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Parachute Jump Instructor

Air Force Parachute Jump Instructor

Job Group

  • Airman

Job Availability

  • Full Time

The Role

Jumping out of a plane can be a challenge for some people – for you it comes with the territory. In the course of your duties as a PJI, you will be required to teach members of the New Zealand Defence Force to make descents ranging from 800 to 12,000 feet in various situations. One day, you could be teaching pilots and other aircrew how to handle parachutes should they need to bail out, the next day you could be teaching Army personnel how to descend into enemy territory.

You will act as a dispatcher for parachuting sorties, carry out drop zone safety officer duties, and conduct display descents as part of the RNZAF Parachute Display Team, Kiwi Blue.

Pay & Benefit Details

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from your enlistment is $35,694. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $42,487 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

General Requirements

  • An NZPF Jump Master 'B' licence or International equivalent.

  • Applicants must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply).

Educational Requirements

  • A minimum of 12 NCEA Level 1 credits in English and Maths.

Fitness Requirements

You must be medically fit for service

Training

Basic Training

First you’ll complete a 21 week Initial Officer Training Course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). This will commence in either January or July. Here you’ll find out if you’ve got What it takes to be in the Air Force, and will cover various subjects including:

 

  • RNZAF Customs and Protocol

  • Drill and Parades

  • Military Law

  • Military Field Skills and Weapons Training

  • Defence and Strategic Studies

  • Personnel Administration

  • Communication Skills

  • Command, Leadership and Management

  • First Aid.

Job Training

You must complete a range of courses to become a PJI, including the RNZAF Instructional Techniques Course, Basic Ram-air Static Line Course, Low Level Static Line Course, Free-fall Course, and a Dispatcher Course. Next, you’ll undergo a four-month Parachute Jump Instructor Course before being awarded your PJI’s brevet. You’ll be expected to achieve Free-fall Instructor Category ‘A’ status within four years of commencing aircrew training.