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Navy

Helicopter Loadmaster

As a Navy Helicopter Loadmaster (HLM), you are a key member of a Seasprite helicopter crew, within 6 Squadron, RNZN. Your office is an advanced and agile aircraft designed to operate in a range of extreme environments all over the world.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Flight operations

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Whenuapai

The Navy’s helicopters are crewed by Navy personnel and maintained by Air Force personnel. Navy Pilots, trained by the Air Force, fly and crew the Super Seasprite helicoptersNavy Observers, trained by the Australian Navy, manage the mission and Navy Helicopter Loadmaster's perform varied tasks on-board. These range from winching, photography, load lifting, in-flight refuelling and operating the Mag 58 machine gun.

The types of tasks your crew will be involved in are varied to say the least. You will work with the Pilot and Observer to ensure the mission is completed safely and effectively.

Some 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

  • Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 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

 

Scholarship Entry: The Air Force offer undergraduate scholarships for candidates who demonstrate the qualities required to become an Air Warfare Officer.

The scholarships are:

  • RNZAF Undergraduate Scheme: Study at an approved university institution of your choice while the Air Force covers your fees and a living allowance on a 'year for a year' return of service basis.

View our Scholarship programs.

Citizenship

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

Period of Service

Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation from the AWO Course, you’ll be contractually obliged to serve another six years in the Air Force. Bear in mind that your role changes every day and you’ll be working in a range of jobs both here and possibly overseas.

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.

“We operate with many different agencies like DOC, MPI, even international aid at times and disaster relief. Every single time... you know you're really helping people on the ground.”

  • Job on base

    6 Squadron is based at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai and is one of the force elements under the command of the Air Component Commander (ACC), Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand. Whilst at sea, you will be under the command of the Maritime Component Commander (MCC), Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand. 

     

    The majority of your time will be spent on flying missions, but you will spend the remainder of your time on base preparing for missions or carrying out training activities to enhance your trade knowledge and your core military skills. These include physical training, equipment checks, weapon drills, first aid, survival escape and evasion 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. There is also time for exercise and sports to maintain your fitness.

  • Job on deployment

    The helicopters can be deployed from RNZAF Base Auckland to Navy ships TE KAHA, TE MANA, CANTERBURY, OTAGO, WELLINGTON and eventually AOTEAROA. When on-board frigates TE KAHA and TE MANA, the aircraft primarily fulfils a combat and surveillance role and some transport and resupply capability. When deployed on-board Multi Role Vessel CANTERBURY and Offshore Patrol Vessels OTAGO and WELLINGTON the aircraft is primarily tasked to provide transport and resupply capabilities with some reconnaissance and surveillance.

     

    You and your crew will contribute towards the ship, Navy and overall NZDF mission, you may find yourself flying around the globe at 260kph and 50ft above the ground or sea, being the eyes and ears for the Pilot and Observer. This could be everything from search and rescue to locating submarines or providing overwatch for a boarding team. You could also find yourself looking along the tail section of the aircraft as it descends into a forest clearing, or down a winch cable as you lift someone out of the sea.

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 Navy 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

Be prepared

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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
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The application process

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

Application process
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Ready to start your Navy career?

APPLY NOW

Tūranga whaipānga

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