
Naturally youll have to be both mentally and physically fit to train as a Pilot.
At various stages during the application process youll be assessed through (1) completion of a
questionnaire relating to your medical history, (2) a physical examination, and (3) a Pre-entry Fitness
Assessment (PFA).
During the PFA youll need to be able to perform 20 sit-ups (feet held) and 10 push-ups (men) or 4
push-ups (women). Youll also have to achieve a 6.5 shuttle run score in a multistage fitness test.
You can find out more about our medical and physical fitness standards and access training tips here:
Fitness in the ADF
Here you can read about the medical examinations and screenings, what were looking for and
assessing, when in the application process it happens, and what youll have to wear:
Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service
Officer
You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 11.5 years. Subsequent
periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for
further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an
outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation and provide a minimum of three months
notice.

Australian Defence Force Academy

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 14.5 years.
When you embark on a career as an Air Force Pilot through ADFA youll be appointed for an Initial
Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 14.5 years.
IMPS commences from the graduation day of your second year of studies. This means, if you change
your mind about becoming a Pilot, you can leave ADFA at any time up to the end of the second year
without any obligation.

Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to ADF needs and your suitability for further
service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS
obligation and give a minimum of three months notice.

Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)

When you embark on a career as an Air Force Pilot through the Graduate Pilot Scheme (GPS) youll be
appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of six years. However this is not actually an
obligated period of service and can be best described as a contract end point.
Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to your ongoing desire to continue and ADF
needs.
That said, the GPS carries a Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) that becomes enforceable on
graduation from Advanced Flying Training (2FTS). The obligation will be either:

Full Time
ADFA

two years from completion of Conversion to Platform training, or

three years from commencement of the posting that follows successful graduation of Advanced
Flying Training (2FTS).
(Whichever is the greater ROSO)

Additional Requirements
Officer, Australian Defence Force Academy, Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)
The role of Air Force Pilot is about as far from an ordinary job as you can get. So there are a number
of additional requirements for acceptance into our training courses.
The most obvious is that you must have a real interest in the Air Force, and a driving ambition for a
life behind the visor. Other requirements are as follows:

Abilities and Aptitudes

Youll be assessed to check that you are:
suitable for commissioning as a Pilot,
suitable for Pilot training,
able to demonstrate common sense and good judgement,
able to process new information quickly and accurately and apply learned procedures under
pressure,
able to allocate priorities amongst competing sources of incoming information,
able to think and act quickly and appropriately in stressful situations (e.g. in unusual or emergency
situations),
able to perform cognitive tasks and manual activities simultaneously, and
spatially aware.

Personal Qualities
Youll be expected to have:
the personal attributes to accept the status and fulfil the responsibilities of an Officer, and
appropriate personal attributes for training and subsequent employment as a Pilot.

Physical Requirements
Weight and height requirements are important due to cockpit and ejection seat ergonomics.

WEIGHT and BMI

For Air Force Pilots, the acceptable BMI range is 18.5 to 29.9.
Applicants must have a body weight of between 55kg and 100kg (measured in underwear) to comply
with the design of ejection seats and parachutes.

DIMENSIONS
Height - 163cm to 193cm
Sitting Height - 100cm max.
Buttock to knee length - 67cm max.
Buttock to heel length - 122cm max.

SPEECH
Good communication is critical in the Air Force. Your speech must be clear and free from impediment.

Experience
Military flying is in many ways, very different from civilian flying. Therefore the Military Pilots course
has a different training philosophy to that of many civilian flying schools.
Youll be expected to progress on course at a rate that confirms your suitability for subsequent
operational conversions to front-line military aircraft. Therefore previous flying experience in a civilian
environment does not necessarily provide an advantage.
There is no Recognition of Prior Learning with ADF Pilot courses. All successful applicants will fly
exactly the same syllabus sorties regardless of previous experience.
The Air Force neither encourages nor discourages potential applicants to consider flying lessons.

