Getting a licence
Please note:
If you are seeking the issue or amendment of flight crew documents, expect it to take one week to receive your new documents. This is providing that your application is complete, meets the requirements of the Act and Civil Aviation Rules and there are no postal delays. We cannot fulfill on-the-spot applications.
Becoming a pilot will involve taking flying lessons to get practical experience, undergoing a medical examination, and sitting written examinations. The requirements for becoming a licensed pilot are contained in the Advisory Circulars to Part 61. The curricula for the Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence and Airline Transport Pilot Licence examinations are contained in the Advisory Circulars to Part 61 Pilot Licences and Ratings.
| Advisory Circular | Subject |
| AC61-1.1 [72 Kb] | Pilot licences and ratings – General |
| AC61-1.2 [28 Kb] | Student pilots |
| AC61-1.3 [226 Kb] | Private pilot licences |
| AC61-1.5 [474 Kb] | Commercial pilot licences |
| AC61-1.7 [288 Kb] | Airline transport pilot licences |
| AC61-1.10 [386 Kb] | Type ratings |
| AC61-1.12 [38 Kb] | Aerobatic flight ratings |
| AC61-1.13 [28 Kb] | Glider tow ratings |
| AC61-1.14 [34 Kb] | Parachute drop ratings |
| AC61-1.15 [46 Kb] | Agricultural ratings |
| AC61-1.16 [32 Kb] | Pilot chemical ratings |
| AC61-1.17 [264 Kb] | Instrument ratings |
| AC61-1.18 [228 Kb] | Flight instructor ratings |
| AC61-1.19A [156 Kb] | Flight examiner ratings |
Sitting the examinations
Aviation Services Ltd conducts the examinations. This company is owned by the aviation industry and is based in Lower Hutt. There are regular timetabled sittings in the main centres throughout New Zealand.
Practical experience
Any pilot licence requires both practical experience and examination passes. You can sit the examinations at any time, although having some practical experience already under your belt will probably make this easier.