[5] In 2007, while Costley was stationed in East Timor, he featured in a tongue-in-cheek video that went viral online and was later used for RNZAF recruitment.

[6] Costley founded The Missing Wingman Trust, a charity that supports the families of RNZAF families where someone is killed, wounded, injured or ill.[5] In November 2019, Costley was selected as the National Party candidate for the Ōtaki electorate at the 2020 general election.

[7] Costley was again selected to run as the National Party candidate in the Ōtaki electorate during the 2023 New Zealand general election.

[10] In June 2024, Costley attracted media attention after claiming over NZ$36,000 worth of housing allowance to live in a Wellington apartment that he owned.

In response to criticism, Prime Minister and National Party leader Christopher Luxon defended Costley, stating that Members of Parliament often left late at night and that his 58km commute to his home in Waikanae was impractical.