< PreviousWhen the initial passion to want to fly bites our young it is normally one of two things that ignites it – Military flying (particularly pictures of jets) or Airline flying (pictures of Captains and crew). Traditionally, ‘becoming a pilot’ meant aiming down of these two career paths. It was not often that the thought of being a Flight Instructor fired up a young ‘wanna be’ pilot. Aviation career choices have changed in recent years however. As flight instructors are in more and more demand, particularly B Category and multi-engine instructors, flight instruction is becoming quite a viable and enticing career. Salaries and working conditions are becoming more attractive – especially the work-life balance aspect. Flight instructors get to come home every night (no overnight duties away from home in all too familiar hotel rooms), generally have more flexible working arrangements to make the most of weather, and often have the flexibility with their employer to have time available to attend to those important family matters – bank appointments, children’s sports days, school holidays etc. Combined with the challenge of being able to develop professionally through the instructor ranks and with added skills and ratings, instructing now begins to look like a viable career option that can be held in high regard. The days of the flight instructor being seen as a ‘wanna-be’ airline pilot are fading and the sooner that perceived stigma is removed from the industry the better. But what if you want to be an airline pilot? Great – the opportunities today are better than they have ever been with demand internationally that has been growing for some time now. Even if this demand dips in the next year or two there are still fantastic opportunities available to begin your career as an airline pilot. Direct entry into an airline is still rare in New Zealand, with most such opportunities only available offshore. While not impossible for domestic students, it is more likely that this training pathway will apply to international students, particularly those sponsored by an overseas airline. The reality is that most NZ domestic students will follow dual career pathways – flight instructor first then on to an airline second. Instructor or Airline or Both? Ardmore Flying School caters for all options Where does the NZ Diploma in Aviation fit in? There is still debate over the value of an academic Diploma at Level 6 for pilot training. While some airlines prefer a new recruit to have an academic background (it is an indication of the ability to learn and commit) the pilot still has to have the necessary CAA licences and ratings before they can be employed and operate commercially. There is no doubt that the requirement to enrol in one of these programmes, especially to receive student loan funding in NZ, adds complexity and cost to the operation. Requiring international students to enrol in these academic programmes is even more complex and costly with even less relevance - as many theory papers, especially ATPL, are not transferable to other countries for licence purposes. Ardmore Flying School – catering for all options At Ardmore Flying School we cater for all options – whether wanting to join an airline or other commercial operation directly, or to train as a Flight Instructor. In both cases either the Level 5 Training Scheme (Commercial Pilot and Instrument Rating) or the Level 6 Diplomas (Flight Instruction or Airline Preparation) are available. Our experienced senior instructors, several of whom have committed to instructing as a long-term career are well suited to train and assess pilots at all levels. We are CAA Part 141 approved, NZQA Approved, a preferred provider for TEC student loan funding and a signatory to the Code of Conduct for the Pastoral Care of International Students. We also have CAAV (Vietnam) approval to train Vietnam Airline cadet pilots. Ardmore Flying School has set up a Flight Instructor Training Unit with its own dedicated senior instructor(s), classroom and programmes. We train continuously throughout the year and employ most of those graduating from this programme. Our Pacific Simulators EuroJet 4.5 A320 fixed base simulator provides an excellent platform to deliver the Multi-Crew Integration Course. This course, taught by retired airline Training Captains, is proving a significant benefit for those wanting to join an airline and begin type rating training. 