Sim Pilot (Towers)

About Airways International Limited:
Airways International Ltd (AIL) is the commercial arm of Airways New Zealand – providing air traffic services training, simulation & selection solutions, uncrewed traffic management, aeronautical information management, flight procedures and aviation consultancy services to the global aviation industry. As pioneers and market leaders, we partner with some of the best in the industry to develop and deliver world-leading products and services.

About the Team:
The TotalControl ATC simulator is used for air traffic controller training. We have two big simulators based in Auckland and Christchurch as well as one regional simulator in Queenstown, and two mobile sims, all operated from our Christchurch campus.

The simulator is available seven days per week between 7am - 7pm, operated by Simulator Pilots and Controllers who are split into two teams (surveillance and towers), each with their own team leader.

About the Role:
We have permanent part-time and full-time roles available for Simulator Pilots as part of the Tower team based in Christchurch (Burnside).

Simulator Pilots work in a computer-based environment using Radiotelephony (RTF) calls and keyboard commands to fly simulated aircraft in the training exercises for Air Traffic Controllers. It is interesting and rewarding work for those comfortable in the aviation environment.

Sim sessions:

• The Sim Pilot reads the script to understand what the run will entail, then create the sim run which lasts between 45 minutes to 3 hours.
• There are a number of runs within an 8.5-hour shift (including 30min lunch break), with short breaks in between runs to allow the Sim Pilot to set up the next run/exercise.

The Sim Pilot may introduce and look after 6+ planes at a time whilst communicating with the ATC and making the necessary flight adjustments.

Hours of work:

• Training is provided between the hours of 7am - 7pm, Monday to Sunday.
• Usually shifts tend to fall within 8.30am – 5pm, weekdays. Note that there are however shifts that start early, finish late and fall over weekends and public holidays.
• Roster is published by the second week of the month, providing an overview of the next month.
  

For a full list and additional insights into the tasks and responsibilities, refer to the attached position description.

*Two weeks full-time paid training will be provided to ensure you're set up for success.

About You:
We have traditionally taken on ex-flight school students and instructors, as the role needs to understand and interpret aviation terminology in a fast-paced environment.

To be considered, you'll hold: 

• Flying experience with a Pilot's Licence or an Air Traffic Services background. 
• Good keyboard, attention to detail and spatial orientation skills.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English.
• Flexibility, being able to work any day of the week.

Beneficial:
IFR experience is desirable but not essential.

Although we are looking for part-time and full-time employees, we are open to considering casual engagements (please indicate preference in cover letter).

To Apply:
If you want to play your part in enhancing the role training is playing in supporting Airways, please submit your application (CV and Cover Letter) via the Airways careers site or Seek.

Please note that you must be legally eligible to work in New Zealand to be considered.

This role will require the successful candidate to undergo pre-employment background checks including references, drug and alcohol screening, criminal conviction, and related checks.

Application closing date is Friday, 6 March 2026.

Please note that our recruitment process is managed via our parent company Airways New Zealand. 

At Airways, our people are at the heart of what we do to keep NZ skies safe. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where people feel they belong and can bring their whole self to work. We currently hold the Rainbow Tick and NQTick (neurodiversity) and are working towards Gender Tick. We make our recruitment decisions based on the best candidate for the job and therefore encourage applications from diverse candidates.