2000 applicants vie for 30 Air New Zealand pilot training spots

Almost 2000 people have applied to start training for a new career in the skies. Applications for the 30 spots on Air New Zealand’s Mangōpare pilot cadetship closed last week. The cadetship will cover the majority of costs, including training and living expenses, for the duration of the programme which is designed to take about 14 months, instead of the typical 24-36 months, to become a fully-qualified ATR pilot. Applicants who met the requirements were invited to complete aptitude tests and interviews online, the airline said. Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan said the enthusiastic response from aspiring aviators is encouraging.<br/>