CPAS Training & Progression

A clear path from new pilot to mountain specialist. Fly, learn, advance.

How Training Works

1
Join CPAS

All new pilots start as Pilot in Training.

2
Complete Local Training Flights

Fly local area familiarization flights around our CPAS bases (NZCH, NZMC, NZGT).

3
Request Checkride

When you meet the requirements, request a checkride with an Instructor in Discord.

4
Rank Up & Advance

Pass your checkride, get promoted, and unlock new aircraft, routes, and endorsements.

Pilot Ranks

Your rank determines which aircraft and routes you can fly.

1

Pilot in Training

Starting Rank (VFR Only)

Aircraft: Piper Warrior (or alternative trainer if requested)

Allowed Operations:

  • Local area familiarization flights within 25 NM of CPAS bases:
    • NZCH (Christchurch International Airport)
    • NZMC (Mount Cook Airport)
    • NZGT (Glentanner Station)
  • Training flights with Instructor oversight
  • No passenger charters yet

Promotion Requirements:

  • Complete 3 local area familiarization flights around CPAS bases
  • Demonstrate basic aircraft control and navigation
  • Pass a short verbal knowledge check in Discord
2

Charter Pilot

VFR/IFR Operations

Aircraft: Piper Warrior, Piper Archer, Robinson R44

Allowed Operations:

  • Solo passenger charters on designated "Green" routes
  • Day or night VFR
  • No complex mountain routes

Promotion Requirements:

  • Complete 10 passenger charter flights
  • Demonstrate safe flight planning and passenger procedures
  • Pass a navigation checkride (simple cross-country)
3

Senior Charter Pilot

Advanced Ops

Aircraft: All except H145 (with required endorsements)

Allowed Operations:

  • All "Green" and "Blue" (mountain) routes
  • Can mentor Pilot in Training
  • May request custom charter destinations

Key Endorsements Available:

  • Multi-Engine: Required for Piper Seneca
  • Mountain Flying: Required for "Blue" routes
  • Turbine Helicopter: Required for R66

Promotion Requirements:

  • Complete 25 total charter flights
  • Hold Mountain Flying endorsement
  • Hold at least one turbine or multi-engine endorsement
4

Lead Pilot

Full Access

Aircraft: Entire fleet including H145

Allowed Operations:

  • All routes, including special operations
  • May approve new pilots for solo flight
  • Can develop and test new routes
  • Glacier and high-altitude landing approval

Requirements: By invitation only, based on consistent excellence, mentorship, and operational knowledge.

I

Instructor

Training Role

Role: Separate from operational ranks. Focuses on training and standards.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct training flights and checkrides
  • Approve rank advancements
  • Maintain training materials
  • Answer pilot questions in Discord

Becoming an Instructor: Experienced Lead Pilots may be invited to become Instructors based on teaching ability and knowledge.

Required Endorsements

Certain aircraft and routes require special training. These are simple, practical checkrides.

Mountain Flying Endorsement

Required for "Blue" Routes

Purpose: Safely operate in mountainous terrain of the Southern Alps.

How to Get It:

  • Be at least Charter Pilot rank
  • Complete ground briefing with an Instructor
  • Fly a checkride with an Instructor on a designated mountain route
  • Demonstrate understanding of density altitude, valley winds, and escape options

Aircraft: Piper Arrow or R44 (helicopter mountain checkride also available)

Multi-Engine Endorsement

Required for Piper Seneca

Purpose: Safely operate twin-engine, pressurized aircraft.

How to Get It:

  • Be at least Senior Charter Pilot rank
  • Complete Seneca systems review with an Instructor
  • Fly a checkride with an Instructor (NZCH → NZMF → NZCH)
  • Demonstrate engine-out procedures and pressurization management

Note: This endorsement is required before flying the Seneca for charters.

Turbine Helicopter Endorsement

Required for R66 & H-Series

Purpose: Transition from piston to turbine helicopters.

How to Get It:

  • Be at least Senior Charter Pilot rank
  • Hold Mountain Flying endorsement (for H125/H145)
  • Complete systems training with an Instructor
  • Fly a checkride with an Instructor

Covers: R66 (basic turbine) or H125/H145 (advanced mountain/utility turbine).

Core Rules for All Pilots

1. Stay Within Your Rating

Fly only aircraft and routes your current rank and endorsements allow.

2. Use Checklists

Always use provided checklists for startup, cruise, and landing.

3. File a PIREP

Submit flight reports via our Discord bot after every flight. Learn more

4. Ask for Help

Unsure? Ask in Discord before flying. We're here to help, not fail you.

Important Notes

  • This is a simulation community. Our primary goals are learning and enjoyment.
  • Progress at your own pace. There are no time limits for advancement.
  • Checkride Format: Checkrides are conducted via MSFS shared cockpit and a private Discord voice channel. You'll fly with an instructor observing, then discuss your performance and knowledge.
  • VATSIM is encouraged but not required. We recommend it for immersion but understand not everyone uses it.
  • Training is free and conducted by volunteer Instructors. Please be respectful of their time.
  • All procedures are based on real-world principles, adapted for simulator safety and practicality.
  • Pilots in Training: Your initial flights will be local area familiarization around our three main bases: Christchurch International (NZCH), Mount Cook Airport (NZMC), and Glentanner Station (NZGT). This helps you learn our operating environment before progressing to longer charter routes.