Our graduates end up all over the world flying in different areas all gaining invaluable experience.
Jared’s fascination with helicopters came as a child when the local search and rescue helicopter was based next to his house. Thinking helicopters were “pretty cool” he had some private lessons in his early twenties, bought a logbook and was soon hooked on flying. Taking advantage of an interest-free student loan, Jared decided the Diploma in Aviation (Helicopter) was the perfect training to start his aviation career. After starting flight training at another school Jared transferred to the Wanaka Helicopters Diploma Programme in 2015.
Jared most enjoyed being able to learn to fly in an environment people come from all around the world to see. The challenges of technical mountain flying, nearby low fly training zones, high flight hours of instructors, and the family atmosphere we provide made it a great fit for him. Jared found the additional courses undertaken during the Diploma useful, particularly those around safety management systems and crew resource management. Jared says “At the time I didn’t know when I would ever use some of the content but it has proven really valuable in my current job based in Papua New Guinea.”
The perfect job rarely shows up right after graduation. So Jared juggled truck driving while taking on part-time ground crew, frost protection and maintenance flight operations for a New Zealand operation after completing his Diploma. Within a few months however, an opportunity
he couldn’t refuse came knocking! Putting his best foot forward in his CV, adding some great references from our instructors and a willingness to move quickly resulted in a job flying Bell 212’s in Papua New Guinea. Starting within a week of applying, Jared was off to Port Moresby with a three year contract working for an operator that supplies helicopter services to the Papua New Guinea defence force.
Jared’s work involves moving defence force personnel around for border protection, soldier deployment into areas of civil unrest and operating a winch capable helicopter for search and rescue. A very mountainous and remote terrain with dense rainforest up to 14,000ft means helicopters are the easiest way to transport personnel and equipment around the country. In his third year of duty he will focus on work around oil and gas operations undertaking pipeline surveillance and personnel transport in a Bell 412 Helicopter.
Jared’s goal is to work long lining with twin engine helicopters and to eventually be a pilot back in Wanaka or Queenstown “The Helicopter Capital of New Zealand!”
Learn more about our Diploma in Aviation course here.
