Mar 15, 2025

The world of aviation offers a wealth of opportunities for pilots seeking further training and specialisation well beyond the foundational skills of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL). Whether it’s your dream to become an airline pilot, delve into the adrenaline rush of aerobatics, push the boundaries as a test pilot, or gain satisfaction from instructing the next generation of pilots, specialised training is the key to taking your skills to new heights! Learn more about the types of advanced flight training available in NZ including instrument ratings, multi-engine ratings, and ATPL training and the pathways to achieving them below.

Getting Your Instrument Rating

One of the most common advanced ratings pilots seek to complete is the Instrument Rating (IR) because it equips pilots with the knowledge and skills to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) or under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR conditions). These include flying through clouds, fog, and other low-visibility situations that require reliance on the aircraft’s instruments as the primary source of reference instead of using visual confirmation.

Why are Instrument Ratings important in a pilot’s career? Instrument ratings significantly expand a pilot’s flying capabilities, weather conditions become less of a limitation, aircraft operation becomes more technical, and as a pilot you can more confidently navigate flight situations that you would otherwise be grounded for. Undertaking Instrument Rating training also further develops a pilot’s precision and situational awareness, honing their skills and making them safer pilots even in visual conditions. An IR is a prerequisite for many advanced aviation careers, such as airline pilot, corporate pilot, or flight instructor. Instrument rating training involves additional flight training (40 hours of instrument time in a single or multi-engine aircraft under the guidance of a qualified instructor) and theory that includes:

  • Law And Publications. The rules and regulations governing instrument flight, including flight procedures and clearances, legal responsibilities and liabilities of the pilot, airspace classifications and restrictions, instrument approach procedures and limitations, and gaining a deeper understanding of weather patterns, forecasting, and how weather affects flight operations and decision-making.
  • Instrument And Navigation Aids. Understanding the intricacies of flight instruments and how to interpret their readings (airspeed indicator, altimeter, attitude indicator, etc.) Understanding autopilot and flight director systems and communication equipment.
  • Navigation. Mastering the use of various navigation systems, including VOR, GPS, NDB, GNSS and ILS. Also learning to interpret and perform instrument approach and departure procedures, using navigational aids, flight planning, and route selection.

Simulators play a crucial role in getting your IR as they allow pilot’s to practice quite challenging scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. Up to 20 hours of the total 40 hours of instrument time can be completed in a simulator. Gaining an Instrument Rating is a rewarding extension of any pilot’s skills and a valuable investment in your aviation career.

Getting Your Multi-Engine Rating

For pilots seeking to fly more complex and powerful aircraft, the Multi-Engine Rating is the next logical step. This rating opens up opportunities to fly a much wider range of aircraft and the associated career opportunities, including charter flying, air ambulance work, business jet piloting, and air transport operations.

Multi-engine aircraft offer some distinct advantages over single-engine aircraft for pilots including increased power, range and improved overall performance. However, they also present some unique challenges so pilots need to have a thorough understanding of multi-engine aerodynamics and systems. Multi-Engine Rating training includes:

  • Multi-Engine Aerodynamics. Understanding flight principles of lift, drag, thrust, and weight as they apply to multi-engine aircraft.
  • Engine Failure Procedures. Learning how to handle engine failures, including mastering techniques for maintaining control of the aircraft and safely landing with one engine inoperative.
  • Aircraft Systems And Operations. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the systems specific to multi-engine aircraft (fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems).
  • Performance and Limitations. Understanding the performance limitations and characteristics of multi-engine aircraft. Navigation and flight planning.

Similar to the Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine training involves both ground school and flight instruction, but there are no additional theory exams if you already have a PPL or CPL and IR. Practising manoeuvres and procedures in-flight will be under the guidance of an experienced instructor, while ground school gives you a comprehensive understanding of multi-engine aircraft, flight principles, and procedures. Flight lessons put this knowledge into practice, helping you master multi-engine manoeuvres and emergency procedures. Expanding your horizons by getting your Multi-Engine Rating is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates a high level of piloting skill and knowledge, opening the door to further career opportunities.

Aerobatic Training

For pilots seeking a deeper understanding of aircraft control and an adrenaline rush! Aerobatic training offers a unique and exhilarating flight experience. Aerobatics training involves learning to perform manoeuvres that are outside normal flight restrictions or conditions, such as loops, rolls, spins, deliberate stalls and inverted flight.

