The advice to Bayfield High School pupils came from Royal New Zealand Navy Seasprite tactical co-ordinator Sub-lieutenant Christiaan Robertson during a careers advice visit.
While not needing to be a "rocket scientist" to fly the $35 million chopper, maths ability was a must for constant calculations involving fuel consumption. Manually working it out was quicker than using a calculator.
Sub-lt Robertson said the sea helicopter presented the most adventurous flying in the military, with tasks like landing on a ship, firing missiles, playing "war games" with overseas allies, and protecting shipping paths.
"I absolutely love my job," he said.
Sub-lt Robertson had a captive audience yesterday, answering questions about the helicopter's safety features; rules of engagement during warfare; who paid for the machines and crew wages, and where its missiles were.
"We're not allowed to bring missiles to a school ..."
He explained New Zealand's role in peace-keeping operations, that it was an ally of major powers, but not at the centre of the action.
During his five years with the helicopter, Sub-lt Robertson had flown in the Antarctic, Russia, and extensively in Asia. It was not unusual to spend half or more of the year on overseas deployments.
New Zealand had five Seasprites, based at Whenuapai Air Base in Auckland.
Year 13 pupil Rebecca Peace (17) told the Otago Daily Times she planned to join the air force after studying at University of Otago.
"I have flown a plane before, I love the feeling of adrenaline, and the military side of it ..."
She said the university degree was to gain life experience before hopefully training to fly the NH90 helicopters the air force is introducing to replace the Iroquois fleet.
The Seasprite also visited King's High School, Queen's High School, East Otago High School and Logan Park High School.
