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Air Force Pilot

Air force pilots may do some or all of the following:

• transport personnel within New Zealand and overseas
• be involved in search and rescue operations
• patrol New Zealand coastal waters
• instruct other air force pilots
• participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world
• fly as a member of a flying display team
• fly alongside pilots from other nations in training exercises.

Skills and knowledge

Air force pilots need to have:

• flying skills
• knowledge of flight theory and flight planning
• the ability to use navigation instruments
• knowledge of meteorology
• knowledge of Royal NZ Air Force regulations
• good communication skills
• planning and decision making skills
• analytical skills

Personal qualities

You need to be self-disciplined, able to lead and motivate people and able to work well under pressure. You should also be able to make good judgments and stay alert and calm in emergencies.

Career progression

Air force pilots can progress into higher ranked positions within the Royal NZ Air Force. The top rank is Air Marshall.