Our Team
Cody - Chief Flying Instructor
Cody was born and raised in Hamilton before venturing down into the South Island.
What's your favourite aspect of being an instructor?
Seeing people progress from day dot and achieving their goals along the way, from first solos through to private and commercial licences. I also really enjoy expanding people's horizons when it comes to mountain flying.
Why do you love flying in Wanaka?
While it's a challenging environment, it takes a different skill set and way of thinking to fly in Wanaka and the surrounding mountainous environment than it does elsewhere.
You've got to be practical and apply all of your knowledge and skills to what's in front of you each time you take to the skies. It's also really neat being out there tramping in the hills on the weekends and then getting to fly past during the week!
What is your most memorable moment of flying?
First landing at Milford Sound.
What is something you love to do?
Outside of flying I enjoy tramping, biking and skiing.
Jacob - Flight Instructor
Jacob was born in the Philippines and grew up in Auckland. He completed his Bachelor of Aviation in 2022 and completed his light Instructor rating in 2023.
What's your favourite aspect of being an instructor?
Being able to have the privilege to impart knowledge to future aviators and to be part of their aviation career.
Why do you love flying in Wanaka?
The beautiful scenery of the mountains and the lakes. Wanaka is a great place to learn to fly as it makes you a good pilot with its challenging terrain.
What is your most memorable moment of flying?
To have the privilege to take my family and friends flying around and see them enjoy it as much as I do.
What is something you love to do?
I like to play basketball and ride my motorbike on my off days.
Tiz - Flight Instructor
Tiz was born in Queenstown however spent the majority of his life in Rangiora. Qualified personal trainer while owning and operating a gym for 6 years before beginning his aviation journey in 2022.
What's your favourite aspect of being an instructor?
Being able to have an active part in a student's flying training to make them the best pilot they can be, and celebrating their wins and successes along with them. We are their biggest cheerleader. As an instructor, our own learning process is always on-going.
Why do you love flying in Wanaka?
The unique environment of working closely with the team at our sister company Wanaka Helicopters where fixed wing and rotary operate smoothly together. Operating in this region ensures that you are operating at the top of your game every flight.
What is your most memorable moment of flying?
First solo flight into Queenstown.
What is something you love to do?
I love to get out on my motorcycle and snowboard in the winter.
Regan - Flight Instructor
Regan is a 21-year-old originally from North Auckland. His aviation journey began in 2021 at the Walsh Memorial Flying School where he completed his first solo flight. That experience confirmed for him that flying was the career he wanted to pursue.
After finishing high school, Regan then enrolled in a flight school in Whanganui, studying from 2022 to 2024 earning his qualifications. He then worked full-time as a flight instructor and as a UNICOM operator on his days off flying. In early 2025 he also completed his B-Cat instructor rating, along with endorsements in night flying and basic mountain flying.
What's your favourite aspect of being an instructor?
Seeing students grow from their very first flight all the way through to achieving their private or commercial pilot licenses, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey.
Why do you love flying in Wanaka?
The scenery here is unmatched. From the stunning lakes to the surrounding mountains, it has a bit of everything.
What is your most memorable moment of flying?
My first time flying in a training aircraft.
What is something you love to do?
I enjoy staying active and making time for regular exercise.
