Parachute Jump Instructor

A Paracute Jump Instructor with trainees.

There’s never a dull moment as a Parachute Jump Instructor (PJI) in the Air Force. From conducting static line training courses to advanced free-fall training and a host of other responsibilities, you’ll find it an exhilarating and adrenalin-charged career.

Category: Aircrew
Salary after one year: Remuneration on enlistment $33,256 This is the minimum remuneration you will be paid from day one. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of recruit course to $40,869.

Joining age: You must be 17 years or older.

Qualifications: A minimum of 12 NCEA Level 1 credits in English and Maths and an NZPF Jump Master 'B' licence or International equivalent.

Nationality: Applicants must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply).

// FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Jumping out of a plane can be a challenge for some people – for you it comes with the territory. In the course of your duties as a PJI, you’ll be required to teach members of the New Zealand Defence Force to make descents ranging from 800 to 12,000 feet in various situations. One day, you could be teaching pilots and other aircrew how to handle parachutes should they need to bail out, the next day you could be teaching Army personnel how to descend into enemy territory. You’ll act as a dispatcher for parachuting sorties, carry out drop zone safety officer duties, and conduct display descents as part of the RNZAF Parachute Display Team, Kiwi Blue.

// JOB BENEFITS

This is an exciting, challenging and vital role. You can expect to receive world-class training, including access to a wide range of postgraduate courses. You’ll also have opportunities for promotion and, if we think you’ve got what it takes, you may be selected for officer training. You will have the opportunity to travel extensively both within New Zealand and overseas.

// TRAINING

After 12 weeks basic military training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, you’ll be required to pass a four-week Corporal Qualifying Course to confirm your rank as Acting Corporal. You’ll then attend an eight-week Combined Non-Commissioned Officer Aircrew Course at RNZAF Base Ohakea covering everything from meteorology to survival techniques.

You must complete a range of courses to become a PJI, including the RNZAF Instructional Techniques Course, Basic Ram-air Static Line Course, Low Level Static Line Course, Free-fall Course, and a Dispatcher Course. Next, you’ll undergo a four-month Parachute Jump Instructor Course before being awarded your PJI’s brevet. You’ll be expected to achieve Free-fall Instructor Category ‘A’ status within four years of commencing aircrew training.