MAC Graduates
Iain Howard
"My journey started in June 2010. I chose Mainland Aviation College because it offered training out of an international airport, low student/instructor ratio and a fleet size that meant one need not book well in advance for a plane.
The smallness of the school meant the instructors and students alike got to know each other well - both professionally and socially. This proved a major positive as all instructors soon became aware of each student's trouble areas with both study and practical - and they took steps to assist.
Something I enjoyed about training at MAC is the freedom that comes with a PPL. While hour-building, many of us were encouraged to take a plane away for a week to travel around the North Island. Not many schools around offer that opportunity. Another highlight was being part of a fleet on five C152s and a Tobago to land on Mason's Bay on Stewart Island.
In just over a year, I'd acquired a PPL, CPL and a Multi-engine Instrument Rating. I then started training for an instructor's rating. After successfully attaining the instructor's rating I began instructing, along with some peers in November 2011. In March 2013, I began training in the charter division on the Piper Chieftain and Senecas.
In June 2013, I started flying with Air Rarotonga. I'm a first officer on the Embraer Bandeirante and fly scenic flights on the C172 when needed. I also do the odd instructional flight on the Cessna.
Looking back- the training at Mainland prepared me well for this journey. Knowing what I know now, if I could start again, I would definitely choose to go there again. Phil, Shirley, Hamish and the crew take a very personal interest in seeing candidates succeed, so anyone willing to pursue flying to any degree can be assured to receive professional training."
"My journey started in June 2010. I chose Mainland Aviation College because it offered training out of an international airport, low student/instructor ratio and a fleet size that meant one need not book well in advance for a plane.
The smallness of the school meant the instructors and students alike got to know each other well - both professionally and socially. This proved a major positive as all instructors soon became aware of each student's trouble areas with both study and practical - and they took steps to assist.
Something I enjoyed about training at MAC is the freedom that comes with a PPL. While hour-building, many of us were encouraged to take a plane away for a week to travel around the North Island. Not many schools around offer that opportunity. Another highlight was being part of a fleet on five C152s and a Tobago to land on Mason's Bay on Stewart Island.
In just over a year, I'd acquired a PPL, CPL and a Multi-engine Instrument Rating. I then started training for an instructor's rating. After successfully attaining the instructor's rating I began instructing, along with some peers in November 2011. In March 2013, I began training in the charter division on the Piper Chieftain and Senecas.
In June 2013, I started flying with Air Rarotonga. I'm a first officer on the Embraer Bandeirante and fly scenic flights on the C172 when needed. I also do the odd instructional flight on the Cessna.
Looking back- the training at Mainland prepared me well for this journey. Knowing what I know now, if I could start again, I would definitely choose to go there again. Phil, Shirley, Hamish and the crew take a very personal interest in seeing candidates succeed, so anyone willing to pursue flying to any degree can be assured to receive professional training."
Adam Windle
"I began flight training with Mainland Aviation College in early 2010. In the following 16 months I attained the qualifications of PPL, CPL, Multi-engine Instrument Rating and C-Category Instructors rating. After completing my training I was taken on as an instructor at Mainland and was fortunate enough to move through into single-engine charter flying and eventually multi-engine IFR charter flying including air ambulance work. My time at Mainland was both memorable and invaluable in providing me with a wide range of flying experience in an environment that was both stunning and challenging to fly in.
Currently I’m employed by Air Nelson as a First Officer flying the Bombardier Q300 for Air New Zealand Link. I get to cover the majority of the domestic network and really enjoy the variation in getting to fly to all corners of New Zealand. Mainland provided me with a fantastic base to my aviation career, both as a great place to complete my training and as a great bunch of people to work with."
"I began flight training with Mainland Aviation College in early 2010. In the following 16 months I attained the qualifications of PPL, CPL, Multi-engine Instrument Rating and C-Category Instructors rating. After completing my training I was taken on as an instructor at Mainland and was fortunate enough to move through into single-engine charter flying and eventually multi-engine IFR charter flying including air ambulance work. My time at Mainland was both memorable and invaluable in providing me with a wide range of flying experience in an environment that was both stunning and challenging to fly in.
