Aviation Gateway
If you're in Year 12 or 13 and interested in a career in aviation or as a pilot, you may be eligible to study the Aviation Gateway programme. The programme is made up of two parts that are completed over approximately two terms, or about 10 weeks, depending on the structure of the programme in your area.
The first part of the programme is theory. You will study six unit standards, up to a maximum of 19 credits from NCEA Level 2. The unit standards will introduce you to the basic knowledge required for a career in aviation, such as the history of aviation, the laws and systems governing the aviation sector, types of aircraft and their structures, and the principles of aircraft flight.
The second part of the programme is workplace experience where you will gain hands-on experience in aviation at a local aero club. This will give you the chance to see how the various parts of the aero club work, hear from aviation industry speakers, visit various aviation workplaces and even gain flying time towards your Private Pilots Licence (PPL).
The activities you are involved in will depend on your local aero club and the aviation resources available where you live. Keep in mind that this programme will only run if there are enough students who register and meet the application requirements to be accepted into the programme.
The Gateway programme gives students the chance to gain experience in a real workplace, so you will need to be punctual, organised, enthusiastic and able to meet the rules and requirements of the workplace. If this sounds like you, talk to your school's Gateway Coordinator to find out how you can get involved.
Aviation Gateway is available through the Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO). Find out more on their website
Questions and Answers
How do I register for the Aviation Gateway Programme?
You will need to speak to your school’s Gateway Coordinator, show you have a genuine interest in aviation and meet the requirements to be considered for the programme.
How many students can be on the programme?
The number of students is dependent on the aero clubs in your area and whether they have enough instructors to support you with your programme. It is also dependent on the number of aircraft and other aviation related resources in your area.
What school courses do I need to have passed to study the Gateway programme?
You need to study Year 11 Maths and English. You will also need to show you are genuinely motivated to pursue a career in aviation.
How long will it take to complete the six unit standards?
You can complete the six unit standards comfortably over two terms if you stick to the programme schedule.
How many credits will I earn from the units?
The six unit standards are made up of 19 Level 2 NCEA credits.
What is the minimum number of credits I need to achieve during the Gateway programme?
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) expects you to complete at least ten credits if you enrol in a Gateway programme.
How many hours per week will I need to spend outside of school to complete this programme?
The hours you spend outside of school will really depend on your aero club and the activities they have organised for you. Normally you will spend from between one day a week to as few as two hours per week outside of school.
What school year do I need to be in to start this programme?
The ideal is year 12. Year 13 students can also do this programme, but the units are Level 2 NCEA.
Do I need to take an aviation medical test to be accepted into the programme?
No, because you will always be flying with a fully qualified instructor, but if you want to continue flying after the programme or gain a Private Pilots Licence (PPL) or even a Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) you will need to have an aviation medical at some stage.
How much does the programme cost?
Your school will pay ATTTO for the six Gateway programme unit standards. The workplace experience at the aero club will cost about $500.00. You will need to work out how much of these costs your school will pay and how much you will pay. Every student’s situation will be different.
What are the next steps I need to take in becoming a commercial pilot after taking the Gateway programme?
If you are serious about becoming a pilot you are encouraged to sit your Private Pilots Licence (PPL) exams, which are Level 3 equivalent. You are also encouraged to continue with flying lessons. During the Gateway programme make sure you use every opportunity to learn about where you need to go to train as a pilot, how much it will cost and your student loan options.
How will I know if I’ve got what it takes to become a commercial pilot?
Your aero club instructor will give you feedback from your flying lessons, but this feedback will be limited to the number of flying lessons you have. Ask lots of questions about what it’s like working as a pilot and the opportunities available in the aviation industry. You will gain heaps of experience over the two terms and will most likely gain an idea whether this career is for you. This is the real value of taking the Gateway programme as it provides you with an opportunity to experience the industry.