36 hours exposure to Training in Ardmore Flying School’s Airbus A320 Simulator. KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 50 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training51 2019 #5 2-crew operations in this simulator provides a challenging but very enjoyable learning experience for those completing the Airline Preparation Diploma. Student Loan funding is available at Ardmore Flying School – however, places are limited, and a comprehensive selection process is undertaken such that only the best candidates enrol under this funded option. Courses & Qualifications Ardmore Flying School delivers the following components: • Private & Commercial Pilot Licences • Single & Multi-Engine Instrument Ratings • New Zealand Certificate in Aviation Commercial Pilot and Instrument Rating (Level 5) • C-Category Flight Instructor – New Zealand Diploma in Aviation – Flight Instruction (Level 6) • Air Transport Pilots Licence Examination Credits – New Zealand Diploma in Aviation – Airline Preparation (Level 6) • Multi-Crew Integration Course – MCIC - New Zealand Diploma in Aviation – Airline Preparation (Level 6) For more information For more information on our training and employment pathways: • Visit www.ardmore.co.nz or look us up on social media • Call 0800 Ardmore or email: info@ardmore.co.nz • Or come in and chat with one of our friendly team members who will guide you on the way to aviation success. Multi-engine training in a Diamond Twin Star at Ardmore Flying School. Classrooms are light, spacious, and air conditioned.KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 52 So much more than just a licence Christchurch Helicopters offers commercial, maintenance, ground ops, and real-world experience to trainee helicopter pilots. Welcome to New Zealand’s premier helicopter flight training provider, nestled between the rolling hills of Banks Peninsula and the snow-peak jewels of Canterbury’s Southern Alps. Christchurch Helicopters is based at the Christchurch International Airport. Established in 2001, the company was NZ’s largest helicopter flight training school with bases in Christchurch, Auckland and Invercargill. Over the years we have trained many students, contributing to a large number of NZ’s professional helicopter pilots flying today, with many others flying all over the world in places such as Canada, USA, Australia, Asia, PNG and even Antarctica. Christchurch Helicopters is Certificated by NZCAA under Part 135 (Commercial Air Transport Operations), Part 137 (Agricultural Operations) and Part 141 (Check & Training). We are also accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), as a Private Training Establishment approved to deliver the Level 5 NZ Diploma in Aviation and approved for student funding by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) which allows a limited number of students to access student loan funding and allowances for the Diploma Programme. Our philosophy has always been to provide quality flight training to the highest level, in a safe and welcoming environment and to exceed the client’s expectations. At Christchurch Helicopters, we will go the extra mile to expand your knowledge. Yes, you will obtain a licence, but on leaving, you will have experienced much more and expanded your knowledge beyond just meeting the minimum standards set by CAA. We will arm you with the necessary skills to make you employable. Christchurch Helicopters operates a fleet of Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters. These are the safest and most modern training helicopters you will find in the world. Christchurch Helicopters decided to invest in high quality training aircraft many years ago so as to provide our staff and students the best, safest available resource for training. Along with these aircraft, we have a varied fleet of turbine helicopters which students can obtain ratings on. Along with our fleet, Christchurch is lucky enough to have one of the largest Low Flying Zones in NZ right on our doorstep, plus the beautiful Southern Alps for all-important mountain training The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training You’ll learn to fly in a state of the art training helicopter - the Guimbal Cabri G2.It’s just a short flight to the Southern Alps for genuine mountain training.53 2019 #5 Bucket training in our nearby low flying area. not far away. Between our fantastic Cabris, our training area and our bespoke Diploma Programme, no other flight school in NZ can provide you with the range of experiences, skills and knowledge that we can. As we run alongside our training division a busy commercial operation, there will be opportunities for you to observe and be involved in activities outside your ‘normal’ training such as on lifting jobs, fires, frost protection and other commercial operations. Very few, if any training schools in NZ can provide the kind of exposure to the ‘Real World’ of helicopter pilots that we are able to. We are also the only major flight training school in NZ that has an agricultural division with an E-Category instructor on staff. This provides further opportunities for students to experience the ‘Ag’ industry if they aspire for a career in this sector. We also maintain our own aircraft having highly qualified engineers on staff and as part of your course, you will spend time maintaining your aircraft with our engineers, learning more than just to be a pilot. So many skills and knowledge are learnt outside just flying the aircraft and this is experience you won’t find anywhere else. Initially a ground-based position is the most likely role a newly qualified pilot will attain with an aviation company. The additional knowledge and ground skills taught within our Diploma programme will allow you to be well placed to secure this position ahead of other candidates. So, it all starts here. When you commit to this training, and challenge yourself to achieve