Certificate in aviation (helicopter)

By MARK STORY

Together with Massey University, Heli-Flight (NZ) offers a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved certificate in aviation (helicopter).

Since it was formed in 1981 the company has trained pilots from all over the world. Three years ago the Massey School of Aviation formally agreed Heli-Flight would provide the practical instruction for its 12-month course.

Heli-Flight makes the practical instruction available at both Ardmore (for Massey students at Albany) or Masterton (for Massey students at Palmerston North).

Students aged under 20 must have at least three C passes at bursary level admission with equivalent status (AES).

They can meet this requirement with a polytechnic or similar qualification that gives at least 39 credits at level 3.

Students need to be at least 16 years old and obtain a class 2 medical, and pass hand-eye co-ordination and learning aptitude tests. Special admissions are also available to mature students (over 20) who don't meet the above criteria.

A 12-month certificate in aviation (helicopter) will next year cost $63,850. Applications for this year's third semester intake, starting in November, close on October 1, and applications for the January start dates close in December.

As well as completing a Massey University certificate in aviation, students finish their year's study with both a private and commercial pilot's licence. Heli-Flight CEO Andy McKay says the certificate also opens the door to graduate university study.

Once they complete the certificate, graduates are invited to enrol for the certificate in advanced aviation. A certificate in aviation (helicopter) also contributes to the three-year bachelor of aviation (helicopter), the ultimate helicopter qualification. This second year of training qualifies graduates as instructors, which further improves their employment prospects.

During two semesters of approximately 18 weeks each, students enrolled in the certificate in aviation complete papers on topics such as commercial navigation, pilot human factors, general helicopters systems, through to helicopter handling and performance.

After the theory, students receive 150 hours of practical instruction on the Schweizer 300C or CB. As local demand for qualified pilots is limited, many graduates look offshore for employment.

What past students think

Stephen Pascoe

Pilot engineer, 34, Hansen Helicopters

Guam

Graduated 2002


"There's a lot more to flying helicopters than just sitting in the pilot's seat.

"A working knowledge of the aircraft you're flying, and how it will perform within different environments is equally important - for example, getting in and out of hills when working with the agri-sector or landing helicopters at sea.

"Getting your first job after graduation isn't easy, so anything that helps give you a foot in the door is a bonus.

"The attention given to a technical knowledge by Heli-Flight during the course helps to give students an edge in the employment stakes once they graduate.

"Heli-Flight is a great place to learn. Having reasonably close access to mountains, coastline and international airports [at Auckland and Wellington] means the airfields at either Masterton or Ardmore both offer a huge range of flying experiences for students.

"I'm currently flying the Hughes 500 helicopters from fishing boats off Tarawa Island (around the Gilbert Islands near the equator). I'm up at 5am and remain on call throughout the day. There's a lot of shuffling between two ships. But my main job is to help spot tuna from the helicopter."

What employers think

Steve Shaw, commercial manager

Helilink, Auckland


"Helilink employed an ex student of Heli-Flight (NZ) and Kapiti Districts Aero Club in October 2000. He has progressed quickly within the company due to his natural flying ability and the professional training provided.

"Having started training on the Schweizer 300 helicopters, he is now flying AS350 and AS355 Squirrel and BK117 helicopters with Helilink Limited. The training gave him an excellent start to a career in helicopters."

Heli-Flight (NZ)

Phone: 0800 ROTORS