Aviation Diplomas

Diploma in Aviation - Aeroplane

There are three strands on offer at Nelson Aviation College for aeroplane training; Airline Preparation, Flight Instruction and General Aviation. In order for domestic students to receive Student Loan funding, students must enrol and complete one of the three strands. These diplomas are also available for International Students.

Airline Preparation Strand

This course is a Level 6, 298 credit qualification which is 88 weeks in duration. This course includes CPL theory and flight training, Single or Multi Engine Instrument Rating with GPS/VOR Endorsements, Basic Gas Turbine Theory, as well as ATPL Theory and an Airline Integration Course. This course would ideally suit those students who wish to pursue a career as an Airline Pilot.

Flight Instructor Strand

This course is a Level 6, 268 credit qualification which is 84 weeks in duration. This course includes CPL theory and flight training, Single or Multi Engine Instrument Rating with GPS/VOR Endorsements, Basic Gas Turbine Theory, as well as a C Category Flight Instructor Rating. This course would ideally suit those students who wish to pursue a career as a Flight Instructor or as a pathway to build hours towards an Airline Career.

General Aviation Strand

This course is a Level 5, 241 credit qualification which is 76 weeks in duration. This course includes PPL Flight Training, CPL Theory and Flying, Single or Multi Engine Instrument Rating with GPS/VOR and ILS Endorsements, Multi Engine Type Rating, Aerobatics Rating, Basic Gas Turbine Theory and Dangerous Goods Theory. This course would ideally suit those students who wish to pursue a career in the General Aviation Industry or as a pathway to build hours towards an Airline Career.

  • Intakes for all Diplomas commence in February and August of each year. Applications for the August course close on 30th March, and for the February intake, on 14th September, to allow enough time for the course selection process.
  • Course selection for Diploma students is completed two times per year - mid April and early October. You will need to allow for a minimum of three hours onsite at our main training base located at Motueka Aerodrome, either 9am until 12pm or 1pm until 4pm during the scheduled course selection week. We do operate a wait list system as a result of demand being greater than the places we offer each year.
  • Students are required to complete a Private Pilots Licence in addition to the NZ Diploma in Aviation - Flight Instruction & Airline Preparation (unless already completed). Please enquire here for more detailed course content and applicable fees for all diploma qualifications.