a career unlike any other, you will not regret the time and effort that is required. We will do everything we can to help you achieve your dream. Thus prepare yourself for a challenge that will provide you with a career unlike any other. After many hours of study and training, our current students are at the exciting stage of finishing their programme of study. Therefore we are now accepting applications for our March 2020 Diploma intake. These student funded spots are very limited - contact us now for information on 03 359 0470 or email: kevin@chchheli.nz www.christchurchhelicopters.co.nzKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 50Specialist MEIFR, RNAV & RNP Training RidgeAir is a Twin Engine Charter and Training Operation based at Woodbourne Airport in Blenheim. The company is headed up by Ross McCullum who is Chief Pilot of their Part 135 Charter operation and also a B-cat advanced multi- engine IFR instructor. The company provides niche multi- engine IFR training, specialising in Single IFR to Multi rating conversions, IFR renewals and recurrency and now most importantly RNP GNSS training and certification. Over the past 10 years many students have passed through RidgeAir and completed their Multi Engine or IFR training or upgrade with Ross. More than 80% of these students are now employed full time in some flying capacity, either in GA or working for an airline. New Southern Skies Ross has been heavily involved with the CAA NSS working group for the implementation of PBN/RNP operations in the New Zealand context. After becoming concerned that the information available was confusing to many (not least himself), Ross wrote a paper called PBN for Dummies. He says the CAA liked it so much they asked him to present it at the New Southern Skies annual Conference ‘Approach 18’. It was very well received and led to collaboration between RidgeAir and the CAA to implement the PBN Expo - whereby Ross and his co-pilot Bianca along with two representatives from the CAA toured both North and South Islands in their Piper Seneca. At numerous stops, they demonstrated the recent RNP avionics upgrades that had been done to the aircraft and provided advice gained through the RidgeAir PBN certification process which Ross had recently undertaken. RidgeAir’s aircraft The RidgeAir Piper Seneca is fully equipped and certified for all RNP operations, having a G500 glass cockpit coupled to a Garmin GTN 650 and Garmin 530W GPS. The aircraft automation is complemented by a KFC 150 auto pilot and flight director system with altitude alerting, and is fully de-iced with an oxygen system for those times when a bit more altitude is required to avoid the weather. There’s also a Freon air-con system for hot days. Ross says the glass cockpit has been a real advantage to students that are coming up for an airline interview which is typically done in a very similar environment. Benefits for Trainees Ross says the Seneca’s glass cockpit and GPS combination is not dissimilar to what a pilot might expect say in a Dash 8 or ATR cockpit. Trainees get real experience and exposure to flying the glass cockpit and associated systems, plus using the GPS similar to an FMC where approach SIDS and STARS can all be loaded and flown using full GPS steering. The G500 also allows Vertical Navigation guidance for RNAV approaches which brings up a display the same as you would see when flying an ILS; these can be flown fully coupled to the auto pilot or hand flown using the Flight Director. With his dual GA and Airline background Ross is able to provide very valuable training scenarios that better prepare students for their all important interview Sim Check. Another benefit is that training with Ross is all carried out one on one – there’s no waiting in a queue to get an aircraft or instructor, and Ross can generally help out with reasonable cost accommodation as well as transport to and from training each day. RidgeAir provides all necessary charts and documents plus Bose noise cancelling headsets. Rates are inclusive of Airways and landing fees aside from entries into Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch which attract a small additional charge. There is no charge for pre-flight and post- flight briefings. RidgeAir can also provide and certify the ground theory component for initial GPS certification. Students at RidgeAir looking to upgrade or renew their rating can typically be all done and dusted in 5-7 days due to the personal nature of the training – “You’re not just a number here,” says Ross. For more information If you are interested in receiving personal one on one instruction from a highly experienced flight instructor who has a very practical approach with a commercial edge, then contact Ross at RidgeAir on 021 246 2544, email: ross@ridgeair.co.nz or visit www.ridgeair.co.nz The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training RidgeAir’s highly equipped Piper Seneca is certified for all RNP operations. 