Air Hawke's Bay

Air Hawkes’s Bay (AHB) is an aviation education provider, established over 80 years ago. AHB specialises in delivering full-time integrated fixed-wing pilot flight training, for air charter services, and international and domestic students. 

The uniqueness of AHB rests on providing an Internship Programme and International tailored courses, owning and operating from their aerodrome with unlimited airspace and varied weather patterns and landscapes, arranging onsite and offsite accommodation for students, and holding conventional and glass cockpit aircraft / simulators.

International flight training programme

The International Flight Training programme at AHB qualifies students for the New Zealand Pilot License, which is recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Students can enjoy a challenging and testing environment, plenty of diverse landscapes and seascapes, and a friendly and welcoming approach, in a safe and secure place following international standards. 

Domestic flight training programme

As for the Domestic Flight Training, AHB’s reputation is based on the high success rate of employment for AHB’s internship candidates. The internship programme delivers valuable attributes beyond the prescribed Diploma outcomes. The training includes extra flying hours, well rounded technical skills, development of organization and communication skills, and providing insights to commercial operations. 

Flight instructors, aircraft and facilities

AHB’s instructors hold advanced ratings and privileges, and a long track record of flight hours. With up to 18 instructors, students can learn to fly in an aircraft fleet, that includes Cessna 152 & 172s (glass cockpit), Piper Tomahawks and Cherokees, and DA42 Diamond Twin Star. CAA’s approved simulators are available to support all these aircraft.

The staff is professional and experienced, and as a result, there is a high pass rate for students, with an outstanding success record of graduates who operate around the world. Also, students at AHB become a part of the spirited aviation community culture.

AHB is owned by the Hawkes Bay & East Coast Aero Club Inc and located next to the Hastings Aerodrome. The main runway is 3,500ft long, sealed and installed with lighting. The grass runway is 3,000ft long, and the combined grass-seal runway is 2,000ft long.

The aircraft at AHB include: 

Single-Engine Aircraft - Piper Tomahawk – PA 38, Cessna 152 – C152, Cessna 172 – C172, Piper Archer/Warrior – PA 28.

Multi-Engine Aircraft - Diamond Twin Star – DA42, AT-21, DA 42 Twin Engine Simulator, Frasca Mentor.

Additional services

Besides the training programmes, AHB offers charter flights services, aerial photography and surveying flights, and scenic flights over the Bay. The charter flights services are approved and certified by the NZ Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), enabling flights to a wide range of destinations within the country. AHB is also equipped with all the necessary equipment for aerial and surveying flights, and glassed cockpit aircraft and technology to place the aircraft as the photographers need. In Addition, customers can enjoy the extraordinary landscapes of the Bay by joining scenic flights with AHB’s pilots.  

Campus location

Hawke’s Bay District is located on the East coast of New Zealand, on the North Island. The area is characterized by a stable and warm climate, with a range of leisure pursuits. The area includes the cities of Hastings and Napier, with a population of 150,000. In these cities, students can receive all the required services during and after their training period.

Air Hawkes Bay tuition was the first NZ training provider to be accredited with CAA Part 141, and has the New Zealand Qualification Authority accreditation.