Ardmore Flying School

Ardmore Flying School was established in 1961 in Auckland, offering a world-class pilot training programmes and facilities at all levels, from basic training through to a Commercial Pilot Licence, Flight Instructor ratings, Airline Preparation, and ATPL theory.

Ardmore is recognised internationally as a provider of a high-standard flight training facility, qualifying international and domestic students with a solid foundation of training skills and critical areas of aviation theory. The training programmes also focus on adapting to the changing environment of the skies and learning how to operate efficiently in both the commercial and the corporate sectors. As a student at Ardmore, you will learn from professional and experienced instructors, and apply your theoretical knowledge on modern and well-maintained aircraft and flight simulators.

Ardmore’s Flying School mission is to provide the highest standard of excellence to their students, in aviation, education, safety, competency, command, and to accomplish their individual and professional aviation goals.  

Programmes

Fixed Wing Courses (The only programmes which are available also for international students)

Flight training programme - Commercial pilot with multi-engine instrument rating (Level 5) – Enables you to fly commercially but might be required to be supervised by the employing airline to fly larger passenger aircraft.  The programme duration is approx. 58 weeks.  
Airline Preparation Programme Diploma (Level 6) – Enables you to fly commercially, and the Multi-Crew Integration (MCIC) prepares you to complete the Turboprop or Jet type rating at your airline company. The programme duration is approx. 72 weeks.
Flight Instruction Programme (Level 6) – Enables you to fly commercially as a C Category Flight Instructor. The programme duration is approx. 72 weeks.
Modular Training Programme – The training that you will complete define your ability to fly as a pilot. You can complete the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) to fly with family and friends as passengers, but you will not be able to be rewarded for this. If you complete the Commercial Pilot Licence you will be able to fly for a reward or hire. The more modules you complete, more employment options are available. Students must train and fly regularly to achieve the goals of their programme. 

Fly 1st SOLO

• This programme is a chance to experience your 1st solo flight and practically control the aircraft, initially under the expert guidance of the instructors, and then by yourself. This experience will count toward your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) if you will go for it.
• The programme includes 11 lessons, some in flight and others in the class, and you will learn about the effects of controls, climbing and descending, straight and level, stalling and advanced stalling, medium turns and slow flight, through to completion of Circuit training.
• Prior to flying, you will complete 5 Mass Briefings, to ensure that you have the knowledge to fly solo safely, and you must have a class 2 medical certificate to do so.
• The final flight will be just you and the Cessna C172 aircraft, flying a single circuit through all the stages – take-off, runway, and to land.

Introduction flight packages

• If you want to have a look at what it is like to be a pilot and to operate the aircraft under experienced pilot guidance, this is your chance.
• 3-hour introduction flight – you will complete 3 tutorials – Climbing and descending, effects of controls, and straight and level. The flight will start with a thorough briefing with the instructor, including a full pre-flight inspection of the Cessna C172 aircraft. Minimum age of 16 years.
• 5-hour introduction flight - you will complete 5 tutorials – Climbing and descending, effects of controls, and straight and level, medium turns, and other manoeuvres. The flight will start with a thorough briefing with the instructor, including a full pre-flight inspection of the Cessna C172 aircraft. Minimum age of 16 years.

Jet Simulator Experience

An opportunity to experience the excitement of flying an A320 over Auckland city or Christchurch’s mountains and Queenstown approach.  

1/2-hour simulator experience – You will be briefed on the flight, the basic controls and the A320 aircraft before entering the simulator and starting your flying over Auckland and landing in the airport.
1-hour simulator experience - You will be briefed on the flight, the basic controls and the A320 aircraft before entering the simulator and starting your flying over Christchurch and the Southern Alps, and landing in Queenstown.

Training facilities

Ardmore Flying School is pride in being focused on the delivery of the most efficient and quality training environment. The school has advanced equipment and modern technologies to help their students to achieve their objectives.

The training facilities at Ardmore include 15 R model Cessna 172 aircraft, 2 DA42 Twin Star aircraft, Garmin G1000 single-engine simulator, multi-engine simulator, Pacific A320 fixed-based simulator, and a King Air Turboprop simulator.

The school is located overlooking the Ardmore Airport, there are office spaces for the staff, computers and desks for flight planning, logbook completion or weather printing, a welcome area for visitors, and under-cover deck for relaxation and gatherings. All the classes are modern and equipped with all the necessary aids to provide the best learning experience.

The Ardmore Airport, which was established in 1943, has become New Zealand’s premier facility for airline and general aviation training and is the permanent home base to about 40 Warbirds aircraft.

Staff

The tuition method in Ardmore is to deliver the theoretical subjects by an experienced instructor and an assistant. The instructor will be your go-to person with any issue you may have. A Student who wants to revisit core concepts can do so by using computer-based interactive pilot training.

The instructors at Ardmore are pilots in their own and gained thousands of hours as flight instructors. There is also an ‘A’ Category instructor with over 40 years of experience in training fixed-wing programmes.

Support services

Accommodation

Ardmore’s support services team can arrange accommodation in a variety of options. Students can choose a bedroom (some with ensuite) in a 4-bedroom house, fully equipped with furniture and amenities. The electric power, internet connection and water are also included. The houses are located 5-minutes’ drive from the training centre, close to shops and other facilities, and students may use a courtesy vehicle to go to the accommodation and the training centre.

Pastoral care

The staff at Ardmore care for their students and want them to enjoy their studying experience. The enrolment team will help you to settle by guiding you when opening a bank account in Papakura, and obtaining a local sim card. You can discuss any issues with this team, in a confidential service, related to your studies, health, accommodation, financials or adjustment to the country.

Arriving in New Zealand

The school is organising the collection of the students from the airport directly to their accommodation. During the first period, an orientation day will be provided at the school, to meet the instructors and the other students.

Accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), approved Private Training Establishment (PTE), and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ).

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