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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirements
As a Navy Helicopter Loadmaster (HLM), you are a key member of a Seasprite helicopter crew, within 6 Squadron, RNZN. Your office is an advanced and agile aircraft designed to operate in a range of extreme environments all over the world.
Service Navy
Specialisation Aviation
Location Whenuapai
Starting Trade Training $64,177
About the role
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 Loadmasters perform varied tasks on-board.
These range from winching, photography, load lifting, in-flight refuelling and operating the Mag 58 machine gun. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Career progression and training
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.
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.
Salary and 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.
$50,597 Under Initial Training
$64,177 Starting Trade Training
$122,331 Future Potential Earnings
Figures updated on July 1st 2023
Benefits and 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.
Access to your Service marae or turangawaewae
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
Entry requirements
Be a minimum of 17 years of age upon entry.
Be free of any criminal conviction for the previous two years.
NCEA Level 2 certificate.
You must be medically fit for service.
You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.
Colour perception requirements may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the TSV security clearance required for this trade.
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