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Air Force Air Warfare Specialist

Air force air warfare specialists work out and maintain the position of an Air Force aircraft while on board.

Tasks & duties

Air force air warfare specialists may do some or all of the following:

use navigational aids and charts to plot the course of an aircraft
operate electronic navigational equipment
prepare and check flight plans before flight
monitor weather conditions and fuel usage
report progress to the pilot during flight
keep records of flight details
plan and carry out tactical procedures
calculate data for safe parachute drops

Skills & knowledge

Air force air warfare specialists need to have:

knowledge of warfare, maritime operations and tactics
knowledge of electronics and weapons systems
knowledge of air traffic control
knowledge of low and medium-level flying
knowledge of meteorology
knowledge of Royal NZ Air Force regulations
good communication and leadership skills
navigation and technical skills
planning and decision-making skills
the ability to analyse and evaluate information
computer 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 test, and interviews. 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.

The minimum requirement to become an air force air warfare specialist is 12 NCEA Level 2 credits in English, maths and a science subject (preferably physics).

On completing initial and trade training, air warfare specialists are contracted to stay with the Air Force for a minimum of two years.

Tertiary education

The Air Force supports a select group of candidates to complete the RNZAF Initial Officer Training programme. Once they have graduated as a commissioned 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 RNZAF.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. A basic military training recruit course is followed by an air warfare specialist course with a focus on Kingair and Orion aircraft.