25 Mar 2024

New Auckland flight school takes off as pilot shortages bite

From Nine To Noon, 9:25 am on 25 March 2024
View from the cockpit of a light plane during flight outside.

Photo: 123rf

Two flying schools in Auckland are teaming up to create the country's biggest pilot training organisation. Ardmore Flying School and the Auckland International Pilot Academy have announced the venture today - which will be known as the Auckland Pilot Training Group.

The move comes amid concern at the wait international students have been experiencing in securing visas to train as a pilot here, and a shortage of pilots across nearly all aviation jobs.

Kathryn speaks to Aviation Industry Association's CEO Simon Wallace about that, and Irene King, CEO of the Auckland Pilot Training Group's Ardmore Campus.