Max’s pilot-training journey began on a hunting and fishing trip when he was 14. He took his first helicopter ride and was  hooked for life. His passion only grew as he researched training options. Friends of the family who own a helicopter business in the North Island recommended Wanaka Helicopters to him.

Max’s goal to train with Wanaka Helicopters was solidified during a family holiday when he convinced his Dad to visit the training school. Expecting a brief visit, they were instead treated to a comprehensive three hour tour by Simon. The incredible hospitality and thoroughness impressed Max and his father, making Wanaka Helicopters the clear choice. Continued interactions with Brian over the next two years reinforced this decision, as they always received prompt, well-informed, and helpful responses to their questions.

Max points out some highlights during his training experience. He valued the sense of family at base and the incredible environment, with training including mountain and coastal areas. A standout aspect for Max was the opportunity to be involved in the commercial side of the business. Whether driving fuel to the coast, assisting with lifting jobs, or washing helicopters, he enjoyed every moment and found the hands-on experience invaluable when he started his first job.

Max applied for jobs straight after graduation from the Diploma in Aviation and he successfully landed a job with PHI Aviation over more than 300 other applicants within a couple of months. 

Max is now flying a Sikorsky S92 for PHI, transporting personnel to offshore oil and gas platforms in Western Australia. He is grateful for the strong training foundation that he received throughout his training which helped prepare him for this role and the commercial aviation world. 

He believes the varied and challenging training environment around Wānaka honed his flying skills, allowed him to adapt to different operations and how to focus on the job at hand while keeping everyone safe. Max hopes to  to fly in and around the mountains again, but for now is loving the invaluable experience and opportunities he is presented with. 

“It is the best decision I have ever made. The people are incredible, the places you will see are amazing and they truly want to see you succeed and will do everything they can to set you up for a successful career.”