How To Become Military Aircrew in Australia (2026 Guide)
This guide breaks down the actual 2026 selection process and how Get Your Wing’s structured program and 1:1 coaching gives candidates a significant advantage.
Overview: The Reality of ADF Aircrew Selection
Becoming military aircrew (Pilot, Air Combat Officer, Aircrewman, Mission Aircrew) in the Australian Defence Force is one of the most competitive career pathways in Australia.
- In 2024-25: 75,000 people applied to the ADF with less than 400 being selected as aircrew
- The process is designed to eliminate unprepared candidates early
- Success depends on preparation and motivation, not just potential
Why Preparation is the Difference
The ADF selection system is not designed to “find potential” — it is designed to:
- Filter out the unprepared and select the ready, highest quality candidates.
They want highly motivated candidates prepared to work hard to achieve a challenging goal
At every stage:
- Testing is unfamiliar
- Standards are high
- Competition is intense
Why Candidates Choose Get Your Wings
Get Your Wings bridges the gap between:
- What candidates think the process is and what matters
- And what the ADF is looking for, what carries the most significance in the Selection Process, alongside specific advice on how to excel
Key advantages:
- Stage-by-stage preparation aligned to the real ADF process
- Proven success rates in aptitude testing and OSB outcomes
- Focus on performance, not theory
- Get to engage with someone who has actually been through the process and taught it
Final Takeaway
Success in ADF Aircrew selection is not random. It is the result of:
- Deeply understanding the process
- Adequately preparing for each stage
- Executing well under pressure
| STEP | WHAT HAPPENS | WHAT ADF IS ASSESSING | WHERE CANDIDATES FAIL | HOW GET YOUR WINGS HELPS |
| STEP 1: Initial Application (ADF Careers Portal) | – Submit application via ADF Careers website – Choose your preferred aircrew role (Pilot, Air Combat Officer, Aircrewman, Mission Aircrew) – Provide your academic, medical, and background information | – Basic eligibility (citizenship, education, medical, security) – Role suitability | – Choosing incorrect entry pathway (Officer vs General Entry) – Lack of understanding of role requirements | Supersonic Coaching & Training Package covers: – Role selection guidance – Application strategy coaching – Key knowledge about what you are applying for – Positioning yourself as a competitive candidate from Day 1 |
| STEP 2: “YOU” Sessions (Your Opportunities Unlimited) | – Aptitude testing (cognitive, numerical, spatial, reasoning, vocabulary) – Basic medical screening – Initial careers interview This stage determines which roles you are eligible for. | – Cognitive ability (maths, reasoning, spatial awareness, prioritisation) – Officer and leadership potential indicators | – Poor aptitude testing performance (especially mental maths) – No preparation for timed cognitive testing | Supersonic Coaching & Training Package (including ADF-specific Pilot Aptitude Training app) covers: – Speed and accuracy development – Proven frameworks for passing first time – Guidance on what to study and typical questions |
| STEP 3: Additional Aircrew / Aviation Aptitude Testing (Applies to Pilot and Mission Aircrew roles) | – Advanced psychometric and aviation-specific testing – Multi-tasking, coordination, and processing speed assessments | – Aircrew suitability (not just intelligence but multi tasking) – Ability to process multiple inputs under time pressure | – Lack of familiarity with test formats – Poor multi-tasking ability – Practicing unrelated tests | Supersonic Coaching & Training Package (including ADF-specific Pilot Aptitude Training app) covers: – Exposure and targeted practice of related aviation-style testing – Training for spatial orientation, coordination and boosting cognitive ability – Reduces “shock factor” of unfamiliar tests – Practice similar tests under simulated time pressure |
| STEP 4: Aircrew Candidate Assessment Session | – More comprehensive medical assessment – Psychological interview – Defence interview (values, leadership, motivation, service knowledge) | – Officer qualities – Communication skills and leadership potential – Psychological suitability – Maturity level | – Weak, underprepared interview responses – Poor understanding of ADF values and role – Lack of leadership examples – Lack of understanding about what training and opportunities lie ahead – Minimal evidence of long term motivation | Supersonic Coaching & Training Package (including ADF-specific Pilot Aptitude Training app) covers: – Structured interview coaching – Suggested activities prior such as some flying and Defence-work experience – Defence-specific answer frameworks – Facilitation of motivational evidence and long term desire – Personal story development aligned to ADF values |
| STEP 5: Aviation Screening Program (ASP) – Aircrew Candidates (Critical Elimination Phase) | – Conducted at RAAF Base East Sale – Intensive 2-day computer-based cognitive testing – Helps determine overall ranking and progression to Officer Selection Board | – True pilot aptitude and ability to prioritise competing demands – Mental cognitive horsepower – Performance under time pressure – Adaptability and ability to learn and improve quickly | – No prior exposure or practice of aviation-style testing – Poor mental endurance and capacity – Poor time management skills – Not understanding the question | Supersonic Coaching & Training Package (including ADF-specific Pilot Aptitude Training app) covers: – ASP-specific preparation strategies based on similar tests – Familiarisation with test types – Specific test practice regimes – Time management strategies – Performance optimisation under fatigue |
| STEP 6: Officer Selection Board (OSB) Required for Pilot and Mission Aircrew roles | – Panel interview – Group exercises and speeches – Leadership tasks | – Leadership decision making under pressure – Teamwork and communication skills – Officer suitability – Physical presentation | – Inability to demonstrate examples of leadership – Poor group dynamics – Lack of confidence under scrutiny – Incomplete question responses and poor verbal delivery | Supersonic Coaching & Training Package (including ADF-specific Pilot Aptitude Training app) covers: – Officer Selection Board simulation training – Provide direct feedback from those who have gone before you – Leadership coaching – Example speech and leadership activities – Feedback-driven performance improvement |
| STEP 7: Pre-Entry Fitness, Medical and Security Clearance | – Fitness testing (PFA) – Final medical checks – Security clearance processing | – Physical readiness – Medical suitability – Background integrity | – Leaving fitness preparation too late – Medical surprises – Not preparing for preferred options when asked | Supersonic Coaching & Training Package (including ADF-specific Pilot Aptitude Training app) covers: – Preparation timelines – Fitness guidance aligned to ADF standards – Overall medical guidance advice – Employment options guidance |
| STEP 8: Letter of Offer & Enlistment | – Receive offer – Final documentation – Enlistment or appointment into training Successful candidates proceed to: Officer training (if applicable) Initial employment training (aircrew pipeline) | Gain access to the Future Australian Military Pilot (private) Facebook Group, offering a supportive community as you enter your new career! |