Pilot

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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirements

You will understand why this is one of the most sought after careers in the Air Force as you take the controls of the most awesome military aircraft in our fleet.

• Service Air Force
• Specialisation Aviation
• Location Ohakea
• Starting Trade Training $71,113

About the role

Have you always wanted to be a pilot? How about joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force? You’ll get to operate some of the cutting-edge military aircraft in our fleet, and also play a vital role in command and management positions throughout our organisation.

It’s fast, tough and one of the most exciting careers in the world.

Becoming an RNZAF Pilot is a competitive process. It is strongly recommended that candidates for Pilot also consider an alternative role, from one of the many other exciting careers the RNZAF can offer.

Once you’ve completed initial pilot training and converted on to your operational aircraft, you’ll organise and conduct military operations and tasks in New Zealand and throughout the world.

This could be on the A109 Light Utility Helicopter, NH90 Medium Utility Helicopter, P-8A Poseidon, C130 J Super Hercules or the Boeing 757.

Initially, in your primary role as aircrew, you’ll fly as an operational Co-pilot, but with further training and experience you’ll soon make the leap to becoming a fully qualified Aircraft Captain, and then Flying Instructor.

As a Commissioned Officer, you’ll also be required to perform military command and leadership duties, and with additional training could go on to fill senior command or executive management roles.

Job on base

Whilst on RNZAF Pilots Course your daily activities are fairly proscribed, enabling you to concentrate all your energies on the comprehensive and sometimes testing training system.

But once you are a qualified Pilot, one of the big attractions of the RNZAF as a career is that the elements of your day to day job are wildly variable.

In addition to your primary role you will also carry out other duties, such as commanding a base sports team, or being a member of the Officers Mess Committee organising social functions, or filling an aviation safety or welfare role on Base.

In addition to your primary role you will also carry out other duties, such as commanding a base sports team, or being a member of the Officers Mess Committee organising social functions, or filling an aviation safety or welfare role on Base.

Job on deployment

On an exercise or an operation overseas you will conduct daily flying in support of deployed forces. This could involve taking medical and or food supplies to where it’s needed, transporting an Army unit and their equipment to a Landing Zone, or even providing long range transport for an entire NZDF deployment to Afghanistan.

On arrival you might find yourself assisting the establishment of a tented camp, or in charge of a security detail, and you will also be heavily involved in the set-up of flying operations.

When on deployment it is important to socialise with other international militaries and organisations.

Career progression and training

Being an Air Force pilot is a dynamic, challenging, but highly rewarding role with excellent career opportunities. Later in your career you may become a Flying Instructor, take on NZ based ground roles such as an Aviation Safety Officer or planner at Joint Forces Headquarters, or do an overseas tour as a United Nations Observer or Air Liaison Officer.

RNZAF Officer Commissioning Course (ROC)

26 weeks) Location : RNZAF Base Woodbourne

All individuals selected to become Commissioned Officers in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) are required to complete this course.

This course will cover various subjects including :

• RNZAF Customs and Protocol
• Drill and Parades
• Military Law
• Military Field Skills and Weapons Training
• Defence and Strategic Studies
• Personnel Administration
• Communication Skills
• Command, Leadership and Management
• First Aid

Salary and benefits

Careers in the Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

$50,597

Under Initial Training

$71,113

Starting Trade Training

$183,984

Future Potential Earnings

Figures updated on July 1st 2023

Military Factor

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include :

• Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
• Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
• Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
• Opportunities to travel
• Free and subsidised medical and dental care
• Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
• Free and subsidised insurance cover
• Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Entry requirements

• You must be at least 17 years of age.
• Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain TSV security clearance for this trade.
• Must pass preliminary pilot selection test that includes general maths, maths reasoning and instrument comprehension.
• Pass an Officer Selection Board and an Aircrew Personnel Selection Board.
• NCEA Level 2 certificate.
• Height restrictions apply.
• You must be medically fit for service.
• Colour perception restrictions may apply.

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSV security clearance for this trade.

Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation, you’ll be contractually obliged to serve another ten years in the Air Force.

Bear in mind that your role changes every day and you’ll be working in a range of jobs both here and possibly overseas.

Ready to start your Air Force career?

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