Address
Form of workAbout the role
As a Helicopter Pilot (GSO Pilot), once qualified, you can expect to be employed flying your primary helicopter type, initially as a co-pilot and/or aircraft captain under supervision for the first twelve months. From this point on you will be trained and authorised to conduct more complex missions often as aircraft captain. You will learn how to operate from RAN ships as well as how to operate in mountainous terrain and remote areas. You will be qualified to fly with night vision devices and conduct low level and formation flight by day and night. As you develop your flying experience you can expect to be given supervisory and leadership roles to prepare you for command appointments with the Army. After six to eight years of flying you may be selected to be a flying instructor or experimental test pilot.
Some of you may be selected for overseas postings accompanied by your spouse and children.
You will be expected to attend career courses with officers from all Corps. There are also professional development courses that may be undertaken with officers from Navy and Air Force. These are not only great professional development opportunities that also expand your network of friends and colleagues.
AIRCRAFT TYPES ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT
CH-47F Chinook
The CH-47F Chinook is operated by C Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville. Initial conversion training is conducted by the US Army.
The Chinook is one of the most versatile battlefield helicopters capable of carrying 33 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo over a range of approximately 500 kilometres at a cruise speed of 130 knots (240 kilometres per hour). Tasks include logistic support to airmobile operations, casualty evacuation and battlefield support for internal and external movement of fuel, stores, vehicles and heavy equipment.
The Chinook has a crew of two pilots and two aircrewman and can be armed with 2 M134 Miniguns and a MAG58 machine gun.
ARH -Tiger
The Tiger is operated by 161 and 162 Reconnaissance Squadron of 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin. Conversion training is conducted by the School of Army Aviation at Oakey using both actual aircraft and a Full Flight Mission Simulator.
As an Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, the Tiger provides a reconnaissance capability overmatch in order to provide situational awareness and decision superiority to the commander. The Tiger employs cannon, rocket and missile weapons systems, sensors communications systems with the capability of employment in Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Intelligence, Offensive Support, Command and Control.
The Tiger is a tandem seated, armed helicopter which cruises at a speed of 120 knots (222 kilometers per hour) and has a range of 450 km without external tanks.
The Tiger is crewed by two pilots one of whom is designated the Battle Captain.
