Marlborough Aero Club

Private Pilots Licence

The geographical nature of the Marlborough area makes Omaka and the M.A.C the ideal place to learn to fly and to continue to fly M O’Sullivan, Blenheim

Learning to fly and gaining your Private Pilot Licence is fun, challenging and very rewarding. It gives you the independence to fly friends and family around the beautiful New Zealand landscape in a fast and exciting fashion.

At the Marlborough Aero Club we aim to keep the FUN in flying. Our experienced instructors will train all students to the highest standard, concentrating on “stick and rudder skills”, decision making and safety all while having a great time. We are the only organisation to give training into airstrips as part of your PPL, which will teach you invaluable skills above a normal PPL and a chance to really appreciate the amazing scenery of the region.

Marlborough is the perfect climate for learning to fly. It is the sunshine capital of New Zealand, has varying terrain and some challenging weather conditions to gain the best flying experience.  Most of all it has some of the most beautiful scenery New Zealand has to offer, all within 30mins from Omaka.

What can you do once gaining your PPL?:

• Achieve ratings in any of the Club’s aircraft (mircolight, tail-dragger, four seater)
• Fly to main airports throughout NZ in your preferred aircraft
• Take passengers on all flights
• Enter Club competitions, which could result in competing at national and international levels
• Take part in advanced flying (eg Strip Flying) under expert supervision
• Hire one of the Club’s aircrafts and only pay for the running time
• You cannot receive any payment for your services on a PPL licence, if you wish to do so then you need to obtain a Commercial Pilots Licence

Age

To obtain a PPL you need to be at least 17 years of age. However, you are able to start flying at any age and can go solo at 16 years of age. We have students ranging from early teens to their 80’s.

Medical

To gain a PPL or fly solo you must hold a current Class 1 or 2 Medical Certificate- This can be obtained here at Omaka by the famous Dr Dave Baldwin, with the Bulls Flying Doctors Service . If you are under 40 this is valid for 5 years, over 40’s 2 years. As long as you are in good health, there should be no problem. If you do have concerns please contact us, as there are other options.

Flight Time

You must complete at least 50 hours total flight time of which:

• 15 hours must be dual instruction
• 15 hours must be solo flight time
• 5 hours must be instrument flight time
• 10 hours cross-country navigation training
• 5 hours dual instruction in Terrain and Weather Awareness

Once you are ready you must pass a flight test which will include all normal and emergency flight manoeuvres. This will also include a test on your ability to comply with Air Traffic Services practices and procedures. Marlborough Aero Club instructors have a 93% pass rate for all pilot licences.

Exams

• Radio – learning phrases Pilots use to make clear communication calls
• Human Factors – health, stress, judgement and decision-making
• Meteorology – cloud formations, NZ’s weather patterns, different weather  conditions affecting aircraft performance, interpreting aviation weather reports
• Aircraft Technical Knowledge – aerodynamics, engines, electrical systems, your flight instruments and aircraft weight & balance
• Navigation – using aeronautical maps, compass, calculating flight time and fuel
•  Law – Civil Aviation Rules and Regulations

These exams are multi-choice and require a 70% pass rate. Exams are sat here at the Marlborough Aero Club on demand.

For more information, call 03 578 5073 or email fly@marlboroughaeroclub.co.nz