Frank began flying helicopters with the RNZAF in 1971 on the Bell 47, spending 16 years flying UH-1 Hueys across New Zealand, Asia, Egypt, Antarctica, and the Pacific. He started instructing at Ardmore in 1987 and established Ardmore Helicopters in 1996. Frank holds an A-Category Instructors Rating and conducts Flight Testing on behalf of the CAA.
Rachael is a Commercial Pilot, A-Category Flight Instructor, and General Aviation Flight Examiner. As Chief Pilot she is responsible for the day-to-day management of Ardmore Helicopters and provides guidance to all students. With nearly 20 years at Ardmore, she holds a 100% flight test pass rate.
Steve began helicopter training in 1995, gaining his PPL in 1996, CPL in 2004, and Instructors Rating in 2007. He has been instructing at Ardmore ever since, training PPL, CPL, and Instructor students across the full syllabus. Steve holds a B-Category Instructors Rating.
The most modern and technologically advanced training helicopter on the market. Used from ab initio through to PPL, CPL, Instructor Ratings and Type Ratings.
A 4-seat piston helicopter with two rows of side-by-side seating. Available for Type Ratings — one of the most widely operated helicopters in New Zealand commercial aviation.
A 5-seat turbine helicopter available for Type Ratings and Turbine Ratings. The Bell Jet Ranger is one of the most recognised turbine helicopters in commercial operations worldwide.