Airline Integration Course

In order to ensure it gets the right people into the role, Air New Zealand works closely with its Preferred Flight Training Organisations (PFTOs) who are training their future pilots. The Air New Zealand Aviation Institute's Airline Integration Course (AIC), which was designed by Air New Zealand, has been running since 2013, providing trainee pilots with a detailed introduction to the many demands of a multi-crew cockpit and the systems and operations of modern turbine powered aircraft. The course is run at the Nelson Aviation College training facility at Nelson Airport.

As a participant, you will meet with a range of Air New Zealand team members, including managers and current line pilots.  All presenters and simulator instructors have a wide range of experience with Air New Zealand.

For low-hour pilots, or those with no commercial multi-crew experience, the AIC provides excellent preparation for a candidate's first airline role. The AIC also forms an integral part of the New Zealand Diploma in Aviation - Airline Preparation Strand.

Students training at a PFTO who successfully complete the AIC are identified by Air New Zealand as a 'Preferred Pilot'.

The four week course is the final step for those completing the Airline Preparation Strand of the New Zealand Diploma in Aviation.  AIC graduates are recognised for receiving their qualifications in an environment geared towards Air New Zealand's culture, brand values and leadership traits. In addition to the technical elements of the course, Air New Zealand team members will fly in from Auckland and Christchurch to meet you.

The course will promote an awareness of the various departmental interactions of todays' professional flight crew, and will give you a taste of what being an airline pilot is all about.

To view the entry criteria and selection process, please click here.  When you have reviewed the entry criteria and decided you would like to apply, please click here.

Courses in 2024

  • AIC 53 - January 8th
  • AIC 54 - April, start date TBC 
  • AIC 55 - TBC
Please Note: When a course becomes full, you will be offered a place on the next available one, subject to meeting all of the Air NZ entry criteria.

The course includes the following syllabus items:

Human Factors:

  • Multi-crew roles
  • Monitoring
  • Situational awareness
  • Workload management and automation
  • Threat and error management
  • Problem solving and decision making
  • Teamwork

The Role of an Airline Pilot

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Professionalism
  • Personal integrity
  • Physical integrity (health)
  • Dealing with commercial pressures

Primary Flight Management (all phases of flight)

Use of Operational Documents

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Quick Reference Handbook (QRH)
  • Despatch Deviation Guide, Minimum Equipment List (DDG/MEL)
  • Route Guide
  • Normal and non-normal checklists
  • Performance calculations

Safety Management Systems

  • Operational Safety Reporting (OSR)
  • Just Culture

Advanced Aircraft Systems

  • Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS) (depending on simulator used)
  • Flight Management Computer (FMC) and autopilot (depending on simulator used)
  • Pressurisation systems
  • Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS)
  • Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS)
  • Weather radar
  • Anti-ice systems
  • Stall warning systems

Managing Threats to Safe Flight

  • Adverse weather environment
  • Systems failures

Boeing 737-800 Simulator

The course uses a Pacific Simulators B737-800 simulator, which is located at the Nelson Aviation College training facility at Nelson Airport.

Course Fee and Payment

The Airline Integration Course fee for self funding domestic and international students is $15,510.00 (including GST). NAC shall issue the PFTO, with a tax invoice for 50% of the planned training, when a student has been accepted onto an AIC, and the student has accepted the offer of place. The remaining 50% must be paid prior to course commencing.