Helicopter Flight Training

We work with the New Zealand Helicopter Training Academy to provide high quality flight training. Together with NZHTA, we’re committed to developing exceptional helicopter pilots ready to excel in any environment. Our training is designed to provide a real-world, commercial perspective, preparing our pilots for success in the aviation industry. Whether you want to fly privately or make a career flying helicopters, we focus on delivering a safe, efficient, and high-quality learning experience.

NZ Helicopter Training Academy

Commercial Pilot Licence

A career as a helicopter pilot is a career like no other! A Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) allows you to get paid to fly helicopters and can take you all over the world doing a wide variety of work. The industry is so varied, you could fly in tourism, agricultural spraying/top-dressing, cattle mustering, fire-fighting, off-shore transfers, search & rescue, aerial shooting and pest control, long-lining (sling), VIP charter, police and so much more!

Requirements

Practical

150 hours flight time (includes PPL)

  • 35 hours dual instruction
  • 35 hours solo flight
  • 20 hours navigation
  • 10 hours mountain
  • 10 hours sling training
  • optional extras
    • Night Rating
    • Type Ratings

Theory

  • Human Factors
  • Navigation
  • Air Law
  • Meteorology
  • Aircraft Technical Knowledge
  • Principles of Flight

Medical

  • Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate

Private Pilot Licence

Gaining a private pilot licence (PPL) is a fantastic achievement. With this licence, you can fly for private or recreational purposes and carry passengers. A PPL is great for those wanting a challenge to work towards or those who want to greatly reduce travel times across the country.

Requirements

Practical

50 hours flight time (minimum)

  • 20 hours dual instruction
  • 15 hours solo flight
  • 10 hours navigation
  • 5 hours mountain

Theory

  • Flight Radio
  • Human Factors
  • Navigation
  • Air Law
  • Meteorology
  • Aircraft Technical Knowledge

Medical

  • DL9 NZTA Professional Drivers Medical
    or
  • Class 2 Aviation Medical Certificate

Advanced Training

Never stop learning! Up skilling yourself as a pilot is vital to a long and safe flying career. Whether you want some additional mountain flying experience, add a night or instructor rating to your licence, or maybe you want some to do some prep before your first flying job. We have experienced pilots that enjoy passing what they have learned over the years to help others become better and safer pilots.

Advanced training we offer:

Night Rating (Restricted)

  • 12 hours flight time
    • 2 hours instrument flying
    • 5 hours dual
    • 2 hours solo

C-Cat Instructor Rating

  • 25 hours dual instruction
  • Flight test

Sling Rating (mandatory for CPL)

  • 5 hours for PPL
    • 3 hours dual
  • 10 hours for CPL
    • 7 hour dual

Reviews from our recent students

Josh Mangin

“I completed my CPL flight training with NZHTA January 2022. NZHTA provided a fantastic environment to learn, with friendly staff, comfortable class rooms and an immaculate hangar. My instructor Chris was completely invested in my training journey from day one. Starting out with building solid fundamental skills then progressing to more advanced scenario type and tailored training based on my flying career goals. Within the 2 years since getting my CPL, I’ve had flying jobs throughout Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Starting out in R44s now in larger turbine machines. After all this, Chris still picks up the phone when I call him for advise on flying and my career. I couldn’t recommend NZHTA enough.”

Scott Donald

“I joined NZHTA as a full time student and it was the greatest decision I have ever made. Under Chris’s guidance I learned not only how to be a safe and skilled pilot, but also how to operate commercially, which set me up perfectly for my first job – flying tourists around the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Through them it instilled a confidence in my ability that has stayed with me to this day. Chris also has a way of teaching which constantly makes you strive to improve, and refine your flying so that you are constantly pushing for excellence. Chris and NZHTA helped me fulfil a life long dream of which I could never thank them enough for. Their passion for flying matched mine and I think there is no better way to become a helicopter pilot.”

Jim McKay

“Great After 40 years of fixed wing flying I thought I’d try flying helicopters for the experience of a different type of aircraft. After some inquiry I decided to fly with the NZHTA under the instruction of Chris van der Salm.
Initially I only intended to fly to solo as an achievement but as it was so enjoyable and with positive encouragement from Chris I decided to continue to PPL which I achieved much easier than what I might have thought.
Chris showed not only a very professional level of teaching but is very respectful towards his students. With a keen attitude to see his students progress while helping with examination subjects along with the flying all make for an enjoyable process.”