Specialists in helicopter pilot flight training. Frank holds an A-Category Instructor’s rating and various Flight Testing privileges.
Ardmore Helicopters Ltd is one of the leading pilot training schools in New Zealand, specializing in helicopter flight training, and charter, since 1996. We offer the full range of training options including Private Pilot Licences, Commercial Pilot Licences, Instructor Ratings and Type Ratings. Ardmore Helicopters is renown throughout the industry for our comprehensive training programmes and job
World’s Newest PPL! CONGRATULATIONS Bryn for passing your PPL FLIGHT TEST today 🚁👍 CPL next!
15/06/2026
It is with much sadness we announce the passing of a friend and past student, David Takendu.
David learnt to fly with us in the Hughes 300, obtaining his PPL in 2008 and CPL in 2009. Shortly after obtaining his licence David returned to Papua New Guinea and flew utility helicopters throughout the country including the Bell 206 Long Rangers, Bell 407s and Bell 212s, most recently with Heli Solutions.
David spent many of his early years living in New Zealand and prior to becoming a pilot, was a Fireman in Greymouth, an officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy, and a Civil Engineer with Auckland Council. As much as David loved New Zealand he always remained an incredibly patriotic and proud Papua New Guinean.
David achieved so much in his career, and his professionalism, knowledge of PNG’s mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather earned him the respect of all who flew with him. He was very proud of being the “go to” man but despite this, he always remained very humble and kind.
Nearly all our students have heard stories of David’s sense of humour including his one-liners (spotlights and dogs!), landing at Bombay MacDonalds for a late lunch, landing at the Hokianga Harbour for crayfish, or demanding we all stop flying early to watch the Ice Age movie.
Our thoughts are with David’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of flying with him. He will be greatly missed, but will be remembered always by everyone at Ardmore Helicopters.
Blue skies and tail winds David
Ardmore, Auckland, New Zealand
Another tree saved… 🌳
02/06/2026
🔹 2026 Scholarships 🔹 Thanks to the James PG Foundation and AOPA NZ's charitable trust ThinkAviation, there’s $10,000 worth of flight hours, training and support up for grabs!
🚁 Find out all about our new scholarships here: ThinkAviation.nz/scholarships
Applications open 5 June, and close 8 July.
19/05/2026
CONGRATULATIONS Bryn for passing your PPL Navigation Check Flight! 🗺️ 🚁
17/05/2026
CONGRATULATIONS Brandon for your First Solo flight today! 🚁👍🚁
06/03/2026
Congratulations Luke for passing your PPL Navigation Check Flight today. Next step - PPL Flight Test!
25/12/2025
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! 🎄Thank you for your support this year. We look forward to flying with you in 2026 🚁
11/06/2026