While aerobatic flying might seem like a recreational activity, it also offers significant skill benefits for pilots. Building a greater understanding of aircraft dynamics, improving hand-eye coordination, and developing the ability to handle unusual flight attitudes and conditions. These skills translate to increased confidence and proficiency in all aspects of flying. Aerobatic training covers:

  • Aerodynamic Principles. Gaining a deeper understanding of the aerodynamic forces that act on an aircraft during aerobatic manoeuvres.
  • Manoeuvre Execution. Learning how to execute various aerobatic manoeuvres safely and precisely.
  • G-Force Awareness. Understanding the effects of G-forces on the human body and how to recognise and manage them during aerobatic flight.
  • Emergency Procedures. Learning how to handle emergencies that may occur during aerobatic flight.

Aerobatic training typically takes place in specialised aircraft designed to withstand the additional pressures of aerobatic manoeuvres. Working closely with a qualified aerobatic instructor will ensure your safety throughout the learning process. Aerobatic flying is not for everyone, but for those who are passionate about aviation and seek a truly challenging and rewarding experience, it offers a unique opportunity to master the art of flight under extreme circumstances.

Getting Your Instructor Rating (C Cat)

An instructor rating is a highly rewarding career choice for experienced pilots who wish to share their knowledge and passion for aviation with aspiring pilots. C Cat training typically takes place in a variety of aircraft dependant on the desired instructor rating. Pilots will work closely with experienced and highly qualified instructor trainers, who will provide valuable guidance on instructional techniques, flight manoeuvres, and effective communication strategies.

The process of obtaining an instructor rating varies depending on the specific rating you are seeking (e.g., flight instructor, instrument instructor) and the type of aircraft you wish to instruct in. Generally speaking, C Cat ratings involve:

  • Prerequisites. A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a necessary starting point, flight time requirements will also apply (approx 150 hours of Pilot-in-command time), along with an Instrument Rating (IR) in some cases.
  • Ground School. Theory training covering instructional techniques and relevant regulations.
  • Flight Training. Flight instruction on how to effectively teach manoeuvres and procedures. 15 hours of instrument time, including 5 hours dual, 1 hour of dual instruction in spin recovery and 40 hours cross-country flight (as pilot in command).
  • Check Ride. A practical exam with an examiner who will assess your teaching abilities and knowledge.

Becoming a C-Category (C-Cat) instructor is the most popular stepping stone to a career as an airline pilot, as it is the easiest way to accumulate the necessary hours and gain flying experience. See here to learn more about becoming a flight instructor in NZ.

Getting Your Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

In order to become the pilot in command or co-pilot for an airline you will need to get you Airline Transport Pilot’s License or ATPL. Training for an ATPL requires a much deeper understanding of aviation principles, more extensive flight experience, and the development of additional more advanced piloting skills. Getting your ATPL means a high level of commitment and represents a significant leap beyond the constraints of the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). ATPL’s require a high level of experience (1500+ hours), extensive ground school theoretical knowledge and prerequisites will need to be met, these include a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), a significant amount of flight time, including cross-country, instrument, and night flying. Minimum age requirements also apply.

The flight training and theoretical components of the ATPL focus heavily on mastering the skills required to operate more complex aircraft under both normal and extenuating conditions, providing pilots with the necessary knowledge base to consistently operate these large aircraft safely and effectively. The theoretical component of an ATPL includes:

  • Aircraft Law
  • Navigation and Flight Planning
  • General Flight Planning
  • Meteorology
  • Aircraft Aerodynamics and Systems
  • Human Factors
  • Instruments and Navigation Aids

Overall ATPL training aims to enhance and expand the following skills:

  • Advanced Knowledge Of Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems. Building upon the knowledge gained during CPL training, ATPL theory delves into more complex aerodynamic principles, aircraft systems, and performance characteristics of large transport aircraft.
  • Understanding Of Airline Operations And Procedures. Focusing on the specific regulations, procedures, and best practices employed by airlines, including crew resource management (CRM), flight dispatch, and safety management systems (SMS).
  • Advanced Navigation And Flight Planning Skills. Emphasising long-range navigation techniques, flight planning for complex routes, and the use of sophisticated navigation equipment.
  • Advanced Understanding Of Meteorology And Weather Forecasting. Developing a better understanding of forecasting, weather patterns, and the impact of weather on in-flight operations.
  • Greater Understanding Of Human Factors and Crew Resource Management. Studying the psychological and physiological factors affecting pilot performance, as well as developing effective communication and teamwork skills for multi-crew operations.

Getting an ATPL is a major milestone in any pilot’s career, it demonstrates a dedication and commitment to excellence in aviation and opens the door to a lifelong career in one of the most challenging flying jobs within the industry.

The aviation industry is constantly evolving and pilots need to stay up to date with the latest technologies, regulations, and best practices. By embracing lifelong learning, you can ensure your safety, enhance your skills, and maximise your potential as a pilot. Ready to take the leap – contact Southern Wings Flight School to explore your advanced flight training options today.

 

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