Southern Wings - New Zealand’s Flying Professionals
You only learn to fly once, so it should be done right.
Southern Wings has been training NZs Flying Professionals for more than sixty five years. As an Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisation we offer a well-defined pipeline to help your career take-off.
With bases in both the heart of New Zealand - Auckland - and the rugged south - Invercargill - we offer hugely diverse regions for flying during your training. This allows us to train professionals that are capable of tackling a wide range of situations, reaching the best outcome every time.
At Southern Wings we will give you the maximum range of experience and opportunities to become the best you can be.
Alpha 160a’s
Superior Pilot Graduates Through Quality Training.
History
Southern Wings has been built on a heritage of flight training since 1935. It is one of New Zealand’s original aviation colleges, operated by people who are passionate about flying and assisting others to become pilots. The college operates a varied, well maintained fleet suitable for all training purposes. The college’s main base is located at Invercargill Airport.
Southland is the largest uncontrolled airspace in New Zealand, with Invercargill Airport providing experience with Air Traffic Control in controlled procedural airspace.
Check out the walls of Mordor.. I mean… the Southern Alps!
Preferred Flight Training Organisation
Southern Wings is proud to be an Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisation. Our training runs in accordance with the guidelines set by our national carrier.
One thing of particular importance is we teach and abide by the same decision making models. Our students move through to Air New Zealand, and they are already thinking like airline pilots. Southern Wings sees this as a way for students to stand out from the rest. By choosing to train with Southern Wings, prospective pilots will be assured they are:-
Joining a flight training programme designed to produce high calibre commercial airline pilots;
Likely to succeed as they have met airline styled entry criteria for programme selection;
Going to be interacting with airline personnel;
Air New Zealand’s preferred low hour candidates for turboprop first officer positions in times of high demand for new pilots.
Southern Wings has a proven track record of training and producing pilots of the highest calibre.
Piper Seminole
Fleet
Southern Wings carries a diverse fleet of aircraft, with each aircraft proving valuable in different aspects of flight training. Our two seater, aerobatic Alpha 160a’s allow our students to complete aerobatic ratings while also being a great sightseeing aircraft, sporting a 360 degree bubble canopy.
Our tried and true Piper Cherokees are the backbone of our fleet and provide students with a reliable platform for both cross-country hour building and perfecting their manoeuvres.
Two Cessna172s - M & S models - that both sport comfortable, modern interiors, are some of the most flown aircraft in the world. They are great for laps around the circuit and hopping to new airports. They are some of our most capable aircraft.
At Southern Wings we don’t believe in keeping aircraft outside, all of our aircraft are hangared whilst they aren’t flying. This reduces exposure to weather, moisture, and UV, ensures they are kept nice and dry, and ready for students to fly first thing in the morning.
IFR - Cloud surfing taken literally
An important part of training to be a professional pilot is learning how to fly on instruments. Here at Southern Wings we boast a first-of-type Piper Seminole, arguably the best multi-trainer in New Zealand. The Seminole is fully glass-equipped which, along with our G1000 simulator and Cessna 172 makes for a seamless transition into IFR flying. Flying under IFR into controlled and uncontrolled aerodromes broadens understanding of practical aviation.
G1000 Simulator
Dual Bases
Southern Wings was born and bred in Southland. As our flagship base, every one of our students gets the opportunity to fly out of our Invercargill base. Training in Southland offers some unique advantages; long daylight hours, uncluttered airspace and our favourite: spectacular mountain flying.
With a close proximity to the Southern Alps, we get both the beauty and the beast. Unbelievable views and opportunities to unique airports, as well as exposure to the mighty weather that flows off the mountains we call home. Our students are taught how to operate and manage diverse weather conditions, and are closely mentored to ensure their safety.
Mountain Flying - Train in the Mountainous Terrain You’ll be Working in
Most of New Zealand is designated mountainous terrain, one of the biggest upsides to training down South is the access to some of New Zealand’s most incredible and diverse terrain. With the Southern Alps and rugged South Island landscapes right on our doorstep, students have the opportunity to experience true mountain flying in a safe and controlled environment. Flying around this terrain develops valuable skills in weather assessment and appreciation, comprehensive navigation, terrain awareness and decision-making - whilst giving students the chance to experience operating in an environment that demands respect and thorough preparation.
From the Southland plains to the mountains and alpine regions further north, the South Island provides an incredible variety of scenery and flying conditions that can help produce more confident, capable and well-rounded pilots.
Beauty, not the beast.
Smaller Class Sizes
We operate with smaller class sizes to create a comfortable and personalised flight training experience. Instructors get to know and fly with each and every student. With smaller numbers, we don’t see you as just a number. Flight training is a huge sacrifice, and we think you deserve a 1:1 experience with an instructor as much as possible, to maximise your chances of success.
Come for the flying, stay for the Southland lifestyle.
Life in Southland is more than just flight training, once you leave the airport there is so much waiting for you to explore. Popular weekend destinations include the rugged terrain of the Catlins; the breathtaking views from Milford or Doubtful Sounds; the beautiful Rakiura/Stewart Island on our doorstep; the mind blowing action packed activities, just up the road in Queenstown; or a short drive down to Bluff.
From trying the famous oysters, hiking, diving or skiing the slopes down south, to the cultural and everyday experiences of Auckland, there are plenty of options for students to enjoy.
Come on down! Our Southern Hospitality is legendary and we look forward to meeting you!
Invercargill Base
