Timeline from School Student to Airline Pilot in New Zealand
John’s note about this post:- This is a post that could excite a lot of would be pilots. But be mindful that the world of aviation ebbs and flows – think of the pandemic impacts for example. So please don’t take this timeline as an absolute. Many aspects of this timeline have relied on airline demand for pilots. Nonetheless, it is a very exciting and doable timeline. Fingers crossed it happens for you, too!
Although Josh and I never flew together, I have been privileged to meet and work with him a few times on Young Eagles and Flying Scholarship business. When I realised how young he was – compared to dinosaur me, I realised he must have a pilot progress timeline that is both current and well paced.
Josh is currently a CAPTAIN on Air New Zealand’s Q300 fleet, based out of New Plymouth. (Take note of his rank, your jaw will drop shortly!)
In the true style of an honourable pilot giving back to his community, Josh used to volunteer at the local SPCA, and he currently volunteers as Flying New Zealand’s Scholarship Co-ordinator.
Enjoy reading about Josh’s progress from school kid to airline pilot. I certainly enjoyed it! Thanks for contributing to our Flying Scholarship Blog, Josh 👍
2012: In term 2 of 2012 I was given a place on the aviation Gateway program in Christchurch through the Canterbury Aero Club (CAC). Afterward, I continued flying with CAC, paying for my lessons by working weekends and summers for an agricultural contractor or for my parents on their dairy farm.
2013: This was my last year at high school, I went First Solo in June 2013 and was accepted by the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ) to start the diploma course in 2014.
2014-2015: I started as a student at IAANZ in Feb 2014, completing a Diploma in General Aviation and Flight Instruction - CPL, MEIR, C-Cat, ATPL theory.
After my training ended, in 2015, I was lucky enough to be employed full time by CAC. I worked 3 days a week on the desk at the Christchurch base and instructed in the weekends building a clientele of students.
2016-2018: Worked as an instructor for CAC and later on IAANZ, becoming a Senior B-Cat instructor. Most instructors also had secondary duties like admin tasks, lecturing and auditing. I was involved with marketing for the CAC / IAANZ, looked after contract work for CAC, and the other general task for a duty B-Cat.
2018-2022: I started with Air Nelson in September 2018 and was cleared to line as a Bombardier Q300 (Dash 8-300) First Officer in February 2019 based in New Plymouth. I spent almost 3 years flying the Q300 gaining experience as a First Officer until August 2021 when I transferred fleets.
April 2022: I completed training to fly the ATR 72-600. I am currently a First Officer on the ATR fleet based in Christchurch.
Mid 2023: We are delighted to announced that Josh is now Captain Josh Back on the Q300 fleet. You have enough fingers on your hands to see how many years it took him from starting at IAANZ to the left seat for Air New Zealand!
We're very proud of our Josh!
