Lead or Senior Helicopter Pilot

INFLITE Group; Timaru; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior leadership role

Long-term employment

Professional team culture

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

INFLITE Group is seeking a Lead Base Pilot or Senior Pilot to join Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters at Mount Cook Aerodrome, Timaru, NZ. You will lead daily flying operations, uphold safety standards, and mentor a growing team of pilots in a dynamic alpine environment.

With 3000+ hours, NZ CAA CPL(H), and a Class 1 Medical, you’ll drive operational excellence, coordinate with stakeholders, and shape a professional safety-first culture across the operation.

Qualifications

• CAA NZ CPL(H) and current Class 1 Medical are required.
• 3000+ hours total time recommended.
• Proven mountain flying and alpine landing experience.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and decision-making in dynamic operations.
• Desirable experience with long-line and external load operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day flying operations at base with a focus on safety and professionalism.
• Mentor and develop line pilots and foster a high-performing team.
• Act as the key pilot liaison with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Plan operations, rostering, and continuous improvement within the base.
• Promote a professional, safety-first culture across all operations.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Decision making

Industry liaison

Professionalism

Education

CAA NZ CPL(H)

Current Class 1 Medical

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters have an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and respected aviation professional to step into a Lead Base Pilotor Senior Pilot position in one of New Zealand’s most dynamic alpine environments.

This is a senior role suited to a mature, career-focused pilot seeking long-term stability, leadership responsibility, and the opportunity to shape and support a high-performing operation.

Based at Mount Cook Aerodrome, you will lead day-to-day flying operations at base level, setting the standard for professionalism, safety, and operational excellence across the pilot group.

About the role

Operating a fleet of AS350 and EC130 helicopters, with a strong focus on tourism, our operations include:

Scenic flights with glacier landings

Heli-hiking and climbing support

Charter, filming and photography

As a senior member of the pilot team, your responsibilities will extend beyond flying to include:

Providing strong, visible leadership

Mentoring and developing line pilots

Acting as the key pilot liaison with external stakeholders

Relevant experience around NZ CAA regulatory compliance and working within a mature aviation Safety Management System.

Operational planning, rosteringand continuous improvement

Promoting a professional, safety-first culture across all operations

You will play a critical role in maintaining operational standards while fostering a positive, cohesive team environment.

About you

You are an experienced helicopter pilot with a calm, professional approach and a reputation for sound judgement. You bring a leadership mindset and take pride in supporting others to succeed.

You will demonstrate:

Strong leadership and mentoring capability

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Confidence engaging with industry stakeholders

A high level of professionalism and personal presentation

The ability to make sound decisions in a dynamic operational environment

A long-term commitment to the role and location

CAA NZ CPL(H)

Current Class 1 Medical

3000+ hours total time(guideline, experience-dependent)

Proven mountain flying and alpine landing experience

Demonstrated operational maturity and decision-making capability

Highly desirable

Instructors rating

Previous experience in the Aoraki / Westland National Parks or similar environment

Prior leadership or senior pilot experience

Experience with long-line and external load operations

Exposure to audit, compliance, or SMS processes

About the INFLITE Group

We are part of the INFLITE Group—an organisation committed to excellence and recognised as a leader in New Zealand’s tourism industry. With continued growth and investment across multiple bases, we offer long-term career opportunities within a stable and forward-looking business.

Our brands include Heletranz Helicopters, Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters, Nelson Tasman Air, and Skydive operations across the South Island.

What we offer

A senior leadership position within a respected operation

Long-term, stable employment in a world-class environment

A professional, supportive team culture

Competitive remuneration package aligned with experience

Please note:

Applicants must hold a CAA NZ licence and have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who are not shortlisted may not be responded to.