The International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ) is the professional flight training arm of the Canterbury Aero Club, which has been operating since 1928. Located at Christchurch International Airport, IAANZ is the only dedicated full-time professional flight training organization in New Zealand based at a major international airport. As a preferred training partner in Air New Zealand's Aviation Institute, IAANZ trains approximately 100-120 commercial pilot and flight instructor students annually, producing graduates who work for airlines across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
IAANZ at a Glance
CPL MEIR Cost
~$103K
NZD domestic
Duration
16-24
Months
Fleet Size
26
Aircraft
Since
1928
Canterbury Aero Club
Academy Overview
IAANZ is the largest New Zealand-owned flight training operation in the country, holding both NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) and CAA Part 141 approval. The academy's strategic partnership with Air New Zealand ensures training programs align with airline industry standards and requirements.
Key Advantages
- • Only flight school at major NZ international airport
- • Air New Zealand Aviation Institute partner
- • Train alongside A320s and B777s daily
- • On-site engineering & maintenance team
- • Exclusive satellite airfield (West Melton)
- • CAANZ-approved Safety Management System
Industry Recognition
- • NZQA approved qualifications
- • CAA Part 141 certified
- • ICAO-standard NZ CPL license
- • Vietnam Airlines training partner
- • DGCA India syllabus compliant courses
- • 30+ years of flight training excellence
Air New Zealand Partnership
As a preferred training partner in Air New Zealand's Aviation Institute, IAANZ programs are designed to produce "airline-ready" pilots. Graduates have a direct pathway to New Zealand's flag carrier and other regional airlines.
Programs & Courses
NZQA Approved Qualifications
| Qualification | Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| NZ Diploma – General Aviation (L5) | 16-24 months | CPL with MEIR |
| NZ Diploma – Airline Preparation (L6) | Additional 6 months | ATPL theory, MCC, airline-ready |
| NZ Diploma – Flight Instruction (L6) | 3-6 months | C-Cat Flight Instructor Rating |
| Private Pilot Licence (L4) | 4 months | PPL |
Training Schemes
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)
- Airline Transport Pilot Licence Theory (ATPL)
- Flight Instructor Rating Course (C-Cat)
- Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) on A320 simulator
- DGCA India compliant CPL with ME VFR and IR hours
MCC on A320 Simulator
IAANZ offers MCC training on the Pacific Simulators EuroJet PS4.5, modeled on the Airbus A320 flight deck. This prepares graduates for the transition to jet aircraft and airline operations.
Fleet & Facilities
IAANZ operates a self-maintained fleet of 26 training aircraft from three locations. All aircraft are maintained by the academy's on-site engineering team—a unique feature providing rapid turnaround and highest safety standards.
| Aircraft | Type | Training Use |
|---|---|---|
| Piper Tomahawk PA38 | Single Piston | Basic training |
| Alpha A160a | Single Piston | Basic training |
| Piper Warrior/Cherokee | Single Piston | PPL, CPL training |
| Piper Archer TX G1000 NXi | Single Glass | Cross-country, IFR |
| Piper Arrow PA28R | Complex Single | Complex training |
| Cessna 172 | Single Piston | General training |
| Partenavia P68C | Twin Piston | Multi-engine, MEIR |
Simulators
- Pacific Simulator EuroJet PS4.5 (A320 flight deck)
- Frasca Piper Seminole G1000 NXi
- G1000 NXi Desktop Trainer
- B737 and A320 Procedure Trainers
Training Locations
Christchurch Intl Airport
- • Main training base
- • International airport environment
- • Train with A320/B777 traffic
- • Full instrument approach aids
- • Professional airline operations exposure
Satellite Airfields
- • West Melton (6 min flight) – exclusive use
- • Rangiora (12 min flight) – 3 runways
- • Uncontrolled airspace training
- • Six runway vectors at West Melton
- • Southern Alps scenic training
Costs
Domestic Students (2025)
| Qualification | Course Cost | Student Loan |
|---|---|---|
| NZ Diploma General Aviation (L5) | NZD $103,230 | Up to $70,866 |
| NZ Diploma Flight Instruction (L6) | NZD $40,919 | Up to $25,375 |
| Private Pilot Licence (L4) | NZD $32,814 | Not available |
International students should budget approximately NZD $130,000+ for the CPL MEIR program. Contact IAANZ for current international pricing.
Additional Costs
Course fees do not include: NZCAA medical exams ($300-600 + $120 NZCAA fee), headset, uniform, iPad, textbooks, accommodation, and transport. Budget accordingly for these items.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
- Age 18+ at program commencement
- NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent) with English and Maths/Science credits
- Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate
- ADAPT trainee pilot pre-screening test (~NZD $100)
- Clear criminal and driving record
- International: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
Graduate Destinations
IAANZ graduates work worldwide including: Air New Zealand, Vietnam Airlines, airlines in Europe, USA, India, Gulf States, Indonesia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific. The NZ CPL is ICAO-compliant and well-respected globally.
Official Website: flighttraining.co.nz
Location: 25 Aviation Drive, Harewood Aviation Park, Christchurch International Airport, 7676 New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 358 0477
Information accurate as of January 2026. Contact IAANZ for current pricing and availability.