Welcome to the NZ Helicopter Training Academy

Our passion is introducing student pilots to the helicopter industry and provide them with the opportunity to gain a Private or Commercial Pilot Licence. Whether you want to fly recreationally or make an exciting career out of flying helicopters, producing highly professional and safe pilots is our ultimate goal.

As part of the Mid West Helicopters group of companies, we are extremely proud of the laid-back, friendly and inclusive environment we have created over many years in the industry. From the first time you walk through our door, you become part of the family and we will all go above and beyond to help you achieve your flying goals.

All our staff are highly skilled and experienced, and will ensure your time spent with NZHTA is beneficial and memorable. Get in touch or stop by either our Wanganui or Canterbury base for a tour of our facilities and to meet our instructors.

Schweizer 269 helicopters on the apron Wanganui

We're Going Nationwide!

We now have a base in Canterbury, just 35 minutes from Christchurch. We'll be doing all things flight training from the foot of the Southern Alps in our trusted H300 helicopter. For more information, don't hestitate to get in touch!

We Do All Things Flight Training

 Follow the links below for more information
Private pilots licence
Private Pilot Licence
This image for Image Layouts addon
Instructor Rating
This image for Image Layouts addon
Commercial Pilot Licence
This image for Image Layouts addon
Advanced Training
This image for Image Layouts addon
Trial Flight
This image for Image Layouts addon
Agricultural Rating
I trained at NZHTA in Whanganui and it was truly incredible. I trained full-time and gained my CPL in 10 months, a massive effort from my instructors. Working as a commercial line pilot in Botswana, I owe this amazing opportunity to the training provided by NZHTA. The office staff and instructors at NZHTA create a welcoming environment, making you feel at ease from the moment you step in. Whanganui offers a beautiful flying location and with instructors like Diesel, Chris and Dean, who have extensive experience in various flying jobs, you're on your way to becoming a top-notch pilot for your future career.
Scott Donald
Scott Donald
Training for my commercial pilot’s license at the New Zealand Helicopter Training Academy was a very rewarding experience. The academy’s instructors provided excellent guidance and support, making the process smooth and straightforward. Their hands-on approach and dedication to my success were truly outstanding. I’m grateful for their expertise and highly recommend the academy to aspiring helicopter pilots.
Chris Hall
Chris Hall
I completed my CPL flight training with NZHTA in January 2022. NZHTA provided a fantastic environment to learn, with friendly staff, comfortable class rooms and an immaculate hangar. My instructor Chris was completely invested in my training journey from day one. Starting out with building solid fundamental skills then progressing to more advanced scenario type and tailored training based on my flying career goals. Within the 2 years since getting my CPL, I’ve had flying jobs throughout Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Starting out in R44s and now in larger turbine machines. After all this, Chris still picks up the phone when I call him for advice on flying and my career. I couldn’t recommend NZHTA enough.
Josh Mangin
Josh Mangin
After 40 years of fixed wing flying I thought I'd try flying helicopters for the experience of a different type of aircraft. After some enquiry I decided to fly with the NZHTA Academy at Whanganui under the instruction of Chris van der Salm. Initially I only intended to fly to solo as an achievement but as it was so enjoyable and with positive encouragement from Chris I decided to continue to PPL which I achieved much easier than what I might have thought. Chris showed not only a very professional level of teaching but is very respectful towards his students. With a keen attitude to see his students progress while helping with examination subjects along with the flying all make for an enjoyable process. Jim Mckay.
Jim McKay
Jim McKay

About NZHTA

Wanganui Airport has a long history of aviation and training pilots, both fixed-wing and helicopter, that dates back to the 1960's. When long-time helicopter instructor, Ian Wakeling, retired in 2020, the directors of Mid West Helicopters took it upon themselves to keep the legacy alive and continue training helicopter pilots. From that passion, the New Zealand Helicopter Training Academy was born and over the years we have grown to operate three Schwiezer 269 (Hughes 300) helicopters while introducing dozens of helicopter pilots to the industry. 

NZHTA is part of the Mid West Helicopters group of companies, and now operates from two bases; our primary base in Wanganui and our satelite base down south in Canterbury. We pride ourselves on taking a vested interest in every single student pilot that comes through our door and doing everything we can to deliver safe highly skilled, highly motivated and highly employable pilots.

If you are considering a career in the helicopter industry, please don't hesitate to get in touch and meet our team and facilities. Once you walk through our door, you're part of the family!

Image