The Bachelor of Aviation with a specialization in Air Transport Pilot at Massey University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a successful career in the dynamic and competitive aviation industry. This innovative degree combines rigorous theoretical coursework with extensive practical training to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to operate as professional pilots, particularly within commercial air transport operations. Throughout the programme, students will gain a thorough understanding of aeronautical science, aviation safety, airline operations, air law, meteorology, and human factors, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the complex challenges of modern aviation environments.

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on flight training supplemented by simulation exercises, allowing students to develop their flight skills in a controlled and safe setting. The programme collaborates with approved flying schools and airlines to offer real-world experience that is essential for landing internships and employment opportunities upon graduation. Additionally, students will study management, navigation, communication procedures, and emergency response protocols, preparing them to handle diverse situations confidently and competently in their professional roles.

Massey's state-of-the-art facilities include modern simulators and aviation laboratories, providing a realistic training environment and fostering an immersive learning experience. The program is designed to meet the requirements of the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, ensuring graduates hold the necessary certifications and licenses to operate as air transport pilots within New Zealand and internationally.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for roles such as airline pilots, corporate pilots, and other commercial flight operations, with a strong foundation to pursue further specializations or advanced training. With a focus on safety, professionalism, and technical expertise, the Bachelor of Aviation with a specialization in Air Transport Pilot at Massey University aims to cultivate the next generation of skilled, confident, and qualified aviators ready to take to the skies and contribute to the global aviation industry.

The course structure is below. Please note all courses in Year 1 and 2 (Parts 1-4) are all compulsory. There are three options for consideration in Year 3.

Year 1 (Part 1 90 credits and Part 2 90 credits) January

Part 1

190.104 Principles of Navigation I
190.107 Improving Human Performance
190.110 Introduction to Flying 
190.112 Introduction to Flying II
190.118 Aeroscience I

Part 2

190.119 Aeroscience II
190.120 Aeronautical Legislation
190.121 Aeronautical Meteorology 
190.123 Aircraft Systems
190.124 Aircraft Performance 
190.154 Principles of Navigation II

Year 2 (Part 3 and Part 4: 180 credits)

Part 3

190.201 Aircraft Systems 11(Part 1)
190.203 Air Traffic Control / Aviation law
190.204 Flight Planning and Advanced Navigation (Part 1) 
190.205 Crew Resource Management
190.206 Aerodynamics
190.221 Advanced Support Studies

Part 4

190.237 Air Transport Cockpit Systems
190.251 Aircraft Systems (Part 11)
190.254 Flight Planning & Advanced Navigation (Part 2)
190.256 Aerodynamics (Part 2)
190.288 Advanced Aircraft Handling

Year 3 (Part 5 120 credits )

EITHER

Option one: Flight Instruction (Aeroplane) (by selection only)

190.301 Flight Instruction Human Factors 
190.315 Flight Instruction Fundamentals 
190.317 Evaluation Methods in Aviation
190.335 Flight Instruction 
and either 
190.297 Aerobatic Aircraft Handling for Flight Instructors 
or 
190.298 Advanced Turbo-Prop and Jet Handling

To bring your total for Option One to 120 credits a further 15 credits at the 200 or 300 level from the 190 Prefix (Aviation) must be selected.

OR

Option Two: Aviation Human Factors

190.313 Advanced Aviation Human Factors (compulsory)
plus courses to the value of 105 credits selected from the following series of courses. At least 60 credits must be at the 300 level.
190.xxx Aviation 
175.xxx Psychology

OR

Option Three: Aviation Business Management

120 credits of elective courses with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer. Up to 60 credits must be selected from the 190 prefix (Aviation) and up to 60 credits may be selected from the following prefixes:

190.xxx Aviation
110.xxx Accountancy
114.xxx Human Resource Management
115.xxx Business
125.xxx Finance
152.xxx Management
153.xxx Dispute Resolution
155.xxx Business Law
156.xxx Marketing
157.xxx Information Systems
178.xxx Economics
219.xxx Business Communication

At least 75 credits must be at the 300-level, of which 15 credits is to be from the 190 prefix (Aviation)

As a Flight Training Partner with the Air NZ Aviation Institute, it is now a requirement that all prospective students complete the ADAPT pilot pre-screening tool in the first instance.

To ensure students can have a reasonable expectation of satisfactorily completing this degree, they must meet further selection requirements including:

• Pilot Aptitude tests including a flight simulator aptitude test and Physics test
• A selection interview
• Writing tasks: including an English language competency test and Math assessment

Selection boards for candidates applying to commence in January are held in early December immediately after NCEA examinations. Selection boards for candidates applying to commence in July are held in early June. Prospective students will be advised of the dates.

