Becoming a pilot in New Zealand can mean different things depending on whether you want to fly professionally as an airline/commercial pilot.
Q.1 What are the basic requirements to be a pilot in New Zeland?
Age:
a) Student Pilot License (SPL) – minimum 16 years old.
b) Private Pilot License (PPL) – minimum 17 years old.
c) Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – minimum 18 years old.
Medical Fitness:
Pass a CAA Class 1 (for CPL/ATPL) or Class 2 (for PPL) medical examination with an approved aviation doctor.
Language: Must demonstrate proficiency in English (ICAO Level 4 or higher for professional licenses).
- International Students (if you’re not a NZ citizen/resident)
- Apply for a student visa.
- Some schools are NZQA-accredited for international pilot training.
- After training, work visas depend on job offers and immigration policies.
2. Choose Your Path:
a) Professional Flying
- Start with PPL, then progress to Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
- CPL requires at least 200 flying hours in total.
After CPL, many pursue:
a) Multi-engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) – allows flying in all weather conditions.
b) Instructor Rating – a common way to build hours while being paid.
c) Airline Transport Pilot License(ATPL, Frozen) – required for airline captain positions, typically achieved after 1500+ hours of flight time.
Q.2 What are the training options in New Zealand?
New Zealand is known for high-quality pilot training with varied weather and terrain. You can train at:
a) Flight Schools / Academies (e.g., Massey University School of Aviation, CTC Aviation, Nelson Aviation College, Canterbury Aero Club).
b) Integrated ATPL Programmes – some schools offer full pathways designed for future airline pilots.
Q.3 What are the fees for the course?
a) PPL: NZD $15,000–$20,000.
b) CPL + ratings: NZD $80,000–$120,000 depending on the school and hours needed.
Airline-integrated courses can cost more but may offer direct airline pathways.
Q.4 What career opportunities does one get after completing this course?
a) Flight Instructor
b) Charter/Scenic Flight Pilot
c) Agricultural/Aerial Survey Pilot
d) Airline Pilot (regional, then major carriers like Air New Zealand)
Q.5 Does Learnopedia Institute and Consultancy have any direct tie-Ups in New Zealand?
| Sr. No. | Particulars | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name of the Course | Diploma in Aviation (International Flight Training & DGCA) (Level 5) |
| 2 | Flying School | Ardmore Flying School, New Zealand |
| 3 | Duration | 15 months |
| 4 | Total Cost (Accommodation Not Included) | 1,30,581 NZD (INR 68,56,044/-) |
| 5 | Part-time Work | 25 hours per week |
| 6 | Intake | 19 January, 2026 |
| 7 | Payment Break-up | 1st Installment – 20,000 NZD (INR 10,50,083/-) + Visa Fee: 850 NZD (INR 44,628/-) 2nd Installment – 36,860 NZD (INR 19,35,302/-) – After 1st Month of Admission 3rd Installment – 36,860 NZD (INR 19,35,302/-) – After 3rd Month of Admission 4th Installment – 36,860 NZD (INR 19,35,302/-) – After 4th Month of Admission |
| 8 | Accommodation + Food (15 months) | Approx. 10 Lakhs INR |
| 9 | IELTS Score | 5.5 with no individual band score less than 5 |
| 10 | Post-Study Work Visa | Not Available |
| Important Note: Please note that the student has to come back after the completion of the course to India and get his / her license converted through DGCA process into an Indian CPL License. If the student decides to go to any other country for the conversion of license, the applicable rules of aviation will be of that country. However, the original license is accepted globally for license conversion. |
