Travel bonus of flying career option

Getting to travel throughout the world is one of the best things about being in the air force, says Corporal Matthew Kay.

Mathew, 23, has been in the force for six years and has visited more places than many people twice his age, with more overseas missions coming.

As an avionics technician in No. 6 Squadron at Whenuapai Air Base, Mathew got to tell some of the more than 30,000 visitors to the Wings Over Wairarapa Air Show all about the Kaman SH-2G(NZ) Seasprite helicopter.

The helicopter wowed the crowds during its exciting displays over two days at Masterton and during the NZ International Air Show.

Mathew joined the air force after attending Hillcrest High School and doing the Air Force Challenge in 2006.

"That really interested me and I knew I wanted to join after that."

As an avionics technician, Mathew is responsible for regular maintenance and electric and information systems on board the craft.

When he is not making sure everything is in working order in the Seasprite, Mathew plays rugby league for the air force and Te Atatu.

"The travel in the air force is seriously good. There is no way I would get the opportunity to do and see the things I have and will do if I wasn't in the air force."

Mathew said highlights of his six years in the force were trips to Antarctica, Samoa, Tonga and Australia and he is soon off on a month's deployment where he will take in several other countries, adding more stamps to his passport.