Pilot Training in New Zealand
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 31
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From: New Zealand
Pilot Training in New Zealand
Just finishing up my last year of secondary school, and have been looking at flying academies in NZ. Looking at a Diploma in Aviation Science ( Instructor Rating) which gives me my full PPL, CPL, IFR and Instructor rating with 4 additional business papers (hoping to complete a commerce degree as well).
Just wandering what peoples experiences are with flight schools in NZ also any recommendations. I am lucky enough to once I have finished my degree/diploma, my student loan will be paid off.
Just wandering what peoples experiences are with flight schools in NZ also any recommendations. I am lucky enough to once I have finished my degree/diploma, my student loan will be paid off.
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 44
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From: Auckland, New Zealand
hey i am in the same boat as you ... I am working part time at the moment and am looking at taking up pilot course... i have been looking around... I am based in auckalnd and the only place that does student loan is Ardmore Flying school... the rest of them are all pay as you go... where are you based? what school have you look at so far?
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
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From: Wellington
Several places in NZ have student loans available. I know Massey University (4 year degree and expensive), Ardmore, Nelson Aviation College, Christchurch and Hawkes Bay all have accredited training outfits. I know Christchurch and Nelson have really good reputations - Christchurch is a bigger outfit and Nelson is more personalised I thiunk.
NZ is pretty cheap and the flight training has a really good international reputation.
NZ is pretty cheap and the flight training has a really good international reputation.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 31
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From: New Zealand
im thinking of attending christchurch, at the international aviation academy, heard from everyone its a really good flying school. Just wandering if anyone has been there or any other flight school in nz?
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 183
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From: In a country
Get down to Southern Wings in Invercargill, great guys running it who know what they are talking about. Some of the other schools you mention are so full of sh1t its not funny. If you like lots of gold bars and ball sh1t then go to Christchurch if you like no BS getting the job done in a great flying environment go to Inver's.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 47
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From: The Himalayas
Eagle has a good product and the owners actually run the business. 3 A Cat instructors who do most of the teaching and 2 of them are still flying real jets some of the time. Go and see them and take a trial flight and then compare the trial flight with the others - 30 years of aviation experience teaching you or 3 years at best from the others - it is an easy choice if I were makeing it.
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 424
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From: Maun, Botswana
Ive written it a few times.
Eagle flight training is great.
3 A-cat instructor's. Years of operational experience. Well maintained aircraft. High Standards. You will learn more in one hour from these guys than 5 from some of the other schools with new instructors.
Slightly cheaper than Ardmore Flying School as well.
Eagle flight training is great.
3 A-cat instructor's. Years of operational experience. Well maintained aircraft. High Standards. You will learn more in one hour from these guys than 5 from some of the other schools with new instructors.
Slightly cheaper than Ardmore Flying School as well.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 35
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From: Birmingham

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
You should look at Air Hawkes Bay and their diploma, which is in the process of being changed at the moment to either a two year or optional three year course depending upon what outcomes you want to achieve.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14
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From: Sydney
Estiated cost
Hi there,
thinking of training next year, and i was wondering if anyone had any estimate on the cost involved in New Zealand, to get to a commercial with instrument.
Also thinking of funding by student loan initially - can anyone run by there experience with student loans for flying...im worried that if i need to go overseas the interest would be quite a lot....any ideas or suggestions?..
Cheers,
thinking of training next year, and i was wondering if anyone had any estimate on the cost involved in New Zealand, to get to a commercial with instrument.
Also thinking of funding by student loan initially - can anyone run by there experience with student loans for flying...im worried that if i need to go overseas the interest would be quite a lot....any ideas or suggestions?..
Cheers,





