To be eligible for consideration, the candidate must possess one of the following qualifications: twelve months of command experience on a Part 121 (or equivalent weight category) turboprop aircraft; or twelve months of first officer experience on a Part 121 or Part 125 (or equivalent weight category) jet aircraft; or Part 121 or Part 125 (or equivalent weight category) jet command experience; or twelve months of command experience with the RNZAF or other air force on aircraft at least equivalent in weight category to a Part 121 turboprop aircraft.
Minimum requirements include a New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (NZCAA) Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), along with a valid NZCAA Class 1 Medical Certificate. The applicant should have a minimum of 1500 hours total flight time, which includes 100 hours multi-engine aeroplane time, 100 hours of approved training organisation (ATO) flight time, 40 hours of instrument flight time, and 25 hours of night flying experience. A New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority BTK/BGT certification is also required. Additionally, a University Entrance qualification or its equivalent is needed, as is a minimum Level 6 English Language Proficiency. Only permanent residents of New Zealand or citizens of New Zealand or Australia will be considered and the candidate must be able to travel overseas, possessing a valid passport and any required visas.
Please note that NZCAA licenses are required prior to employment with Air New Zealand. Candidates undergoing an overseas-issued license conversion may be offered an interview in anticipation of obtaining the necessary NZCAA qualifications. Exceptions to ATO hours may be made for applicants with military experience. Furthermore, external candidates who have operated as a turboprop pilot with Air New Zealand, Mount Cook Airline, Air Nelson, or Eagle Airways within the last 8 years will not be eligible, as internal transfers are prioritized.