[Velma2]

Has anyone had flying lessons in NZ? I am moving out in September on a residents visa with my partner who wants to get his pilots licence. He has done some training here but I think has to start from scratch over there. Any ideas which would be the best area to learn in terms of weather - where gets the most flying hours?
Any intelligence, much appreciated
thanks

[JandM]

I don't know an answer, but welcome to the forum.:)

[bumpffslam]

Hi, I can probably help with most general aviation (ie light aircraft) questions. I came from UK with a private pilot licence and have been flying here for the last 3 years. Currently finishing my commercial licence.

I'm not sure where you are coming from - USA flight training methods tend to be a bit different to UK.

The basic answer is that most cities and large towns will have an airfield and a local flying club or airfield. First thing to decide is whether he wants to do a full "Type A" licence or a microlight (think lightweight aeroplane rather than a kite!) licence.

If you're going to be in Auckland, then the obvious place to go is Ardmore airfield which is the biggest GA field in NZ. At least 5x flight training organisations. I've used Eagle Flight Training and would recommend them. Flying from a busy field teaches good airmanship.

Flying training is a bit different in NZ, in particular with more emphasis on low level flight and visual navigation. Theory exams are via a commercial company - Aviation Services Limited.

If he's done some flying in UK then that will help a lot in NZ and should speed the route to a PPL.

Other areas where the weather is good for flying are: Tauranga and Hamilton. Both have good training organisations on field. However flying in a variety of weather conditions will make a better pilot.

For spectacular scenery then flying in Queenstown or Wanaka is breathtaking. Weather in Wanaka is surprisingly good and the field quiet.

Price wise, think $200 - $240 per hour for a Cessna 172 with instructor. Cheaper than UK but not as cheap as USA. Should take as long as uk, probably between 45 - 70 hours. A concentrated period of training usually results in less hours. Flying is never cheap - stop now if these costs frighten you since once he has the "bug" he'll be hooked!!

Good reference sites:
http://www.caa.govt.nz/
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~macilree/flying.htm
http://www.aviation.co.nz/
http://www.flyingnz.co.nz/

Happy to answer any questions.

[Velma2]

thanks, that's really helpful. We are coming from the UK and will probably be based in Auckland so Ardmore sounds the best bet. Thanks for the tips.

[AndyR]

bumpffslam...are you looking to get a job with an airline? Its always been a dream of mine to be a pilot but the cost of training in the UK makes it out of reach.