Flies helicopters to transport passengers, mail or freight, or provide agricultural, aviation or aerial surveillance services.

• Prepares and submits flight plans giving consideration to factors such as weather conditions and aircraft performance; flies aircraft in accordance with established air traffic control and aircraft operating procedures; provides flight information for flight crews and air traffic services staff; completes cockpit preparations and external inspections to determine that aircraft are acceptable for flight; monitors aircraft performance and reports on mechanical condition.

• Frequently works in helicopters, hangers and is based at airports or other flight facilities. Generally does not work outdoors if visibility is poor or there are high winds.

• Works in well lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces. Conditions however may also be cramped due to size and noisy due to engine noise and radio communication.

• Sedentary to light physical demand. Frequently sits in helicopters.

• Stands and walks occasionally when checking helicopters.

• Stretching up and across is likely to be required when operating certain controls.

• Lifting and carrying is not a significant feature of the job. Pulling on aircraft controls is necessary.

• Bending, squatting or crouching may be required when carrying out inspections.

• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when operating flight controls, navigation systems, radios and computers.

• Driving is not required but the flying and operation of a helicopter will be frequent to constant.

• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with flying, interpreting, computing, communication, interpersonal, planning, and organisational, problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making capabilities.

• A Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter (a CPL-H) which requires candidates to be at least 18 years old, hold a current NZ medical certificate, hold a current New Zealand Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter), pass written exams on topics such as meteorology, navigation, air law and principles of helicopter flight, complete a minimum of 150 hours' flight time, satisfy the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) fit and proper person requirement and pass the English Language Proficiency test (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.

• May work shifts, evenings, weekends and public holidays.