Detailed evaluation
A detailed evaluation of your suitability to become an Air Force Pilot will take place at the Australian
Defence Force Pilot Selection Flight (ADF PSF).
The ADF PSF is part of the Australian Defence Force Basic Flying Training School (ADF BFTS) located
in Tamworth, NSW. The BFTS runs the Pilot selection process for the Air Force, as well as the Navy
and Army.
The process begins after recruitment, when the suitability of applicants is assessed. Those deemed
competitive will be invited to undertake the Flight Screening Program (FSP) and Officer Selection
Board (OSB).
The FSP is designed to evaluate Pilot applicants in an airborne environment, in order to determine
their suitability to undergo ADF Officer and Pilot training. The program syllabus involves a range of
mass briefs and up to 12 flying hours.
The OSB stage follows completion of the FSP. It involves a series of group activities, problem-solving
exercises and verbal presentation exercises plus a formal interview. This gives applicants an excellent
opportunity to display their true potential to be an Officer and Pilot.
The OSB is made up of members of all three Services plus a Psychologist.

Choosing the Air Force

During this whole process youll be considered to be a general ADF Pilot applicant, though your
preference to join the Air Force will be recorded.
This preference will be honoured if you are considered to be suitable. But you should be aware that,
in the highly competitive ADF Pilot selection process, a willingness to nominate, and possibly accept, a
second or third preference will greatly expand the opportunities available.
After OSB youll be informed of the Pilot Selection Flights recommendation on your suitability for each
Service, and their relative competitiveness. However a recommendation at this stage does not
guarantee an offer of employment from the Service.
The ADF PSF distributes their recommendations to the individual Services several times a year. The
single Service Personnel Agency then reviews all recommended applications and makes an offer of
employment to those that are competitive to meet the Services requirements.
That means it may take up to three months for you to receive an offer.
After each distribution, those remaining in the pool of successful applicants compete on an equal
basis with those newly entering the pool. Applicants may remain in the distribution pool for up to 12
months.
For detailed information on the Flight Screening Program visit the ADF PSF website:
Australian Defence Force Pilot Selection Flight

Military Training

Officer, Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)

Initial Officer Training: 17 Weeks
As soon as you join the Air Force youll undertake a 17-week Initial Officer Course at RAAF Base East
Sale, Victoria.
There, youll be introduced to military life and learn about Air Force values and attitudes. The other
major elements of the course include:

ground defence and weapons training,

leadership and personal development,
communication skills, and
Air Force operations.

You can find out more about the structure and requirements of the Initial Officer Course on
theOfficers Training Schoolwebsite, where you can also access guidance on how to arrange your
personal affairs before appointment. Youll also find useful information in ourJoining Instructions.

Australian Defence Force Academy

Once youre settled in to the Australian Defence Force Academy youll undertake six weeks of military
training to prepare you for Service life. This is followed by the annual Chief of the Defence Force
Parade, after which the academic year commences.

Then in between your academic studies, six hours a week are allocated to military training. This
consists of Academy Military Education and Training (AMET) for all three Services as well as Single
Service Training (SST).
SST blocks are held at the beginning and end of the year. Through this program Officer Cadets gain
equivalent skills to those gained by non-ADFA applicants taking the Initial Officers Course.
During AMET youll learn about and get involved with:

defence,
psychology and leadership,
drug and alcohol awareness,
military law,
physical and recreational training,
military drill and ceremonial training,
weapons training,
field training,
character development,
English and military communications, and
study skills.

Youll also have breaks in study to go on academic field trips, military tours, excursions and adventure
training exercises (including five weeks at theOfficers Training School, East Sale, Victoria in Year
2).

Employment Training
Officer, Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)
Aviation Medicine Course: 1 Week
Combat Survival Course: 2 to 3 Weeks
Pilot Basic: 25 Weeks
Advanced Training: 37 Weeks


Aviation Medicine
Before learning to be a Pilot, youll go on an Aviation Medicine (AVMED) course at RAAF Base
Tamworth, NSW to learn about the physiological aspects of military aviation.
In between Basic and Advanced Pilot training youll undergo additional AVMED training - including
hypoxia training in a hyperbaric chamber - at the Institute of Aviation Medicine at RAAF Base
Edinburgh in Adelaide.

Combat Survival
At an appropriate window before completing initial flying training, youll spend 2-3 weeks at the
Combat Survival (COMSURV) Training School in Townsville, QLD. There, youll learn survival skills in
marine, desert and jungle environments as well as escape and evasion techniques, requirements and
responsibilities.
Practical exercises will help reinforce the theories youve been taught, while testing your initiative and
determination. So its important to be physically fit, a swimmer, and knowledgeable in First Aid.

