Our Students
We are extremely proud of our track record over twenty years of training people from all backgrounds and countries around the world. Our pilots have either flown for fun and pleasure or they have gone on to fly commercially around New Zealand or challenging jobs around the globe.
Our aim has always been to train the very best private, commercial and instructional pilots. For those who are maybe interested in starting out, you are not alone!! We have listed a selection below of some of the hundreds that we have taught over the years. Once you gain your license, you will join the minority who have risen to the challenge and learnt to fly these amazing machines!
Steve Barry 1999
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- Commercial pilot working in Antarctica, Canada, Guam and NZ
Skiv Devescovi 2002
- Former Business Operations Manager and B Cat Instructor with North Shore Helicopters
- Now working towards his Captain ticket fro HNZ flying to the oil rigs in New Plymouth
Richard Garrard 1994
- Ex Operations manager for North Shore Helicopters now commercial pilot worldwide
Daniel Janes 2009
- Officer of the watch on super yachts in France, Dan started and finished his PPL in just over two months
Dave "Blue Shark" Morgan 2009
- Former Master Chief in the NZ Navy and ex Sea Sprite crewman, Dave successfully finished his PPL and after a stint in Soloman Islands, is now crewing for an Australian rescue helicopter south of Melbourne with his new gorgeous wife!
Daizo Nikkuni 2006»
- Private pilot from Japan who is coming back to complete his commercial
Bruce Joy 1999
- A Cat Flight Examniner and now working with Northern Air Rescue on the S76
Stephen Stirniman 2004
- From Switzerland, completed commercial and Instructor rating here and now works for us
Peter Mews 2009
- A neurosurgeon from Australia who completed both his fixed and rotary PPL's whilst in the middle of his thesis... and yes he also had time for his girlfriend!
Ed Sellar 2009
- A confused Kiwi who lived in Oz for far too long, who completed his C Cat instructors rating with us and now is one of our instructors gaining experience under the watchful eye of the CFI!!
Nic De Waal 2007
- Completed his PPL with us and now flying happily around NZ in his own R44
Murray Plowright 2001»
- ATPL pilot who's worked various countires and now flying the S76 for NEST
Rachel Docherty 2005
- Completed her private and commercial license and works for us part time
Barbara Smith 2001
- Obtained her private and commercial license with us
Gary Birchfield 2008
- Former British Royal Navy who started flying Seakings before moving to NZ
- Gained his PPL and CPL with us and is now Co-pilot on the NEST S76
Richard Crook 1998»
- A highly experienced Commercial pilot who worked in Papua New Guinea, Canada and NZ but unfortunately died in 2008. Crooky will be sorely missed.
Louise Comer 2005
- Now working in England, Louise completed some hour building and R44 rating here
Tim Hemi 2005
- Private pilot who is completing his commercial license
Garry Bluett 2005»
- Businessman and private pilot now flying his own R22 throughout NZ
Craig O'Brien 2006
- Completed his C Cat instructors rating and now works for NSHT
Nic De Waal 2006
- Business owner and Private pilot
Antony Burt 2006
- Completed his private and now working towards his commercial with the aim of working on super yachts
Nick Waite 2006
Roy Crane 2001
- Came from England to learn, holds a Canadian commercial and now CFI at NSHT
Doug Godfrey 2000»
- Successful businessman and private pilot who flies his own jetranger
Duane Nostram 2004
- From USA, obtained a private and commercial license here in NZ
Tim Lockie 2005
Mark Asquith 2007
- Dive instructor who worked in Mexico completed his CPL with us
Ashton Wessels 2009
- A fireman who worked hard to realise his dream of a PPL in June and will go on to CPL through 09/10
Andrew Cronbach 2009»
- From the UK - Completed his PPL in 2008 and returned in 09 to finish his CPL and take part in thr NZ Helicopter Championship... unfortunetaly he didn't beat his 08 placing of 2nd!!
Peter Maw 2007
- Peter completed his PPL with us and has now bought a Hughes 300 to complete his CPL
Steve Clark 2007
- Steve recently completed his C Cat Instructor rating with us and has now started working for us.
Craig Vickery 2008
- Experienced aerobatic pilot who completed his PPL
Rick Giddy 2008»
- Rick took his PPL with us and is now looking to buy a share of an R44 to fly for fun and business