FIRSTLY: You do not require any previous flying experience, or any level of education.

The basic requirements for obtaining a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) - Helicopter, is to do 50 hours Helicopter flying, and pass some simple written examinations. A PPL enables you to carry passengers, and you are able to fly throughout New Zealand.

• STUDENT PILOT

You start with a Student Pilot Licence - Helicopter, which you obtain once you start flying. This enables you to do the dual and solo flying, to get you up to PPL standard. Minimum age to gain PPL is 17 Years. You must also obtain your medical at this stage.

• EXAMINATIONS

The written examinations are usually done during the flying course. The local Aero Club run a night school once a week, where they have all the necessary information and expertise to help in passing the examinations.

We can also help you pass helicopter technical knowledge. We also have access to a two week full time PPL theory course.

• COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE

For a Commercial Pilot Licence(CPL) - Helicopter, you must first gain a PPL, then go on to do more flying until you have completed 150 hours total (including the 50 hours PPL).

Next it is necessary to sit another set of written examinations which some Aero Clubs specialize in (Ground School). This licence allows you to work for other people, flying their helicopter commercially, and to get paid for the work you are doing. Minimum age to gain a CPL is 18 years.

• TRAINING TIME AND COSTS

To obtain these Licences, there is no set time in which to complete the flying, it depends entirely on the time and money you may have available. However you have 2 years after passing your 1st exam to passing the last, then 3 years after that to gain your licence.

Some people like to complete the flying training as soon as possible, e.g. approximately 5 - 8 weeks for a PPL, or 3-6 months for a CPL, alternately, others take 12 months - 2 years or more to complete the required number of hours. Ideally the more often you fly the better because the currency is the key factor to learning.

The current charge out rate is $700.00 per flying hour, including GST.


• MEDICAL EXAMINATION

You will also need a Medical examination by a designated Medical Practitioner. I can advise you on who to go to. You need to have a valid medical before you go solo. (Flying Solo is achieved after approximately 12 to 19 hours). Minimum age to go flying solo is 16 years.

• INSTRUCTOR OR AGRICULTURE RATING

Once you have completed your Commercial and want to go on with further training, I can offer you an Instructor rating or Agriculture rating. These will help you into different fields of employment.