Learn How To LIVE YOUR DREAM - Flight Training Info

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret

GCH Aviation overview of helicopter and fixed-wing pilot pathways in New Zealand, explaining the purpose of training across rescue, air ambulance, commercial operations, and tourism. Summarizes PPL and CPL (helicopter) eligibility requirements, including medical classes, theory exam subjects, required flight hours, cross-credit notes, and flight test expectations. Provides study options such as self-study, private tutoring, and e-learning providers, plus helicopter-specific exams. Includes practical guidance on timelines, duration factors, and legislated completion limits, along with a starter set of frequently asked questions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Why learn to fly with GCH Aviation?

What is a CPL and PPL?

PPL (Helicopter) Requirements

CPL (Helicopter) Requirements

Exams & Study Options

Self-study and tutoring

E-Learning/Courses and clubs

Helicopter-specific exams

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn How To LIVE YOUR DREAM CONTENTS WHY LEARN TO FLY WITH GCH AVIATION? 3 PPL REQUIREMENTS 4 CPL REQUIREMENTS 5 EXAMS & STUDY OPTIONS 6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 7 Why learn to fly with GCH Aviation? GCH Aviation is the umbrella brand for multiple operations across New Zealand including: • Garden City Helicopters (Christchurch) • Kaikoura Helicopters, Wellington Helicopters, Coastwide Helicopters • GCH Jet Centre & Jet Operations • Emergency air rescue and air ambulance services, including Westpac Rescue Helicopter, ROA Rescue Helicopter, Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter, and the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service With over 40+ years of combined aviation experience, we operate across Air Rescue, Air Ambulance, Commercial, Certified Flight Training, and Tourism. 3 Training Benefits with GCH Aviation: • Purpose-built facility – 9000+ m², including a dedicated Training Room with study and briefing spaces. • Experienced instructors – all instructors also fly Rescue or Commercial operations, providing insight into Aeromedical and/or Commercial flying. • Hands-on experience – students may participate in Commercial operations when appropriate. • Challenging terrain – proximity to the Southern Alps, international airport operations, Control Zones, and Low Flying Zones. • In-house engineering support – learn aircraft technical elements from experienced engineers. • Extensive industry network – over a century of combined instructor experience offers valuable connections for CPL candidates. • Field trips – opportunities to visit Air New Zealand Engineering School and Christchurch Control Tower to enhance practical understanding. 3 What is a CPLand PPL? Whether you train in helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft, the process in New Zealand is similar. • To carry passengers, you need a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), but this does not allow you to be paid. • To work as a pilot, you need a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). You can also add Ratings (e.g. Instrument or aircraft type ratings) for extra skills, with time and cost varying. Flying in NZ is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which sets standards and rules. Youʼll also need to pass aviation theory exams and an aviation medical. PPL (Helicopter) Requirements: To sit the PPL flight test, you must: • Be 17 years or older to sit a PPL-however can start training at 14 years old. • Hold a Class 2 Medical from an Aviation Medical Examiner, ora DL9 driver licence medical (reduced privileges) • Have passed all theory exams, including: ◦ Air Law ◦ Flight Navigation ◦ Aircraft Technology / Principles of Flight (Airtech) ◦ Meteorology ◦ Flight Radiotelephony ◦ Human Factors • Have 50+ flight hours, including: ◦ 20 hrs dual (min. 5 hrs advanced) ◦ 15 hrs solo ◦ Cross-country navigation & mountain awareness competency • Pass a PPL Flight Test Note: Holders ofa valid PPL(A) only need to pass the PPLAirtech (Helicopter) exam to cross-credit. 4 CPL (Helicopter) Requirements A CPL(H) allows you to fly helicopters for hire or reward (paid work). A PPL is required first, though PPL/CPL theory exams maybe done in any order. To sit the CPL flight test, you must: • Be 18+ years old • Hold a Class 1 Medical (Aviation Medical Examiner) • Hold a valid NZ PPL • Have passed all CPL theory exams: ◦ Air Law ◦ Flight Navigation ◦ Aircraft Technology (heli-specific) ◦ Principles of Flight (heli-specific) ◦ Meteorology ◦ Human Factors • Have 150+ flight hours, including: ◦ 35 hrs dual instruction ◦ 35 hrs solo ◦ Cross-country navigation & flight test ◦ Mountain awareness training & competency demo ◦ External load syllabus & endorsement • Pass a CPL Flight Test Note: Holders ofa valid CPL(A) (aeroplane) only need to pass Airtech (Heli) and Principles ofFlight (Heli) exams for CPL(H) credit. 5 Exams & Study Options CAA requirement: all theory exams must be passed befo

FAQs

Is it difficult to learn to fly a helicopter?

Flying a helicopter requires time, effort, and hands-on practice. Instructors tailor training to each student to ensure maximum value from every lesson.

How long does it take to complete PPL or CPL?

PPL typically takes 55–70+ flight hours and about 6–12 months full-time or 2–3 years part-time. CPL typically takes 150–175 flight hours and about 12–18 months full-time or up to 6 years part-time.

What are the legislated limits for completing training and exams?

Theory must be completed within 3 years, and flight training must be finished within 3 years after the last theory exam, for a total of 6 years.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret