Become a Pilot
![Become a pilot with the RFDS](https://thumbor.ixchosted.com/CvxdqNPj_P6JagvMSBR079AsZzc=/1200x0/https://rfds-media.s3.amazonaws.com/dd/full_width_image/HEADER_-_Become_a_pilot.b49e.png?Signature=JIG6hOd89D66jeTfhJlKc6nmWcc%3D&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA57J6V557HP5WJ6WZ&Expires=1725164395)
![Pilot Fin](https://thumbor.ixchosted.com/QJMg2xczwsqdkJgGNGmBlL-2bUY=/900x0/https://rfds-media.s3.amazonaws.com/dd/text_and_image/770x770_Finn.848d.png?Signature=HqUxkhm4MUuCtpj2pp6Q4EctSlc%3D&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA57J6V557HP5WJ6WZ&Expires=1725164395)
Are you ready for a career of adventure?
The RFDS in Western Australia provides life-saving care to more than 2.5 million square kilometres of WA - the largest and most remote health jurisdiction in the world.
Our pilots play a pivotal role in ensuring our doctors and nurses reach those in need - whether that means landing in the middle of a highway in wet conditions or on a dirt strip at a remote station.
Begin your lifetime career where no two days are the same.
![Pilot James doing pre-flight checks](https://thumbor.ixchosted.com/xE0iZsp8qiXvffwlpxBwdK4jYR0=/1200x0/https://rfds-media.s3.amazonaws.com/dd/full_width_image/Pilot_James_video_cover_1920x1080.cb14.png?Signature=Gg07J%2F5g3hJLJXgRHMKtmJEdmp4%3D&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA57J6V557HP5WJ6WZ&Expires=1725164395)
![Fin and Paul](https://thumbor.ixchosted.com/u0ueZTu4sqlDldPLuGQapAGejV4=/900x0/https://rfds-media.s3.amazonaws.com/dd/text_and_image/Fin_and_Paul_770x440.2cc7.png?Signature=%2FRA90HnyQI4d%2B%2F453ilsxMsV1Fs%3D&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA57J6V557HP5WJ6WZ&Expires=1725164395)
About your role
- You’ll fly a high-performing and extremely well-maintained Pilatus PC-12, Pilatus PC-24 or EC-145 Helicopter.
- You’ll work in a small, front line team with some of the most skilled emergency doctors and nurses in the state.
- You’ll never stop learning and facing new challenges, with career development and growth opportunities.
- Most importantly, you’ll make a difference with every single flight.
What you'll get
- Highly subsidised accommodation for regional employees of up to $32,500 in accommodation assistance.
- Yearly return flights from regional bases to any city around Australia (up to $800 each) for you and your dependent family members
- A starting salary of $132,870, with guaranteed increases of 3% for the next two years and an increase on your annual anniversary, 42 days of consecutive annual leave.
- Salary packaging up to $15,900 per annum for everyday expenses and up to $2,650 per annum on meals and entertainment expenses.
- A district allowance of up to $18,598 depending on location.
- Annual Aviation Medical Check Reimbursement.
- Loss of Licence or Income Reimbursement.
- Novated leasing options.
- Utilities allowance of up to $4,000 for regional employees.
![RFDS WA Fortescue EC-145 Helicopter](https://thumbor.ixchosted.com/Dj9kdfvpa2ns3MrbQyJeSrj_STI=/900x0/https://rfds-media.s3.amazonaws.com/dd/text_and_image/Helicopter_770x440.b2ca.png?Signature=DXHio4T7LxEMhMKXqklTpg9%2Bz5E%3D&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA57J6V557HP5WJ6WZ&Expires=1725164395)
What you'll need
- Commercial Pilot Licence.
- 2 instrument renewals.
- 1500 total flying time.
- 1000 hour in command.
- Approx. 100 hours night flying.
- Approx. 100 hours instrument flying.
- Single pilot charter experience.
- Aeromedical experience (highly desirable).
![PC-12 landed on a dirt strip](https://thumbor.ixchosted.com/Cgn06MkTH3HruvliFkudjnCefR0=/900x0/https://rfds-media.s3.amazonaws.com/dd/text_and_image/PC-12_landed_770x600.378f.png?Signature=l%2B70pL63mRY%2FMo6ygnlGRTmwjI8%3D&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA57J6V557HP5WJ6WZ&Expires=1725164395)
Where it can take you
Your career as a pilot with the RFDS WA is likely to begin at one of our regional bases - allowing you to dive straight into the action and see the impact your work has on regional communities.
We have five bases across the state:
- Jandakot
- Broome
- Kalgoorlie
- Meekatharra
- Port Hedland
![Pilot Jasper](https://thumbor.ixchosted.com/sJOHlFAZCRTqhwxNb39VSO2i-pU=/900x0/https://rfds-media.s3.amazonaws.com/dd/text_and_image/770x440_Jasper.b363.png?Signature=b87KyM3MiBNWHfVOllAAJgxq38I%3D&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA57J6V557HP5WJ6WZ&Expires=1725164395)
The recruitment process
- Once you’re shortlisted, you’ll attend a panel interview (usually with our Head of Flying Operations and People & Innovation team).
- From there you will undertake a flight simulation, either in our aircraft or our flight simulator.
- Next you’ll have a reference and medical check.