A Private Pilots Licence (PPL) is the minimum qualification required before you may fly a helicopter while carrying passengers.

Ardmore Helicopters will tailor a training course to teach you all the practical and theoretical skills required to achieve your PPL. Once the PPL is achieved, you will be able to take passengers and fly anywhere in New Zealand. A PPL does not permit you to be employed as a pilot for hire or reward (refer Commercial Pilots Licence).

Eligibility
CAA Rules state that you must be at least 16 years of age prior to your first solo flight, and 17 years of age to be eligible to sit your PPL Flight Test.  You must also meet the following criteria:
›   Class 2 Aviation Medical
›   Be competent in spoken English to CAA requirement

Theory
To obtain your PPL, you need to pass the following written examinations:
›   Helicopter Technical Knowledge and Principals of Flight
›   Aviation Law
›   Navigation
›   Meteorology
›   Human Factors
›   Flight Radio Telephone Operator (FRTO)

Part time one-on-one tuition is offered, at times to suit the individual.

Practical
A minimum of 50 hours flight time is required by the Civil Aviation Authority. This training will include the following:
›   Pre Solo Exercises
›   Circuit Training
›   Navigation
›   Operations
›   Advanced Dual Instruction (inc emergency procedures)

Course Length
While we follow a standard training schedule we will tailor the theory and practical training exercises to meet your individual needs and time constraints. In general you could expect to have your Private Pilots Licence within four months if studying full time, or approximately 12 months if studying part time.