Community

Of High Flyers

Inspiring Alumni Stories

Ardmore Flying School’s alumni go on to achieve amazing things. We have gathered life stories, experiences and career trajectories of some of them here.

Featured Alumni

Keely Pause

First Officer Air New Zealand

Keely Pause embarked on her aviation journey at Ardmore Flying School in September 2012. Initially starting in a ground role focused on Operations and Reception in January 2013, Keely steadily advanced through various training milestones.

Having successfully completed her Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), and attaining the C Cat qualification at Ardmore, Keely transitioned to the roles of CCat and Operations Administrator in January 2016. During this period, she played a pivotal role in establishing the new ETA (Operations) system.

In 2019, Keely achieved her BCat, marking another significant accomplishment. This achievement, coupled with her dedication and expertise, led to her promotion to Team Leader in February 2020. In this capacity, she took on the responsibility of developing various training programs at Ardmore, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the learning experience.
Throughout her tenure, Keely took charge of updating and refining all Flight Training and Ground Course documentation, showcasing her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards.

Keely's training and contributions at Ardmore Flying School proved to be a crucial stepping stone in her career. Although her transition to a flying role with Air New Zealand was initially scheduled for 2020, it faced delays due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, Keely finally realized her dream, commencing her role as a First Officer for Air New Zealand on the de Havilland DHCB-Q300 in December 2022.

Keely Pause

First Officer Air New Zealand

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Beau McKenzie

Medical Pilot for Starship Hospital

Beau McKenzie started his aviation career at Ardmore Flying School, serving as a C Cat Instructor from 2016 to 2019. Demonstrating a strong foundation in teaching, he swiftly transitioned to the role of a B Cat Instructor in December 2016, displaying adaptability and a commitment to professional advancement.

Beau currently holds a crucial position as a Medical Pilot for Starship Hospital. In addition to his role as a Medical Pilot, Beau excels as a First Officer operating under Part 125. Simultaneously, he is actively pursuing his Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), showcasing a dedication to continuous improvement and meeting the highest standards in aviation.

Beau McKenzie

Medical Pilot for Starship Hospital

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Hormuzd (Homz) Bam

First Officer at Air New Zealand on ATR-72

Hormuzd began his aviation journey at Ardmore Flying School in 2016, a decision that set the stage for his impressive career. Nestled in Tamaki Makaurau, Ardmore's training grounds near Waiheke Island and Auckland city offered a unique and challenging experience due to its variable weather.

With focused determination, Hormuzd achieved his C Cat Instructor certification in February 2018, followed by the B Cat Instructor certification in January 2022. Today, as a First Officer at Air New Zealand, he skilfully operates the ATR-72.

Hormuzd (Homz) Bam

First Officer at Air New Zealand on ATR-72

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Krishnansh Gupta

First Officer for Akasa Air (based in India) on Boeing 737

Before embarking on his pilot training, Krishnansh conducted thorough research on various flight schools and recommends that others to do the same. During his visit to Ardmore Flying School, the instructor professionally and comprehensively addressed all his questions, affirming Ardmore as the standout choice.

Krishnansh successfully completed his Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and Instrument Rating (IR) between 2019 and 2021. Today, he proudly serves as a First Officer for Akasa Air, based in India, flying the Boeing 737.

Krishnansh Gupta

First Officer for Akasa Air (based in India) on Boeing 737

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Lei Zhao

Instructor at Ardmore Flying School

Lei Zhao earned her Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licence at Ardmore Flying School, where the focus was not only on flight training but also on developing a positive attitude and mastering time management—qualities she deems essential for pilots.

After almost two years of training, Lei enrolled in Ardmore’s C-Cat instructor course to learn to teach the way that she was taught. Her aim is clear: to be a competent pilot and an effective instructor. Lei strives to pass on technical skills but also the importance of a positive attitude, good behaviour, and sound time management to her students.

Today, Lei Zhao serves as a Flight Instructor at Ardmore Flying School, and is committed to shaping well-rounded pilots, focusing on both practical skills and professionalism.