A detailed review of how to become a pilot in New Zealand along with the cost, time taken, and the requirements to be a pilot for Air New Zealand.
Introduction – How to become a pilot in New Zealand
New Zealand is a country that is open to people from new and diverse cultures and ways of life. It also keeps a look out for skilled labor that can contribute to its economy, particularly airline pilots. Pilots have a variety of mainline airlines to choose from such as:
1. Air New Zealand (Flag carrier of New Zealand).
2. Jetstar.
3. Sun Air.
4. Air Chathams.
5. Barrier Air.
6. Golden Bay Air.
7. Originair.
What are the different ways to become a pilot in New Zealand?
There are two main routes to becoming a pilot in New Zealand. One is the integrated route and the other is the modular route. The integrated route is more intensive and takes a cadet from zero to 200 hours in a structured and formal way whereas in the modular route the student has more flexibility in terms of expense and flying progress.
Once the initial training has been completed, the candidate has a choice to either obtain a Flight Instructor Rating or to go for a self-funded Type Rating. Initially, if candidates are self-sponsoring the type-rating, they prefer to obtain a rating for the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320. However, if an airline is sponsoring their type rating, then the airline selects which type the candidate is type rated on.
“Career opportunities stretch internationally for holders of New Zealand professional pilot licences. Academy pilots train in an environment of varied weather patterns and terrain known to aviation employers all over the world. Our Academy trained pilots are working in European Countries, United States of America, India, the Gulf States, Indonesia, Asia, Africa as well as New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.”
Flighttraining.co.nz
How much does it cost to become a pilot in NZ?
On average, it would cost around $80,000 to become a pilot in New Zealand from a reputed flight training organization that is preferred and recognized by Air New Zealand. Prospective candidates are advised that these fees include a one-time attempt for all theory papers along with the skill tests.
In the event of a student failing a theory paper or a check ride, additional charges may be applied.
For more information regarding the costs related to being an airline pilot in New Zealand, please click the link below:
https://flighttraining.co.nz/international-course-information
How long does it take to become a pilot in NZ?
Students can expect to complete the commercial pilot training course in approximately 18 months. However, a more realistic target would be 16 – 24 months approximately as there may be delays in flight training due to poor student performance, weather, maintenance issues, etc.
How much do pilots in New Zealand get paid?
Generally, pilot salaries vary depending on flying experience, qualifications, fleet, and other factors. In New Zealand, pilots who are involved in charters, agriculture, or flight instructing are generally paid $25 to $80 per hour.
Pilots who fly turboprops such as the ATR and Q400 on domestic sectors usually earn between $50,000 to $150,000 per year. Compared to this, first officers on narrow body and wide body fleets usually earn up to $80,000 to $190,000 or more. Captains flying international routes have the potential to earn up to $300,000 per year.
In contrast, flight attendants in Air New Zealand usually earn around $45,000 per year.
Is New Zealand a good place to be a pilot?
New Zealand is a stable, safe, friendly, and outstanding country that embraces cultural diversity while providing quality education to international students. New Zealand is one of the most preferred places around the world to be a pilot, thanks to its wide variety of terrain and weather, and airspaces.
Airspaces range from uncontrolled airports to busy international airports along with challenging approaches that can be used by airline pilots to sharpen their instrument flying skills. Such approaches help the pilot in building confidence and skills.
During the summer months, the weather is sunny with clear skies and unrestricted visibility which is perfect for flight training whereas, during the winter months, students can practice their instrument flying and gain hands-on experience in low visibility operations.
For further information, please click the link below:
How do I become an Air New Zealand pilot?
Air New Zealand is the flag carrier of New Zealand. It has a rapidly expanding fleet and often advertises openings for potential pilots. New pilots enter Air New Zealand typically as a First Officer on either the ATR fleet or Q300 fleet.
Once the candidate is considered suitably qualified, he/she will then advance to flying jet aircraft.
If the candidate has the right aptitude and sufficient flying hours and experience, then he/she may be selected directly for jet aircraft.
In order to work for Air New Zealand as a pilot, the applicant must have a commercial pilot licence (CPL) and meet the following criteria:
| S# | Qualifications / Experience | Turboprop | Jet |
| 1. | NZCAA CPL or higher | Required | Required |
| 2. | NZCAA Instrument / Multi-Engine Rating | Required | Required |
| 3. | NZCAA ATPL / All ATPL subjects passed | Preferred | Preferred |
| 4. | Hours (Total Time) | 500 hours | 1500 hours |
| 5. | Hours (Multi-Engine Aeroplane) | Open | 100 hours |
| 6. | Jet Experience | N/A | 500 hours |
| 7. | Instrument Flight Time | 40 hours | 40 hours |
| 8. | Night Hours | 25 hours | 25 hours |
| 9. | English Language Proficiency | Level 6 | Level 6 |
Following are some additional requirements that applicants should meet prior to applying for Air New Zealand:
1. Permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia.
2. Applicant must possess a valid Class 1 medical certificate issued by the NZCAA.
3. Applicant must be able to pass Police and Aviation Security vetting.
4. Applicants must be able to tread water for at least 1 minute and swim 50 meters in 2 minutes.
For a complete list of requirements for Air New Zealand pilot jobs, please click the link below:
https://careers.airnewzealand.co.nz/belong-here/career-options/pilots/
“Entry as a Pilot into Air New Zealand is typically as a First Officer on either an ATR or Q300 aircraft, operating the regional network connecting New Zealand. There are a number of these roles located at bases around New Zealand offering lifestyle choices in addition to a great career.”
AirNewzealand.co.nz
Are pilots in demand in NZ?
Due to COVID 19, many pilots were made redundant or took early retirement. Aviation was not expected to bounce back for quite a long period of time. However, with the quick rollout of the vaccine and high vaccination rates, aviation has bounced back quicker and stronger than before, with many job opportunities available.
Airlines are already facing severe staff shortages in terms of pilots, baggage handlers, and other essential staff. Air New Zealand has also cut capacity on several routes and as a result of the losses sustained by the airline, Air New Zealand has decided to open an expression of interest for first officers for the turboprop fleet.
For information regarding Air New Zealand’s expression of interest, please click the link below:
https://jobs.airnewzealand.co.nz/jobdetails?ajid=349827404
How to become a pilot in New Zealand – what is the best way?
Depending on an individual’s motivation, performance level, and financial condition the integrated or the modular route may be the best way to become a pilot in New Zealand. However, the best way would be to join the cadet program of any airline that offers a guaranteed job at the end of the training phase.
In case a cadet program is not available, the candidate should try to secure admission in any one of the flight schools preferred and recognized by Air New Zealand to increase their chances of employment after graduation.
The second best option would be to find an airline that is willing to sponsor the type rating for the candidate. Again, it would depend on the candidate which path would be best for their particular requirement.
For a list of flight training organizations preferred by Air New Zealand please click below:
https://www.airnzlearning.co.nz/becoming-a-pilot
If you want to look into training for flight instructors, you can take a look at the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority website HERE.
Conclusion – How to become a pilot in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the prime places for pilot training and aspiring pilots, with many good flight training options. It offers candidates who are wanting to enter the aviation industry a strong license that is recognized globally. Apart from that, graduates from the flying schools of New Zealand have been working around the globe in reputed international airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines to name a few.
