Nelson Aviation College was established at Motueka in 1978. It is owned by Giles and Katrina Witney, who are the CEO and Finance Manager respectively. They are supported by their management team of the General Manager - Operations (Marcus Day), CFI (Brad Keay), Training & Development/Safety Manager (Jackie Day), and QA Auditor (Owen Stewart). Along with a three person administration team, we have eleven full-time instructors. Including the owners and the management team, NAC has three A-Category Flight Examiners, ten B-Category and three C-Category instructors training students.

We are a high profile training organisation with consistently high pass rates, giving us a highly regarded reputation worldwide. Pilot trainees from over 24 countries have attended the College. During recent years, Nelson Aviation College has trained pilots for overseas airlines and internationally recognised companies, plus many individually enrolled students. Graduates from previous courses are employed by a number of aviation companies and airlines both within New Zealand and overseas.

Nelson Aviation College is approved and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Under the NZQA guidelines, Nelson Aviation College has developed a Diploma in Aviation programme which consists of full time training from ab-initio to Commercial Pilot Licence and Multi Engine Instrument Rating with an option of either a Frozen ATPL or an Instructor Rating.

We believe that our personalised approach assists trainees to attain both a high standard of flying skill and a professional attitude towards the aviation environment. Our emphasis on flight safety has never been more important. With thorough effective training, students will gain complete safety awareness as they develop their skills and knowledge.