Commercial Airline Pilot in New Zealand (CAA)
How to become a commercial airline pilot.
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Where it leads
- Student Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- First Officer
- Captain
0 of 10 gates cleared
Before you spend money or years
Check these first; they can end the journey before it costs you
Go / no-go check
Red light: check these before paying any fees.
Competitive field and strict medical standards.
Is this you?
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10 gates to the cockpit
10 gates in 4 legs. Tap a gate to read it; log the date when you clear it.
Understand entry paths and regulatory requirements.
Meet regulatory standards and obtain medical certificate.
Master theoretical subjects.
Obtain Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
Build required hours.
Essential for commercial operations.
Multi-crew environment.
Transition to airline.
Type-specific training.
Command progression.
More about this career
About the job, pay where you live, questions people ask, and where this career can take you next.
About the job
What you’d do
- Check weather, fuel, load and equipment, and calculate the fuel needed
- Prepare and review flight plans
- Navigate and fly the aircraft safely, using flight management systems
- Communicate with air traffic control, crew and passengers
- Write reports and keep flight logs
Where you’d work
- Airports and aircraft, travelling locally, nationally or internationally
- Domestic and international flights carrying passengers and cargo
- Agricultural, recreational and emergency response flying
Licence to practise
Registration is with Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA)
- Take flying lessons to build practical experience
- Pass the written theory exams
- Pass a medical examination and the 'fit and proper person' test
- Show you are proficient in English
- Apply for the licence online through MyAviation
Directions you can take
- Airline pilot
- Charter pilot
- Agricultural pilot
- Emergency response flying
Sourced facts for this region
Licensing requirements, pay and training costs taken from the sources listed below. This is the latest information checked, not live data; confirm with the regulator before acting.
Licensing authority
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
Licensing requirements
- At least 18 years old. Civil Aviation Authority
- Hold a current Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate. Civil Aviation Authority
- Pass six written CPL examinations: Air Law, Human Factors, Meteorology, Navigation, Principles of Flight, General Aircraft Technical Knowledge. Civil Aviation Authority
- 200 hours total (or 150 integrated), 100 PIC, 30 cross-country navigation PIC, 10 instrument. Civil Aviation Authority
- Pass a CPL issue flight test with an approved flight examiner. Civil Aviation Authority
Latest available salary information
Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
| Role | Range | Data type | Source |
|---|
Pay depends on employer, role, aircraft, seniority and hours. These figures are not a promise of earnings, and figures of different types are not combined.
Limitations of this information
- Salary and training cost data are currently unavailable for this region.
- No source reviewed gives a reliable overall timeline.
Sources (1)
- Civil Aviation Authority — Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)Last checked: Oct 8, 2026
Every step in full
The complete text of every step, to read or print. Work through them in the journey above.
Roadmap Evaluation: Path A (After School) and Path B (After Degree) 1 steps
Compare training pathways
Integrated vs Modular training.
Real-world task: Create a decision table.
Why it matters: Determines career timeline.
Checklist
- Compare ATOs
- Check eligibility
Eligibility and Class 1 Medical 1 steps
Class 1 Medical
Meet regulatory standards and obtain your medical certificate.
Real-world task: Schedule medical assessment.
Why it matters: Regulatory compliance.
Checklist
- Class 1 Medical
- English Proficiency
Ground School & Theoretical Exams 1 steps
Theoretical Ground School
Study Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology.
Real-world task: Pass ATPL exams.
Why it matters: Foundational knowledge.
Checklist
- Register
- Self-study
Initial Flight Training (PPL) 1 steps
PPL Training
Basic maneuvers.
Real-world task: Train with instructor.
Why it matters: Teaches fundamental piloting.
Checklist
- First solo
Hour Building & CPL Skills Test 1 steps
Hour Building
Cross-country and solo time.
Real-world task: Log hours.
Why it matters: Meets regulatory prerequisites.
Checklist
- 150-200 hours PIC
Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) 1 steps
MEIR Training
Complex aircraft and IFR flight.
Real-world task: Instrument training.
Why it matters: Commercial necessity.
Checklist
- Simulator time
- Practical test
Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) / Airline Preparation 1 steps
MCC Course
Simulated airline cockpit.
Real-world task: Pass assessment.
Why it matters: Prepares for team operations.
Checklist
- Procedures
- Crew interaction
Airline Cadet / First Officer Entry 1 steps
Airline selection
Apply for positions.
Real-world task: Interview preparation.
Why it matters: Career advancement.
Checklist
- CV review
Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) & Type Rating 1 steps
Type Rating
Specific aircraft training.
Real-world task: Pass rating.
Why it matters: Certified for commercial jets.
Checklist
- Technical exam
ATPL 1,500-hour Command Upgrade 1 steps
Experience building
Log flying hours.
Real-world task: Progress hours.
Why it matters: ATPL requirement.
Checklist
- 1,500 hours
Questions people ask about Commercial Airline Pilot in New Zealand (CAA)
Clear answers regarding timelines, prerequisites, salaries, and study strategies.
Can I start after high school?
Yes, regulatory paths are age-based.
Is a degree required?
No, airline hiring policies vary.
Medical exam needed?
Class 1 medical certificate.
Training duration?
Varies by route and weather.
Estimated costs?
Varies widely. Budget for extras.
Progression to Captain?
Build experience, obtain ATPL.
Are there English requirements?
Yes, ICAO English usage is standard.
Is salary data available?
Reliable salary data not available.
Training route?
Integrated or modular paths.
Where to get medical advice?
Consult official regulators/examiners.