- Why should I study at Mainland Aviation College?
- What sort of planes do you fly?
- Which course is the one for me?
- How hard are the exams?
- What does it cost?
- Tell me more about these loans and allowances?
- How do I know if it's for me?
- Can I use my New Zealand licence overseas?
- What are Class 1 and Class 2 Medicals?
- I wear glasses; does this mean I cannot fly?
- Are the instructors qualified?
- Will I get a job at the end of it?
- Can I work while I study?
- Can I hire a plane once I have a licence?
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Why should I study at Mainland Aviation College?
Mainland Aviation College is based at Dunedin International Airport, which means that right from the start you are exposed to the actual environment that you will one day be working in. At the same time, however, you will not face the lengthy delays of large airports such as Christchurch.
Dunedin is a great place to learn to fly, you get to experience all kinds of weather during your training and some of the most beautiful and remote destinations in New Zealand are only an hour or so away.
Mainland Aviation College is a division of Mainland Air, Otago's largest air service provider. Students training at Mainland Aviation College gain first hand exposure to the real world of commercial aviation.
Our NZ CAA qualified, experienced and dedicated staff maintain a happy, friendly and professional environment. They have an excellent understanding of your needs and are always happy to spend time with anyone who has questions or difficulties.
Our College is well equipped with modern audiovisual equipment, flight simulator, computer systems and other teaching aids. Our class sizes are purposely kept small to facilitate one on one instruction. Our classrooms are pleasant, comfortable, bright and attractive.
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What sort of planes do you fly?
We have a fleet of 8 Cessna 152s, 1 Cessna 172, 1 Socata Tobago and 2 Piper Seneca IIIs.
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Which course is the one for me?
This depends on why you want to fly. If you are planning on flying for fun, the Private Pilots Licence is for you, with perhaps an Instrument Rating if you don't want to be caught out by the weather.
If you wish to have a career as a pilot, then start with the Private Pilots Licence and then move onto the Commercial Pilots Licence which allows you to fly for hire or reward. By this stage you will know something of the industry and you will have more knowledge on which to make the decision between an Instructor Rating, Multi Engine Instrument Rating or even both.
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How hard are the exams?
The exams are not overly difficult. Knowledge of maths and physics is an advantage, but it really comes down to you wanting to do it and applying yourself. We provide you with all the materials and information that you need, and our Instructors are always available to help.
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What does it cost?
Perhaps not as much as you may think! Refer to the individual course descriptions in this section for details. Remember that all of our courses are approved for student loans and allowances which you may be eligible for.
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Tell me more about these loans and allowances?
Mainland Aviation College is registered as a Private Training Establishment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments.
As Dunedin's only NZQA approved PTE able to provide flight training, students attending the college may be eligible for student loans and allowances to meet course costs and living expenses. If you would like to know more about student loans and allowances, visit Studylink or phone toll free 0800 88 99 00.
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How do I know if it's for me?
If you are interested in aviation either as a hobby or career, contact us - we are glad to answer any questions that you may have, and to show you around. We also suggest taking advantage of our trial flight at reduced cost so that you can get some hands on flying experience before you make your decision.
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Can I use my New Zealand licence overseas?
NZ Licences are highly respected overseas and the meet the International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) standards. To be sure of all the details, you should contact the controlling Aviation Authority in the country in question. You can use your NZ licence in Australia.
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What are Class 1 and Class 2 Medicals?
The NZ CAA has certain medical standards that you must meet. A Class 2 Medical is required for a PPL, and a Class 1 Medical is required for a CPL. The medical is issued following a successful medical examination by a nominated Aviation Doctor. You can find out more information about the medical requirements and a list of doctors at NZ Civil Aviation Authority.
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I wear glasses; does this mean I cannot fly?
In most cases this will not be a problem, and many pilots do wear glasses. Your eyesight will be assessed during your medical.
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Are the instructors qualified?
All our instructors hold NZ CAA Instructor Ratings and undergo annual renewals. Not only are they qualified Instructors, but most are also current Multi Engine Charter pilots, which means that you as a student have access to people with a wide range of experience in the real world of commercial aviation.
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Will I get a job at the end of it?
Unfortunately, like most if not all training establishments, we cannot guarantee you a job. However, what we can do is provide you with a high standard of training, the skills you will need in your chosen field and the licences you will require. Once you have your licences, we may be able to offer you part time work to start building your experience.
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Can I work while I study?
If you are studying part time, this is not a problem, however, if you are studying full time you must meet the course requirements and there are certain limitations if you are receiving student allowances. For further details, visit Studylink or phone toll free 0800 88 99 00.
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Can I hire a plane once I have a licence?
Absolutely! Once you have your licence, our aircraft are available for hire. As an example, you could fly yourself and three friends to Queenstown for the weekend. As you only pay for the plane while the engine is running, this return flight could cost you as little as $400, or $100 per person.
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