Home 5 NZ Diploma in Aviation L5

TRAINING PROGRAMME

NZ Diploma in Aviation L5

General Aviation

240 Credits, 72 weeks full-time

Auckland International Pilot Academy (AIPA) is proud to offer the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) certified, Diploma in Aviation Level 5 course. This course, as well as conforming with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) pilot licence and rating requirements, offers our students a nationally recognised qualification under the Ministry of Education quality framework.

The New Zealand Diploma in Aviation Level 5 (General Aviation) was developed by Service IQ in close conjunction with the aviation industry and education authorities. As a Category 1 Provider*, last assessed at the External Evaluation and Review dated 10 November 2022, we guarantee exceptional outcomes.

The programme was designed to address issues around the effectiveness and consistency of pilot training in New Zealand, by introducing a national standard that is well-matched to the needs of students and the aviation industry.

Graduates will be qualified commercial pilots with aircraft type ratings, and an Instrument Rating, entitling the holder to legally operate a single or multi-engine aeroplane in New Zealand for commercial purposes.

Start your Training in Aviation L6 with us:

Instructor-student Ratio

Benefit from personalized attention and mentorship with our high instructor-to-student ratio. This allows for tailored training plans to fit your unique learning pace and style.

Hands-On Learning

Experience a balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, designed to prepare you for the real-world challenges of an aviation career.

Flexible courses and timings

We understand your commitments. That’s why we offer flexible course schedules, allowing you to balance your training with other personal or professional obligations.

Alumni Network

Join a thriving network of successful alumni who are making their mark in the aviation industry worldwide.

Details of the programme:

Entry Requirements


  • Be 18 years of age or over;
  • Successfully complete the ADAPT Trainee Pilot Pre-screening Test;
  • Hold NCEA Level 3, PPL Theory subjects or Equivalent;
  • Hold an Aviation Class 1 medical certificate;
  • Meet the ‘Fit & Proper Person’ requirements of CAANZ;
  • Pass an interview with Chief Flying Instructor (CFI).

Entry Requirements

Be competent in spoken English to meet CAANZ requirements:

  • International students and students for whom English is a second language must have evidence within two years of enrolment of achieving an IELTS academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or meet other requirements under Rule 18 in the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules and;
  • Have passed the English Language Proficiency Test provided by ASPEQ.

Successful graduates will have:


  • Private Pilot Licence
  • Commercial Pilot Licence (with night privileges)
  • Single Pilot Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
  • 230 hours of total flight experience
  • 101 hours Pilot in Command flight experience
  • 30 hours Multi Engine flight Experience
  • 10 hours of Night flight experience

Career Pathways


Graduates of this qualification can work as commercial pilots, operating an aeroplane engaged in general aviation under the relevant Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ) Rules or in the associated support industries, including flight planning and scheduling.

Upcoming full-time ground course intakes

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* AIPA is a sub-contractor to NSAC (our parent company). NSAC is the registered PTE and Category 1 Provider and will ultimately issue the qualification.