Welcome to the NZ Helicopter Training Academy
Our aim is to introduce students to the helicopter industry and provide them with the opportunity to gain a Private or Commercial Pilot Licence. Our approach is professional and we want all students to become embedded in the ‘just culture’ that we have created. We are placing emphasis on many things, but pride and professionalism are two that are required from day one.
Our instructors are highly qualified and want to ensure your time spent with the NZHTA is beneficial and memorable. The aim is to provide you with a service and enjoyment you will remember for life.
Learn To Fly
can help you learn to fly and start a future career
About NZHTA
NZ Helicopter Training Academy is based at Wanganui Airport and is part of the Mid West Helicopters group. We pride ourselves on training highly professional pilots for both private and commercial licences.
Wanganui airport has a long association and history of helicopter flight training dating back to the 1960s. It was important for the Mid West Helicopters directors that this continued after the retirement of long-time pilot and instructor Ian Wakeling. NZHTA was born out of this and now provides the only helicopter flight training service in the greater region.
NZHTA students get the opportunity to learn alongside a very busy agricultural and commercial operator, ensuring you leave our hangar with a lot more than a bare licence.
Your Instructor
Dean Lithgow
Dean is an experienced pilot having flown a large variety of helicopters for more than 30 years throughout New Zealand. Dean does a wide range of commercial work but agricultural flying is his passion and he has a lot of knowledge to pass on to other pilots.
Dean holds a B, D & E Category instructor ratings meaning he can take you through the flight training for your Agricultural Rating and helicopter Type Ratings.