30/07/2014
To become a commercial aeroplane pilot you need a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). To get this you must:
be at least 18 years old
pass a Class 1 Medical Examination
hold a current NZ Private Pilot Licence (which you can get when you are 17)
pass written exams
complete at least 200 hours' flying time
satisfy the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) fit and proper person requirements
pass the English Language Proficiency test.
You can then work as a scenic pilot, or a flying instructor (on the same type of planes as you learned on).
You need additional hours and/or qualifications to fly as an agricultural pilot, fly by instrument, or fly bigger types of aircraft, such as turboprops, or jet-engined planes.