Navy Helicopter Pilots fly one of the most advanced aircraft in New Zealand, the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite. As a Naval Pilot you will work within a team responsible for carrying out the aircraft’s mission, which could be surface or sub-surface warfare, air logistics, medical evacuations, or search and rescue.

Pilots are selected from civilian applicants and from Seaman Officers within the fleet. You can enter in the non-University or Graduate Entry Officer scheme. You can also enter as a Seaman Officer and train as a Bridge Watch-keeper, then change over to pilot after four to seven years.

Those with civilian flying experience are welcome to apply.

Job on Base

On completion of Junior Officer Common Training, Bridgewatching and Flight training you will be posted to 6 Squadron at Whenuapai Air Force Base. Whilst there your duties and responsibilities revolve around the enhancement and on-going development of all flight crew relative to 6 Squadron. Because of the nature of being a pilot and the multi-million dollar equipment you will use, you are responsible for the continuous enhancement of your own abilities as well as those in the squadron with you.

Job on Deployment

Naval Aviation is an integral part of any Ship’s deployed capability.  As such, for any significant deployment of an aviation capable ship, an aircraft can be expected to deploy and therefore you can expect to be a part of it.  Recent deployments in the last ten years, beyond the standard ship deployments to SE Asia, have included peace keeping operations in Timor Leste, deployments to the Arabian Gulf as well as disaster relief deployments in the South Pacific.  Additionally, there is the potential for deployment as a military officer to any one of the numerous overseas operations the Defence Force is committed to.

Career Progression

Once you complete the Junior Officer Common Training you will need to qualify as a Bridge Watchkeeper before commencing your pilot training. Once fully qualified on the SH-2G Helicopter, you can expect to advance to the role of Flight Commander onboard a ship. You will be responsible for all aspects of the ship's helicopter operations for extended periods away from New Zealand.

A ship's flight crew usually consists of eight RNZAF technicians, the Navy Pilot, the Airborne Tactical Officer and a helicopter crewman. The level of responsibility on your part is substantial as you will act as Aviation Officer, advising the Captain on all aviation matters. The well being of the Flight Deck crew is also your responsibility and if all that is not enough you will normally act as the ship's Meteorology Officer.

As an experienced Aviator you may be given the option of becoming a Flight Instructor, which would involve a six month course at RNZAF Ohakea, followed by further courses to become a helicopter instructor.

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from day one is $33,256. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your officer course to $40,500 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

• You must be at least 17 years of age.

• You must be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in New Zealand for five years.

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

• You must be free of any criminal convictions.

• A preliminary pilot selection test that includes general maths, maths reasoning and instrument comprehension. If you pass you will go onto the officer selection process which will include two stages: first the Aircrew Personnel Selection Board who will look for the right qualities and abilities to operate an aircraft. You will then appear before the Navy's Junior Officer Selection Board to test your overall leadership potential.

• You must have completed at least three years at secondary school.

• Minimum of 60 credits at level two over five subjects.

• Minimum of 12 credits at level one Mathematics.

• Minimum of 12 credits at level one or above in English.

• Be medically fit for service.

• No decreased colour perception.

• You must be between 193cm and 165.6cm tall.

• Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On completion of your training, you will be contractually obliged to carry out a return of service to the Navy for 10 years.

On completion of Officer of the Watch (B) all pilots head to Whenuapai to conduct their basic wings course. From that point on as part of 6 Squadron, Navy pilots remain at Whenuapai unless posted to sea.