Hawke’s Bay Helicopter Pilot Training
Professional helicopter training with highly experienced instructors.
About Shoreline Helicopters Ltd
Helicopter Pilot Training Is Our Business
We aim to produce above average pilots, whether it be Private Pilots or Commercial Pilots.
Shoreline Helicopters Ltd is a Civil Aviation Authority–certified Part 141 training organisation, operating under a comprehensive Safety Management System to ensure the highest standards of safety for both students and staff.
We are a small training school with one-on-one training with a very experienced instructor. Rick Graham lives and breathes helicopters and aviation and has thousands of hours experience and a vast knowledge to pass on to students.
Since 1988, Shoreline Helicopters has trained pilots who have gone on to build successful aviation careers in New Zealand and internationally.
Your Instructor
Rick Graham
Rick Graham is the chief flying instructor and brings over 20,000 hours of flight experience and an extensive depth of industry knowledge to pass onto students.
He oversees all training operations, ensuring students receive instruction of the highest professional standard.
Rick became involved in aviation in 1974 and has been involved in:
Loader driving, deer recovery, air transport/commercial transport, seismic survey, agriculture spraying/top dressing/VTA, fire lighting, mustering etc., rescue involving medivac – winching/rappelling and human sling loads, power line work, crew training and firefighting.
Rick’s training experience consists of ab initio, advanced, night, instructor and agriculture, also all crew training and long lining. During the last few years he has spent a lot of time training agriculture pilots.
His vast amount of experience and knowledge means pilots will be able to benefit no matter what level of qualification they have. Rick gained Part 141 certification in 2009 and have been carrying out Part 135 competency checking and training, winching-human sling checking and training, instructor renewals and flight testing in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
He also has some aircraft engineering experience (AME) and hold an Australian Commercial Pilot Licence.
Rick Graham
Flight Experience
Training Aircraft
Hughes 300c
Training is conducted in the Hughes 300c helicopter, a safe and reliable aircraft featuring a spacious cabin and adjustable pedals for optimum pilot comfort.
Its multi-blade rotor system provides greater stability in windy conditions compared with some two-blade helicopters, making it an excellent training platform.
The Hughes 300c’s piston engine configuration offers students a strong foundation in all aspects of helicopter operation, providing excellent preparation for future flying careers.
Hughes 300c
What We Offer
Flight Training
Our team brings extensive qualifications and real-world experience to every aspect of training.
We train in areas with one of the best climates in New Zealand in close proximity to mountains and control zones to create amazing high altitude training opportunities. We very little delays in the flying due to poor weather and helicopter availability is good because student numbers are low.
The helicopter we use is a Hughes 300 which is a very stable, safe aircraft to learn to fly in. There is plenty of room in the cabin and the pedals are adjustable.
The hourly rate includes landing fees, airways charges, and GST, there are no hidden costs.
Specialist Training
Specialist Training
We have comprehensive mountain training which takes place in the Kaweka, Ruahine and Kaimanawa Forest Parks. We operate from 1500 feet up to 6000 feet and at times working in snow conditions.
Sling Training
We also carry out comprehensive sling load training, starting with the basics then introducing you to long line work and also the practical farm and industrial applications of laying fence lines and concrete etc.
Night Training
During the Night Flying training (if you wish to incorporate it) we teach you the basics and then give you some practical experience in the frost protection role on some of the orchards.
We also train you for remote (away from the airport) night operations including landings and take offs.
Agricultural Rating
We also specialise in Agricultural Ratings, training pilots in aerial spraying, topdressing, seeding, mustering, and Differential GPS Application.
Training is conducted in Hawkes Bay in a Hughes 300c Helicopter, capable of carrying a student and instructor and a legal spray load.
Training can be carried out at our base or you can utilise the efficiency of having an AG Rating conducted at your own base in the environment the pilot is going to start agriculture flying in.
Checking and Training
We are a Part 141 certified Check and Training organisation. We are able to cover:
Rick Graham as the Flight Examiner has vast background knowledge in all of the above operations so can carry them out with confidence and hopefully pass on some useful tips.
All Checking and Training can be carried out our base in Hawkes Bay or at your operation base.
