About Us

Wellington Airport in background taken from a Club Tomahawk Trainer after take off.

The Wellington Aero Club has been specialising in flight instruction since 1929 and offers flight training and aircraft hire 7 days a week, flying out of Wellington International Airport. The Club is only 10minute’s drive from the CBD allowing you to be in the pilot’s seat within minutes ,giving great flexibility in your training programme.

Wellington is an excellent, realistic, training environment, offering variety and contributing to a skill level not often available at other airfields. Once you have trained at Wellington you will have little difficulty flying into most airfields and airports around the country and overseas.

We have a training fleet of three immaculate and well maintained Piper Tomahawks and offer a wide range of 4 seater aircraft for hire, including Cessna 172, Piper Archer and Piper Arrow aircraft.

We are a not-for-profit organisation

Run by members, for members. All proceeds are put back into the Aero Club to improve it and make it a more enjoyable place for our members to fly.

All levels of flight training are available

From the basic Private Pilots License all the way through to the highest professional pilot licenses and ratings.

Personalised training programmes

A programme will be customised to your requirements, taking into account your personal goals and available resources.

Competitive flying rates

We pride ourselves on the value for money we provide to our members, especially when you get to fly from the heart of the capital. No need to waste time on the motorway driving to a rural airfield.

Wellington International Airport is an excellent place to train

It offers the full range of facilities, fantastic international airport environment where you get to mix it with the commuter turbo props and international 737s and Airbus A320s. As well as full air traffic control and airport services. Pilots training for or maintaining Instrument Ratings have VOR, DME , NDB and ILS navigation aids available. Centrally located, we are also close to a large number of airfields and a wide range of airspace types.

Frequent social gatherings and events

These are organised by our Club Captain in association with feedback from members. A typical event may be a convoy of our aircraft and members travelling to an airshow, a weekend in Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds or simply a barbecue and some friendly flying competitions on a fine Sunday afternoon. All members, flying and non-flying, are invited to take part in our social activities. Our newsletter will keep you updated with what’s happening. We also have a great fully licenced bar facility located in the upstairs area of the building, with fantastic views of the runway and Lyall Bay.

We are affiliated with the Royal New Zealand Aero Club (RNZAC). This means that, when flying away, you are entitled to reciprocal rights at the other 44 RNZAC member clubs around the country. We are also active in promoting participation in RNZAC flying competitions and pilot proficiency programmes.

About New Zealand

Beautiful scenery can be found throughout New Zealand. We are located in one of the most scenic regions of the country with a stable climate.

Visibility in New Zealand is generally very good due to the very low pollution rates. On clear days visibility ranges from 50 kilometers to 80 kilometers, and occasionally even more, allowing pilots – and passengers – great views of the landscape on offer.

A wide range of landscapes are easily reachable from Wellington by air. From plateau to mountains to coastline, it can all be explored in a few hours.

Why learn to fly with the Wellington Aero Club?

We offer our members professional flight instruction to a very high standard as well as the opportunity to be involved in social activities such as fly-aways to destinations all around New Zealand.

The Wellington Aero Club is open for flying activities 7 days a week, with flying being busiest in the weekends. During the summer we stay open late to take advantage of evening flying, allowing students to train after work. Winter actually offers some of the best flying conditions in the Capital and night flying, during this time is very popular, adding another stimulating dimension.

Yes. You can learn to fly at the Capital’s International Airport!

It’s exciting, convenient and provides a unique training environment that will prepare you for virtually anything. Being only 10 minutes drive from the central city means you can be in the pilot’s seat within minutes. This convenience also allows you greater flexibility in your training schedule. You are often able to book flights at a moment’s notice and there is no need for long drives to a satellite airfield miles away from the city, your home or job.

Wellington International Airport is an exciting yet safe place to learn as you mix it with a wide variety of other aircraft while under the caring and watchful eye of one of the country’s most efficient and helpful Control Towers.

We consider Wellington to be an excellent training environment offering variety and contributing to a skill level not often available at other uncontrolled fields. Once you have mastered the art of flying here you will have little difficulty flying into most airfields around the country and overseas.

What sort of aircraft do you fly?

We use Piper Tomahawk trainers: two seat, side-by-side aeroplanes with dual controls designed specifically for pilot instruction. An outstanding aircraft to learn in, with good visibility and uncomplicated systems combined with cost effectiveness, these aircraft are popular throughout NZ and overseas and provide handling characteristics that closely replicate that of larger aircraft you will later progress up to.

Who can learn to fly?

Almost anyone can learn to fly, provided you reach the medical standards that are not too stringent. You need to be in reasonably good health. Even eye-glasses will not necessarily stop you from attaining a licence. You need to be at least 16 years old to fly solo and a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) can be gained as early as 17. However, you can begin lessons at any age provided you can reach the controls. You could even start learning at 70 – it’s up to you. There are no minimum educational requirements for a PPL, however, you will need to pass 5 fairly elementary PPL (Private Pilot Licence) exams for which we provide study resources and support. In order to hold a licence you need to be judged a fit and proper person by the Civil Aviation Authority, this means that you must be free of any criminal convictions in the preceding 5 years.

