Flight Training at Learn To Fly NZ
Based in Wānaka, in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, we offer high-quality training programmes for every stage of your aviation journey.
Explore our training options
At Learn To Fly NZ, we offer a full suite of aviation training options designed for students at every stage of their flying journey. Based in Wānaka, in the heart of the Southern Alps, our world-class training environment gives you hands-on experience in diverse and challenging conditions – setting you up for success wherever your flying takes you.
Below is an overview of the flight training programmes we offer.
Start your aviation journey with practical, confidence-building training in one of the most spectacular flying environments in New Zealand. Gain the core skills needed to fly safely for recreation or as the first step towards a professional career.
Advance your skills with comprehensive training that prepares you to fly for hire or reward. Build flight hours, develop advanced techniques, and gain real-world experience in both controlled and alpine environments.
Build confidence flying in alpine conditions with specialised mountain flight training in the Southern Alps. Learn key skills such as contour flying, saddle crossings, weather awareness, and decision-making, guided by instructors with extensive high-mountain experience.
Build confidence flying in alpine conditions with specialised mountain flight training in the Southern Alps. Learn key skills such as contour flying, saddle crossings, weather awareness, and decision-making, guided by instructors with extensive high-mountain experience.
Build confidence flying in alpine conditions with specialised mountain flight training in the Southern Alps. Learn key skills such as contour flying, saddle crossings, weather awareness, and decision-making, guided by instructors with extensive high-mountain experience.
Expand your flying capabilities with certified type ratings, including the Cessna 172. Learn to operate specific aircraft safely and confidently with support from our knowledgeable instructors and well-maintained fleet.
Launch your aviation career with a qualification that sets you apart. At Learn To Fly NZ, we’ve partnered with our sister company – Wanaka Helicopters to offer a unique Diploma in Aviation (Aeroplane) that combines fixed-wing and rotary training.
At Learn To Fly NZ, we offer a variety of flight training packages tailored to suit everyone – from first-time flyers to aspiring pilots working towards their solo flight and beyond. Our packages are designed to give you a supportive and enjoyable learning experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions answered about flight training.
Need more information?
We’re here to help you navigate your flight training journey. This section covers common questions, providing straightforward answers and insights into our training options. If your question isn’t listed, feel free to reach out to us directly for more information or give us a call to chat.
We offer PPL, CPL, the Diploma in Aviation (Aeroplane), C-Cat Instructor Ratings, Mountain Flying courses, Type Ratings (including C172), Ground Courses, and visiting pilot training.
No. You can begin with zero experience. An interest in aviation and willingness to learn are all you need. There are some pre-requisites for some of our training options like a CPL so check out all of the details on each training page.
PPL: Class 2 medical or DL9 + P endorsement
CPL: Class 1 medical
Medical exams can be completed in Wānaka, Cromwell, or Queenstown. We recommend getting this early.
Most students complete their PPL in 3-6 months depending on weather, availability, and how often they fly. The minimum requirement is 50 flying hours.
CPL training usually takes 6-12 months depending on your flight frequency. You need a total of 200 flight hours (including hours earned during PPL).
Yes. We welcome international students and visiting pilots for PPL, CPL, mountain flying, type ratings, and advanced courses.
Within 30 minutes you can experience both alpine and coastal flying. Our mountain environment builds exceptional real-world skills, and our low-traffic airspace maximises your learning time.
We operate a well-maintained fixed-wing fleet based at Wānaka Airport, including Cessna 172s for PPL/CPL and type rating training.
As often as you like. Many students fly multiple times per week, while others train part-time. You can schedule flights around your availability.
Yes. We run in-person and online ground courses for both PPL and CPL. All essential theory subjects are taught by our experienced instructors.
A CPL opens pathways into general aviation roles such as instructing, tourism, commercial operations, and more. Many students continue directly into their instructor rating.
A two-year, full-time qualification combining CPL training, commercial experience, and both rotary and fixed-wing operational knowledge.
Yes. Our mountain training is one of the highlights of Learn To Fly NZ. You’ll gain essential terrain awareness and alpine decision-making skills.
Yes. We provide mountain courses, type ratings, instructor ratings, and specialised flights for pilots visiting the South Island.