Take To The Sky


Helicopter Pilot Flight Training

There is nothing that quite matches the exhilaration and satisfaction of piloting your own helicopter. Whether you want to become a commercial pilot, learn skills you can use in your business or fly simply for fun, GCH Aviation has the experience, team, and facilities that can help you achieve your goal.

Learn From The Best

There are many good reasons to train with GCH Aviation in Christchurch. We have a total commitment to quality, professionalism and safety in all aspects of our business, passing these qualities onto our helicopter flight trainees.

Respected Training Provider

GCH Aviation is respected by the helicopter industry as a qualified training provider, enhancing your future employment prospects. Our Chief Pilot is Neil Scott – one of the most highly experienced Flight Examiners in New Zealand, recently given a lifetime service award by the Aviation Industry Association. The advantage of having this wealth of experience and knowledge is the huge network of potential employers available to CPL graduates, and for PPL graduates, knowing that you’re learning from some of the best in the country.

Experienced Training Instructors

Our instructors offer the highest helicopter training experience available. We are also operators of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NZCC Rescue Helicopter and Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter services. This means our combined instructor / pilot experience within the company is among the highest in New Zealand. All instructors are A or B Category. Flying into and out of a busy Control Zone every day provides us with challenging, but invaluable experience that you'll benefit from.

Excellent Training Environment

We offer the highest quality flight training environment including alpine experience. Christchurch International Airport and Low Flying Areas are all within close proximity to our training base, plus the nearby Southern Alps offer variable terrain for advanced flight training.

We also have classroom facilities (for quiet study space) and study resources available at our training base and provide field trips to the Air New Zealand Engineering School, Christchurch Control Tower, Christchurch Radar Centre to enhance your learning experience.

We have a good ratio for trainee pilots to available aircraft and instructors.

Well Maintained Helicopters

We have our own fully qualified on-site engineering staff as a result of operating air rescue helicopters. We also have a diverse fleet of helicopters available for type ratings including R22, R44, AS350, EC120, EC130 and BK117 helicopters.

You're In Safe Hands

GCH Aviation has one of the most enviable safety records in helicopter aviation in New Zealand. We are the only company to hold the prestigious Helicopter Association of New Zealand Diamond Safety Award for 30+ years of continuous service without injury or accident to self, passengers or crew. Combined with the vast international experience of our rescue-trained pilots, regular training, and extensive exposure to extreme terrain, we can ensure your helicopter training is in the best hands.

Get Inspired

GCH Aviation


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