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Air Force Pilot

Air force pilots fly a variety of Air Force aircraft such as helicopters or aeroplanes.

Tasks & duties

Air force pilots may do some or all of the following:

transport personnel within New Zealand, overseas or on operational deployments
be involved in search and rescue operations within New Zealand and its surrounding coastal waters
patrol New Zealand coastal waters
instruct other Air Force pilots
participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world
fly as a member of a flying display team
fly alongside pilots from other nations in training environments

Specialisations

Air force pilots specialise in flying either fixed wing aircraft (like the Hercules, Boeing 757 or Orion), or rotary aircraft (such as an Iroquois Helicopter).

Skills & knowledge

Air force pilots need to have:

flying skills
knowledge of flight theory and flight planning
the ability to use navigation instruments
knowledge of meteorology
knowledge of Royal NZ Air Force regulations
good communication skills
planning and decision-making skills
analytical skills

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 tests, and interviews. You also need to be given security clearance, so any criminal convictions you have will be looked at.

The minimum requirement to become an air force pilot is 18 NCEA Level 2 credits in English, mathematics, and a science subject. Physics is preferred.

On graduation, air force pilots are contracted to stay with the Air Force for a set period of 10 years.

Tertiary education

The Air Force supports a select group of candidates to complete the RNZAF Initial Officer Training programme. Once they have graduated with the rank of pilot officer, they study for a degree in aviation management, science or commerce at Massey University in Palmerston North. On completing their degrees, they are guaranteed a role in the Air Force.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. After a 21-week initial officer training course, pilots undertake advanced pilot training. Pilots who graduate from advanced pilot training either take the Helicopter Basic Course or the Kingair Operational Conversion course for fixed-wing aeroplanes.