Train for your aviation future amongst Wanaka’s stunning mountain landscape. Study core flight theory, plus essential aviation subjects for commercial operators. Acquire superior flight skills by training in a mountainous environment with our highly experienced flight instructors during the two year full time qualification. All courses are taught at Wanaka Airport where trainees actively participate as support in daily commercial operation as part of their training.
Wanaka Helicopters’ Diploma includes everything you require for a commercial licence, plus extra flight opportunities, ratings, and invaluable ground operations experience.
For more information you can download our Training Prospectus or our 2026 Diploma in Aviation Course Information.
Nestled in the Southern Alps, our family-run flight training school is built on a deep love for aviation, adventure, and the land we fly over. For us, teaching the next generation of pilots is about more than passing on skills. It’s about sharing our passion, nurturing confidence, and inspiring each student to achieve their dreams.
Our New Zealand Diploma in Aviation programme is designed to equip students with the skills required to set them above most CPL licence holders for early employment with a commercial operator. It lays the groundwork for a future path toward flight instruction, ATPL, Air Traffic Control or becoming an Air Operator themselves.
The New Zealand Diploma in Aviation (NZDipGA) has been developed by the New Zealand aviation industry for both fixed and rotary wing pilots. It is a nationally recognised qualification administered by NZ Government under NZQA and Ringa Hora.
Only two helicopter flight schools in NZ are approved to conduct the Diploma in Aviation which allow them to offer student loans for flight training. Wanaka Helicopters is the only training school offering both the Diploma in Aviation Rotary & Aeroplane.
Wanaka Helicopters is the largest and most experienced of all those schools and we are committed to producing exceptional pilots who have the potential to be very successful in their chosen aviation careers.
Our New Zealand Diploma in Aviation programme is designed to equip students with the skills required to set them above most CPL licence holders for early employment with a commercial operator. It lays the groundwork for a future path toward flight instruction, ATPL, Air Traffic Control or becoming an Air Operator themselves.
The Diploma results in candidates graduating with a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Commercial Pilot Licence, Helicopter (CPLH) and a Diploma in Aviation. The Diploma comprises of more than 25 unit standard courses and modules combined into a two-year qualification. These courses encompass topics and aspects of aviation over and above those required for a basic commercial pilot licence.
The Diploma is structured to start a professional pilot on a career path. Graduates will attain considerable extra operational and theoretical knowledge and practical skills that put them at an advantage when seeking employment as commercial pilots.
The purpose of the Diploma qualification it to provide the General Aviation sector of the New Zealand Aviation Industry with graduates who have attained above average operational and theoretical knowledge and practical skills to operate as commercial pilots and associated support staff in all aspects of aircraft operations.
After successfully completing the course, a graduate will be a fully qualified commercial helicopter pilot, with type ratings for various single engined helicopters, be able to exercise the privileges provided for by CAANZ in New Zealand including, but not limited to, commercial flying operations, ground based operations, flight planning and assisting operators with their safety management systems (SMS).
See our 2024 self-review here.
CORE THEORY
Principles of Flight
Flight Navigation
Air Law
Meteorology
Human Factors
Dangerous Goods
Basic Gas Turbine
General Aircraft Technology
ELECTIVES
Quality Management
Decision Making
Regulatory and Aviation Safety
GPS for VFR Flight
Human Factors and Safety Culture
Risk Management
Operation Requirements / Robinson Safety Awareness Training
FLIGHT TRAINING
Mountain Flying
Winter Flying
Cross-Country Navigation
Single-engine Type Rating
Night Flying
CPL Preparation
CPL Flying Skills
External Load Operations
Frost Protection Operations
Advanced Long-line Sling Loads
Trolley/Platform Take-offs and Landings
*All additional to basic flight training
Becoming a professional pilot, aviation manager, air operator, or controller is an exciting journey, but flight training can be costly. Fortunately, the government offers funding options to help aspiring aviation professionals, making the Diploma in Aviation an excellent pathway to launch your career.
The government provides financial support, including direct subsidies that lower training costs, making it more affordable compared to international programs. These subsidies are available to both New Zealand residents and Australian citizens. Additionally, StudyLink offers student loans of up to $70,000, providing valuable financial assistance for your studies. Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to apply for the Final Year Fees programme after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme - for full details visit www.ird.govt.nz/fees-free. Apply for your student allowance or loan before 16 December.
To ease living expenses, students may be eligible for a student living allowance, including accommodation supplements and living expense loans. For those under 26, family income may be considered when determining eligibility.
Wanaka Helicopters gives aspiring pilots the chance to pursue their dreams with support from our own scholarships, as well as the Allen Hogan and Pauwell Scholarships. We also encourage students to research and seek out other scholarships or funding opportunities available in their own communities for their studies.
At Wanaka Helicopters, we are committed to supporting diversity in aviation. Each year, we offer a $10,000 scholarship for NZ Maori heritage students pursuing helicopter training. We also encourage women to enter the aviation industry with an annual $5,000 scholarship for female helicopter trainees.
Additionally, the Allen Victor Hogan Scholarship offers up to $3,000 for both helicopter and aeroplane students, and the Pauwell Scholarship provides funding for NZ citizens. For more information, visit Pauwels Flying Scholarship - www.pauwelsflyingscholarship.co.nz. You can view more information on our scholarships available and how to apply below.
You can start your application process below or reach out to us for further information.
