PILOT TRAINING IN NEW ZEALAND

Many countries are available for flight training; fortunately the student pilot has a large choice. Countries such as the USA are popular choices, but often overshadow small countries such as New Zealand with a more relaxed environment.

New Zealand is a twin island nation completely in the Southern Hemisphere, with a population of slightly over 4.5 million. This is less than many of the world's major cities! A small population means less crowded skies, and a much more friendly environment for training and in which to live. The North Island is the location of Wellington (New Zealand's capital city) and Auckland. The South Island is home to Christchurch and the "Southern Alps". The "Southern Alps" are a famous and beautiful mountain range making New Zealand's South Island famous.

The climate of New Zealand is surprisingly mild. It generally has a maratime climate with summer temperatures averaging around 20-30C and winter temperatures around 10-15C. These temperatures are very comfortable and ideal for flight training. It is interesting the summer months are December, January and February, and the winter months are June, July, and August. The seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.

New Zealand also has a reputation of having a relaxed, laid back environment with a friendly population. All have made New Zealand an ideal location for training to become a pilot.

AIRLINE PILOT TRAINNG COURSES

An airline pilot is as exciting career as one can possibly have. Like all other careers, there are courses to take, and skills one must master. There are many courses which lead to becoming a professional pilot, and the HM Aviation really stands out in the field of aviation.

The first aviation course all professional pilots will take is the Private Pilot License. The training is done on single engine aircraft such as the Cessna 152 or Cessna 172. A long way's off aircraft such as the A380 or B-777, but this is the course and aircraft where all pilots learn to fly.

The next course is the Commercial Pilot License. This is also done on single engine aircraft, but the student learns more advanced flying skills as well as abnormal and emergency procedures. The pilot trains to become a professional pilot.

Training to become an airline pilot is still not complete. The student must do a multi-engine rating, as airline and corporate jets are multi engine aircraft. This is an exciting rating, as it introduces the pilot to higher performance aircraft.

In addition to the multi engine rating, the candidate must also complete an instrument rating. The student learns to fly in visibility below the requirements of visual flying. Since airlines must get their passengers to their destinations, airliners must be able to operate in marginal weather. The instrument rating introduces the pilot to some of the most interesting flying they'll ever do.

Many individuals gain experience as a flight instructor or charter pilot before joining the airlines. Before flying the big jets, a pilot must complete a type rating for the individual aircraft they will be flying. Many airliners are worth more than one hundred million dollars, and are very complex pieces so equipment. It is absolutely essential an individual know the aircraft inside and out, and be well trained for flying them. The type rating involves the pilot learns about each system on the aircraft, and about how everything works. They will also fly flight simulators, and be trained for every normal, abnormal and emergency procedure. This results in a safe, competent pilot operating the aircraft.

Pilots take many training courses throughout their career. All are interesting, challenging, and provide the pilot with one of the most fascinating careers there has ever been.