Helicopter Pilot Training
Learn from the best
Nothing 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 to help you achieve your goal.
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, and we hope to pass these commitments on to our helicopter flight trainees.
FLEXIBLE TRAINING HOURS & TIMEFRAME
Here at GCH we offer training on a personalised “as required” basis. You do not need to have any flying experience in order to begin your training, and you can fly as often as you like. We can guide you through the process from start to finish, and you can get through the training at whatever pace suits you. If you’re able to fly most days of the week, we can help you get your Commercial licence in under a year. Or if you need to spread the flight hours out more, we can train you part-time over 2-3 years. We will work with you to sort out a schedule that suits. We also offer “pay as you go” training – meaning we can tailor your training to suit your budget. Our aim is to put our focus on our trainee pilots as individuals, rather than just churning through large numbers of students.
EXPERIENCED COMMERCIAL PILOTS AS INSTRUCTORS
Our pilots come from varied backgrounds in the aviation industry, which allows a huge network of potential contacts and employers available to CPL graduates.
We are also operators of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Christchurch, ROA Rescue Helicopter based in Greymouth and Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter services. This means our combined instructor / pilot experience within the company is among the highest in New Zealand. Flight training is part of our business, but our instructors all fly Commercially in a variety of aircraft, allowing the opportunity to pass on their real world experience in the industry. We teach people to fly because it’s our passion, and we love introducing student pilots to our industry.
EXCELLENT TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
Christchurch International Airport and the Canterbury Low Flying Zones are all within close proximity to our training base, plus the nearby Southern Alps offers variable terrain for more advanced flight training. Being based in the Christchurch control zone provides challenging, but invaluable experience flying in controlled airspace that our students will benefit from.
In our purpose-built 9000 square metre facility we have classroom facilities (for quiet study space) and study resources available. Aircraft and instructor availability is excellent, meaning we can afford to be flexible with training times/days to suit our students. We can also provide field trips to the Air New Zealand Engineering School, Christchurch Control Tower, and Christchurch Radar Centre to enhance your learning experience.
WELL MAINTAINED HELICOPTERS
As a Part 145 maintenance provider we have our own 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, R22, R44, AS350, EC120, EC130 and BK117 helicopters.
COME SEE US FOR A VISIT
Whether you’re just curious about our operation, want to have a look at the rescue helicopters, or are interested in learning to fly, we welcome you for a visit. This not only gives you a chance to see our fantastic facility, but it also provides the opportunity to meet our instructors. You may also get the chance to meet other members of our team, whether it be the Rescue pilots and crew, or our engineering staff.
Please give us a call on 03 3584360 or email training@gchaviation.com to ensure that an instructor is available to give you a tour and talk about our industry. We love to share our passion for flying, so we’re always happy to have a chat.
PILOT TRAINING REQUIRMENTS
Access more information on private and commercial pilot flight training requirements.
TAKE A TRIAL FLIGHT
Take control and learn to fly a helicopter with a qualified instructor by your side guiding you through take off, hover, flight and landing.
