Can anyone recommend any PPL flight schools in NZ?

[matthew.gyi]

Hi, I'm thinking of moving to New Zealand for approx 9 months to get a PPL and enjoy the beautiful country whilst im there. Can anyone recommend any good flight schools, and ones to stay away from? I want them to be up to a fairly professional standard as I plan to continue on to the CPL/ME/IR licences to get a full fATPL the modular route when I return to the UK.

Many Thanks
Matt

[DeathStar-Alpha]

If you're thinking of going the full monty why not do it all here?? I do believe it's cheaper.

If it's the common reason (MONEY!!!) stopping that, I would sign myself up to a class that does all the theory for the exams, commonly done at the bigger flight schools and aeroclubs, a google search will bring up the main players for this. Then move to a smaller one to do the training, as the aircraft are more likely to be available and your training more consistent. Most places in N.Z have an aeroclub not tooooooo far away

Goodluck :ok:

[solowflyer]

What part of NZ are you planning on visiting? Keep away from the bigger schools stick with the aero clubs and small flight schools you will enjoy the atmosphere better and not have to que up for aircraft and instructors.

[XRNZAF]

www.quantumaviation.co.nz (http://www.quantumaviation.co.nz) :ok:

[matthew.gyi]

Thanks guys. Has anyone had any experience with Quantum Aviation?

I'll be living in a campervan so will be free to move to any airfield in the country :)

Solowflyer, can you reccommend any smaller aeroclubs to fly from?

[Lineboy4life]

Taupo Air Services,

A long established training, charter organisation located in the heart of the north island. They have a varied fleet (cub, 172, 206 etc) and the cp has the experience/knowledge/personality to make your flying safe and enjoyable. - I also think you'll find the price to be very competitive and you will probably be one of their only students so no waiting!!!


besides that she's a beautiful location with lots of interesting stuff to do whilst not flying, (skiing, sailing, tramping etc).

wish I was back there meself now:(

[27/09]

They have a varied fleet (cub, 172, 206 etc

The cub used to be quite tidy. Not sure I'd say that about the 172 unless they've tarted it up recently.

[aldee]

I'd give serious consideration to Canterbury Aero Club, you'll be training at an International Airport with satellite fields within 10 mins flying time plus if you want to progress to CPL they have the international training academy.Large fleet of quality aircraft, like most places some of the instructors aren't old and crusty but their senior instructors are as good as any.
No shortage of brits around here & not much wrong with the Christchurch night life either :ok:

Have a look here

http://www.cac.co.nz (http://www.cac.co.nz)

http://www.flighttraining.co.nz (http://www.flighttraining.co.nz/)

[solowflyer]

have only realy had dealings with Waikato Aeroclub in Hamilton. However some that are also recomended are BOB Flight training in Tauranga, Nelson Aero club, Don't know much about Quantum but not heard anything bad either, can't remenber the name but the mob in Dunedin and wakitipu aero club. There are also many more out there it all boils down to what part of the country you want to base yourself

[DeathStar-Alpha]

I wouldn't think Canterbury Aero Club a good idea. Don't get me wrong great place etc etc but if you're wanting to get some consistent training with minimal waiting time it's better to keep away from the larger schools.

For the PPL subjects for sure they're much more prepared for things like that.

My advice would still be to find a small club, they may only have 1 or 2 planes, but chances are you'll have them both to yourself. I couldn't name any as I don't know them all but you may have to dig a bit deeper into google to weed them out.. Scenery wise, south island 4 sure!

[Pilot_SanFran]

I did my PPL & CPL at Canterbury Aero Club. They would often have a few international students coming over just to do PPL - so they know what to do and how to do it well. Amazing flying down there with the plains and mountains so close. Perhaps a little biased but I think its a great place to learn. :-) Generally you can get a plane any day of the week, and if its like before they tend to hold at least one or two planes during the week for Club pilots.

Good luck!

[Konev]

can always learn to fly in the mountains.

go skiing in the winter as well, then again, dont, might break a bone which would screw it all up :ugh:

Wakatipu Aero Club: wakatipu_aero_club (http://wakatipuaeroclub.com/wiki/wac/wakatipu_aero_club)

[aldee]

As a point of interest CAC's fleet flew 27,500hrs last financial year.
In todays doom and gloom times that's one hellava lot of avgas getting burnt.(1.1 mil lt's @40 lph)
Obviously they aren't going to suit everyone but they must be doing something right :ok:

[Little NOTAR]

Perhaps try Hawkes Bay and East Coast Aero Club. Located at Hastings, good climate, private airfield so no landing charges. They also have accommodation and a place to park your camper van