Massey University School of Aviation

Massey University's School of Aviation, based beside Palmerston North Airport in New Zealand's Manawatū region, has trained professional pilots from its Milson Flight Systems Centre since 1994 and is the country's only university-integrated flight school. Operating under New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority certification, it is an Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisation, the only ISO-accredited aviation school in New Zealand, and its qualifications are accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Training at Massey University School of Aviation

The flagship Bachelor of Aviation integrates a university degree with ab-initio airline pilot training on a modern Diamond DA40 and DA42 fleet, supported by a new-generation flight simulator, with flight operations, classrooms and administration all delivered from the single Palmerston North base. As one of only four Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisations — and the only one offering an integrated degree — the school gives graduates a recognised route into the national carrier's pilot pipeline alongside careers with regional and international operators.

Entry to the pilot programme is selective, with applicants assessed on academic record, medical fitness and performance in the school's selection process before a place is confirmed, and Air New Zealand applies its own rigorous screening when graduates later apply to the airline. With computer-based aptitude and psychometric testing standing between candidates and both a programme place and an eventual airline job, deliberate practice on these assessments is among the most valuable preparation a future cadet can do.