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Weather Station

Physical Address:
Parakai Airfield
76 Green Road
Parakai
West Auckland

To contact us:

Phone: 0800 FLY WEST (359 937)
Fax: 09 420 8425
E-mail: training@FlyWest.co.nz

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Kevin Taylor emerges from under the wing of the Tecnam to be congratulated by Dave Simpson, after his first solo for 40 years... taking up flying again after a 40 year gap since PPL training in 1968.

Why are Sport Aviation class aircraft so much more economical than the Certified training aircraft?
Why are the Sports Aircraft more economical than the heavier Certified training aircraft? They are lighter and have modern design engines that are more efficient and use normal unleaded fuel, with a similar consumption to a small car. Being under 544kg Max All Up Weight and with a stall speed of under 45 knots, they are registered under the CAA's Microlight regulations which greatly reduces the paperwork and bureaucratic costs... for both aircraft operations and the pilot's licences.

How long does it take to get a licence?
Typically 1 year at one lesson a week or 2 years with fortnightly lessons, though there is a lot of variation. The average amount of flying hours to gain a full licence is about 50—55 for either class.

What aircraft can I learn in at Parakai?
Certified: Initial training is in Cessna Aerobat

Sport Aviation: Initial training is in the Zenair or Tecnam.

Once licensed, pilots can fly any aircraft for which they have a rating (obtained by going up with an instructor for familiarisation of a new aircraft type).

Do I need any special clothing?
No. All our aircraft are fully enclosed and have cabin heaters.

Who should learn in a Certified Aircraft?

Those who want to advance to a Commercial licence and Airline flying, as only 10 hours of flight time on SAs can count towards a Commercial Licence. Also those wanting to fly aircraft with more than 2 seats.

Who should learn in a Light Sports Aircraft or Microlight?

Those who want to fly recreationally and will no need to carry more than 1 passenger. Also people who cannot obtain an Aviation Medical Certificate.

What is the difference between these two licences?

Certified: A Private Pilots Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL), allow flight of aircraft up to 5 tonnes, typically 2, 4 or 6 seat Cessna, Piper or similar aircraft. It is possible to advance from CPL to airline professional flying and is the best choice for young people who may wish to take up aviation as a career.

Sport Aviation: A Sport Aviation Certificate allows flight of 2 seater Sports Aircraft, such as the Tecnam, Zenair and DynAero as shown on this page. These modern aircraft have a higher speed, longer range and typically better instrumentation and comfort than most Cessna and Piper 'certified' aircraft, but being under 544kg can be registered in the Microlight class and flown on a Sport Aviation licence. This is the best choice for those who want to fly as a hobby, more economically and with less paperwork.

What stages of licence are there?

Certified licences:

Student Pilot Licence (SPL): Allows training in a certified aircraft, with an instructor. You build up hours flying with the instructor and when conditions are suitable you'll be sent up solo to fly in the local area and visit nearby airfields that the instructor has shown you.

Private Pilots Licence (PPL): With more experience, having gained the ability to judge whether conditions are suitable and having passed the PPL exams, flown for at least 50 hours, and passed a flight test, congratulations... you are are issued with your PPL and can fly when you want within NZ.

Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL): A higher level licence that allows flight with paying passengers, and is a prerequisite Airline professional flying and eventual advance to Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (ATPL).

Sport Aviation Certificates:

Novice Certificate: Allows training in a Sports Aircraft, with an instructor.

Intermediate Certificate: Once you're ready to go solo, you advance to 'intermediate' and build up hours flying with the instructor. When conditions are suitable you'll be sent up solo to fly in the local area and visit nearby airfields that the instructor has shown you.

Advanced 'Local' Certificate: With more experience, having gained the ability to judge whether conditions are suitable and having passed the advanced licence exams, flown for at least 35 hours, and passed a flight test, congratulations... you are issued with your Advanced Certificate and can fly when you want within the local area.

Advanced 'National' Certificate: With the addition of navigation knowlegde, and having been shown how to handle controlled airspace and talk to air traffic controllers, the 'National' certificate entitles you to fly yourself anywhere in NZ.

Passenger endorsement: Either of the 'advanced' certificates can have a passenger endorsement added once you are able to handle simulated emergencies well and have enough experience. With this, many pilots enjoy taking a friend on a scenic flight to a nearby airfield and landing for lunch, a coffee or a swim.

How experienced are the Instructors?

All Flight Training at Parakai is carried out by holders of Instructor Ratings for the type of aircraft used, with a team of three retired ATPLs (Airline Pilots): Dave Simpson (CFI), Brian Horne and Mark Easson, doing most of the instruction. Bryn Lockie (RAANZ and SAC instructor) and Harvey Lockie (RAANZ Senior Instructor and SAC Instructor), help out as required.

How long does a conversion from PPL take?
Usually only two or three sessions to familiarise with low-inertia aircraft and be issued with an 'Advanced National Certificate with passenger endorsement'. All exams and hours are transferable.

There are two types main types of pilot licence in NZ, 'Certified' (PPL) and 'Sport Aviation’ (Microlight)

Parakai Flying School trains for both types of licence, and conversions between them:
This FAQ highlights some of the differences between the two classes.
If you’re still unsure we can help you decide which class of licence is best for you.

Who Can Fly?

Just about anyone can fly one of our aircraft.

Do I get to fly the plane by myself?

All our aircraft have Dual Controls
Until you're cleared to fly Solo a competent instructor is always at the controls with you to help out if need be.

Do I need an aviation medical certificate?

Certified:
Yes

Sport Aviation:
No. You just need a basic LTSA type medical from your normal doctor. Generally, if you are fit to drive a car, you are fit to fly.

How soon can I have my 'first solo'?
Often after 10 to 15 lessons if you are going well (and only when the instructor is quite certain you are ready), the instructor will send you up to do one circuit by yourself... a never to be forgotten thrill.

Tecnam, fully enclosed advanced microlight

Julian Urlich after his first solo flight, 25th Feb 08

DynAero 'Club' on the way to Wellington, approaching Wanganui. No parking, check-in or security screening hassles, and the flight departs when you want it to. One hour and 55mts flight time Parakai to Paraparaumu, using around 42L of normal unleaded mogas. (Windscreen marks are camera/propeller synchronisation effects)

'DynAero MCR Club' with Bryn Lockie and Simon Lockie. Can be flown on an 'Sport Aviation Certificate'. The 'DynAero MCR Club' is a French carbon fibre aircraft with 145kn (260 km/h) cruise, 'glass panel' electronic instrumentation, and the range to go anywhere in NZ non-stop. A recent flight Auckland to Christchurch took 3h 29 mts. (Rob Neill, 'Pacific Wings' photo)

What support services are available to aircraft owners at Parakai? Hangar space, scheduled inspections and maintenance, and if the owners wish then the airfield staff will handle hiring the aircraft out to approved pilots so that it can pay its way.

How do I start? Phone 0800 FLY WEST (359 937) for an introductory flight. Gift vouchers are available. The introductory flight time counts towards the flight time for a license if the student wishes to continue, but there is no obligation.

Next step... Try it and see how you like it. If you decide to continue then you're on your way to becoming an aviator, and if you don't then at least you've had an enjoyable experience.

Phone: 0800 FLY WEST