New Zealand - Training Schools and Job Prospects
Join Date: Mar 2008
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Ewe Turn, hopping on a plane to fly to NZ is no small thing, and there's no way I'll do that until I have some sense of the lay of the land, and have at least narrowed down my options. I take your point though, and it's not a bad idea to visit more than one potential training outfit before making a commitment. The flipside to turning up on spec is illustrated by a response I've had from one Australian outfit who told me they were up to their eyeballs in work until May, so I'd be afraid to 'just turn up' at some of these places with no idea. As for the BHH thing - hindsight proves you dead right on the upfront payment. But I was given a very good rate on the 500, and decided to deposit it to secure the deal. They looked like a big, successful outfit with a lot of machines and collective (no pun intended) experience. Whoops. I'm focused on getting as much time in the 500 as possible purely because it's what I want to fly. No point getting proficient in a 300 or a 22 if I'll never sit in one again, beyond the benefits of learning to handle different machines and getting used to varied handling characteristics. It's a point I'll take my future instructor's advice on. If he/she feels there's a clear-cut benefit to coming out of a training programme with 50 hours on a 300 and 20 on a 500 instead of just doing 70 in a 500, then I'm all ears. If you're going single-seater racing, there's only so much to be learned behind the wheel of a saloon - or vice versa. I'm sure there's a balance to be struck somewhere. On the holiday front - buddy, spending 3 months doing nothing other than flying and studying sounds like a holiday to me right now. A day at the beach or in the mountains would just be the cherry on the cake.
Scissorlink - I've read good things about Harvey here. Have you an up to date email address/number/contact details?
Scissorlink - I've read good things about Harvey here. Have you an up to date email address/number/contact details?
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http://www.whitepages.co.nz/
This is pretty helpful link to Bookmark especially if you make it down here
SL
This is pretty helpful link to Bookmark especially if you make it down here
SL
Join Date: Mar 2008
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SL - Cheers for that..... though......not to be too grumpy of cynical.........did you just hand me a 'phone book? Wait..... I asked for a fish and got handed a rod. I take it my Helicopter flying instruction has started already. 
Came up with two numbers for Bruce Harvey from another thread - +64 737 69244 and +64 274 572767. I'll try them on Monday and see how it goes.
Came up with two numbers for Bruce Harvey from another thread - +64 737 69244 and +64 274 572767. I'll try them on Monday and see how it goes.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: New Zealand
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Loach: on a general note, if I were doing my PPL(H) again I would definitely seek out an older more experienced instructor. I did my training at High Wycombe and although neither were my instructor, had the pleasure of flying once or twice with Mike Wilds and Alex Hoff. An hour with one of those two gentlemen was worth at least two with an 'ordinary' instructor.
On an NZ note, the two Christchurch based operators that you mention both operate out of the main airport. I don't know too much about how they compare but if you need more info I will try and help.
On an NZ note, the two Christchurch based operators that you mention both operate out of the main airport. I don't know too much about how they compare but if you need more info I will try and help.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Wanaka Helicopters for Training
You should go see Simon at Wanaka Helicopters. Probably the most experienced instructor in the country.
http://whl.wanaka-helicopters.co.nz/
Based in the Southern Alps is one of the most incredible spots in the world to learn at.
http://whl.wanaka-helicopters.co.nz/
Based in the Southern Alps is one of the most incredible spots in the world to learn at.
Join Date: Mar 2008
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CPLH IN NEW ZEALAND - any advantages OR NOT??
gday peeple - this is my first post! ...I started my PPLH 3yrs ago at PHS cooloongatta and just got to 20 hrs - but i was inconsistent due to my work and stopped as wedding costs blew out and other life stuff!!
1ST POINT - i plan to do my PPL in fixed wing here in south east qld - to learn all the nav, as well as be more employable! - i hope - actually so when i start CPL on choppers i can concentrate more on flying instead of trying to learn nav as well.
