FLIGHT TRAINING
Introductory Trial Flights
Your first lesson in the Southern Alps.
Our Introductory Trial Flight (TIF) is the ultimate entry point into the world of aviation. This is not a scenic tour where you sit back as a passenger; it is a hands-on flight lesson where you take the controls. Under the expert guidance of a Learn To Fly NZ instructor, you will experience the unique thrill of piloting a light aircraft over the spectacular landscapes of Wānaka and the Southern Alps.
INTRODUCTORY TRIAL FLIGHT
What's included
Our Introductory Trial Flight package is designed to provide a comprehensive and professional introduction to flight training.
- Flight Duration: 0.7 hours (approximately 42 minutes) of actual flight time.
- Expert Instruction: One-on-one training with a CAA-certified flight instructor.
- Pre-Flight Briefing: A detailed introduction to the aircraft’s primary controls and flight safety.
- Fuel and Landing Fees: All-inclusive pricing with no hidden costs at Wānaka Airport.
- A complimentary Learn To Fly NZ cap to commemorate your first flight.
- Loggable Hours: Your flight time is "real" training and can be officially recorded in a pilot logbook toward a PPL or CPL license.
INTRODUCTORY TRIAL FLIGHT
What to expect
A step-by-step experience to introduce you to flying:
- Briefing: Your instructor will meet you at our Wānaka base to explain the fundamentals of how an airplane flies. You will learn about the "Effects of Controls"-how moving the yoke and rudder pedals moves the aircraft.
- Pre-Flight Check: You will join the instructor in a walk-around of the aircraft (typically a Cessna 172) to ensure everything is airworthy and ready for departure.
- The Flight: Once at a safe altitude, your instructor will hand over the controls. You will spend the majority of the flight practicing basic maneuvers like turns, climbs, and descents.
- The View: While focusing on the instruments and horizon, you will have unparalleled views of Lake Wānaka, Mt Aspiring National Park, and the surrounding alpine terrain.
- Debrief: After landing, you will head back to the office to discuss your performance and ask any questions about the path to becoming a licensed pilot.
Your Pilot Training Journey
Who Can Take a Trial Flight?
- Prior Experience: None required. This is designed for absolute beginners.
- Language: A good understanding of spoken English is essential to ensure clear communication with your instructor and air traffic control.
- Age Requirements: There is no official minimum age for a trial flight, though we recommend students be at least 14 years old to begin regular training. You must be 16 to fly solo.
- Health: If you are fit enough to drive a car, you are generally fit enough for a trial flight. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please bring them.
- Passengers: Trial flights are strictly one-on-one training sessions. For safety and focus, we do not allow additional passengers in the aircraft during this lesson.
Where to next?
Many students find that one flight is all it takes to catch the flying bug. After your trial flight, we offer several pathways:
- The Starter Package: A 2.5-hour program focusing on the fundamentals of straight and level flight, climbing, and descending.
- First Solo Program: A structured 12-hour course designed to take you from your first lesson to your first solo flight.
- PPL & CPL: Full-time or part-time training toward your Private Pilot License or Commercial Pilot License.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aviation is weather-dependent. If conditions at Wānaka Airport are not suitable for flight training, we will contact you to reschedule your flight for the next available clear day.
Yes. Because you are flying with a certified instructor in a dual-controlled aircraft, this flight counts as official training time.
Trial Flights are designed as a one-on-one experience with your instructor, so passengers are not permitted. Participants must also have a good understanding of spoken English to ensure clear communication and a safe, enjoyable flight experience.
While your primary focus will be on the controls, there will be opportunities to take photos. We recommend bringing a small camera or smartphone with a wrist strap.
We operate a well-maintained fixed-wing fleet based at Wānaka Airport, including Cessna 172s for PPL/CPL and type rating 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.
Ready to Take the Controls?
Book your Introductory Trial Flight today or purchase a gift voucher for someone special.