Training in New Zealand!
Hi
I am a UK citizen and have, for the past 6 months, been looking around the various flight training schools to help me make a decision on which to go for!
Having decided to go down the fully integrated route, obtained my Class 1 medical certificate, cleared an assessment day at CabAir, I had more or less just signed up to the course when I was invited to New Zealand for a family wedding...
I totally fell in love with the country and am now hastily re-thinking my decision to attend a UK flying school when I could train over in NZ for around one third of the cost, experience some unique flying environments and ultimately use my licence to stay in NZ permanently!
With loads of small and medium size regional airlines, along with Air New Zealand and other 'Pacific' carriers, there would seem a good chance of securing some form of flying employment - if not immediately after, then some time in the future once hours have been accrued etc.
My questions, to anyone who would be willing to share a similar experience, have some knowledge of flying training / living in New Zealand are as follows.
Note, I have asked various flying traning schools these same questions and, as you might expect, have received vastly different answers to the questions, so it will be interesting to hear from anyone who knows:
1. Once a NZ ATPL licence has been obtained by myself, is it then difficult (should I wish to return to the UK immediately after qualifying) to convert to a JAR ATPL. If so, if I had any doubt about my intentions to stay long term in NZ, would it be far wiser to pay the extra money and obtain it in the UK?
2. Once qualified with my NZ ATPL, can a UK citizen actually apply for NZ pilot jobs, or will I require to obtain residency prior to applying? Or could I fly on a work visa / permit? Once I obtain my licence I would like to STAY in NZ long term and not return to the UK - is this feasible?
I would really appreciate ANY advice, or comment on flying training in New Zealand and living and working in there as a commercial pilot.
Look forward to hearing your comments.
Cheers.