2ND POINT - PHS is great - but for a change of scenery - literally - thought i mite train in NZ - ( costs dont seem tobe much different) - but if got CPLH there - is that recognised in OZ - or do i hav to do more flight tests/checks - coming from a NEW ZULLAND licence!!
POINT 3 - also should i pick a school at sea level or at altitude!!
POINT 4 - Ive read learning in a bell 47 (without a governor) is supposed to be good for your power management skills....
i think thats all for now !! ha look forward to hearing from u experinced hands .. and whoeve !! ta
1ST POINT - i plan to do my PPL in fixed wing here in south east qld - to learn all the nav, as well as be more employable! - i hope - actually so when i start CPL on choppers i can concentrate more on flying instead of trying to learn nav as well.
2ND POINT - PHS is great - but for a change of scenery - literally - thought i mite train in NZ - ( costs dont seem tobe much different) - but if got CPLH there - is that recognised in OZ - or do i hav to do more flight tests/checks - coming from a NEW ZULLAND licence!!
POINT 3 - also should i pick a school at sea level or at altitude!!
POINT 4 - Ive read learning in a bell 47 (without a governor) is supposed to be good for your power management skills....
i think thats all for now !! ha look forward to hearing from u experinced hands .. and whoeve !! ta
G`day chopper,
First question you have to ask your self, is do you want to fly helicopters or aeroplanes ?, doing your ppl (A) will not help in your quest to fly helicopters.
Doing your license in N.Z will be a different experience for sure, you will be exposed to night and sling and mountain training..
B47 helicopters are museum pieces, they were good back in there hayday, train on a R22 or H300 if you want no govenor experience.
First question you have to ask your self, is do you want to fly helicopters or aeroplanes ?, doing your ppl (A) will not help in your quest to fly helicopters.
Doing your license in N.Z will be a different experience for sure, you will be exposed to night and sling and mountain training..
B47 helicopters are museum pieces, they were good back in there hayday, train on a R22 or H300 if you want no govenor experience.
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Gday chopper 7
Welcome to the clan. It's good advice to stick with one type. Very few employers will see two licences as a bonus, especially if you only hold a PPL(A). You're far better off keeping the money in the bank for when/if you need to get other ratings such as instructors or instrument. Some will get a PPL(A) as a waypoint for an instrument rating, but you're far better off to get your CPL(H) first and be employable. Nav is not really that hard in a chopper - especially if you're left handed!
NZ is certainly a challenging and rewarding place to learn. If you are financing yourself, you have flight schools throughout the country to choose from, and you'll need to do some research. PERSONALLY I would stick with the south island. It's more challenging terrain, mountains on your doorstep and from a living point of view - it's spectacular.
Your CPL will be recognised in Oz through the Trans Tasman agreement. However, the agreement ONLY recognises current professional licences i.e., NOT PPLs, or CPLs without a BFR and current medical.
As for the Bell 47, I agree with ersa. It's vintage. That's not to say it isn't a great machine. A Ferrari Daytona is an awesome car, but it's 35 years old and you wouldn't drive one if it was sitting next to a 2008 model F430. The chances are your first job in NZ/Oz will involve flying an R44, may as well train in an R22.
Dragman
Welcome to the clan. It's good advice to stick with one type. Very few employers will see two licences as a bonus, especially if you only hold a PPL(A). You're far better off keeping the money in the bank for when/if you need to get other ratings such as instructors or instrument. Some will get a PPL(A) as a waypoint for an instrument rating, but you're far better off to get your CPL(H) first and be employable. Nav is not really that hard in a chopper - especially if you're left handed!
NZ is certainly a challenging and rewarding place to learn. If you are financing yourself, you have flight schools throughout the country to choose from, and you'll need to do some research. PERSONALLY I would stick with the south island. It's more challenging terrain, mountains on your doorstep and from a living point of view - it's spectacular.
Your CPL will be recognised in Oz through the Trans Tasman agreement. However, the agreement ONLY recognises current professional licences i.e., NOT PPLs, or CPLs without a BFR and current medical.