Qualifications
Helicopter Pilot Licences
You do not require any previous flying experience, or any level of education to learn to fly a helicopter. You start with a Student Pilot Licence – Helicopter, which you obtain once you start flying. This enables you to do the dual and solo flying, to get you up to Private Pilot Licence (PPL) standard.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
To obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) – Helicopter, students must:
A PPL enables you to carry passengers, and you are able to fly throughout New Zealand.
Commercial Licence (CPL)
To obtain a Commercial Licence (CPL) – Helicopter, students must:
A CPL allows you fly helicopters commercially, getting paid for your work.
Instructor or Agricultural Rating
To obtain an Instructor or Agricultural rating, students must:
These will help you into different fields of employment, including training, spraying and top-dressing operations.
Training and Costs
To obtain these licences, there is no set time in which to complete the flying, it depends entirely on the time and money you may have available. However you have 3 years after passing your 1st exam to passing the last, then 3 years after that to gain your licence.
Some people like to complete the flying training as soon as possible, e.g. approximately 5 – 8 weeks for a PPL, or 3-6 months for a CPL, alternately, others take 12 months – 2 years or more to complete the required number of hours. Ideally the more often you fly the better because the currency is the key factor to learning.
Your flying future awaits…
Medical Examination
Before you can fly solo (typically after 12 to 19 hours flying time and a minimum age of 16), you will need a medical examination by a designated Medical Practitioner.
Our team can provide guidance on medical certification requirements.
Examinations
The written examinations are usually done during the flying course. The local Aero Club run a night school once a week, where they have all the necessary information and expertise to help in passing the examinations.
We can also help you pass helicopter technical knowledge. We also have access to a two week full time PPL theory course.
Learn To Fly
Get Started
Learning to fly a helicopter is easier than you might think — it starts with a conversation with one of our instructors and a trial flight experience.
Our highly experienced instructors bring a wealth of practical knowledge, ensuring students receive professional, supportive, and effective training.
If you’ve ever considered learning to fly, now is the perfect time to take the first step with an introductory flight lesson.
Start With An Introductory Flight Lesson
1
Ground Briefing
Your lesson begins with a ground briefing, where your instructor will explain the aircraft, how the controls operate, and what you can expect during the flight.
All training aircraft are fitted with dual controls, allowing both instructor and student to operate the helicopter safely.
2
Introductory Flight
Once airborne, your instructor will demonstrate basic manoeuvres before giving you the opportunity to take the controls yourself.
You will also experience how the controls work while hovering before returning to the landing area.
Introductory Flight Lesson
Call us to organise an introductory flight today and experience helicopter flying for yourself. We will explain how the controls operate, then we go for a fly and you have a go on the controls yourself (training helicopters are fitted with dual controls).
The cost of an introductory flight lesson is $450 (subject to change). This flight counts towards time for your Private Pilot Licence.
$450
Introductory flight lesson
Career Pathways
Next Steps
After beginning your helicopter training, you can progress at a pace that suits your schedule and budget.
Flying more regularly generally helps students retain information more effectively and progress through exercises more quickly.
Once all required exercises are completed and minimum flight hours achieved, you will undertake your Private Pilot Licence flight test, which can be conducted with our Chief Pilot and Flight Examiner.
After gaining your Private Pilot Licence, further training opportunities become available, including Commercial Pilot Licence and additional aircraft type ratings.
Our training has supported both men and women in developing rewarding, long-term careers in aviation. The flying possibilities are endless… If you can imagine it…it’s possible! Where will your helicopter pilot licence take you?
Launch Your Aviation Career
Graduates of our programmes now work across many sectors, including:
Helicopter Flight Lessons
$900
per hour (subject to change)
Contact Us
Get In Touch
Contact us if you would like more information about training with us or to arrange an introductory flight.
This flight counts towards time for your Private Pilot Licence. We look forward to hearing from you!
Introductory Flight Lesson
$450
Call US To Book.
(price subject to change)
Contact Rick and Gail
Postal address
P.O. Box 39
Bayview 4149
Napier
New Zealand
Rick Graham, Chief Flying Instructor