Pilot Basic training

This is where your flying career really starts to take off.
Youll learn to fly at the ADF-Basic Flying Training School (ADF BFTS) in Tamworth, where in 25
weeks youll log over 60 hours flying time in the CT4B Airtrainer.
This initial training is split into two phases plus ground training:
Phase 1: General flying (including manoeuvres such as basic aerobatics, spinning and emergency
handling); instrument interpretation skills (with an emphasis on non directional beacon orientation
and approaches); night flying; and navigation (medium level cross-country navigation and progression
to a safe solo standard).
Phase 2: Consolidation of basic general flying skills, instruction in advanced aerobatics and further
development of emergency handling skills.
Ground training: Covering aerodynamics, aircraft systems, airmanship, air power, air traffic control,
aviation medicine, cockpit systems, meteorology, Morse code and navigation.
The Air Force provides the best and most comprehensive training available; and your instructors will
be highly experienced Pilots and mentors, keen to see you succeed.
BFTS is the final step in the Pilot selection process and determines your suitability for progression to
Number 2 Flying Training School (2FTS) at RAAF Base Pearce near Perth.

The Aviation Progression Board meets to review each candidates cumulative performance and those
who meet the performance standard required will automatically proceed to 2FTS. Supplementary
offers may then be made based on performance indicator scores captured throughout the selection

and training process, such as flight screening, psychometric assessment, learning rate and relevant
personal attributes (for example, very high levels of motivation).
The board will finalise recommendations within one week of BFTS course completion. At this stage, if
you havent been selected for advanced Pilot training, you may still be offered opportunities within
other aviation-related specialisations.

Advanced Training
During 37 weeks at 2FTS youll log 119 hours in the PC9/A two-seat single-engine turboprop.
The emphasis for this stage is taking all the skills learned at BFTS to a higher level in a
higher-performing aircraft. Youll also learn more advanced military flying skills including low-level
navigation to a time-on-target, and formation flying.
Ultimately, the lessons learned at BFTS and 2FTS will be combined into mission-oriented profiles that
demand a high degree of flexibility and adaptability in both flying skills and mental processes.
On successful completion of Advanced Training youll receive your wings. At this point youll be
streamed onto specific aircraft and will commence specialist courses such as Fighter Pilot training.

The following competencies will be awarded on completion of the Advanced Training course:
AVI4E108B - Maintain aircraft radio communications
AVI4Y108B - Control aeroplane on the ground
AVI4Y308B - Control aeroplane in normal flight
AVI4Y408B - Land aeroplane
AVI4Y808B - Control aircraft solely by reference to full instrument panel
AVI5W1808A - Operate and manage aircraft systems
AVI5Y2008A - Conduct full instrument panel manoeuvres
AVI5Y2108A - Conduct limited instrument panel manoeuvres
AVI5Y2808A - Perform instrument departure published procedures (SID/SRD)
AVI5Y2508A - Perform an instrument arrival
AVI5Y3308A - Perform visual circling approach
AVI5Y3408A - Perform non directional beacon (NDB) instrument approach
AVI5Y3508A - Perform VHF omni directional radio range (VOR) instrument approach
DDDRPL588A - Perform Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) instrument approach
AVI5Y3608A - Perform instrument landing system (ILS) instrument approach
AVI4Y6609A - Control aircraft in advanced flight manoeuvres

 AVI4Y6109A - Perform Aerobatic Manoeuvres

AVI4Y6209A - Perform an Aerobatic Sequence
AVI4Y6309A - Perform close formation flight
AVI4Y6409A - Leads an aircraft formation flight

