Air Force Pilot recruitment
Royal Australian Air Force Pilot recruitment is handled by Defence Force Recruiting; call 13 19 01 or see:
There are two ways to become an Air Force Pilot:
- earn your degree at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) before undertaking pilot training
- apply for direct entry after Year 12.
The pilot selection process
is explained on the ADF Pilot Selection Agency website. Pilot selection is very competitive; all requirements should be read as minimum standards.
Age:
Men and women aged 17–43 can apply, but we prefer if you are under 27.
Citizenship:
Air Force Pilots must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Aptitude:
you must demonstrate enthusiasm for a
career in the Air Force, willingness and capability to learn,
leadership potential and interest in flying.
Education:
Full details are given on the ADF Pilot Selection Agency website.
Health:
your health will be assessed as part of the normal recruitment medical process described on Defence Force Recruiting Medical Requirements.
Fitness:
you will need to be reasonably fit to complete both recruitment and training, as described below:
Helicopter pilots:
Air Force does not fly helicopters. The Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army
operate helicopters to support their operations. Helicopter pilot
recruitment for Navy and Army is also handled by Defence Force
Recruiting and the ADF Pilot Selection Agency.
Other aircrew careers:
Air Force also needs Air Combat Officers, Airborne Electronics Analysts and Crew Attendants to
operate navigation, sensor and weapons systems, and ensure payloads and
passengers are carried safely; see Aviation Careers on the Defence Force Recruiting website.
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