CAA has worked with Air New Zealand on regulatory and licensing arrangements associated with the airline’s Pilot Cadet Scheme.
All pilots operating in New Zealand must meet NZ licensing requirements and competency standards before entering service.
In 2024, Air New Zealand launched the Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship as a pathway for future airline pilots.
The first cohort completed elements of their training in the United States, before returning to New Zealand to complete NZ licensing requirements.
Returning cadets are required to complete New Zealand Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) flight testing and associated licensing requirements before entering service.
CAA has also required Air New Zealand to establish a specialised training programme in order to meet the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule Part 121.
CAA has worked with Air New Zealand and supporting organisations, including Aspeq, on the regulatory and licensing arrangements associated with the Scheme.
CAA’s role is to independently oversee licensing and regulatory requirements within New Zealand’s aviation system.
That oversight applies regardless of where a pilot completes elements of their training.
CAA licensing standards have not changed for cadets participating in the Scheme.
Pilots must still demonstrate competency against NZ requirements before entering operational service.
Different jurisdictions use different pilot training structures.
New Zealand’s current training model focuses on broad pilot competency development followed by operational experience. Some international systems include pathways that are more aligned with the needs of airlines.
Both approaches can operate safely within strong regulatory frameworks.
The Air New Zealand Cadet Scheme has provided operational insights for CAA as we prepare to begin the Part 61 review work through the Rules Update Programme.
CAA's review of Part 61 will consider pilot licensing, training pathways, international alignment, instructor and examiner frameworks, and emerging aviation technologies.
This project is the largest Rules Update Programme project and will have a significant impact on many aspects of the NZ aviation sector.
Due to this, a high level of ongoing sector engagement will feature throughout the project.
There has been increasing sector and OIA interest in the Scheme, so CAA considered it helpful to provide clear public information about licensing and oversight arrangements.
Training delivery decisions are matters for Air New Zealand. NZ flight schools continue to play an important role in the aviation training system and future pathway discussions will involve a range of stakeholders.
From July 2026, CAA is beginning broader Part 61 review work through the Rules Update Programme. Like many jurisdictions, New Zealand regularly reviews training and licensing frameworks to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
Future pathway discussions form part of broader Part 61 work and any future proposals would involve sector engagement and formal consultation processes.
Pilots must meet licensing requirements, complete competency assessments and satisfy operational training requirements before entering service within New Zealand’s aviation system.
For more information on the conversion of foreign pilot licence to a New Zealand pilot licence, please visit:
Recognising foreign pilot licences
Recognition of overseas flight crew licences and ratings [PDF 304 KB]
