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Published December 21, 2012 8:13 AM
Defence library Services - A Future Librarian
HMAS Albatross Aviation Work Experience Program
My name is Sophie Wheen and I attended the HMAS Albatross Aviation Work Experience Program in July 2012. I have been interested in becoming a Helicopter Pilot for several years but never considered the Defence Forces until I visited HMAS Albatross for a family open day in 2011. That visit sparked my interest in a career as a Naval pilot and I wanted to know more.
The application process was simple and easy, on the Defence website. All I had to do was identify the placement details, fill out a Defence Work Experience Application Form and a health questionnaire, hand it into my work experience co-ordinator, wait for an agreement and then turn up on the day. Although I am generally fit and often exercise, when I first turned up at the front gate I was very nervous because I didn’t know anybody and I didn’t know what was in store. After the first hour I didn’t know why I had been worried. Over the three days I had a wonderful time.
Some of my personal highlights were:
Helicopter Underwater Emergency Training – This was the first hands-on activity after the briefing. It involved jumping off platforms, drills for surviving out at sea and being winched. All these drills were new to me and made me think to myself “If all the training in Naval Aviation is this much fun, I can’t wait to apply.”
Transit School of Survivability and Ship Safety (SSSS) – This was another practical activity based on ship safety. During this activity we got to learn about fire safety and sinking ship drills. Our fire safety drills were based around fire extinguishes, where we learnt how to refill them, test them for damage and use them on a fire. At the end of the component as a team we got to put out a real fire, which I found extremely fun. The highlight of the SSSS was the sinking ship simulator. Our aim as a group of eight was to plug up holes in the simulator with mallets, wedges and plugs to try and reduce the amount of water flooding into the cabin. We weren’t that successful, but every one of us had a great time trying our best and we had lots of laughs along the way.
Squadron Visits: Not all the activities were hands-on and the afternoons of each of the three days were spent visiting the three Squadrons at Albatross, after all it was an Aviation work experience. I found it extremely interesting visiting Squadrons 723, 816 and 808, learning about the different helicopters and each squadron’s role. It was great listening to the pilots trying to persuade us that their squadron was better than all the others.
Recruitment Officer: On the final day we got to chat to a recruitment officer about joining the Military. This was very informative and a great opportunity to have all my questions answered.
Overall, I could not have asked for anything better on this work experience and I wished that it was longer. I went into the experience hoping to gain insight and information about being a Naval helicopter pilot and I got more than just that. I had an absolutely amazing time learning new skills, talking to Naval pilots, gaining knowledge about the base, trying new experiences and meeting lots of inspiring people. I now have a clear direction about what I would like to do in my future and my family is already tired of me counting down the days until I can apply to the Navy. I am very thankful to the Navy for the superb organisation and the assistance of all the people involved. I would strongly encourage anybody considering a career in aviation to apply for this unique and wonderful experience.
