Pilot

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.

Being an Air Force pilot is a dynamic, highly rewarding role with excellent career opportunities, including promotion from Pilot Officer to the higher ranks of Flying Officer and Flight Lieutenant and beyond. Opportunities also exist as a Flying Instructor, ground roles such as an Accident Investigator or as a United Nations Observer, as well as various other ground management roles. All these positions offer the potential for overseas travel, courses and postings.

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

You must be 17 years or older and have a minimum of 18 NCEA Level 2 credits in English, maths and a science subject, preferably physics. Eyesight restrictions apply.