Aeronautical Engineering Course
As a first step you will need to complete the full-time 17 week Aeronautical Engineering Course with NMIT. This is undertaken privately and is a prerequisite to joining the RNZAF. Areas covered on the Aeronautical Course include:
- Aircraft construction materials
- Aeronautical drawing interpretation
- Sketching and mathematics
- Aeronautical workplace safety
- Quality management principles
- Aeronautical spare parts
- Hand and machine tool use
- Maintenance documentation and publication use
- Component removal and installation
- Aircraft systems and principles of flight
The cost of the NMIT course and accommodation, up to a maximum of $4655, will be reimbursed to you when you commence your RNZAF Aircraft Mechanic Training Course.
Recruit Course
Upon successful completion of the Aeronautical Engineering course you will then join the Air Force. You’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various
subjects including:
- Organisation and Administration
- RNZAF Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
- First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques
- Physical Fitness
Primary Trade Training
On completing the recruit course you start primary trade training on a 31-week full-time residential Machinist Course. This will provide you with the basic skills to become an Air Force Machinist and will be followed by around two years’ on-the-job training.
Advanced Trade Training
You will return to Woodbourne for your advanced trade training – the 22-week Machine Tool Setter and Operator Course. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be posted to an operational unit at either RNZAF Base Auckland or RNZAF Base Ohakea, where you will use your new-found skills to help keep the Air Force operating.