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Flight Training

Want to earn your helicopter pilot licence? Train one-on-one on the Guimbal Cabri G2 at Tauranga Airport, from your first hover through to PPL, CPL and additional ratings.

The Journey

Your Path to a licence

1
Start with a Trial Flight
The best way to know if flying is for you is to do it. A trial flight puts you in the seat before you commit to anything.
2
Obtain Your Medical Certificate
For your PPL, you need either a Class 2 Medical Certificate from a CAANZ-approved Aviation Medical Examiner or a DL9 Medical from your GP with the passenger endorsement.
3
Begin Flight Training
Regular lessons on the Cabri G2 — full-time or part-time. Theory studies run alongside your flying hours across all required PPL subjects.
4
First Solo Flight
A milestone you'll never forget. Achievable from age 16 once you meet the solo-flight requirements and hold the appropriate medical.
5
Pass Your Theory Exams & Flight Test
Complete all required PPL theory examinations through ASPEQ (70% pass mark each) and your CAA flight test to be issued your PPL. Your licence is valid for life — biennial flight reviews maintain currency.
Pilot licences

Choose Your Pathway

Whether you want to fly for the love of it or build a commercial career, we have a pathway that fits your goals and your schedule.

PPL
Private Pilot licence
The foundation of your flying life
The PPL is your gateway to the sky. Training can be completed full-time or part-time, depending on your goals, schedule, and progress.
Medical Requirements
Class 2 Medical Certificate — issued by a CAANZ-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
DL9 Medical — a driver licence standard medical that can be obtained from your GP. Ensure it includes the passenger endorsement.
Minimum age 16 for first solo. Minimum age 17 for PPL issue.
Theory Examinations
Radiotelephony
Air Law
Human Factors
Meteorology
Navigation
Aircraft Technical Knowledge / Principles of Flight
English Language Proficiency
All theory examinations are sat through ASPEQ on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ). Minimum pass mark is 70% per subject.
Flight Requirements
Minimum 50 hours total flight time (including at least 15 hours solo)
Flight test with a CAANZ-approved flight examiner
Before applying for your PPL, you’ll also need to meet the CAA’s fit and proper person requirements. This involves providing information from the Ministry of Justice and NZTA as part of your licence application.
Class 2 Medical or DL9 · 50hr min · Ages 16+ solo · 17+ licence
Enquire About PPL
CPL
Commercial Pilot licence
Turn your passion into a profession
The CPL opens the door to a career in aviation — emergency services, search and rescue, agricultural operations, charter, and more. Built directly on your PPL foundation.
Prerequisites
Hold a current PPL(H) issued by CAANZ
Class 1 Medical Certificate — higher standard than Class 2, required for commercial operations
Minimum age 18 for CPL issue
CPL Theory Examinations
CPL Air Law
CPL Human Factors
CPL Meteorology
CPL Navigation
CPL Aircraft Technical Knowledge (Helicopter)
CPL Principles of Flight
Flight Requirements
Minimum 150 hours total flight time
Minimum 35 hours as pilot-in-command
CPL flight test with a CAANZ-approved examiner
Class 1 Medical · PPL prerequisite · Min age 18 · Career pathway
Enquire About CPL
Go Further

Ratings & Endorsements

Already licensed? Expand your capabilities and keep your qualifications current.

Sling Rating
Optional for PPL holders and a requirement for the CPL. Develop the skills to safely carry and manage underslung loads for utility operations.
Endorsement
Turbine Rating
Transition from piston to turbine-powered helicopters — a significant step into commercial and utility operations.
Rating
Bell 206 Rating
Type rating on the Bell 206 JetRanger — one of the most widely operated turbine helicopters worldwide.
Type Rating
Night Rating
Extend your flying privileges beyond daylight hours. Develop the skills and confidence needed to operate safely at night, including night circuits and operating in reduced-light environments.
Rating
C & D Category Instructor Ratings
For pilots moving into flight instruction, C and D Category Instructor Ratings build the skills to teach and mentor future helicopter pilots, with a focus on instructional technique, briefing, demonstration and safe supervision.
Instructor Rating
Biennial Flight Review
Keep your flying privileges current with a biennial flight review. A BFR is not required for a commercial pilot while operating under an operator certificate.
Currency
Hourly Rate

Training Costs

$890 /hr
Dual instruction rate — Guimbal Cabri G2 (ZK-HLU)
The hourly rate covers aircraft hire and instructor time. Additional charges apply for landing fees, airways charges, and a fuel surcharge. These vary depending on the nature of each lesson and will be discussed with you at the time of booking.
Our Aircraft

Guimbal Cabri G2 · ZK-HLU

All training is conducted on the Guimbal Cabri G2 — widely regarded as the safest and most capable two-seat training helicopter in the world.

Official Hélicoptères Guimbal Network Partner
Fenestron shrouded tail rotor — safer than open tail rotors
Dual controls as standard — full instructor capability at all times
Modern composite airframe with panoramic cockpit visibility
Lycoming O-360 engine with excellent power and reliability
Day to Day

Real Training.
Real Operations.

From your very first lesson you'll be exposed to real airport operations — pre-flight checks, refuelling, ATC communications, and ground procedures — alongside the flying itself.

That's the advantage of training in Tauranga's controlled airspace. You leave with the skills and confidence to operate in all relevant airspaces, whether that's controlled or uncontrolled.

Try It First

Not Sure Yet? Start With a Trial Flight

A trial flight is the perfect place to start. Get behind the controls, fly the Cabri G2 yourself and experience helicopter flying before committing to your licence.

Start With a Trial Flight →

Ready to Start Training?

Get in touch with Ross to discuss your goals and build a training plan that works for you.

Call +64 21 126 2661