Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Flight operations
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Whenuapai
The Navy’s helicopters are crewed by Navy personnel and maintained by Air Force personnel. Navy Pilots, trained by the Air Force, fly and crew the Super Seasprite helicopters, Navy Observers, trained by the Australian Navy, manage the mission and Navy Helicopter Loadmaster's perform varied tasks on-board. These range from winching, photography, load lifting, in-flight refuelling and operating the Mag 58 machine gun.
The types of tasks your crew will be involved in are varied to say the least. You will work with the Pilot and Observer to ensure the mission is completed safely and effectively.
Some tasks are time critical in their execution, so you will be trained to quickly analyse the situation, determine a course of action and communicate it effectively to achieve the mission.
Accepting Applications
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Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 May 2025
Apply Now
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 Selection Board.
Education
Minimum: NCEA Level 2 certificate.
Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements
Scholarship Entry: The Air Force offer undergraduate scholarships for candidates who demonstrate the qualities required to become an Air Warfare Officer.
The scholarships are:
- RNZAF Undergraduate Scheme: Study at an approved university institution of your choice while the Air Force covers your fees and a living allowance on a 'year for a year' return of service basis.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV 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 graduation from the AWO Course, you’ll be contractually obliged to serve another six years in the Air Force. Bear in mind that your role changes every day and you’ll be working in a range of jobs both here and possibly overseas.
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.
“We operate with many different agencies like DOC, MPI, even international aid at times and disaster relief. Every single time... you know you're really helping people on the ground.”
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Job on base
6 Squadron is based at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai and is one of the force elements under the command of the Air Component Commander (ACC), Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand. Whilst at sea, you will be under the command of the Maritime Component Commander (MCC), Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand.
The majority of your time will be spent on flying missions, but you will spend the remainder of your time on base preparing for missions or carrying out training activities to enhance your trade knowledge and your core military skills. These include physical training, equipment checks, weapon drills, first aid, survival escape and evasion techniques.
As a Helicopter Loadmaster, you are required to maintain your technical knowledge of the aircraft and the way it is operated. You will also work on projects, and conduct secondary duties required to keep the Squadron running effectively. There is also time for exercise and sports to maintain your fitness.
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Job on deployment
The helicopters can be deployed from RNZAF Base Auckland to Navy ships TE KAHA, TE MANA, CANTERBURY, OTAGO, WELLINGTON and eventually AOTEAROA. When on-board frigates TE KAHA and TE MANA, the aircraft primarily fulfils a combat and surveillance role and some transport and resupply capability. When deployed on-board Multi Role Vessel CANTERBURY and Offshore Patrol Vessels OTAGO and WELLINGTON the aircraft is primarily tasked to provide transport and resupply capabilities with some reconnaissance and surveillance.
You and your crew will contribute towards the ship, Navy and overall NZDF mission, you may find yourself flying around the globe at 260kph and 50ft above the ground or sea, being the eyes and ears for the Pilot and Observer. This could be everything from search and rescue to locating submarines or providing overwatch for a boarding team. You could also find yourself looking along the tail section of the aircraft as it descends into a forest clearing, or down a winch cable as you lift someone out of the sea.
Career progression and training
01Basic training
Basic training
Upon successful enlistment into the Navy you will be posted to Devonport, Auckland. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Navy, and learn various subjects including:
- Teamwork and support
- Naval history and customs
- Drill and parades
- Core mariner skills and weapons training
- First aid and firefighting
- Physical fitness
- Self-discipline
02Job training
Job training
Survival and combined Non-Commissioned Officer Aircrew Course
You will complete a two week survival course at RNZAF Auckland which will see you test your limits in the sea, coastal and bush environments learning to live off the environment and be rescued. You will also complete the Combined Non-Commissioned Officer Aircrew Course at RNZAF Ohakea. This course gives you the foundation of aircrew training and includes topics such as aviation medicine, human factors, principles of flight, navigation and meteorology.
Helicopter Basic Course (RNZAF OHAKEA)
You will begin with the A109 ground school, with maintenance specialists to learn the technical aspects of the aircraft. Then the Helicopter Loadmaster instructors will take over and teach you ground theory, flying orders and operating procedures crucial to helicopter aircrew. Your flying phase will be intense and challenging. However, you will have the support of the Helicopter Loadmaster Instructors at 3 Squadron along with your course mates to help you get through. The course has mostly practical elements, with one on one instructor time working as part of a helicopter crew. You will be taught how to give directions to manoeuvre the aircraft within a forest clearing, operate the rescue hoist, operate Night Vision Goggles and lift underslung loads with the aircraft. Through hard work and determination you will be graduate and recognised as a Helicopter Loadmaster. You will then be posted to RNZAF Auckland to complete the SEASPRITE aircraft conversion course.
Seasprite Aircraft and Operational Conversion Course
The SEASPRITE Aircraft Conversion course will expand on your baseline Helicopter Loadmaster skills to become a SEASPRITE Helicopter Loadmaster. You complete SEASPRITE specific ground school and then learn the differences in the way the SEASPRITE operates.
During the Operational Conversion Course you will learn to support the crew in a tactical environment, locating and tracking submarines and warships in the simulator and in exercises with real assets. You will also be trained to operate the Mag 58 machine gun and learn how the helicopter is employed as missile or torpedo carrier when required. In addition to this, you will be taught how to move personnel and cargo from ship to shore and vice versa by winch, the aircraft cargo hook or inside the cabin.
03Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
To remain competent you will regularly conduct training in all aspects of the SEASPRITE’s capabilities and the aviation domain. Along with the Helicopter Loadmaster training, you will conduct specific training in advanced winching and load lifting techniques, warfare, meteorology, aircraft systems and leadership. You will continually be provided with the skills, mentoring and opportunities to be a successful serviceperson, both within your specialist trade and as a member of the NZDF.
04Career Progression
Career Progression
You will be required to complete Basic Common Training at HMNZS PHILOMEL, Auckland, before moving onto aircrew training at RNZAF Bases Auckland and Ohakea. These training courses will teach you escape and evasion techniques in survival situations, aviation medicine, principles of flight, and mathematics – all crucial skills for your Helicopter Loadmaster role. On completion of this initial training you will progress to the Helicopter Basic Course run by 3 Squadron in RNZAF Ohakea to learn the basics on the A109 helicopter and earn your brevet, the half wing that symbolises your qualification.
After the Helicopter Basic Course you will be streamed into working as aircrew for Seasprite aircraft, and posted to 6 Squadron, RNZAF Auckland to undertake the Seasprite Aircraft Conversion Course and Operational Conversion Course. Once you have completed your training ashore you will be posted to a ship with an aircraft as part of a Flight with a Pilot, Observer and Helicopter Loadmaster Instructor to complete your training at sea. You will then remain posted to the ship to begin your career as an operational Navy Helicopter Loadmaster.
This will involve travel opportunities and rewarding flying off the back of a ship out at sea. Later in your career, you may have the opportunity to fulfil a non flying role to assist with projects or develop your leadership potential. Eventually, you could be selected as an instructor where you will be able to develop and train new Helicopter Loadmasters at 6 Squadron or go on exchange to 3 Squadron at RNZAF Ohakea to instruct Helicopter Loadmaster students on the Helicopter Basic Course.
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.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Be prepared
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
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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