Massey University launches new training aircraft

Massey University instructors Russell Rickards and Paul Kearney fly a new Diamond DA40 over the Te Apiti wind farm near Palmerston North. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Trainee pilots at Massey University will soon benefit from a new 14-strong fleet of training aircraft.

The $8 million purchase, announced earlier this year, was marked by the first plane's arrival at the Palmerston North campus.

Massey's vice-chancellor Steve Maharey welcomed the craft at a function held yesterday.

The purchase includes two high-performance twin-engine aircraft along with 12 single-engine planes.

The planes will keep the school at the "forefront of pilot training", said Mr Maharey.

School general manager Ashok Poduval said the planes will enhance safety and improve the quality of the training students receive.

"Flying an aircraft today is not merely about stick and rudder skills – it is about managing a technologically-advanced machine.

"We are investing resources to keep our students ahead of the rest," said Mr Poduval.

The new craft were manufactured by Austrian-based Diamond Aircraft Industries in its Ontario factory in Canada.

A spokesman for Massey, James Gardiner, said the new craft will be phased in to replace the school's current fleet of Piper aircraft.

Six of the single-engine planes are now in use while the other six are currently being assembled by the New Zealand distributor, said Mr Gardiner.

The two twin-engine aircraft are due to arrive in New Zealand over the coming months.

Massey is New Zealand's only university with an aviation school.