Help provide CARE in the air and be part of a team that makes a difference

Air Whanganui is a long-established New Zealand aviation operator with a proud history dating back to 1987. We specialise in fixed-wing aeromedical and charter operations, providing 24/7 services throughout New Zealand.

Our operation combines aeromedical flying with private, corporate and specialist charter work, providing our pilots with a varied and rewarding flying environment. Our fleet includes Beechcraft King Air aircraft and a Cessna Citation jet, providing a varied mix of aeromedical, charter and corporate flying throughout New Zealand.

We are looking for an experienced Line Pilot / Pilot in Command to join our team.

The successful applicant will operate as Pilot in Command and must be capable of conducting flights independently, including meeting the applicable requirements for single-pilot aeromedical operations.

You will be responsible for the safe and professional conduct of flights from planning through to completion, operating across both aeromedical and charter sectors.

About the role

As a Line Pilot, you will operate as Pilot in Command of Air Whanganui aircraft across a range of aeromedical and charter missions.

Our flying is varied. One day may involve an aeromedical transfer between regional centres, while another may involve a private charter, corporate flight or longer-distance operation. The nature of our work means no two days are necessarily the same.

Aeromedical operations can involve short-notice changes, unfamiliar destinations, changing weather conditions, varying passenger and medical requirements, and operating outside the traditional airline environment.

Our pilots need to be comfortable operating independently, assessing situations, making sound operational decisions and adapting plans while maintaining safety, compliance and professionalism.

You will work closely with medical crews, patients, clients, passengers, management and other operational personnel. The ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with people from different backgrounds is an important part of the role.

While teamwork and CRM are fundamental to our operation, this position requires a high degree of individual responsibility and operational independence. Our Line Pilots must be confident managing the aircraft and operation as PIC and making appropriate decisions within the company's procedures and operational framework.

Aeromedical operations

Aeromedical flying is a significant part of our operation and requires pilots who understand the additional considerations associated with patient transport.

Flights operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across a wide range of New Zealand destinations. Pilots need to be flexible, adaptable and comfortable with the operational demands of a 24/7 aeromedical service.

Applicants must meet the applicable New Zealand single-pilot aeromedical operating standards, including the relevant experience, competency and operational requirements. These requirements are fundamental to the position.

As an Air Whanganui Line Pilot, you will be expected to maintain a consistently high standard of airmanship, decision-making, communication and professionalism.

Charter operations

Alongside our aeromedical work, Air Whanganui operates a range of private, corporate and specialist charter flights.

Our charter operation provides the opportunity to fly a broad range of passengers and missions throughout New Zealand, with a strong emphasis on service, professionalism and operational flexibility.

Line Pilots are expected to represent Air Whanganui professionally both in the aircraft and on the ground, while maintaining the same high operational standards expected across all aspects of the business.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced Pilot in Command who takes pride in their flying and is comfortable taking responsibility for the complete operation.

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Strong Pilot in Command experience and sound operational judgement
• The ability to operate confidently as a single pilot
• A high standard of airmanship and flight discipline
• The ability to operate independently without reliance on a co-pilot
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A professional approach to passengers, patients, medical crews and colleagues
• Good decision-making and risk-management skills
• A strong commitment to safety and compliance
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while being capable of operating autonomously
• Flexibility and adaptability in a 24/7 operational environment
• A willingness to work weekends, public holidays and rostered duties
• The ability to remain calm and professional when operational circumstances change
• A genuine interest in both aeromedical and charter flying

Minimum requirements

Due to the nature of our operations and the requirements applicable to New Zealand aeromedical operations, applicants must meet the following minimum experience requirements to be considered:

• New Zealand CPL
• Current ME/IR
• English Language Proficiency Level 6
• BGT theory credit
• Minimum 1,500 hours Pilot in Command
• Minimum 100 hours total night flying
• Minimum 500 hours multi-engine flying
• Minimum 200 hours IFR
• Minimum 100 hours fixed-wing air transport operations
• Minimum 150 hours cross-country flying
• Meet the applicable single-pilot aeromedical experience and competency requirements
• Unrestricted right to live and work in New Zealand
• Current New Zealand driver's licence
• Ability to reside in Whanganui
• Availability to work a flexible roster, including weekends and public holidays

Only applicants who meet the minimum aeronautical experience and applicable single-pilot aeromedical requirements will be considered.

Desirable experience
The following experience would be advantageous:

• King Air experience and/or type rating
• Citation Jet experience and/or type rating
• Previous single-pilot operations
• Aeromedical experience
• Turbine experience
• Jet experience
• IFR and regional operations experience
• Experience operating to a variety of regional and controlled airports
• Previous charter or corporate aviation experience
• ATPL theory passes

King Air or Citation experience is advantageous but is not essential where the applicant otherwise demonstrates the required level of experience and suitability for the role.

Why Air Whanganui?

Air Whanganui offers pilots the opportunity to be part of an operation where the flying is genuinely varied and where the work has a direct impact on people and communities throughout New Zealand.

Our pilots operate across a broad network of destinations and are exposed to a range of aerodromes, weather conditions, aircraft missions and operational environments.

The role offers the combination of aeromedical, charter, turbine and jet operations, depending on experience, qualifications and operational requirements.

You will be joining an experienced team where professionalism, safety, integrity and a strong work ethic are expected.

Our values are centred around:

• Safety
• Our people
• Our community
• Integrity
• High standards

Location and roster

Due to the 24/7 nature of our aeromedical operation, the successful applicant will be required to reside in Whanganui.

The position involves rostered duties, including weekends, public holidays and overnight operations. Flexibility is an important part of the role, as aeromedical flying can require changes to planned operations and short-notice tasking.

What we offer

Air Whanganui offers a competitive salary and allowance package, together with the opportunity to work across a varied and interesting operation.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Operate as Pilot in Command across aeromedical and charter missions
• Conduct single-pilot aeromedical operations
• Fly throughout New Zealand
• Operate King Air aircraft and, where appropriately qualified and experienced, Citation operations
• Work across both aeromedical and charter environments
• Work alongside experienced aviation and medical professionals
• Be part of an established New Zealand aviation operation with a strong reputation in the industry

If you are an experienced Pilot in Command looking for a role that offers variety, responsibility and meaningful flying, we would like to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date.

For more details on the job description and how to apply, click HERE.