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Navy

Helicopter Pilot

Take the controls of one of the most advanced aircraft in New Zealand, the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite and experience a diverse and rewarding career

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

  • Entry type

    Officer entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Whenuapai

Navy Helicopter Pilots fly the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite. As a Naval Pilot you will work within a team responsible for carrying out the Aircraft’s mission, which could be surface or sub-surface warfare, air logistics, medical evacuations, or search and rescue.

The Pilot is responsible for the flight path control of the helicopter, ensuring that the helicopter does not exceed any performance limitations and for the safe handling of malfunctions. The Pilot will position the helicopter to accomplish the mission effectively, and will use the mission system to access and interpret the navigation and tactical situation.

Where possible the Pilot will also assist the Observer to operate sensors but in doing so the Pilot will ensure as a first priority that the helicopter is flown and navigated within appropriate parameters. The pilot will typically conduct non-tactical communications and will assist the observer to conduct tactical communications if needed.

Those with civilian flying experience are welcome to apply. Pilots are selected from civilian applicants and personnel from within the Defence Force.

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 and Officer 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 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 completion of your training, you will be contractually obliged to carry out a return of service to the Navy for 10 years.

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.

“It's one of the best jobs you can do, being up in the sky in different conditions. Overall it's the challenge that I've always been keen on!”

Sam Williams | Seasprite pilot

  • Job on base

    On completion of Junior Officer Common Training and Flight training you will be posted to 6 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai. Whilst there your duties and responsibilities revolve around daily flying, consisting of operational flights and training flights, and administrative duties all Officer roles entail. You can expect to fly most days of the week in many different environments working with external agencies throughout New Zealand.

  • Job on deployment

    Naval Aviation is an integral part of any Ships deployed capability and for any significant deployment of an aviation capable Ship, an SH-2G(I) can be expected to deploy. The role of the SH-2G(I) on board a RNZN Ship varies from being the primary weapons system on an ANZAC class Frigate conducting Warfare roles and Airborne Use of Force, to resupplying an island off the coast of New Zealand in support other Government Agencies.

     

    A Ship's flight crew usually consists of eight RNZAF technicians, the Pilot, the Observer and a Helicopter Loadmaster. Your role as the Pilot is to position the SH-2G(I) to achieve the mission, working alongside the Observer who will be controlling the tactical situation and battlespace. On board the Ship you will have duties to conduct, such as advising the Commanding Officer on all aviation matters, conducting Meteorological briefs and training the Ships Company in Aviation procedures.

     

    Recent deployments have included Operations in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief deployments in the South Pacific and multiple Military Exercises throughout the South Pacific and South East Asia.

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

    $142,000

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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