Testimonials
Scenic - Michael and Jane - Noosa
What a fantastic scenic trip to Bridal Veil Falls in the Raglan area - will definately be back for more next year!
Wedding Transfer - Jeff and Susan
Many thanks Helicorp for a spectacular entrance on our special day - it just added to the memorable occasion.
Training - Warren (Completed Turbine EC120 Endorsement)
An experienced instructor who encouraged me to explore the capabilities of the helicopter to its full extent. Highly recommend.
Training - Ben Rekdale
While serving in the military I found a passion for helicopters and 18 months ago decided it was a career path I wanted to explore. I researched different countries where I could train to obtain PPL and CPL licenses. My goal in finding a training facility was to walk away with the most qualifications for the money invested, and more importantly walk away as a competent pilot.
I decided on New Zealand where I did three trial flights with three different flight schools. These trial flights allowed me to assess the operation that I would potentially obtain my training at, and more importantly, ensure I was comfortable with the instructor sitting next to me.
Right from the start Dave was professional and direct in his questions and answers about what I was after in a flight school and about what he could deliver to me. Dave’s whole approach to the trial flight made my decision easy in choosing his school. It was also comforting to know I would have an instructor with over 1000 hours experience and a category B instructor rating.
Initially, Dave and I worked out a strategy to tackle my PPL and CPL course full time along with the objective of finishing my training in the quickest time possible, while aiming for 70 hours PIC (Pilot in Command), obtaining a CPL night rating and an R44 rating.
From the very beginning my training was exciting and challenging when trying to control the most sensitive machine I had ever touched in my life. Dave’s style and teaching methods made life easy with a detailed pre-flight briefing before every flight, which included detailed explanations and diagrams along with what we aimed to achieve in the flight. Each flight was followed by a post-flight briefing in which Dave asked me to assess my performance; he also gave feedback as well as added his own review on my flight. Dave would always discuss the next day’s flight and gave training material and videos for me to use in preparation for that flight. Dave constantly challenged me on the ground and in the air expecting nothing but my best performance and was not shy in telling me of that fact.
During my training, Dave and I worked out an exam schedule to complete the theory component, while continuing to fly. He conducted detailed tutorials on all the subjects and was always available for contact if I had difficulties with any subjects at anytime. I believe Dave’s teaching style is second to none. He was able to adapt his teaching style to the way I learn, and I was thankful for his patience in the long days we spent together, sometimes even on weekends to nail through the finer details of some subjects.
While training with Dave, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to commercial operations with which he flies in addition to his instructing. This allowed me to be exposed to a variety of larger turbine machines as well as meet different personalities within the industry. I was also assured in knowing that I had an instructor able to pass on those experiences to me.
My time learning to fly with Dave was one of the most challenging and rewarding times I have faced. I enjoyed it thoroughly and walked away with everything Dave and I set out to accomplish, and also made a good friend along the way. Within seven months I completed my PPL and CPL with exactly 70 hours PIC, a night rating and an R44 rating. Within a month of finishing my course I was lucky enough to find employment in Australia and am realistic about the challenges that lie ahead due to Dave’s instruction and honesty about the industry.
If you are seriously considering a career flying helicopters or for personal use and you want to fly the helicopters safely and competently knowing that you were continually tested, I believe it would be doing yourself a serious disservice if you did not conduct a trial flight with Helicorp. I still believe you should experience trial flights with other operators, as I believe this will highlight Dave’s operation and the professionalism and the quality of instruction he delivers.
If you have any questions you can contact me on +61 407 691 934.
Ben Rekdale
Training - Dave Connell
I met Dave Peel through a referral.
I was a 50 year old student pilot training with an out of town organisation. With the long commute and multiple instructors my training was disjointed and really going nowhere.
After a check flight the debrief identified several areas of weakness. Three hours later I flew solo and went on to gain my PPL H.
The structured training offered by Dave suited me with an explanation of the lesson beforehand and a debrief of my flying afterwards. The consistency of having one instructor is great with no wasted expensive helicopter time.
Dave sets a high standard and encourages you to keep improving. He doesn’t shy away from telling you if your flying is not up to standard and continually asks you to judge your own performance.
Dave helped me to choose my own helicopter (a R44 Raven II) and helped me fly it up from Queenstown. He also gave me advice on my choice of avionics and headsets.
I am currently training with Dave on my night and sling ratings using my own aircraft. I think us low time PPL's need a check ride every 20 hours or so to ensure we continue to fly to a good standard and not develop slack habits. Hopefully my relationship with Dave will continue.
Feel free to call me on 0274967851.
Dave Connell
Training - Student
After 10 years of wanting to attain my helicopter license for private and business purposes, I finally decided in April 2007 to get serious. Post visiting and assessing three flight schools and undertaking three trial flights, I was convinced that Dave Peel’s training style was best suited to my needs; flexible, professional, with a high safety ethic and extremely meticulous personal standards for both student and aircraft safety.
He answered my many questions, invited me to contact previous students for references, and asked questions of me pinpointing what I was hoping to achieve, and what my training needs and expectations were. This from day one led to a meeting of minds about expectation, and a tailored training package developed specifically to me, rather than the mass market, cookie cutter approach to student training and having to “fit the school” feeling I got elsewhere.
The flying has been exhilarating, from mastering the hover, to my first solo and my first solo cross country, I have enjoyed every aspect of the training. I was continually pushed to better my ability, not just meet the curriculum skill level required, but to be the best pilot I could.
Dave’s teaching method is personalised - adapting to each student’s learning style and this is applied to both theory applications in class and practical situations on the controls. Dave provided added support through thorough briefings given prior to each lesson, CD ROM notes and DVD’s to facilitate knowledge growth between lesson times or provide background to upcoming lessons. He provided access to difficult to find magazine resources on helicopter flying and heli industry news, encouraging students to remain current and informed on all aspects of the industry. Dave also provided one-on-one tuition prior to sitting exams. His experience and flying astuteness puts students at ease, he has flown my family and his confident and assured manner helped to quell their initial nerves.
Pursuing this goal of learning to fly helicopters has only fueled my passion further to gain additional type ratings, and has also unexpectedly furnished me with new friends and associates who have been positive and encouraging in welcoming me into the helicopter flying community.
My continuing relationship with Dave has become as big a part in my becoming a helicopter pilot as the actual license achievement itself. Opportunities like attending the NZ Helicopter Champs and the invaluable contacts, ongoing flying support and advice only a phone call away, are all part of Dave’s total service dedication to his clients.
I have been completely satisfied with the professionalism, service and training provided. Dave’s aircraft and equipment are scrupulously maintained and kept in first class condition, emphasizing his commitment to safety as paramount concern when offering his uniquely individualised service and training. I would confidently recommend Dave Peel; he has surpassed my expectations in assisting me to fulfill my personal goal of learning to fly helicopters.
Training - Roger Danielsen (Norway)
One of the reasons I chose to train with Helicorp in New Zealand was the fact that the cost of training and obtaining my licence was clearly outlined with no extra hidden charges appearing along the way.
While undertaking my CPL training I have obtained type ratings, a night flight rating, helicopter sling load flight rating and Robinson helicopter safety awareness training. I was encouraged to fly in different weather conditions to enhance my flying skills.
Dave Peel offered me never ending support with my written examinations and practice training as English is my second language.
The opportunity to be around experienced pilots and exposure and flights in other helicopters including the AS350, EC130 and EC120 was an additional bonus to my time training with Helicorp.
Whilst in New Zealand it also gave me ample time to take advantage recreationally of the wonderful mountains and fishing spots.