FAQ - Commercial Pilot Programme

Click on the question to get answers about our CTC Wings Commercial Pilot Programme.

Do I qualify?
How do I enrol?
When can I enrol?
How long will I be training?
Can I get an academic qualification?
How many hours will I fly?
How much time will I spend in the classroom?
What exams will I sit?
Am I guaranteed a job?
What if I find the course difficult?
How much do I need to pay?
What aircraft will I fly during training?
Who will instruct me?

Do I qualify?

Before acceptance into the Commercial Pilot Programme (CPP) you must meet the following criteria:

be at least 17 years of age on the date of application;
have the right to live and work in New Zealand in your own right, rather than by right of marriage;
hold and maintain a NZ CAA Class 1 medical certificate;
hold and maintain a current drivers licence;
successfully pass all phases of the CTC Wings pilot selection process;
give authority for a background and a CAA/Aviation Security check, including a Criminal Record Check (Priv/F2). The purpose of this check is to identify possible causes that may preclude you from being issued a license;
achievement (12 credits or better) at Level 2 NCEA (or equivalent) in each of three subjects including Maths, English and preferably a Science subject;
meet IELTS requirement 5 for English or, from June 2007, the ICAO Aviation English Proficiency Test, if English is the second language.

back to top

How do I enrol?

The selection into any CTC Wings programme is rigorous and comprehensive. Selection is key to the success of our programme and your future.

As a CTC Wings Commercial Pilot Programme applicant, you will be required to undertake the four phases of selection outlined below. Phases Two, Three and Four are on concurrent days at CTC's Crew Training Centre at Hamilton International Airport.

Phase One

Once you've submitted an application form CTC will assess your application and invite those meeting the standard to attend Phase Two.

Phase Two

You will view a presentation about the course. This is followed by a computerised aptitude test (PilApt), a maths test and a written test. We will invite the best candidates to attend Phase Three the following day.

Phase Three

You will take part in two group exercises and a formal interview. Again, those meeting the standard will be invited to attend Phase Four the following day.

Phase Four

You will take part in a flight in one of CTC's Simulators (previous flying experience is not necessary).

Upon successful completion of the selection process, CTC confirms your enrolment and course allocation with NMIT.

back to top

When can I enrol?

Courses start every two months throughout the year, so you can enrol anytime.

Depending on the time of year, there are approximately 10-12 weeks between your initial application date and the start of flight training. This allows for enrolment administration and gives you the opportunity to gain the Class 1 Medical, attend the selection process and relocate if necessary.

back to top

How long will I be in training?

From enrolment to gaining a Commercial Pilot's License will take you approximately 18 months. This is a full-time course requiring daily attendance and the occasional weekend (when weather delays occur). Leave periods are incorporated within this timeframe.

Should you be selected for the Sponsored Instructor Programme, you will be required to complete a further 19 weeks of full-time study.

back to top

Can I get an academic qualification?

By completing the programme, you will gain a Diploma in Aviation Science through NMIT, an Instrument Rating and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) theory subjects.

For those with the aptitude and desire, there is the opportunity to gain a 'C' Cat Instructor Rating. What's more, this NZQA-approved programme is eligible to be fully funded through New Zealand's student loan scheme.

back to top

How many hours will I fly?

The CTC Wings Commercial Pilot Programme exceeds NZCAA Rule requirements with a total of 207.6 hours flight time excluding simulator flight time. More than 35 hours of your training time will be flown in multi-engine aircraft.

If you are selected to continue with CTC's Sponsored Instructor Programme, you will complete a further 90 hours of flight training.

back to top

How much time will I spend in the classroom?

For the basic phase subjects (at PPL level) you will spend 84 hours in the classroom. Ground School Instructors deliver this training by using a mixture of lecture and PowerPoint presentations.

Computer-based training is utilised for the CPL/Instrument Rating and ATPL theory.

Ground School Instructors provide you with teaching and mentoring through the computer-based delivery of these subjects. There are 54 work stations available for student use.

back to top

What exams will I sit?

You will sit external aviation theory examinations and flight tests conducted by Aviation Services Limited (ASL). The PPL flight test is carried out by CTC's in-house Examiners.

back to top

Am I guaranteed a job?

No - but, with our experience of supplying airlines with qualified pilots in the United Kingdom and using our strong New Zealand contacts, CTC will point you in the right direction and do our best to facilitate your route into an airline.

If you successfully complete our Sponsored Instructor Programme, you will automatically be considered for employment at CTC.

back to top

What if I find the course difficult?

The CTC Wings Commercial Pilot Programme is an intensive and demanding course and some people experience difficulties at various points along the way.

That's why you will take part in a comprehensive assessment and recording process, so that we can identify areas of concern early on and utilise a remedial training package to give you some extra help if required.

You will also have full access to all of NMIT's student resources and support.

back to top

How much do I need to pay?

You can contact NMIT directly for course costs by phoning 0800 422 733, emailing info@nmit.ac.nz or visiting http://www.nmit.ac.nz/.

back to top

What aircraft will I fly during training?

CTC has a fleet of 22 aircraft based at its Hamilton Crew Training Centre with more on order. The fleet includes twin engine aircraft (Diamond DA42 TwinStars and Piper PA44 Seminoles), and single engine aircraft (Diamond DA20 Katanas, Robin 2160s and Cessna 172s).

New Zealand-built Alpha 160A trainers and further Diamond TwinStars are on order and will replace and expand the Company's aircraft fleet.

back to top

Who will instruct me?

To match CTC's high-tech aircraft and simulators, its airline-type maintenance facility and purpose built training centre, the company prides itself in having the most experienced and qualified instructors. These include 'A' Category Instructor/Examiners and JAA Qualified Instructor/Examiners.

back to top

Apply to the CTC Wings Cadet programme today and make your career fly!