Australian Defence Force Academy

Aviation Medicine - 1 Week
Combat Survival - 3 Weeks
Pilot Basic - 26 Weeks
Advanced Training - 37 Weeks
During your third year at the Academy you will travel to RAAF Townsville, where the Combat Survival
School is located. Combat Survival (COMSURV) Training is carried out over a period of three weeks.
You are taught survival techniques in marine, desert and jungle environments and participate in an
escape and evasion exercise, which tests your initiative and determination to the limit. This also
involves a swimming component.
As a RAAF trainee Pilot you will complete an Aviation Medicine (AVMED) course covering the
physiological aspects of Military aviation. You will receive your initial AVMED training at Tamworth
prior to commencing flying. At the completion of Basic Flying Training School, and before starting
Advanced Training at No 2 Flying Training School (2FTS) at RAAF Base Pearce (near Perth) WA, you
will undergo further AVMED training, including Hypoxia training in a hyperbaric chamber, at the
Institute of Aviation Medicine at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
On completion of the initial part of the AVMED course candidates will continue with Basic Training at
ADFBFTS located at Tamworth NSW. The course duration is 26 weeks and consists of two phases
(Basic and Advanced) totalling 99 hours of flying. All flying is done on the CT4B aircraft.
The syllabus will include training in General Flying (GF), Instrument Flying (IF), Night Flying (NF),
Formation (FORM), and Navigation (NAV).
Phase 1- Instruction in GF includes manoeuvres such as basic aerobatics, low flying, spinning and
emergency handling. IF instruction covers basic instrument interpretation skills and orientation using
radio aids (NDB and VOR). Some simulator flying is conducted. The NAV component of the course
introduces medium level cross-country navigation and the student is progressed to a safe solo
standard.
Phase 2 - The first part of this phase involves consolidation of GF. IF includes instrument approaches
(NDB, VOR and ILS), Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures and emergency handling. NAV includes
combinations of medium and low level navigation with 'time on target'. Night NAV and the principles
of IFR navigation are also introduced. NF is consolidated. FORM is introduced with equal development
of lead and wing skills to solo standard in a pairs formation. Ground training will also be conducted in
Aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, Airmanship, Air Power, Air Traffic Control, Aviation Medicine, Cockpit
Systems, Meteorology, Morse Code, and Navigation.
Upon completion of the Basic course, candidates proceed to 2FTS at RAAF Base Pearce for Advanced
Training. Flying at 2FTS is done on the PC9/A. The course is approximately 37 weeks duration with
130 hours of flying. The syllabus is similar to that of BFTS with an emphasis on transferring basic

flying skills, as obtained in Tamworth, onto a higher performance aircraft.

Further Training
Officer, Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female), Australian Defence Force Academy
Youve now graduated from Number 2 Flying Training School and are ready to be streamed onto
specific aircraft. This process is called conversion.
By this point youll probably have a pretty good idea what type of aircraft youre passionate about
flying. However, whilst acknowledging your preference, recommendations about the best choice of
aircraft based on your temperament, strong points and aptitude will be provided by your instructors.
Air Force instructors are highly experienced and will have been observing you for almost 12 months,
so they are well qualified to advise the selection panels on your suitability.
Ultimately, the needs of the Air Force take precedence. However every aircraft option will still provide
you with a rich and rewarding career, plus levels of job satisfaction those in other jobs can only
dream of.
So whether youre selected to fly a C-17A Globemaster III heavy transport, a KC-30A tanker, an E-7A
Wedgetail surveillance and control aircraft, or a state of the art F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter, this is
the stage when you learn the specifics of the aircraft chosen.
You can read more about all the aircraft we operate on the Air Force website.
Youll also become fully assimilated into the working environment of your new squadron, learning the
theory behind the tactics it employs. Here you will 'crew up' and practise until your team is
operationally effective.

Employment Location
Officer, Australian Defence Force Academy, Graduate Pilot Scheme (Female)
Once you have completed flying training, youll be posted to an Air Force flying squadron based at
one of the many Air Force Bases across Australia:
New South Wales
RAAF Base Williamtown: F/A-18 Hornet, Hawk 127, E-7A Wedgetail and Pilatus PC-9/A
RAAF Base Richmond: C-130 Hercules

Northern Territory
RAAF Base Tindal: F/A-18 Hornet

Queensland
RAAF Base Amberley: F/A-18F Super Hornet, C17-A Globemaster III and KC-30A Multi Role Tanker
Transport

South Australia
RAAF Base Edinburgh: AP-3C Orion

Victoria
RAAF Base East Sale: King Air 350 and Pilatus PC-9/A training aircraft

Western Australia
RAAF Base Pearce: Pilatus PC-9/A and Hawk 127 training aircraft

The exact location of your posting will depend on the type of aircraft chosen for your advanced
training.
Subsequent postings could take you to other Defence establishments and possibly overseas on
humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

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