Air Force Physical Training Instructor

Tasks & duties

Air force physical training instructors may do some or all of the following:

• run training classes in the gym and outdoors for small and large groups of personnel
• train personnel in adventure sports such as rock climbing and kayaking
• coach personnel in team and individual sporting events
• design fitness programmes
• provide survival training
• co-ordinate compulsory fitness testing
• may run holiday programmes for family of personnel
• run the gymnasium and look after exercise and sports equipment

Skills & knowledge

Air force physical training instructors need to have:

Entry requirements

To enter the Royal NZ Air Force (RNZAF) you must be at least 17 years old. You must be a New Zealand citizen (or have New Zealand permanent residency if you are a citizen of the UK, USA, Australia or Canada).

You need to pass a series of tests, including a medical exam and fitness test, and interviews, and you must be a capable swimmer. You also need to be given security clearance, so any criminal convictions you have will be looked at. It is preferred that you have held a Class 1 driver's licence for at least six months.

NCEA Level 1 English and maths is required to become a physical training instructor, and NCEA Level 2 physical education and/or biology is preferred.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. A basic military recruit course is followed by primary trade training for physical training instructors. 

After two years, you may undertake advanced trade training. At the senior level, there are also opportunities to take refresher courses.

Useful experience

A background in a variety of sports is useful experience for becoming an air force physical training instructor. Experience in group work or taking classes, captaining a sports team or coaching a sport would also be useful.

Related courses

Human Movement and Sports Science

For more information, please refer to Career Services.