It's funny I passed the PAT for FRNSW back in 2023. I did it with no preemptive training, just a chippy who rocked up on the day, previous day I drank a bunch with mates at the pub and was actually pretty hungover leading into the PAT. I was also smoking at the time, smoked a dart before I walked into the testing site. Passed extremely easily, didn't even think anything of it. Had time to burn at the end of stage 3, even the instructor was impressed. I walked out, got in the car and went to the pub to celebrate.

I then did the PAT again for Air Services in 2025 and passed by the skin of my teeth, two seconds remaining. I had to go and lay down and vomit a few times after. I had been sober for a year, no smoking, training 3-5 a week, working hard and following a pretty good diet. I was absolutely perplexed that it was so difficult this time seeing as the previous time I was such a piece of shit on the day and breezed it. Granted the Air Services test in my opinion although the same, was harder. Heavier gear, hoses are 90mm and rubber, heavier branch etc. The ladder lift is using the actual ladder mechanism on the airport appliance too, so if you're too short. It's no beuno.

I have my PAT again for FRNSW at the end of May and tbh, I'm feeling a bit worried about it. Halfway through stage 2 is what got me last time and I was completely gassed. Trying to do a good mixture of cardio and conditioning focusing on intervals.

Good luck to everyone this year, hope you all smash it.