Pilot Training Requirements

Private and Commercial Helicopter Pilot Flight Training

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 on to our helicopter flight trainees.

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TEAM

GCH Aviation is known by the helicopter industry as a qualified training provider, enhancing your future employment prospects.

Since we operate the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, ROA Rescue Helicopter and Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter services, our combined instructor / pilot experience within the company is among the highest in New Zealand. One of the advantages 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 our team has a hugely varied background of experience to draw from.

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 a high 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 can provide field trips to the Air New Zealand Engineering School, Christchurch Control Tower, Christchurch Radar Centre to enhance your learning experience.

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 Cabri G2, R44, AS350, EC120, EC130 and BK117 helicopters.

 

 

 

PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER PILOT FLIGHT TRAINING

Click Here to download a PDF “Flight Training Guide”

 

 

TRIAL FLIGHTS

Trial flights are available - where you can be at the controls with one of our experienced instructors sitting beside you. PLEASE NOTE: Individual weight restrictions may apply. Please check with us at time of booking. Trial flights are currently carried out in a Cabri G2 helicopter.

HELICOPTERS AVAILABLE FOR TRAINING OR TYPE RATINGS

Training for private or commercial helicopter licences is carried out in Cabri G2 helicopter. We are also able to provide Type Ratings in our Robinson R44, EC120, AS350, EC130 or BK117 helicopters.

PRIVATE HELICOPTER PILOT LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

This license entitles the person to pilot a helicopter carrying non-fare-paying passengers.

  1. Must be 17 years of age.
  2. Must have passed private pilot medical by an approved medical examiner, or hold a DL9 driver medical (Class 2,3,4 or 5) with P (Passenger) endorsement. However keep in mind that the use of DL9 medical comes with some restricted privileges when compared to an Aviation medical.
  3. Must have completed all theory examinations which include:
    • Navigation
    • Principles of Flight/Aircraft Technology
    • Meteorology
    • Flight Radio telephony
    • Human Factors
    • Air Law
  4. If the applicant is the holder of valid private pilot license airplane, he/she will only need to sit and pass the written examination 'Principles of Flight/Aircraft Technology', then complete the required practical training and flight test.
  5. Must have completed no less than 50 hours flight experience which must include:
    • 20 hours of Dual instruction
    • 15 hours Pilot in Command 
    • 10 hours of Cross Country Navigation training which must include 5 hours Dual
    • 5 hours advanced Dual
    • 5 hours of Mountain Flying, which must include 3 hours Dual

ADDITIONAL RATINGS (NOT COMPULSORY)

  • 5 hours of Night Flying which must include 2 hours Dual
  • 5 hours of Sling Loads which must include 3 hours Dual

COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER PILOT LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

This licence entitles the person to pilot a helicopter carrying fare-paying passengers.

  1. Must be 18 years of age.
  2. Must have passed a commercial pilot's medical examination by an approved medical examiner.
  3. Must hold a valid private pilots license (helicopter) and have completed all the theory and flying experience required.
  4. If an applicant has a valid commercial pilot airplane license will only need to sit and pass the following exams:
    • Principles of Flight and Helicopter Performance and General Aircraft Technical Knowledge (helicopter), then complete the required practical experience and flight tests.
  5. Must have completed no less than 150 hours of flight experience which must include:
    • 35 hours of Dual helicopter instruction 
    • 35 hours as Pilot in Command
    • 20 hours of Cross Country Navigation flying which shall include 16 hours of pilot Cross Country navigation training, 8 hours of Dual and 8 hours of Pilot in Command (Must be supervised by a Category A or B Instructor)
    • Up to 16 hours cross country may be credited to a Commercial Pilot Aeroplane license holder
    • 10 hours of Sling Loads which must include 7 hours of Dual
    • 10 hours of Mountain Flying which must include 6 hours of Dual

ADDITIONAL RATINGS (NOT COMPULSORY)

  • 10 hours Night Flying which must include 5 hours of Dual

STUDY REFERENCE AND RESOURCES

The following are suggested study materials for PPL Exams:

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

  • Aircraft Technical Knowledge Vol 1 – Waypoints Aviation/Pilot Books
  • Principles of Helicopter Flight – W J Wagtendonk
  • Navigation and Flight Planning Vol 2 – Waypoints Aviation/Pilot Books
  • Weather to Fly Vol 3 – Waypoints Aviation/Pilot Books
  • Flight Radio Vol 4 – Waypoints Aviation/Pilot Books
  • PPL/CPL Air Law Vol 5 – Waypoints Aviation/Pilot Books
  • NZ Civil Aviation Rules and AIP Vol 1 and Vol 4
  • Aviation Medicine and Other Human Factors for Pilots – Dr R Ewing
  • EASA PPL Training – Human Performance – Jeppesen

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE

  • Mechanics of Flight, Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering Series – A C Kermode
  • Rule Part 135
  • Principles of Helicopter Flight – W J Wagtendonk
  • Basic Helicopter Handbook – FAA Publication AC-61-13
  • General Aircraft Technical Knowledge Vol 8 – Pilot Books
  • Aircraft Reciprocating Engines – Jeppeson
  • Principles of Helicopter Flight – W J Wagtendonk
  • Navigation and Flight Planning Vol 2 – Waypoints Aviation /Pilot Books
  • NZAIP – Vol 1 and Vol 4
  • Aviation Medicine and Other Human Factors for Pilots – Dr R Ewing
  • Human Performance and Limitations – R D Campbell & M Bagshaw
  • EASA PPL Training – Human Performance – Jeppesen
  • Meteorology for Professional Pilots Vol 6 – Pilot Books
  • Manual of Meteorology, Parts I and II – published by the Australian Publishing Service
  • Aircraft Icing Handbook – published by CAA NZ - can be printed free from caa.govt.nz

 

CURRENT LEGISLATION:

  • Civil Aviation Rules
  • AIP New Zealand
  • Aviation Information Circulars
  • Civil Aviation Advisory Circulars
  • PPL/CPL Air Law Vol 5 – Waypoints Aviation /Pilot Books

The “Pilotbooks” series and some others can be purchased from the Waypoints Aviation website. Further information is available on the CAA website.

It is recommended that you base your study on the exam syllabuses, which are available on the CAA website under “Advisory Circulars”. AC61-3 contains the PPL written exam syllabus, while AC61-5 contains the CPL syllabus.

PILOT'S LOG BOOKS

These are available from the Government Book Shop Section in selected Whitcoulls stores. They are also available from the Canterbury Aero Club. Please call prior to your visit to ensure stock is available.

Civil Aviation Authority bulletins, rules and advisory circulars can be obtained from the CAA website  - Licensing information is in AC61.