You may have noticed there are a lot of flying schools to choose from in Auckland, so by now youre probably wondering; How do I choose?

Here at Parakai Flying School we fly because we love it, and wish to pass that on to our students.

Our school is an "epaulette free zone". We believe this policy makes our instructors more friendly and approachable.

We are the only training provider in Auckland who trains for Microlight / Sport Aviation License. This puts us in the unique position to offer an unbiased opinion to help you choose which type is best for you.

That's right, we focus on YOU and what type of flying best suits you. Remember, we fly because we want to and so should you.

Our aim is to steer clear of regimented, inflexible training which may push students along at an uncomfortable pace. Flying lessons at Parakai are catered to meet your individual needs and our training is provided one on one. Theory instruction is provided one on one at every flight briefing and we provide optional consolodation courses in relaxed small-group settings.

Flying from Parakai offers a freedom we think youll appreciate right from your first flight with us. Starting with the peaceful 25 minute drive in the countryside (from the end of the North Western Motorway), you'll find yourself far away from the troubles of the city embracing our Fun Flying Philosophy.

Many people ask us, "Why Microlights?" Our best answer is that flying a modern, fully enclosed Advanced Microlight aircraft is just as safe, fun and rewarding as flying certified aircraft...in some cases even more so! When compared to a Cessna 152 (the standard worldwide for certified training aicracft) our Tecnam "Light Sports Aircraft" cruise a little faster, climb at around twice the rate, glide better, have 2 hours longer range. You'll also being doing our environment a favour as these aircraft burn less fuel and run on unleaded petrol.

Flying Microlights is also suprisingly accessible, here's what we mean. In order to hold a full Microlight license, you need to be just 16 years old (although initial training may start before this age) and hold a basic LTSA medical from your regular Doctor. The rates are surprisingly affordable as well; the hourly rental rate which includes fuel, maintenance, etc is lower than certified aircraft.

Although the rates to get your Microlight license are less expensive than getting your Private Pilot's License, you can be assured that the quality of training is exactly the same and that all of our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards by Licensed Aircraft Mechanical Engineers.

To complete your Microlight license with the ability to carry a passenger, you will need to fly about 60 hours on average. In those 60 hours, you will spend about 25 hours flying with an instructor and the other 35 as Pilot in Command (by yourself). You will also sit 6 theory exams, which can be done at any time during your training on site.

You may have always dreamed of the wind in your hair while flying an open-cockpit Microlight and you may be thinking that our training is not for you. On the contrary, learning to fly in a fully enclosed Advanced Microlight will get you the same license and all you need to do is a simple type rating to fly any other type of aircraft that fits into the Microlight class.

For many people, getting PPL, or Private Pilot's License, is a life long dream. But what you may not know is that a modern Light Sports or Microlight license will give you much of the same freedom.

In fact many people who have held PPLs for a long time have found since trying Light Sports and Microlights there is no looking back. The aircraft are generally newer and better equipped, often faster and usually more fun to fly.

Our team would be happy to talk to you to answer any questions you may have about these aircraft.

At present we do not offer training towards Commercial Pilots Licenses here at FlyWest.

Just because you already have a license doesn't mean you'll never need Flight Training again! You may be up for a review, want to fly a new type of aircraft, or perhaps you're a foreign license holder. We can help...

Parakai Flying School caters to pilots for:

• License Conversions (PPLs & Foreign)
• Lapsed License retraining
• Type Ratings in a range of aircraft
• Biannual Flight Reviews (BFRs) in our aircraft or yours

Contact us today for more information on any of these or other services you may require.

Parakai Flying School is an independant, privately owned flying school. Membership in the FlyWest Pilot's Club is optional and Full Members receive free landing fees at Parakai Airfield.

Contact us to arrange Gift Vouchers for flying time or specific dollar amounts

• Tecnam P92 Echo Microlight Aircraft
• $150/hour Members Rate
• $170/hour Casual Rate
• $40/hour Instructor

• Cessna Aerobat
• $155/hour Members Rate
• $175/hour Casual Rate
• $40/hour Instructor

• Cessna 152
• $170/hour Members Rate
• $190/hour Casual Rate
• $40/hour Instructor

Note: All times are charged to the nearest 6 minutes. Eg. 0.8hrs @ $155 = $124.