As for the Bell 47, I agree with ersa. It's vintage. That's not to say it isn't a great machine. A Ferrari Daytona is an awesome car, but it's 35 years old and you wouldn't drive one if it was sitting next to a 2008 model F430. The chances are your first job in NZ/Oz will involve flying an R44, may as well train in an R22.
Dragman
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helllooooo
wow dragman thats FAB feedback!! - just like ersa!! this is just the industry (experienced) advice im after. im an ex RAAF chopper technician - been in IT(8 yrs) and dabbled in security since - but now at 46 looking to get back to my aviation passion for rotary wing and not waste much time doing so - and fly the rest of my life till i cant medically fly no more!!
any budding employers out there - i know im no good to u till i get my licence - but with much life and military experience also - let me know if u think i could fit into your company speak to me - and yes i've heard theres a lot or hangar floor sweeping also ha - its a long road!!
any budding employers out there - i know im no good to u till i get my licence - but with much life and military experience also - let me know if u think i could fit into your company speak to me - and yes i've heard theres a lot or hangar floor sweeping also ha - its a long road!!
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I went down this very road a few years back. I did the research, made the calls and emails , then hopped on the plane and went visiting, with the money to start when I found what I was looking for
I went to NZ for a holiday and to get my PPL (H). At the time the American Peso was worth something and there was great value in obtaining the license in NZ. ( the excahnge was .31 cents US to a kiwi dollar) It was also very easy to covert it to a FAA PPL at the time. All I had to do was show up at the FSDO!
From what I gather the NZ heli training market has become similar to the US one in several ways. Many of the flight schools are mills and have financing schemes, they are busy and crowed and Low time guys teaching ( not that I think that is always a bad thing). I was there right at the begining of that 8 years ago.
If thats what you want, go to the states, the FAA lic may be easier to convert in the future.
If you are looking for a more personal experience, some of the names mentioned would a great way to go. When I went to NZ I did a lot of research, I wanted to have Bruce Harvey teach me. His location is great and the man is a very experinced pilot who has worked all over the world. He lives on the airport and used to have a flat for a student to use. The problem is he only takes one or two students at a time, ( if he is in country) and often there is a waiting list. When I got to NZ, I made a trip up just to see him and chat even though I knew he did not have the time for me. He was very helpful about answering my questions.
The other name I would look up is Ian Wakeling. He has a R22, and is a wealth of knowledge and a very nice man. He gave me all sorts of good advice when I was trying to find a place to learn.
Wanaka: Simon spencer Bower is a very experienced instructor. The problem with Wanaka is I think you would have too much fun. The place is specatular and the setting unreal. I think I would have been way to distracted there. I spent amonht there after I got my license, and didnt want to leave.
I wouldnt trade my NZ experience for anything, I would have done a few things differently but isnt that how it always goes. The people and the scenery are fantastic.
The only downside is I believe it is important to train where you want to work or have opertunity to work. If your just looking to do a PPL and have a great holiday go for it.
I may still have Ian's email and phone, if you cant find it. Old Ian must be getting up there in age too!
RB
I went to NZ for a holiday and to get my PPL (H). At the time the American Peso was worth something and there was great value in obtaining the license in NZ. ( the excahnge was .31 cents US to a kiwi dollar) It was also very easy to covert it to a FAA PPL at the time. All I had to do was show up at the FSDO!
From what I gather the NZ heli training market has become similar to the US one in several ways. Many of the flight schools are mills and have financing schemes, they are busy and crowed and Low time guys teaching ( not that I think that is always a bad thing). I was there right at the begining of that 8 years ago.
If thats what you want, go to the states, the FAA lic may be easier to convert in the future.
If you are looking for a more personal experience, some of the names mentioned would a great way to go. When I went to NZ I did a lot of research, I wanted to have Bruce Harvey teach me. His location is great and the man is a very experinced pilot who has worked all over the world. He lives on the airport and used to have a flat for a student to use. The problem is he only takes one or two students at a time, ( if he is in country) and often there is a waiting list. When I got to NZ, I made a trip up just to see him and chat even though I knew he did not have the time for me. He was very helpful about answering my questions.
