We’re here to share both
our aircraft
and
our passion for aviation,
plain and simple.
Meet Our Fleet
Fun isn't logical.
That's why you should learn to fly
Just the feeling of the world opening up beneath you.
It doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you.
Join the Adventure
Passion for Aviation started
in 1970s
It started as a 6-year-old lad getting to see the inside of a Cessna 172 at the Galatea Airfield.
“His dream of flying was born!”
10 years later at age 16, this dream turned into reality when this young fellow got to fly solo for the first time at Whakatane Airport. That created the next dream of gaining a Private Pilot Licence so he could take his friends and family flying.
Wow! 17 years old and holding a Private Pilot Licence. It just shows that anyone with dreams, who is prepared to work towards them, will always create the reality that they desire. All this worked the same again for this pilot to earn his Commercial Pilot Licence and Instructor Rating.
Then the ultimate dream came true with a Job Flying! He started working part-time as a Flying Instructor and then got a full-time flying job at the Tauranga Aero Club in the late eighties.
Skip ahead a few decades to 2012, where the opportunity to set up a flying school at Whakatane Airport showed up.
With the help of other flying instructors, a modern hangar with briefing rooms, a flight simulator, and five different types of aircraft to take people up in, he now gets to spend his days sharing his passion for flying by helping others to turn their flying dreams into reality.
Just like this young lad, who is now in his fifties.
Now in the 2020s, this "young man" probably has more years of aviation behind him than ahead of him.
He is incredibly thankful for the guidance he received from many wise aviators along the way.
He now believes it is his turn to give back to the aviation community,
ensuring others can enjoy a long and rewarding flying career too.
About Our Training Area
Fly sooner, learn faster.
At Whakatāne, the training area starts just minutes after take-off. That means less time wasted getting there, and more time practicing real skills. With clear skies and low traffic, you get maximum value out of every flight.
Your Time, Your Skies
At Whakatane Flying School, one of our biggest advantages is location. Our training area begins just minutes after take-off – no long transits, no wasted time. That means more of every lesson is spent actually flying, not commuting to and from controlled airspace.
Less waiting, more flying
We operate from Whakatāne Airport, a quiet and welcoming airfield with minimal traffic delays. You’ll spend your time focusing on skills that matter, rather than sitting in line for take-off.
Perfect balance of airspace
Our area offers the best of both worlds: wide-open skies for safe practice, plus access to controlled airspace in Tauranga and Rotorua when you’re ready for more advanced training.
Local convenience
Because the training area is right here, you can fit lessons around work, school, or family life. All this means more flexibility for your schedule.
Flying School Radio
Welcome to Flying School Radio – Broadcasting from Whakatane Airport!
Your go-to station for pilots, student aviators, and aviation enthusiasts.
Tune in for a steady stream of podcasts packed with flying tips and theory refreshers – all designed to keep your head in the game and your mind in the skies.
Whether you’re studying for your next exam or just love all things aviation, we’ve got your frequency.
This is Flying School Radio – where learning takes off.
Powered by Whakatāne Flying School, the Crew Room is your digital hangout for all things aviation.
Explore a growing library of practical podcasts made for pilots—covering everything from exam prep and flight planning to hangar stories and human factors.
🛩️ Whether you’re brushing up on theory or just enjoying downtime between flights,
the Crew Room is where conversation meets cockpit know-how.
Tune in. Ask questions. Stay sharp.