55 2019 #5KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 56 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training Heliflite Charter and Training at Ardmore our students are able to learn about the maintenance that keeps them in the air, and our busy Part 135 charter operations also mean that students with us have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a real-world commercial business. Our large fleet of modern helicopters range from two-seater piston, up to large multi-engine turbines. We offer full training course packages in R22, R44 and Schweizer 300 helicopters. We are also certificated by NZCAA to provide Robinson Safety Awareness training, mandatory for all new and existing R22 and R44 pilots. Our private pilot programme focuses on training pilots to operate light helicopters as safely as possible, and our commercial programme builds on this by adding practical skills that are highly valued by commercial operators. Our CPL students gain a lot of exposure to commercial-style flying as part of their course, and we encourage them to include a large amount of R44 time (which we offer at a very competitive rate) as part of their minimums to ensure they are in the best position to land that elusive first flying job. In the later stages of our CPL course, we treat all of the flying as though it was a commercial job which ensures that pilots are well versed with the legal and other requirements of flying for hire and reward. Our standard CPL course includes two type ratings and an unrestricted night rating on top of the usual minimums if time allows. All of this commercial focus means that by the time our students obtain their commercial licence, they are ready to be a valuable asset to any flying organisation. We have a great team of experienced and highly qualified pilots that include IFR rated A-Cat plus B and C-Cat Instructors, as well as a professional group of ground staff to ensure that you are guided through your training safely, efficiently, and with the minimum of fuss. Once you have your licence and have been signed off by our Chief Pilot, we have a variety of helicopters available for private hire. This means that you can take a helicopter away for private use on your own time, be it a trip to the bach for the weekend or just a flight around the city with friends. If you are interested in what it takes to learn to fly helicopters, come along and try one of our 30 minute introduction flights. Our Instructors will give you a taste of everything, from pre-flight preparation through to the ultimate test of co-ordination - hovering! Our training rates are some of the best in New Zealand and we offer discounts for bulk training packages. We welcome you to swing by to meet the team and enjoy a tour of our facilities at 57 Victa Lane, Ardmore Airport. For more information contact Sylvia on 09 299 9442 or visit our website www.heliflite.co.nz To become great at anything you need to know your equipment inside and out. Based in Auckland at Ardmore Airport, Heliflite not only operates helicopters, but also repairs, builds, and maintains them. We are a one stop shop for everything rotary, and offer a full range of helicopter services including maintenance, training and commercial ops. All of our operations are certificated by NZCAA. As well as learning to fly helicopters, SCENIC FLIGHTS HELI CHARTER HELI FISHING PROPOSAL FLIGHTS HOTEL TRANSFERS COMMERCIAL OPS PHOTOGRAPHY PPL and CPL TRAINING CAANZ CERTIFICATED R 22, R 44, S 300 SAFETY AWARENESS COURSES TYPE RATINGS INSTRUCTOR RATINGS NIGHT RATINGS (unlim) 09 299 9442 sylvia@heliflite.nz www.heliflite.co.nz57 2019 #5 Worldwide, airlines are expanding their fleets and schedules to meet the demand of global economic expansion. The world is facing a pilot shortage; now is the time to train to be a pilot. Southern Wings is an Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisation (FTO). There are only four FTOs in New Zealand and Southern Wings is the only FTO with two bases. By choosing to train with Southern Wings as an Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisation, prospective pilots will be assured they are: • Joining a flight training programme designed to produce commercial airline pilots; • Likely to succeed as they have met airline styled entry criteria for programme selection; • Interacting with airline personnel. Southern Wings is interested in quality; we do not aspire to be the biggest, just the best. With bases in Auckland and in Invercargill, we have the whole country covered. Southern Wings students experience the opportunity to fly and Southern Wings - Flight Training Professionals enjoy the variation of terrain, weather, controlled and uncontrolled airspace across New Zealand. Southern Wings boast highly experienced instructors who are passionate about flying and who want to share that passion and their experience with the next generation of professional pilots. The New Zealand Diploma in Aviation at Southern Wings provides the training relevant to commercial considerations. From crew and passenger demands, or weather and air traffic disruptions, today’s modern airline pilot needs the ability to manage all of these issues in addition to demonstrating well-honed flying skills and possessing an in-depth knowledge of modern aircraft systems. This course prepares you for the pilot’s demanding and multi-faceted role. The