Helicopter Pilot / Flight Instructor

About Wanaka Helicopters Group

Flying since the early 1990s, Wanaka Helicopters Group is a family-owned commercial operator and flight training school based in Wānaka, New Zealand. What started as a flight training business has grown over three decades into a group specialising in scenic and luxury flights, wedding elopement and proposal charters, commercial and agricultural work, and private and commercial charters across some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the country, all without losing sight of where we began. Training the next generation of pilots remains central to who we are.

As a family business, we treat every employee as part of that family. Our pilots are our ambassadors, trusted to share their aviation journey and our spectacular backyard with guests and students from around the world.

Alongside tourism and commercial flying, we operate the largest and most experienced helicopter flight training school in Australasia, offering both private training and an NZQA-certified Diploma in Aviation, under CAA Parts 119/135/137 and 141.

Our three companies:

• Wanaka Helicopters: Scenic and luxury flights, commercial work and flight school
• Backcountry Helicopters: Based in Makarora, hunting and fishing transfers, tourism-focused scenic flights and commercial work
• Learn to Fly NZ: Fixed-wing training facility offering private and commercial licences

The Opportunity

We're looking for a full-time Instructor/Pilot to join our team of professional, friendly and highly skilled pilots. This role is a mix; flight instruction for our full-time Diploma students and part-time private trainees, alongside commercial and tourism flying, with ongoing training and development to build your skills across both sides of the business. If you have a passion for aviation and for teaching, and want a role that keeps you flying while shaping the next generation of pilots, we'd love to hear from you.

About You

Requirements:

• CAA NZ CPL(H)
• Minimum 500 PIC hours rotary experience
• C, B or A category instructor rating
• Type ratings on R22 & Cabri (R44, MD500, and AS350 preferred)
• Class 1 NZ medical certificate
• New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Full driver's licence
• A great attitude and genuine team player mindset
• Excellent customer service skills

Preferably with:

• CTO/ATO operations experience, especially in mountainous terrain
• Flight and ground instruction experience
• HUET certification
• Current First Aid certification
• CRM qualifications

Key Selection Criteria:

• Strong instruction and teaching skills, with the ability to set a professional example
• Experience as a flight and ground instructor
• Commitment to developing skills in flight training and Part 119/135 operations
• Proven business acumen and IT competency
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Excellent organisational skills and forward planning abilities
• In-depth knowledge of relevant CAA rule parts
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to work with diverse clientele
• A flexible, can-do attitude, willing to assist across all areas of the business as required

What We Offer

• Attractive salary package, commensurate with experience
• The opportunity to live, work and fly in Wānaka, one of New Zealand's most stunning regions
• A supportive, family-oriented, and close-knit workplace culture

How to Apply

If you're ready to take the next step in your aviation career and join our growing team, please apply via Seek, or for more information, contact Pete Spencer-Bower or Jon Brown on [03 443 1085](tel:03 443 1085).

Applications close 10 October 2026, unless filled prior.