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Your comfort and safety is our priority. We will liaise with you in the lead up to your scheduled flight to make alternative arrangements if required. The call to fly is up to the Pilot in Command and their specialist opinion is final in this matter.
It is important we have accurate body and gear weight from every passenger, this is a CAA regulation. Helicopter weight and balance changes with every flight because of passenger weight, pilot weight, length of flight and fuel weight.
Comfortable warm clothing and sturdy footwear.
Yes absolutely, we encourage you to bring a camera and share your photos with us. Drone use is allowed under supervision of the pilot, only when the helicopter is shut down and within the immediate vicinity of the landing spot. Talk to us about whether it is suitable on your specific flight.
Our experienced pilots take every care to make your trip as smooth and safe as possible. We put customers comfort first and enjoy taking many first timers up to enjoy an incredible experience.
Children 3 years and under fly free on an adults laps (minimum of two full paying fares). Children 4 years and above require their own full paying seat.
Yes absolutely! Our flights are customisable, get in touch with our team to help create your ultimate trip.
A 30-minute trial lesson is the first step. All trainees MUST have strong spoken English skills. Allow 60-90 minutes from beginning to end to accommodate a safety briefing and helicopter movements. Trainees must wear trousers and closed-toe shoes.
Private training can start at any time subject to the existing training schedule. Please allow 2-8 weeks to make preparations (enrolment, payment arrangements, flight scheduling, etc.). Diploma applications are accepted each August for classes starting in the following January. Enrolment and initial payments must be completed by mid-December.
Our trainees have the options of flying in the Robinson R22 or Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter. Type ratings are available in a range of other helicopters, after the completion of your licence.
Our Diploma in Aviation is eligible for student loan application and Fees Free. However all private training is private funded.
A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) requires a minimum of 50 hrs flight training. This could take approx 15 weeks flying full time. A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) requires a minimum of 100 hrs flight training additional to the PPL (50 hrs) taking approx 45 weeks flying full time. We can accomodate part time and full time options, get in touch to discuss your requirements further.
A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) minimum cost is $30,000 and a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) minimum cost is $90,000. This is based on the absolute minimum hours flown but additional costs will be incured, including living costs, medical fees, exam fees, flight test fees etc. An allowance of an extra 10-15% should be made for these additional costs mentioned.
Diploma of Aviation Costs
For our Diploma of Aviation candidates with fewer than 60 post-secondary academic credits may be eligible for the provider-based Fees-Free programme. Visit www.feesfree.govt.nz or talk to us to see if you are eligible. Individual course costs are fixed each year, but any annual increases are limited to 2% or less. For domestic students (NZ/Aus) the cost of the course in 2022 is $115,000 ($103,000 if you are eligible for fees-free). The international student cost is $138,000. Any shortfall from StudyLink student loans (typically $43k-$45k) needs to be deposited as your ‘personal contribution’ to study. A second year student loan depends upon satisfactory academic and flight progress in year one. All funds are deposited into a Public Fee-Protect Trust fund account for your peace of mind.
You can read more on the specific costs involved and what funding and scholarship options there are available for studying a Diploma in Aviation (Helicopter) here.
Wanaka Helicopters has the most experienced helicopter flight instructors of any flight school in NZ. Check out our instructor biographies for more information.
Please see our terms and conditions here.