New Zealand Diploma in Aviation course that Southern Wings provides has three streams; General Aviation, Instructor and Airline Preparation. All students of these streams will complete a Private Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). After that the completion requirements depend on the stream chosen. For the Airline Preparation stream, students will complete a PPL, CPL, and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) and, all of their ATPL theory. Then they will undergo a secondary selection process for entry into the Airline Integration Course (AIC). The New Zealand Diploma in Aviation is student loan funded. Southern Wings’ Piper Archer ZK-SWG at dawn.KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 65 58 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training So, you like the idea of flying, but people have told you it is hard to get into and very expensive. Well to an extent it is, but you might be interested to hear that there are many individuals, organisations, programmes and events that will help you explore and progress your interest, some at little or no cost. The Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School The Walsh is an annual two week tented flying camp held at Matamata in the Waikato for 16 to 20 year olds. The camp is a National School of Scouting NZ and is supported by The Royal Aeronautical Society and a number of major corporates such as Air New Zealand and Airways Corp, as well as many smaller companies, individuals and the local community. The school is established for up to 44 Ab-Initio (which literally means “from the beginning”) Students, 26 Returned Students and up to 4 Student Staff. Members of Scouting NZ have priority for places up to the end or August and then remaining places are open to all applicants. Overall about 40 to 50% of the students are from Scouting and about 25 to 30% are female, with that proportion growing. The school has been over-subscribed for many years now, so a ballot is run to determine which of the applicants is fortunate enough to gain a position. That said there are usually withdrawals for one reason or another, so the waiting list does get used. All staff, instructors and controllers attend on a voluntary basis, with varying levels of support from their employers. For more information go to www.scouts.org.nz then click on National Schools/Flying Youth Glide The Youth Glide Soaring Development Camp is a live-in event aimed at taking any gliding youngster, at any stage of flying, and helping them to develop further. These events are run by Youth Glide NZ which is a not-for-profit organisation providing education, tuition and training for all relevant skills necessary for gliding in NZ. Participating students range in ages from 14 to 24. Instructors, tow pilots and other helpers give freely of their time and expertise, many of whom come back year after year. The programme is augmented by great educational and social events. There is much more to Youth Glide than just getting young people into gliding; they benefit in many other ways such as providing positive interactions with adults and giving them goals for lifelong learning, recreation and careers. Over the years many great friendships have been cemented at these camps, with competition for places at future camps now becoming quite tough. While Youth Glide began in Omarama and Canterbury a similar but separate camp is now being run at Greytown in the Wairarapa and Youth Glide groups are now active in most gliding clubs. There is actually an awful lot of effort, time and money going into helping young people fly gliders. For more information see the separate article later in this issue. The Air Training Corp (ATC) National Aviation Course The Air Training Corp is part of the New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) and is for both girls and boys aged 13 to 18. The NZCFs are a voluntary, disciplined, uniformed youth leadership training organisation and while they are not part of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), they are directed by the Chief of Defence Force, on behalf of the Minister of Defence, and are supported in partnership by the NZDF and the community. One of the major events within the ATC is the National Aviation Course, which is a week-long flying course held at RNZAF Base Woodbourne in January each year. While their friends were hitting the beach over the summer break, these ATC students spent the week studying everything from aircraft maintenance, pre-flight checks and radio procedures, to flying with a general aviation flying instructor. By the end of the course the ATC cadets aim to pass their flight radio exam and get their wings by making their first solo flight. In the words of one parent; “.... had an amazing time and came back so inspired and motivated. We were thrilled about her achievements, so whomever needs to hear ‘thanks’ we cannot say it enough!” The National Aviation Course is now a well established and successful feature of the ATC annual calendar. The course enjoys a good level of financial support and awards from a number of very generous sponsors for which they are always most grateful. For