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Airforce

Helicopter Loadmaster

As an RNZAF Helicopter Loadmaster you are a key member of 3 Squadrons Helicopter capability. 3 Squadron operates a modern helicopter fleet, comprising five Agusta 109 light utility helicopters and eight NH90 medium lift helicopters. Once qualified, you can expect to be employed across a wide range of missions in support of the New Zealand Army, Navy, Police and a host of other government agencies within New Zealand and overseas.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Flight operations

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Ohakea

As a Helicopter Loadmaster you are a key member of the RNZAF, 3 Squadron helicopter crew. Your office is an advanced and agile aircraft designed to operate in a range of extreme environments all over the world. Your aircraft is capable of carrying passengers and you will manage them and all cargo in the cabin. You will also operate the door guns, rescue hoist and underslung loads.

The types of tasks your crew will be involved in are wide ranging. You’ll work with the pilots to ensure the mission is completed safely and effectively, whether it’s delivering troops into combat or delivering aid within New Zealand or to villages in the South Pacific. Your squadron supports the NZ Army, our allied militaries as well as the NZ Police and other government agencies.

Tasks are time critical in their execution, so you will be trained to quickly analyse the situation, determine a course of action and communicate it effectively to achieve the mission.

Accepting Applications

  • Recruit 3/25, starts 22 Sep 2025 Apply by 26 May 2025

    Apply Now

Requirements

Basics

  • Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
  • Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
  • Pass an Aircrew Selection Board.

Education

Minimum: NCEA Level 2 certificate.

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

  • Job on base

    The majority of your time will be spent on flying missions, but you will spend some time on base preparing for missions or carrying out training activities to enhance your trade knowledge and your core military skills (weapons drills, first aid, and survival evasion, resistance and escape techniques).

    As a Helicopter Loadmaster you are required to maintain your technical knowledge of the aircraft and the way it is operated. You will also work on projects, and conduct secondary duties required to keep the Squadron running effectively. You will be based at RNZAF Base Ohakea, which is near Bulls in the central North Island. There is time for exercise and sports to maintain your fitness.

    You will spend some time on call, and this means being prepared to report to work at any time. Should a national emergency, or search and rescue task occur that requires 3 Squadron assistance, you could find yourself anywhere in New Zealand in a matter of hours helping others in need.

    Every day as a Helicopter Loadmaster is different, you could be on a task in the local area, or further afield somewhere in New Zealand, or you could be on an operational deployment overseas.

  • Job on deployment

    If 3 Squadron is deployed overseas, you will perform your duties within your crew and you will use all the skills you develop at home in training to carry out your responsibilities in different environmental and more intense conditions.

    You and your crew will contribute towards the overall NZDF mission, using our helicopters to their full capability – from tactical transport operations such as delivering troops to the battlefield, or resupplying them with rations and ammunition; to non tactical operations such as delivering food or aid to disaster zones, or evacuating sick or injured people. You may find yourself flying around the South Pacific at 260kph and 50ft above ground, being the ‘eyes and ears’ for the pilots both to keep the aircraft and crew safe, and to search for people in need of rescue.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career Progression

Benefits & allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

  • Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
  • Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
  • Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Free and subsidised medical and dental care
  • Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Salary & benefits

Careers in the Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

20220909 NZDF R1055140 005

Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Medical & Fitness
Air Force Application Process 20240920

The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

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