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You may be posted to any Air Force Defence Establishment. This includes the major Air Force operational air bases including RAAF Base Amberley in QLD, RAAF Base Darwin or Tindal in NT, RAAF Base Williamtown or Richmond in NSW, and RAAF Base Edinburgh in SA.

You will be paid while you train, and on completion of your Initial Military Training and Employment Training, you’ll earn at least:

Training

Your starting salary

Trained

Your salary once trained

In the Air Force you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training. In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.

ADF Gap Year

Upon successful completion of IET you will undertake aircraft maintenance duties in the Aviation Support Technician mustering for approximately seven months at any of the major operational air bases to consolidate your training.

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Hear first-hand about what working in the ADF is really like. 

Explore what training in the Air Force will look like.

Discover upcoming events and experiences. 

Visit UNSW and begin your application to study a relevant degree.

Are you a recent Year 12 graduate (or about to be) who wants to develop your skills before pursuing study, or take the time to think about your career direction? Or have you been thinking about a job in the Air Force but aren't sure it's right for you? Maybe you just want a break from your current job to travel and challenge yourself? 
The Air Force Gap Year program provides young Australians who meet general entry requirements an opportunity to broaden their life experience with only a year commitment. The program offers a 'try before you buy' experience of Air Force training and lifestyle for young men and women, without any obligation to serve beyond the program period. 
As an Air Force Aviation Support Technician, you will contribute to the Permanent Air Force aircraft related technical trades. You will have an opportunity to experience one of the following technical roles:
<ul>
<li>Aircraft Fabricator</li>
<li>Aircraft Armament Technician</li>
<li>Aircraft Technician</li>
<li>Avionics Technician</li>
<li>Survival Equipment Technician (Aircraft Safety Equipment Maintainer)</li>
</ul>
You will undertake a range of tasks, including but not limited to, aircraft ground handling, operating ground support equipment, replenishments, towing, marshalling, washing, launching aircraft and fly away kit maintenance.
You will be supported throughout your training by professional and enthusiastic Air Force personnel who will provide the guidance necessary for you to achieve your goals. This will begin at the No.1 Recruit Training Unit at RAAF Base Wagga, where you'll be enlisted in the Aviation Support Technician mustering as a trainee. Upon successful completion of recruit training, you will be regraded to Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman and will undertake aircraft type specific training at the RAAF School of Technical Training, also at RAAF Base Wagga. This will then be followed by aircraft maintenance duties for approximately seven months at one of the major air bases.

Maintain and repair advanced military aircraft and perform a variety of airfield support duties, while enjoying an action-packed 12-month taste of life in the Air Force.

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Aviation Support Technician (ADF Gap Year)

Find out what it’s like

Benefits you won't see anywhere else

You’ll enjoy the following:

Great salary from day one, which increases with experience

Generous superannuation of 16.4% – a huge 5.4% over the Australian standard

Help to buy a home, a subsidised home loan or rent allowance

Free medical and dental for you, and subsidised healthcare for you and your family

Fully paid training

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Avionics Technician