EXCELLENCE IN AVIATION FACILITIES IS WHAT MAKES A PREMIER PILOT SCHOOL.
Ardmore Flying School has modern equipment and advanced technology to ensure you achieve your aviation goals. We pride ourselves on our focused delivery of the best quality and most efficient pilot training environment.
Our modern classrooms, aircraft and simulators are ready and waiting for you. You are welcome to visit us at any time, share a coffee and chat about the aviation training options available to you. One of our helpful team will be on hand to show you around and discuss your options.
Come and see us soon!

OUR FLEET

At Ardmore Flying School we currently have a fleet of 17 Cessna aircraft which can be quickly increased as required to meet student flying demand. Our C172R aircraft are equipped with either the Garmin G1000 'glass cockpit' avionics or with analogue instruments to give the students the opportunity to build their knowledge and skill flying various aircraft.
Powerplant | 1x160 HP engine or 1x155 HP diesel engine |
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Cruise Speed | 115 knots (213 km/hr) |
Endurance | 5 hours with 40 minutes reserve |
Seating | 4 seats |

The Diamond DA42 is a four-seat twin engine and is the newest addition to our fleet. The DA42 offers exceptional visibility thanks to its panoramic wrap around canopy and generous rear windows. Comfortable access for all on board is assured.
Powerplant | 2x Ausrol turbocharged diesel engine |
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Cruise Speed | 195 knots (365 km/hr) |
Endurance | 7 hours 3 minutes with 40 minutes reserve |
Service Ceiling | 10,000ft |

The Robinson R22 is a two-bladed, single-engine light utility helicopter and is a proven workhorse that has delivered exceptional performance for our students. It is an economical and effective helicopter for use in rotary flight training.
Powerplant | 160HP/145HP engine |
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Cruise Speed | 75 knots (139 km/hr) |
Endurance | 2h 10mins + 20mins reserve |
Service Ceiling | 14,000ft DA |
OUR SIMULATORS
Ardmore Flying School has several simulators for the training of pilots in instrument flying and procedures.
A Frasca single engine simulator is fitted with the latest Garmin 1000 "glass cockpit" navigation and avionics suite which is identical to that found in the company’s Cessna 172 and DA42 aircraft.
A second Frasca simulator is configured for a multi-engine aircraft and has traditional analogue instruments. It also has a Garmin 430 GPS unit again identical to that fitted to the Duchess' multi-engine fleet.
The fitting of common equipment, especially radio and navigation aids makes the transition from simulator to aircraft a more seamless one for the student. It allows for training time to be spent on learning and perfecting instrument flying procedures rather than understanding different equipment fit-out.
The school also has a Beech 200 King Air simulator. This turbo-prop aircraft simulator is used for specific advanced training.
Our Pacific A320 Fixed-based simulator introduces the student to more advanced avionics, aircraft engines and operating systems, and flies much faster requiring sound instrument flying skills to fly accurately in all weather conditions.
The interaction between crew members develops as the student flies through more challenging scenarios, many of which are only possible in a simulator.
All simulators have projected visuals to enhance the simulator experience and to expose the students to various weather and other environmental conditions to challenge them in their learning.


OUR TRAINING FACILITIES
Ardmore Flying School is located overlooking the Ardmore Airport, with excellent views of the airfield, runways and aviation activity from its offices, student areas and recreational deck areas.
There is office space for instructors, administration and finance, reception, student services and management. A large welcome area provides space for visitors and the under-cover decked area provides a pleasant environment for relaxation or an informal de-brief after a busy flight lesson. This is particularly popular during the summer months. There are computers and desks available for flight planning, weather printing and logbook completion.
Formal theory training is delivered in one of the especially equipped classrooms. These are air-conditioned for comfort all year around and have modern teaching aids to enhance the learning experience. Pre-flight briefings are delivered in one of the special ‘Briefing Rooms’ which has access to all the on-line briefing material, whiteboard and computer so that the instructor and student can prepare fully for the lesson ahead.
OUR AIRFIELD
Ardmore Airport is situated 33km from Auckland’s CBD, and is one of New Zealand’s busiest general aviation airfields. Established in 1943, Ardmore Airport has become the country’s premier facility for airline and general aviation pilot training and helicopter pilot training.
New Zealand Warbirds
Ardmore is a permanent home base to around 40 Warbirds aircraft and an important recreational resource for Warbird
enthusiasts. The NZ Warbirds Visitor Centre attracts a large following from the public and regular tours arrive at Ardmore to view their historic and classic aircrafts.
Flying lessons are hungry work – visit our Ardmore Café Soak up the airfield and runway atmosphere whilst enjoying your breakfast, light meal and a coffee at Ardmore Cafe from the viewing deck. We are open every day from 8am to 4pm.