December 2020 9 minute read
Table of Contents
Introduction
You can start learning to become a pilot today. There is no age restriction to start learning, all you have to be able to do is reach the controls and see outside the windscreen. Flying is both a fun and exciting challenge which rewards you with great views, unique experiences and character growth. Becoming a pilot has many different starting points and end goals. This post is here to give you information so that you can decide the best pathway for your journey.
Where can you start
It is usually recommended that prior to starting any aviation training, you take a trial flight at your local aero club or flight school. A trial flight is a short affordable introduction to flying in a small aircraft and enables you to take control of the aircraft to see if it is a right fit for you. During the trial flight you will be with a qualified flight instructor who will guide you through the flight and teach you a thing or two as well without any pressure. Note that the trial flight is not a requirement.
Once you have decided you want to pursue your flight training journey you can then decide where you want to learn. New Zealand has over 100 aviation training schools and aero clubs that all have the ability to teach you how to fly, there are also various qualified instructors who are available as well. If you are deciding between a few different places to train we recommend that you go in and talk to each club or school to decide which organisation best suits you. Don't worry, all of them can teach you how to safely fly an aircraft but it can be a good idea to ask around. Some organisations focus on training pilots to be airline ready whereas others may only train pilots to a recreational level.
Aero Clubs
Aero clubs are a great option for people who are wanting a flexible training programme. There are more than 40 aero clubs located throughout New Zealand all run by senior instructors and can vary in size, with the smallest having only one or two instructors to the larger clubs having more than 15 instructors. With most aero clubs you are able to train at your own pace, whether that be flying twice a day to once a month.
Aero clubs often have a community feel to them as there are alot of pilots who love to fly and will regularly get together to go on planned trips and other activities. Aero clubs all compete against each other in annual flying competitions which can be a great way to hone your flying skill, have fun, and meet new people with similar interests.
Some aero clubs, especially the smaller ones, may not offer all that you wish to learn. For example, smaller aero clubs may not have specific aircraft or instructors that are able to teach advanced training like aerobatics, twin engine aircraft, night flying or instrument flying.
Aviation Training Schools
There are a growing number of training schools in New Zealand and they provide training towards a commercial pilot in preparation for a job in the industry, whether that be as an instructor, charter pilot or airline pilot. Training schools are generally full time and fast past, ranging from 2-3 years where you start as someone with little to no experience and end up as a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, instructor rating and airline exam passes, depending on the school and pathway you choose.
Training schools are generally more rigid in their training program and will take you through the qualifications at pace. You will be fully immersed into aviation and will help you adapt to the environment faster than if you were only flying occasionally.
Training schools generally require an application process before being accepted into their program. The application process is different for every organisation but usually involve:
- Aptitude testing
- Interviews
- Skills tests
Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)
An alternative route into aviation is through the air force. The RNZAF produce highly skilled pilots and are exposed to a large variety of environments and training. When you complete your training through the Air Force it is free and you are paid at the same time. You are, however, required to serve in the Air Force for a given time period which may or may not suit your goals.
Young Eagles
Young eagles is a programme at many aero clubs. The programme makes it easy and affordable for children between the ages of 11 and 17 to get into an aviation environment. Many clubs that run the programme provide the young eagles with aviation events purely for them as well as affordable flying so that anyone can have the experience.
There are also scholarships available through the programme that are aimed to pay for young pilots to go solo.
To find out more about Young Eagles, visit www.flyingnz.co.nz.
Scouts
The Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School in Matamata is a camp-like school run every year which aims to get young aspiring pilots flying solo within a couple weeks. Visit www.scouts.org.nz/walsh to find out more
Requirements
Now to the part where you find out what you need in order to get your pilot's licence.
There are three main licences for aeroplane pilots in New Zealand, they are the Private Pilots Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL). There are also various ratings that are added onto your licence giving you added privileges.
Student Pilot
Everyone starts off as a student pilot. As a student pilot you will be training towards your PPL. You will be trained one on one with a flight instructor in the air, covering everything from taking off, flying straight and level, emergency procedures to landing the aircraft. Generally it takes 10 - 20 hours for a pilot to go for their first solo flight.
Prior to going solo the pilot must:
- Have at least a class 2 medical or Land Transport medical with passenger privileges
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Be able to proficiently communicate in English
- Completed basic training
Private Pilot Licence
Once you obtain a private pilots licence you are able to fly passengers without an instructor present. Depending on your training you will be able to fly anywhere in New Zealand any time you like.
Prior to obtaining the licence you must:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Hold at least a class 2 medical
- Flying experience (50 hours or 40 hours without cross-country privileges)
- Passes in 6 theory exams
- English Language Proficiency of at least level 4
- Pass a PPL Flight Test
Commercial Pilot Licence
The CPL is a licence which enables you to get a job as a pilot and no longer pay for your own flying yay! Once you get your CPL you may have to train in different areas depending on the operations you wish to work on.
Prior to obtaining the licence you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold at least a class 1 medical
- Flying experience - 200 hours (150 for some organisations) (aeroplanes)
- Passes in 6 theory exams
- A private pilot licence
- Pass a CPL Flight Test
Airline Transport Pilot Licence
The ATPL is required to captain an airliner. This is the highest licence that can be obtained.
Prior to obtaining the licence you must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Hold an instrument rating
- Flying experience - 1500 hours (Aeroplane) , 1000 hours (Helicopter)
- Passes in 7 theory exams
- Class 1 medical
- Hold a CPL
- Pass an ATPL Flight Test
Ratings
Once you have your licence you can develop many more skills. Ratings are specialised flying privileges attached to your licence. Some of the more common ratings are an Instrument rating which allows you to fly through cloud, Aerobatics rating which allows you to perform aerobatic manoeuvres with passengers on board and instructor ratings which allow you to teach people how to fly.
Medicals
When you fly as pilot in command or as co-pilot you are required to have a medical certificate that certifies you are fit to fly the aircraft. You do not need a medical until you go for your first solo flight. It may be a good idea to get the medical for your desired licence before you start your training just in case you don't pass the medical and have already made a significant financial contribution to your flight training.
Land Transport Medical Certificate - This is a medical which can be done with a GP and will allow you to fly solo and is the minimum medical requirement for an PPL (with restrictions). This medical usually lasts for 5 years or 2 years if you are 40 and older.
Class 2 Medical Certificate - This is the minimum medical certificate required for a PPL (without restrictions in most cases). This medical lasts for 5 years or 2 years if you are 40 years and older.
Class 1 Medical Certificate - This is the minimum medical certificate required for a CPL and ATPL. This medical lasts for 1 year unless you are 40 years and older on single pilot commercial operations then it is 6 months. When you get a class 1 you automatically get a class 2 medical as well.
Visit licensing-and-certification to find out more.
Exams
There are 23 theory exams in total. PPL has 6 exams, CPL has 6 exams, IFR has 3 exams, Turbine rating has 1 exam, ATPL has 7 exams. Our courses are designed to help you pass your exams with confidence and receive excellent results.
The PPL exams are designed to assess your knowledge in air law, meteorology, aircraft technical knowledge, human factors, flight navigation and flight radio.
Pathway
There are many different paths you can take as a pilot and you are not limited to one option. Whether becoming a pilot is a career decision for you or if it is purely for fun, there is an avenue for everyone.
Common pathway for aspiring pilots
If you have any questions on becoming a pilot or anything else please contact us.