Aviation students left up in the air

The country's only university degree course in helicopter aviation is in limbo, leaving students' futures and finances up in the air.

Massey University courses, which train helicopter pilots and flying instructors, are on hold after a falling-out between the university and Heli-flight, which provides the practical training.

About 20 students are affected, some with loans of more than $100,000.

Robert Crisp, 23, who has borrowed $135,000 in the hope of becoming a helicopter instructor, said he had paid $40,000 for the course and wanted a full refund.

"I no longer hold any hope for the chance to complete the course and I have been forced to move forwards with other plans," he said.

He claims that, despite the enormous fees, there have been no lectures and the flight lessons have dried up. He is now considering legal action against the university.

The problems have blown up after a legal row over contractual obligations between Heli-flight and the university. Papers have been filed in the High Court at Auckland.

The general manager of Massey's school of aviation, Ashok Poduval, said the university's lawyers had instructed him not to talk about the legal proceedings.

He said students had been kept informed at all times. "I've made unequivocal statements that no student will be disadvantaged, either academically or financially."

A new sub-contractor had been found to take flying lessons at Masterton and Auckland, and there would be adequate compensation for any disruptions.

Mr Poduval "totally denied" claims there had been no lectures at all, but said the academic programme had been disrupted since the legal problems began six weeks ago.

Massey University has offered the helicopter degrees since 2003. During two semesters of about 18 weeks each, students complete papers on topics such as commercial navigation, general helicopters systems, handling and performance. After the theory, students receive 150 hours of practical instruction.

Heli-flight chief executive Andy McKay declined to comment before the court case.