more information go to www.http://cadetforces.mil.nz/ about/air-training-corps.htm ServiceIQ Aviation Gateway Training ServiceIQ is the Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for aviation (including pilots), travel, tourism, museums, hospitality and retail, and is committed to helping young New Zealanders make a start in their careers. ServiceIQ offers a wide range of training opportunities including the Aviation Gateway programme. The purpose of this programme is to enable schools to provide senior students (year 11 and above) with access to structured workplace learning that helps them to kick-start their aviation career by gaining foundation knowledge, skills and experience, and to gain unit standards while doing so. A student’s ultimate career role could be as a pilot, flight attendant, aeronautical engineer, airport operations manager, air traffic controller, academic, regulator, tourism operator, or many other related occupations. The Aviation Gateway programme can also help students make professional contacts that can open doors in the future. There are two types of Gateway training programmes available, either a programme ready made by ServiceIQ, or a DIY programme, where your school’s Gateway Coordinators select the best ServiceIQ products to create a tailor-made learning programme for you. Both programmes take place in the classroom A Head Start for Young Flyers New Zealand is well served by several organisations who make it their business to help develop interest from the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals. Mostly volunteer based, these organisations offer a variety of ways a young person can become involved in aviation either for general interest, recreation, or with a career in mind. The information we featured on these organisations in our 2018 Training Guide was well-received, so here’s a recap. Thanks again to Mark Woodhouse for putting the words together.59 2019 #5 and/or an industry workplace. ServiceIQ’s Aviation Gateway training programme is a fantastic way for you to get a feel for what it’s like to fly an aircraft, plus gain insights about other aviation industry roles. If your passion is to be a pilot, this first-time flying experience helps you gain acceptance into full-time flight training when you leave school. You will do your training flight with a CAA qualified flying instructor at a local aero club during term time. The programme usually takes about 10 weeks, and normally runs between 1.00pm and 3.30pm. Students who successfully complete the programme will have gained: - Up to 18 credits towards a national qualification; - Up to three flights towards their Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL); - Real skills and knowledge of the aviation industry; and, - An insight into many different career options. ServiceIQ also offers a Gateway “Flying NZ” Flight Training Scholarship to a stand-out student who has successfully completed the Gateway Aviation training. While the ServiceIQ Aviation Gateway training programme is not offered in all schools, it may be available in yours, so ask your school Careers Advisor, and if its not, encourage them to explore setting it up. For more information go to www.serviceiq.org.nz/schools/ gateway-training/serviceiq-gateway-aviation-training/ Young Eagles Young Eagles is an aviation immersion programme for young people between the ages of 12 and 18. It is offered by many aero clubs under the auspices of Flying New Zealand (the trading name of the Royal New Zealand Aero Clubs - RNZAC). Young Eagle members will get the opportunity to experience many different aspects of aviation, from visiting air traffic control units and maintenance organisations, through to flying in an aircraft, with an instructor of course. Young Eagles will have the opportunity to actually control the aircraft, experience how it works and to look down on the world from above. Whether you are interested in aviation for a career or for recreation, or you are just curious to find out what it is all about, Young Eagles might just be the starting point for your aviation adventure. If you are interested contact your local aero club and see if they offer the Young Eagles programme. If the aero club in your area doesn’t offer the Young Eagles programme, maybe your enthusiasm will encourage them to join. For more information go to www.flyingnz.co.nz/youngeagles To conclude As you can see, there are opportunities out there which will help you learn about the aviation industry and help you take those first tentative steps toward either a career or a recreational interest in aviation. The opportunities I have touched on above may not be all that exist, and to the others I apologise for not mentioning you. If you are interested, don’t sit back and wait for it to come to you. My observation is that to be a professional in our industry takes a determined investment of effort, time and to some extent or other money. It is not easy, but there are those prepared to help you, and most aviation professionals I know are passionate about their chosen careers. If you want it - go for it. And don’t let set-backs along the way discourage you. Persevere.Next >