Aviation

Overview

The college, in association with Wanaka Helicopters and LearnToFlyNZ, is pleased to offer an aviation course to senior students. Students have the opportunity to attain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in either fixed wing (aeroplane) or rotary wing (helicopter) at the same time as they are studying for their national academic qualifications.

The college’s timetable structure will allow students to have normal classes and self-study aviation theory during the course of the school day, then -typically one afternoon per week- students will take practical flight lessons with experienced flight instructors based at Wanaka Airport. Longer lessons, such as cross-country navigation flights, can be otherwise scheduled as required on weekends, weekdays outside of school hours, or during term breaks.

Fixed wing training

This course, offered in conjunction with Wānaka Flight Training Ltd, is aimed at Year 12 or 13 students who wish to gain their private pilot’s licence. Aviation may count as one course on the student’s timetable for the year. The pre-requisite for the course is a Merit endorsement at Level One for Year 12 students and a Merit endorsement at Level Two for Year 13 students. Entry to the course is at the discretion of Ms Heather Watt. Credits gained count towards NCEA.

There are a limited number of places on the course each year and students must apply using the Aviation Course Enrolment Form. The cost for the fixed wing private pilot license (PPL) including flight training, ground briefings, flight test fees and other resources, is estimated to be $30,000 (however these costs are only approximate at this stage). Starter and first solo packages are also available, and training can be catered towards individual goals and aspirations.

More information about the private pilot’s licence (fixed wing) can be found on www.learntoflynz.com.

Helicopter flight training

There are a limited number of places on the course each year and students must apply using the Aviation Course Enrolment Form, available from the school office. Minimum age for helicopter flight training is 18 years old.

More information about the helicopter pilot’s licence can be found on www.wanakahelicopters.co.nz.

Applying for the course 

• The course is limited to students in Years 12 or 13, however students cannot fly solo until age 16 and cannot gain the PPL until age 17.

• A flight-specific medical examination is required before being accepted onto the course. This may be a Class 2 examination done by a CAA Medical Examiner or a DL9 (with Passenger Endorsement) readily available at most clinics.

• There are a limited number of places available in the course each year. Students must complete an application form and submit it to the college by 1 November. Please ensure that you send all the required documents as outlined on the application form.

• You must have a place to live in Wānaka and be enrolled at Mount Aspiring College by the start of the college year before you can be accepted into the course.

Course costs

Costs may change from time to time by suppliers and individual student needs and choices. A more detailed cost breakdown is available before enrolment.  We use the Student Fee-Protect Public Trust system (see publictrust.co.nz) to protect student funding transparency and refunds in the event of non-completion. Providers only receive funds for flights and courses as the student completes them.