The first step in becoming an aeroplane pilot is obtaining your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

To get a Commercial Pilot Licence, you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• hold a current NZ Class 1 medical exam
• hold a current NZ Private Pilot Licence
• pass CPL written exams
• complete a minimum of 200 hours' flight time
• satisfy the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) 'fit and proper person' requirement
• pass the English Language Proficiency test.

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand website – how to be a pilot guide (PDF – 0.99MB)
Civil Aviation Authority New Zealand website - Commerical Pilot Licence information
Civil Aviation Authorit of New Zealand website - English proficiency test information (PDF – 117.05 KB)
Aviation Careers website - read about the criteria for a 'fit and proper person'


Newly qualifed pilots typically start out as flying instructors or charter pilots.

• Flying instructor job information

To work as an airline pilot, you will need a minimum of between 1,000 and 2,000 flying hours (depending on the airline you'd like to work for) and a New Zealand Air Transport Pilot Licence.

• Civil Aviation Authority New Zealand website – NZ Airline Transport Pilot Licence information

Although there are no specific secondary education requirements for becoming an aeroplane pilot,  Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent English, maths, computer studies and physics are helpful.

Flight training is available at tertiary education institutions, aero clubs, flight training schools, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

• Aviation Careers website - flight training organisations in New Zealand
• Royal New Zealand Air Force website - Air Force pilot training

Aeroplane pilots build up their flying hours on the job, and can gain an instrument rating (which allows them to fly aircraft that use instruments for navigation at night and in conditions where there is poor visibility). They also learn how to fly in different conditions. 

When working for regional, national or international airlines, pilots are taught about the aircraft they will be flying and the latest aircraft technology. They are also taught emergency procedures, and are briefed about issues that affect the aviation industry.

Useful experience for aeroplane pilots includes:

• working as ground crew at an airport
• working as an aircraft engineer
• loader/driver work
• experience with computers
• experience with navigational and radio equipment.