How to Become an Aviation Firefighter
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Become an Aviation Firefighter
I’m talking about how to become an Aviation firefighter with Air Services Australia.I will not be covering general how to’s that can be found on the “How to become a firefighter in Australia” Page.A full guide on the recruitment process for ARFF can be found on their dedicated page.
What is an Aviation Rescue Firefighter
Reported to me by serving aviation firefighters:
The main difference between aviation firefighters and civilian or statutory firefighters is that the job is obviously contained within the perimeter of the airports area of responsibility.
This means the frequency of actual firefights is significantly less and there is a much larger service delivery to the airport through administering first aid and Emergency medical response.
Airservices Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters work at 27 airports around Australia.Being an Aviation Rescue Firefighter contributes to Australia’s skies being safely, reliable, and efficient. Aviation firefighters to respond to airline, airport, and traveling public emergency and safety needs.
“A job with the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters of Airservices is a career with a bright future”
What Does an Aviation Firefighter Do?
Majority emergency medical response, training, fire protection and various other emergency response.
Competition in Aviation Firefighter Recruitment
Airservices aviation firefighter is at the LOWER end when it comes to how competitive OR hard is it to get a job in the fire service in general. Although it is at the lower end it is still extremely competitive and the aptitude test is HARD in the scheme of firefighting aptitude tests.
Over the 10 years I have been following aviation firefighter recruitment with Airservices Australia and have figured out the formula to pretty much guarantee a spot if you apply yourself. This cannot be said for many jobs this competitive.
The amount of applicants fluctuates at the lower end of around an average of 1000 applications per intake depending on the recruitment and locations up for grabs.
The main reason for the aviation firefighter role being slightly more accessible is that it is a fraction less sought after mainly due to the lesser variety of response activities. Many people also use it as a stepping stone before going into a state fire service after spending some time.
Being an aviation firefighter is still an extremely good career that is highly skilled, highly competitive and respected. Being 1 of 20 out of 1000 puts you in the top 2%, which is a pretty decent achievement and one that will require skill, dedication and preparation.
I like to point out the expected competition from the beginning so you understand the potential and what may be required in order to beat these hundreds of other hopeful applicants.
Simply winging it in an application process to become an aviation firefighter will more than likely land you on the wrong side of the airport fence when the cards fall.
5 Top Mistakes Applicants Make And How to Avoid Them
1. Wingin’ the Application Without Understanding the Role
Many applicants treat the application as a simple formality, submitting generic responses that fail to reflect the core attributes of an aviation firefighter. Airservices Australia is looking for people who understand what the job entails — from high-stakes incident response to providing medical care on the tarmac.
How to avoid it
Use the Position Description as your blueprint. Tailor every part of your application to reflect the competencies they highlight — teamwork, attention to detail, calm under pressure, and safety-first thinking. Fire Recruitment Australia’s coaching programs can walk you through exactly how to do this.
2. Underestimating the Aptitude Test Format
Many candidates go into the SHL-based cognitive test unprepared, relying on free online quizzes that don’t match the actual style or difficulty of the questions. As a result, they waste valuable time practising the wrong type of content.
How to avoid it
Train using realistic test simulations that reflect the SHL format. Inside Fire Recruitment Australia’s Membership platform, you’ll find updated practise tools and tutorials for verbal, spatial, and mechanical reasoning, based on what’s used in recent ARFF recruitments.
3. Neglecting the Physical Aptitude Test
Some applicants assume they’ll “be fine” because they already go to the gym or run regularly. But the ARFF PAT is specific, structured, and assessed under pressure, and gym strength doesn’t always translate to firefighting stamina.
How to avoid it
Train for the PAT using functional movements that simulate job tasks — dummy drags, hose drags, ladder handling, and confined space work. Use a progressive plan with benchmarks and adjust as needed. Failing to prepare appropriately for this test is one of the most common (and avoidable) reasons applicants drop out.
4. Overthinking the Psychometric and Work Styles Questions
Candidates often try to “game” the system by selecting answers they think the assessors want, leading to inconsistencies in their personality profiles. These inconsistencies are easily detected and can disqualify strong candidates.
How to avoid it
Answer honestly but within the mindset of a professional firefighter — calm, collaborative, dependable, and safety-focused. Stay consistent throughout the test. Fire Recruitment Australia offers specific training to help you understand what assessors are looking for without compromising authenticity.
5. Ignoring Group Assessment Preparation
Even though the group task is just one part of the process, failing to engage or taking over the discussion can cost you. The assessors aren’t looking for a dominant leader — they’re evaluating communication, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
How to avoid it
Practise listening actively, involving quieter group members, and sticking to time limits. In group coaching sessions offered by Fire Recruitment Australia, we simulate these assessments so you can enter with confidence and clarity.
Recruitment Dates
Firefighter recruitment dates and outlook for Fire and rescue ARFF this year.
Education Requirements
Aviation Firefighter high school requirements
Tip
Check your online presence because they will
Skills, Attributes & Attitude Required to Become an Aviation Firefighter
<p “=””- Mindset: most people struggle with the journey and find the challenge insurmountable. If you can get this right from the start you’re half way there. Get in to the right mindset and commit to the journey. /pp “=””>- Develop skills and understanding around all aspects of the testing suite for the current intake. <p “=””- Attention to detail./pp “=””>- Communication skills: you will need to develop extremely good communication and interpersonal skills.
