Further Information and Advice
Preference Consideration
Applicants should seriously consider all three Services (Navy, Army and Air Force) since each operates military aircraft. In particular, pilot applicants for the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) should consider entry to ADFA as Navigator, Observer or Air Combat Officer aircrew if unsuccessful for pilot. Alternately, the Direct Entry Officer (DEO) stream offers a more immediate opportunity to fly.
In any case, you can maximise your chances of selection by applying for multiple preferences when you first approach Defence Force Recruiting . In this way, you can be re-directed to another specialisation without the need for additional time-consuming testing.
Army Entry Schemes
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
The Army has introduced an entry avenue for Army ADFA Pilot. This now allows pilot applicants to enter ADFA for all three Services.
General Service Officer (GSO)
Applicants should note that Army GSO Pilot candidates are now being processed by the ADF Pilot Selection Agency and will be required to undergo the Flight Screening Program. Applicants are no longer required to be presented to an Officer Selection Board for the Royal Military College. If an applicant is successful at the pilot Offer Selection Board they will enter the Royal Military College under an Aviation Cadetship.
In-Service Applicants
Pilots applicants already serving in the ADF follow a similar process but do not apply through Defence Force Recruiting:
* Your application must be processed through your chain of command.
* You must have the appropriate pilot aptitude testing and psychologist interview, a medical within the last 12 months deeming you Class I, and you must include as much detail as possible with your application to show your suitability for ADF pilot (e.g. actual education results, previous civilian flying experience, if conducted, and anything else you consider would make you more competitive for pilot).
* Your Career Management Agency must agree in principle to your change of specialisation to pilot.
* You will be processed as an ADF pilot applicant in competition with all other candidates but you will not be processed by the nearest recruiting centre. SOP's for psych and medical testing are still under development.