The other name I would look up is Ian Wakeling. He has a R22, and is a wealth of knowledge and a very nice man. He gave me all sorts of good advice when I was trying to find a place to learn.
Wanaka: Simon spencer Bower is a very experienced instructor. The problem with Wanaka is I think you would have too much fun. The place is specatular and the setting unreal. I think I would have been way to distracted there. I spent amonht there after I got my license, and didnt want to leave.
I wouldnt trade my NZ experience for anything, I would have done a few things differently but isnt that how it always goes. The people and the scenery are fantastic.
The only downside is I believe it is important to train where you want to work or have opertunity to work. If your just looking to do a PPL and have a great holiday go for it.
I may still have Ian's email and phone, if you cant find it. Old Ian must be getting up there in age too!
RB
Last edited by rotorboy; 26th Mar 2008 at 03:02.
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I agree with rotorboy, Wanaka might be _too_ much fun...
I just did a couple of days of mountain flying with Simon Spencer-Bower at Wanaka Helicopters. (See my blog about it at www.helinews.com.au.) An absolutely amazing place to fly and awesome people to fly with!
I did my training in the US, which had a lot of advantages, but I can't help but be a little jealous of people who train in NZ...
I just did a couple of days of mountain flying with Simon Spencer-Bower at Wanaka Helicopters. (See my blog about it at www.helinews.com.au.) An absolutely amazing place to fly and awesome people to fly with!
I did my training in the US, which had a lot of advantages, but I can't help but be a little jealous of people who train in NZ...
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What shortage!!!!
The industry is flooded with brand new pilots, low time pilots and some with nearly 1000hr pilots all over New Zealand looking for jobs. The work simply is not there to give these guys a chance. Now they are spilling out into other countries such as Canada, Australia and USA only to find out that their false promises are turning to fading hopes. It is not fair on these guys and not fair on anyone who are sold false promises. There are false messages in New Zealand being passed on to these guys that there is work in Canada. This is far from the case!. Canada is just like everywhere else in the world, requiring experience pilots. Too many NZ pilots are arriving in Canada only to turn back and go back to NZ with their tails between their legs. There is absolutely NO shortage of pilots whatsoever!. It is totally unfair on the existing new pilots who are wandering all over the world trying everything and pleading to work for various helicopter companies. People thinking about becoming a heli pilot need to consider this. Brand new NZ pilots considering travelling to Canada to find work, need to ensure that there is a very HIGH chance of them spending 10K to do their conversions, airline tickets etc etc only to travel back to NZ with nothing.
As for flight training establishments - there are only a few reputable well-known operators in NZ that have the reputation and the appropriate certifications and qualifications to train. There are some out there that are only using the training to fund their debts and do not hold the appropriate certification and qualifications!! (we all know who they are). So, ensure that you do your homework before signing up. This is vitally important.
Good Luck!
As for flight training establishments - there are only a few reputable well-known operators in NZ that have the reputation and the appropriate certifications and qualifications to train. There are some out there that are only using the training to fund their debts and do not hold the appropriate certification and qualifications!! (we all know who they are). So, ensure that you do your homework before signing up. This is vitally important.
Good Luck!
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if you are going to do some ratings in chch, i would suggest Garden city helicopters. great instructors with a wealth of knowledge!!
Helipro i'm not to sure about, but you would hope some things have changed since it was chch helicopters thats for sure!!
Helipro i'm not to sure about, but you would hope some things have changed since it was chch helicopters thats for sure!!
Join Date: Mar 2006
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FOR SURE!!!, if you want to do training in Christchurch, Garden City Helicopters - highly recommended. If you were going to be in the Wanaka/Queenstown region, I would strongly suggest Wanaka Helicopters - Simon Spencer-Bower. Your choice...