Skip to main content

Pilot

Job Group

  • Officer

Job Availability

  • Full Time

The Role

Have you always wanted to be a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force? You’ll get to fly some of the awesome 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.

Once you’ve completed pilot training, you’ll concentrate on organising and conducting military operations and tasks throughout New Zealand and the world. In the RNZAF, this will involve specialist training onto the UH-1H Iroquois helicopter, P-3 Orion, C-130H Hercules or Boeing 757.

Initially, 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 or Flying Instructor. As an 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.

Pay & Benefit Details

The minimum remuneration you will be paid is $33,000, however this may be increased depending on your qualifications and previous work experience.

Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your junior Officer course to $40,000 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

General Requirements

  • You must be at least 17 years of age.

  • You must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply).

  • You must be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check.

Educational Requirements

  • A minimum of 18 NCEA Level 2 credits in English, Maths and a Science subject, preferably Physics.

Fitness Requirements

  • Eyesight restrictions apply.

Training

Basic Training

First you’ll complete a 21 week Initial Officer Training Course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). This will commence in either January or July. Here you’ll find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and 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

Job Training

After 21 weeks initial officer training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, you’ll undergo Initial Pilot Training at RNZAF Base Ohakea. This begins with a full-time residential course over 41 weeks, during which you’ll study subjects ranging from aeronautical physics to meteorology, as well as flying around 130 hours in a single-engine CT4E Air Trainer. On Initial Pilot Training you will learn low-level navigation, close formation, aerobatics and instrument flying. This is followed by a 29-week Advanced Pilot Training Course, which enhances your skills to the standard required to achieve your pilot’s brevet (wings).

During this phase, you’ll fly approximately 110 hours of support duties in the Beech Kingair multi-engine aircraft.

After graduating, you’ll take either the Helicopter Basic Course or the Kingair Operational Conversion Course.

You’ll then begin conversion and on-the-job training at either RNZAF Base Ohakea (helicopters) or RNZAF Base Auckland (fixed wing) to specialise in one of the RNZAF’s force element aircraft. In addition to your pilot training, you will have the opportunity to undertake various management and command courses, as well as the Flying Instructor Course.

  •  Read More
    Pilot

    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.

    Watch Video