Students invited to appear for Stage Two of the selection process must appear in person at the Massey University campus in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Candidates who do not already hold a NZCAA Class One Medical Certificate must have booked their medical appointments (with both an approved medical examiner and optometrist) for their Class One Medical Certificate for no later than one week after selection. See below for further details about Medical Certificates. Confirmation of medical appointment booking must be provided before a selection appointment will be confirmed.

The Massey University High Achiever scholarships were established to support new students enrolling at Massey University with a previous record of high achievement in the areas of: Academic, Arts, Sport. Thre are also other undergraduate scholarships available.

High achiever scholarships

Massey University Vice Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship (Academic)

The Massey University Vice Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship (Academic) was established to support new students enrolling at Massey University with a previous record of excellence in one or more subject areas and/or a record of merit in several subject areas.

Massey University Academy of Sport Scholarship

The Massey University Academy of Sport Scholarship was established to support new student athletes enrolling at Massey University with a previous record of high achievement in sport and who show future potential in their chosen sport.

Massey University Vice Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship (Academic)

The Massey University Vice Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship (Academic) was established to support new students enrolling at Massey University with a previous record of excellence in one or more subject areas and/or a record of merit in several subject areas.

Massey University Vice Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship (Art)

The Massey University Vice Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship (Arts) was established to support new students enrolling at Massey University with a previous record of excellence in one or more of the arts fields both inside and outside of the school context.

Massey University Academy of Sport Scholarship

The Massey University Academy of Sport Scholarship was established to support new student athletes enrolling at Massey University with a previous record of high achievement in sport and who show future potential in their chosen sport.

Massey University Albany Vice Chancellor's Natural Sciences Excellence Award

The Massey University Albany Vice Chancellor's Natural Sciences Excellence Award was established to support new students enrolling at the Albany campus, Massey University with a previous record of  academic excellence in the natural sciences. Recipients are expected to be committed to studying and completing the Bachelor of Natural Sciences degree.

Massey University Albany Vice-Chancellor’s Innovation and Academic Excellence Scholarship

The Massey University Albany Vice Chancellor's Innovation and Academic Excellence Scholarship was established to support new students enrolling fulltime at the Albany campus, Massey University who  are currently attending a North Shore or West Auckland secondary school who have a minimum of 20 NCEA L2 credits (or equivalent in CIE or IB) with a record of excellence or merit.

Massey Business School Future Leaders Scholarship

The Massey Business School Future Leaders Scholarship was established to recognise and support future leaders enrolling in full-time business programmes at Massey University who have a previous record of leadership and high academic achievement. 

Encouraging Kiwis into Engineering Massey University Full-Fees Scholarship

The Encouraging Kiwis into Engineering Massey University Full-Fees Scholarship was established to encourage more students into engineering, particularly those currently studying maths, physics, and/or chemistry. Applicants are expected to be studying NCEA Level 3 or equivalent in Mathematics with Calculus, Physics and perhaps also Chemistry; have involvement in extracurricular Science, Engineering or Technology and show leadership and creative skills.

The Aviation Air Transport Pilot programme at Massey University is designed to prepare students for a career as a professional pilot specializing in air transport operations. This comprehensive program combines theoretical knowledge with practical training to ensure graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to operate complex aircraft safely and efficiently in commercial aviation environments. The curriculum covers various aspects of aviation, including aeronautical science, aircraft systems, navigation, meteorology, air law, and airline operations. Students also engage in flight training, which may take place at approved flight training organizations or on-campus simulators, depending on the structure of the program.

The program aims to develop not only technical proficiency but also decision-making, leadership, and communication skills essential for the fast-paced and safety-critical aviation industry. It often incorporates industry standards and regulations to prepare students for certification processes, such as the issue of commercial pilot licenses (CPL) and other relevant qualifications by relevant aviation authorities. Students may have the opportunity to perform cross-country flights, night flying, and other advanced flight maneuvers as part of their training to ensure a well-rounded education.

Massey University collaborates with various aviation organizations and commercial flight operators to provide internships and practical work placements, helping students gain real-world experience. The program also emphasizes safety management, aviation ethics, and environmental considerations, reflecting the industry's current trends and challenges. Upon graduation, students are typically well-prepared to pursue employment with airlines, charter services, or corporate aviation sectors, with many graduates continuing to gain additional endorsements and qualifications to enhance their career prospects.

The faculty supporting the program includes experienced aviation professionals, instructors with extensive flight experience, and industry experts, all dedicated to providing high-quality education aligned with international standards. The program duration varies but generally spans over several semesters, culminating in a degree that recognizes the student's readiness to enter the aviation workforce. Admission requirements usually include relevant prior education, a valid Class 1 medical certificate, and language proficiency in English. The Aviation Air Transport Pilot programme at Massey University seeks to balance academic excellence, practical skills, and industry relevance, aiming to produce capable, responsible, and adaptable airline pilots prepared for a dynamic global aviation market.