Navy - Helicopter Pilot

Defence Technology Agency; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 62,894 - 76,871; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free access to gyms and swimming pools

Subsidised food and accommodation

Sponsored tertiary study programmes

Job summary

The Defence Technology Agency is seeking Navy Helicopter Pilots for a rewarding career flying the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite. The role involves operational missions, flight path control, and teamwork in various environments throughout New Zealand.

Applicants must undergo training and serve 10 years in the Navy post-graduation. Flight operations will include search and rescue and warfare missions. Attractive salary and allowances are provided, alongside comprehensive training support.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
• Pass an Aircrew and Officer Selection Board.
• Medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Fly the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite successfully.
• Ensure safe handling of malfunctions during flights.
• Assist Observer in conducting tactical communications.

Skills

Flight operations

Naval operations

Teamwork

Education

Civilian flying experience preferred

Job description

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

About the role

Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

Entry type

Under training

$69,883

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.

Accepting Applications

Junior Officer Common Training 27-1, starts 18 Jan 2027 Apply by 18 Jul 2026

• Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
• Pass an Aircrew and Officer Selection Board.

Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation, you will be required to serve 10 years in the Navy. This helps the NZDF make the most of the skills and knowledge you’ve built during your training.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in oureligibility 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!”

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.

The objective of JOCT is to provide you with the core skills of military, mariner, and leadership to be an effective Officer in the Navy. The course is completed in two phases of training that train key areas of development.

Phase 1 – Introduction

This phase focuses on ‘followership’ and teamwork. Trainees are instructed in basic service knowledge, discipline, parade, and kit preparation. Physical Training will be conducted at all times throughout training to develop a high level of physical and mental fitness that promotes morale, good health, and good habits. This phase will cover various topics including:

• Physical Fitness
• Service Knowledge
• Introduction to the Leadership Development Framework
• Damage Control Training
• Weapons Training
• First Aid
• Basic seamanship training
• Moving to advanced application

Phase 2 – Fit for Sea

The second phase of training will focus on attributes of being in the Navy in preparation for operational service at sea. Trainees will be taught about the roles and responsibilities on board an RNZN ship. Trainees will also spend time ashore conducting academic and leadership training to further develop as a Naval Officer. This phase will cover various topics including:

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
• Subsidised insurance cover

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

$69,883

Future potential earnings

$142,000

Be

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.

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

The Airborne Tactical Officer or “Observer” acts as mission commander for the aircraft and is responsible for its sensors, communication systems and weapons. You’re the key link between aircraft and ship, evaluating sensor information and performing tactical analysis to employ the helicopter in the best way to accomplish the mission. Be it warfare operations, search and rescue, delivering aid and more.

General entry

General entry

If you are tough, both mentally and physically, get stuck into this adrenalin packed role, boarding enemy vessels and providing security and maintenance for our ships.