Currently I’m employed by Air Nelson as a First Officer flying the Bombardier Q300 for Air New Zealand Link. I get to cover the majority of the domestic network and really enjoy the variation in getting to fly to all corners of New Zealand. Mainland provided me with a fantastic base to my aviation career, both as a great place to complete my training and as a great bunch of people to work with."
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Amith Suresh
Hi guys my name is Amith Suresh one of the first international student who came to mainland for cpl. It was a wonderful experience in mainland learnt a lot enjoyed my flying. Atmosphere was really good and mainland staff are very co -operative . Presently I work as a First Officer for Air India . |
Melissa Ward
"I caught the flying bug after going for a trial flight at Mainland Air in 2003. I began flight training in 2004 and finished with a Commercial Pilot Licence, MEIR and an Instructors Rating.
The training was excellent with an emphasis on quality not quantity. A high aircraft to student ratio ensured there was aircraft available when required. The supportive, family environment creates a great place to learn and succeed. I worked as an instructor and charter pilot with Mainland Air until 2010 and absolutely loved my time there.
I now work as a Q300 Captain for Air Nelson - Air New Zealand."
"I caught the flying bug after going for a trial flight at Mainland Air in 2003. I began flight training in 2004 and finished with a Commercial Pilot Licence, MEIR and an Instructors Rating.
The training was excellent with an emphasis on quality not quantity. A high aircraft to student ratio ensured there was aircraft available when required. The supportive, family environment creates a great place to learn and succeed. I worked as an instructor and charter pilot with Mainland Air until 2010 and absolutely loved my time there.
I now work as a Q300 Captain for Air Nelson - Air New Zealand."
Tim McArthur
"Best flight training school in New Zealand in my opinion. The standard of flying at Mainland Aviation College is very high, specializing in good safe practical flying (because the instructors also fly charter they understand what commercial flying is all about).
A wide range of experiences can be gained at Mainland Aviation college, including Multi engine, tail wheel, aerobatics, strip flying, and sometimes even a bit of formation flying too.
Overall it's just flight training how it's meant to be: fun, quick progression, safe and to a high standard."
Tim is currently a Captain for Eagle Air - Air New Zealand. He has been accepted by Mount Cook Airlines, a major branch of Air NZ.
"Best flight training school in New Zealand in my opinion. The standard of flying at Mainland Aviation College is very high, specializing in good safe practical flying (because the instructors also fly charter they understand what commercial flying is all about).
A wide range of experiences can be gained at Mainland Aviation college, including Multi engine, tail wheel, aerobatics, strip flying, and sometimes even a bit of formation flying too.
Overall it's just flight training how it's meant to be: fun, quick progression, safe and to a high standard."
Tim is currently a Captain for Eagle Air - Air New Zealand. He has been accepted by Mount Cook Airlines, a major branch of Air NZ.
Shaun Casey
"My flying career began with Mainland Aviation in 2001. I gained my CPL in 2002 followed by a MEIR and Instructors rating. I then continued to work at Mainland as a flight instructor and charter pilot.
After a stint at TasAir, I now work for Toll Aviation, Australia on their ATR fleet.
Mainland is a great place to learn to fly. I value the supportive learning environment there. The location provides exposure to a wide variety of weather, terrain, ATC airspace and airfields. This allows you to experience all the key aspects of training right at your doorstep."
"My flying career began with Mainland Aviation in 2001. I gained my CPL in 2002 followed by a MEIR and Instructors rating. I then continued to work at Mainland as a flight instructor and charter pilot.
After a stint at TasAir, I now work for Toll Aviation, Australia on their ATR fleet.
Mainland is a great place to learn to fly. I value the supportive learning environment there. The location provides exposure to a wide variety of weather, terrain, ATC airspace and airfields. This allows you to experience all the key aspects of training right at your doorstep."
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