Pilot Training for International Students
We provide pilot training for international students, including private and commercial licences, single and multi engine instrument ratings, and instructor ratings.
What you’ll learn and gain from this course
When you complete this course, you’ll qualify as a pilot in New Zealand and obtain a New Zealand Pilot licence. A New Zealand Pilot Licence is an International Civil Aviation Organisation Pilot Licence. As New Zealand is a signatory to the International Civil Aviation Organisation our licences enjoy widespread international recognition.
Why complete your pilot training with us?
- Student fees are Government protected
- We operate in a challenging and testing environment
- Hawke’s Bay has plenty of clear airspace over spectacular and diverse landscapes and seascapes
- You’ll experience varied weather patterns
- We have experienced and passionate world-class trainers
- We have an outstanding success record with graduates employed around the world holding World International Civil Aviation Organisation recognised aviation licences
- Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand has friendly, welcoming people and is safe and secure by international standards
- A range of accommodation options available including at the Hastings Aerodrome
- We offer courses with competitive costs
Validating your international licence
The normal procedure to validate an International Civil Aviation Organisation Pilot Licence, like the New Zealand Pilot Licence, in another country is to:
• Produce your logbook and Pilot Licence to the Licensing Authority
• Complete some validation theory examinations including Aviation Rules and Law
• Complete a Check Ride / Flight Test for validation
Your New Zealand pilot licence
The New Zealand Pilot Licence is similar to the Joint Aviation Authority Rules Pilot Licence recognised in Europe. The United Kingdom and other European Economic Community countries and seven other European Countries have transferred to a common Joint Aviation Authority Rules and a common European Pilot Licence.
The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority have restructured our Pilot Licences to bring them into line with the Joint Aviation Authority Rules and the USA Federal Aviation Rules Certification and approval is now required for Flying Training Organisations.
Your New Zealand Pilot Licence is very similar to, if not the same as, the Joint Aviation Authority Rules Pilot Licence. Any Joint Aviation Authority Rules Pilot Licence flying requirements not included in the New Zealand Pilot Licence flying requirements will be made available if students wish to complete the Joint Aviation Authority Rules requirements.
International pilots courses
The following aviation education courses are available to international students.
Private Pilot Licence
Course Length: 6 to 8 weeks
Commencement Date:
Courses commence at mutually agreed times throughout the year.
Commercial Pilot Licence
Course Length: 24 weeks
Commencement Date:
Courses commence at mutually agreed times throughout the year.
Course Hours:
Includes 151 hours of training, 55 hours dual, 94 hours solo, 2 hours in a AT21 simulator texts lectures, map, equipment, course supervision, and membership.
Single / Multi Engine Instrument Rating
Course Length:
The suggested course length for Full Theory and Flying Instrument Rating Course is 6 weeks.The suggested course length for a Flying-Only Course is 4 to 5 weeks.
Commencement Date:
Courses commence at mutually agreed times throughout the year.
The Flying-Only Instrument Rating Course covers all the inclusions and exclusions of the full-time Theory and Flying Instrument Rating Course, except that there are no theory lectures and associated costs in the price.
Instructor Ratings
Course Length:
Offered over at least 8 to 10 weeks at 5 days per week.