About Your Instructors
Paul Dalzell (Diesel)
Paul (Diesel) Dalzell was born and raised in Palmerston North, started his flight training in 2007 at Ardmore after 7.5 years in the Air Force as an aircraft technician. On completion of his Commercial Pilots Licence in February 2008 Diesel travelled to various countries (US, Australia and Papua New Guinea) following flying jobs. He then came back to New Zealand, got his Instructor rating, and worked as an Instructor in Ardmore. After working in Rotorua for Volcanic Air he returned to the Air Force as an Aircraft Technician before deciding it was time to get back in the flying seat which led him to New Zealand Helicopter Training Academy. Paul is an experienced C category instructor with a wealth of knowledge to pass on.
Chris van der Salm
Chris has been with NZHTA since the very beginning and has rejoined the team, after flying in Canada, by starting a satelite base in the South Island. He brings a wide variety of experience to the team, having flown all throughout New Zealand, Australia and Canada, and holds a B & D catergory instructor rating.
Chris has a huge passion for introducing new pilots to the industry. With a utility background and a lot of bush-flying experience, Chris brings a commercial and practical mindset to his flight training which sets the student up as best as possible for the real world. Chris remains great friends with his former students, always available for a call, and gets a real kick out of seeing his former students working in the industry.
Dean Lithgow
Dean is well known figure in the Wanganui community and is a hugely experienced pilot with more than 30 years of flying throughout New Zealand. Dean is a director and Chief Pilot of the Mid West Helicopters group. Agricultural flying is his passion but he has a lot of experience doing almost everything a helicopter can do! He has a lot of knowledge to pass on so if you find yourself flying with Dean, learn from him as much as you can.
Dean holds a B, D & E Category instructor ratings meaning he can take you right through your licence and carry out Agricultural Ratings.