I am writing to express my sincere gratitude towards Simon and the team at Wanaka Helicopters for giving me the experience needed to achieve my commercial pilots licence.

I started my flying career further north in Canterbury, but due to personal circumstances decided to finish my training with Wanaka Helicopters.

From the moment I walked through the doors I was extremely impressed with the continuous professionalism and emphasis on safety from each member of staff. Although you are considered to be a student, Carolyn and the team at Wanaka Helicopters treat you as they would their own family.

Instruction was absolutely first rate both in practical tuition and theory. My instructors were friendly, patient and made training a thoroughly pleasant experience. Having a certified CAA A-CAT examiner on site really helped to assure I achieved the level needed to pass the commercial flight test. Throughout my training there was a very warm atmosphere amongst staff and students alike.

Due to Wanaka being situated on the doorstep to the southern alps of New Zealand, it was a great opportunity for me to experience real mountain flying amongst some of the worlds most spectacular and rugged mountains.

I was completely satisfied with the professionalism, service and training provided. Simon’s aircraft and equipment are scrupulously maintained and kept in first class condition, emphasizing his commitment to safety as paramount concern when offering his uniquely individualised service and training. The team at Wanaka Helicopters has surpassed my expectations in assisting me to fulfill my personal goal of obtaining my commercial pilots licence.

Please feel free to contact me

Simon Larsen, s.larsen@me.com

 

My name is Javier Pérez Bolet. I came to New Zealand from Spain to get my helicopter pilot licence, and to spend some time in this wonderful country at the same time.

If you are thinking about doing something like this also, not only do it, but do it with Wanaka Helicopters.

After flying with other schools in NZ, I ended up at Wanaka Helicopters, where I finally found the kind of service I was expecting and where I felt my money was really well spent.

Any school can teach you how to fly but at Wanaka Helicopters they actually make you a PILOT.

So what’s the difference between this and other schools? All Wanaka Helicopters instructors are highly experienced and are actually currently performing commercial operations, and you’ll find them constantly pushing you to your limits, teaching you to operate efficiently and commercially, even though I was just training for the PPL. Even more, they are constantly giving you tips and advice from a totally practical point of view, based on their day to day experience. They push you hard and exercise your skills to the max which is very challenging but very rewarding in the end. Overall, high quality teaching. If you learn to fly in these mountains the way they do it, you will be able to cope with flying everywhere, for sure!
The machines are new and well mantained. And the personal treatment you will receive is professional and warm, right from the beginning with Shae’s smile and warm welcome at the front desk, through to the interview with Simon and Carolyn (who will tailor make your course to your expectations and needs), to the flying instruction, which is based on an individual one-on-one system.

And what can I say about Wanaka itself? I’ve seen almost the whole of New Zealand and have lived in a few different places. It’s almost impossible to find anywhere in NZ that is not at least an 8 out of 10 in terms of beauty and spectacular scenery but when I arrived Wanaka I discovered it was an 11 out of 10!

Lochnagar, in the middle of Southern Alps. That´s one of the flights you will do!

Living here is like being in a fairy tale. If you are coming with your friends or family, they will be amazed, as there are multiple activities to do and many places to visit and admire.

And you, future pilot, flying apprentice… you will fly over one of the world’s most spectacular and beautiful lands. When they say this is “flying in paradise,” they are telling the truth!

Please, feel free to contact me.
cunarsil@yahoo.com

Have nice flights!