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A new scheme to lure experienced people back into the air force could see part-time pilots step out of a commercial flight one day and into a military aircraft the next.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has launched an active reserve to attract experienced people, including pilots, back into the air force part-time to cover staff shortfalls.
The scheme will cater for trained and experienced people who had left the air force and not people seeking a new career.
Air force spokesman Squadron Leader Glenn Davis said it could mean a pilot or navigator who had left the air force to pursue a career in commercial aviation, could be re-enlisted.
Where there was a shortage, the individual and the air force unit would agree on how much time a civilian would devote to the air force.
"It might be for one day a week for example,' said Sqn Ldr Davis.
"It is up to the individual squadrons and the individuals to work out. If it is one day a week for three weeks and then two days a week for the next half a dozen (weeks) then that is the intent."
The first active reservist, a former air force pilot, was due to begin as an instructor next week for one day a week, he said.
Active reserve pilots could be deployed overseas if there was a desperate need but would probably fly Hercules, Orions, Boeing 757s or helicopters in New Zealand.
The scheme was also aimed at ground crew, including specialist technicians and engineers, ground support staff, air force police, firefighters and administrators.
"It is filling holes with good ex-air force people who still have an interest in the air force," said Sqn Ldr Davis.
Air force chief, Air Vice Marshal Graham Lintott, said in the latest issue of Air Force News the reserve would cover staff shortfalls across all trades and specialities.
He said the air force had "reached the point where it can no longer ignore the immense benefits that can be had from a reserve structure".
- NZPA