How do I get started?

It’s as easy as picking up the telephone and making a booking with us. You don’t need any special qualifications. You are also more than welcome to come down to the Club at any time to meet the Staff and members and to take a look around the fleet and facilities. We are situated at the eastern end of Coutts St on the opposite side of the runway from the main terminal building. Contact us anytime from 8.30am to 6.00pm 7 days a week.

How long does it take?

There is no set time to gain your PPL. However, you must complete a minimum of 50 flying hours. Most people working towards a PPL fly once a week and complete their licence in 12 – 15 months. It depends largely on your lifestyle and we can tailor a flight training programme to suit you. Just speak to our staff. For more information on how much it will cost and the lessons involved see the accompanying PPL Training Programme.

Once you have your PPL, what next?

Having achieved your PPL there are many paths open to you – most people learn to fly a four seater aeroplane and then take their family and friends flying.To fly a particular type of aeroplane you need to complete a type rating, where an instructor teaches you to fly the new type and spends time familiarising you with the aeroplane.

With a PPL you can fly virtually anywhere and may hire one of our large fleet of aircraft for which you pay only while the motor is running. You might wish to fly to Queenstown or somewhere up north for a few days or a week maybe. With 3 friends helping to share the cost it is one of the cheaper ways of getting to some of those far-flung “outposts” as you generally don’t have to pay while the aircraft is sitting on the ground.

Some further options the Club offers are:-

A night rating – which enables you to take passengers for a night flight.
Commercial Pilot Training – the start of a professional flying career.
Instructor Rating allowing you to teach others to fly, and get paid for it.
Instrument Rating – this enables you to fly solely using instruments without outside reference, making your flying less weather dependent.

How is the club run?

The Club is run by an Executive Committee which is elected by the members at the AGM. The Executive is headed by the President who acts as the Chief Executive Officer. Social activities are co-ordinated by the Club Captain. The Executive is committed to ensuring the Club is operated according to its constitution. They make all the major business decisions on behalf of the membership. The club is non-profit

Does the club have a social side?

The Club Captain is responsible for developing social events such as Club Competitions, fly-aways, parties, the Annual Dinner, guest speakers and so on.
The upstairs Viewing Lounge and Bar is operated by Club members who are volunteer bar managers. All members are welcome. With an unsurpassed panoramic view over Wellington International Airport and subsidised bar prices, the lounge is an ideal place in which to relax after a training flight or to share a drink with friends.

Do you have industry affiliations?

We belong to the Royal New Zealand Aero Club (RNZAC now marketing under the Flying New Zealand banner) which has a network of more than forty Aero Clubs around the country. The RNZAC has international industry links and enables us to keep informed of new legislation and technology. Through membership of the RNZAC Club members can compete against other clubs in regional and national flying competitions. These competitions are designed to test and improve pilot skill and are available only to Aero Club members. Non-aligned flight training schools do not qualify for such membership privileges.

How hard are the exams?

The exams are not overly difficult. Knowledge of maths and physics is an advantage, but it really comes down to you wanting to do it and applying yourself. We provide you with all the materials and information that you need, and our Instructors are always available to help.

How do I know if it’s for me?

If you are interested in aviation either as a hobby or career, contact us – we are glad to answer any questions that you may have, and to show you around. We also suggest taking advantage of our trial flight at reduced cost so that you can get some hands on flying experience before you make your decision.

Can I use my New Zealand licence overseas?

NZ Licences are highly respected overseas and the meet the International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) standards. To be sure of all the details, you should contact the controlling Aviation Authority in the country in question. You can use your NZ licence in Australia.

What are Class 1 and Class 2 Medicals?

The NZ CAA has certain medical standards that you must meet. A Class 2 Medical is required for a PPL, and a Class 1 Medical is required for a CPL. The medical is issued following a successful medical examination by a nominated Aviation Doctor. You can find out more information about the medical requirements and a list of doctors at NZ Civil Aviation Authority.

I wear glasses; does this mean I cannot fly?

In most cases this will not be a problem, and many pilots do wear glasses. Your eyesight will be assessed during your medical.

Are the instructors qualified?

All our instructors hold NZ CAA Instructor Ratings and undergo annual renewals. Not only are they qualified Instructors, but most are also current Multi Engine Charter pilots, which means that you as a student have access to people with a wide range of experience in the real world of commercial aviation.

Can I hire an aircraft once I have a licence?

Absolutely! Once you have your licence, our aircraft are available for hire. As an example, as a financial Club member, you could fly yourself and three friends to Queenstown for the week. As you only pay for the plane while the engine is running, this return flight could cost you as little as $350 to $400  per person on a cost share basis, depending on aircraft type.