Become an RFDS Pilot

Image of RFDS aircraft

World-class reputation
World-class pilots

aircraft

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Pilots are at the forefront of aeromedical aviation. Our Pilots are an integral part of a multi-disciplined crew in an organisation that prides itself in providing excellence in vital health care services to coastal, regional and outback Queensland.We are looking for pilots who have the skill and ability to step up to the challenge of becoming an RFDS Pilot. Work for one of Australia’s most trusted organisations, where no day is the same.

A challenging and rewarding job you won't find anywhere else in the world.

As an RFDS Pilot your passion for flying could take you to the furthest corners of Queensland - landing in remote outback stations or flying over beautiful Cape York.

Every day will be exciting and unique - but one thing is guaranteed... the love you'll feel when touching down.You'll work with the latest technology in aviation and alongside the best health professionals to provide emergency and primary health care to people in regional, rural, and remote communities across Queensland.

pilot in front of aircraft

Join the RFDS crew and fly high-performance aircraft in a unique environment. Experience job satisfaction like never before.

Our highly experienced pilots need to have:

  • A current Command Instrument Rating with four or more renewals — preference for Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating
  • A current Australian ATPL or CPL
  • A current Australian Class 1 medical
  • 4,000 hours flying time total
  • 2,000 hours as Pilot in Command
  • 1,000 hours as Pilot in Command of multi-engine aircraft
  • 200 hours as Pilot in Command at night
  • 200 hours instrument time
  • Experience in flying operations from regional/ rural or remote airstrips
  • The ability to obtain a Blue Card

Not quite there yet? The RFDS Aircrew Mentoring Program (RAMP) helps pilots with 1500 hours' total flying time to advance their careers to become aeromedical pilots with RFDS. Complete the expression of interest form at the bottom of the page.

Benefits of working for the RFDS

On top of unrivalled job satisfaction, RFDS pilots will also:

  • Work in a role that affords you the ability to return home each day
  • Work with a skilled team including some of Australia's finest health professionals
  • Join one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world
  • Operate a modern high-performance aircraft in a rewarding and challenging environment
  • Fly to and from remote emergency airstrips to major capital city aerodromes and everything in between
  • Help deliver an extensive primary health care (PHC) and 24-hour emergency service across Queensland
  • Work for an organisation that has a high standard of training and checking of pilots, assuring a high quality of flight standards
pilot

Extra benefits of working for the RFDS

  • Base salary of $134,000 plus Super
  • Access to generous not-for-profit tax-free benefits of up to $15,900
  • Six weeks' annual leave
  • Relocation allowance up to $7,000 plus accommodation while you settle
  • Orientation allowances on top of salary and benefits starting at $300 per week
  • A retention bonus of 4% after just two years of service
  • Refuelling allowances of $905 per annum in Bundaberg, Mount Isa, Townsville and Roma, and $1,813 in Charleville and Rockhampton
pilot

Extra benefits of working at a western base

  • Gratuity of $3,492 after 12 months and $5,238 after two years
  • Rent/mortgage assistance of up to $23,000
  • Remote area payment of $4,688
  • Remote area housing assistance - rental 50% reduction of taxable value for FBT
  • Remote area residential (not vehicle) fuel 50% reduction of taxable value for FBT
  • Remote area housing assistance - mortgage interest 50% reduction of taxable value for FBT
  • Remote area travel assistance – 50% reduction of taxable value for FBT
    Pilot working on aircraft



    “There is not a single person who hasn’t shown gratitude when we go to help them. What more could you ask for?” - Vicki Harrison (RFDS Aeromedical Pilot)

        Pilot locations

        Where you could work

        RFDS pilots generally start their careers at one of our western bases. These locations provide wonderful experiences getting to know the community and provide pilots with an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges of RFDS aeromedical retrieval and PHC Clinics. 

        Starting your career in the bush also puts you in a preferential position to progress for internal transfers when they are available at our coastal bases.

        We have eight Operational Bases in our network:

        • Charleville
        • Mount Isa
        • Roma
        • Townsville
        • Bundaberg
        • Rockhampton
        • Cairns
        • Brisbane

          The RFDS (Queensland Section) Values

          Values

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