About Me

I am Elton Haakma

Born in 1974 into a dairy farming family, I grew up in the Thames Valley. My father had gained his fixed wing private pilot licence in the 80's and bought his first gyrocopter in 2003, it was because of him I started flying gyros myself.

I started my flying in the late 1990's gaining my commercial pilot licences and instructor ratings in both helicopter and fixed wing, followed by Multi Engine IFR ratings in both the Piper Seneca and the Sikorsky S76a helicopter.

Over the years my aviation training led me to work in the helicopter ag. scene, flying scenics in the M*A*S*H Bell 47 around Tauranga, in Air Traffic Control towers around the North Island, flying the S76a rescue helicopter in Northland, flying the Jet Ranger out to White Island and around the Bay of Plenty.

I have been flight instructor, ground school manager and base manager for various helicopter, gyrocopter, and fixed wing flight schools.

I have over 2500 hours in planes, choppers and gyros, with over 1500 hours in gyros alone.

I have over 20 aircraft type ratings.

The Recreational Aircraft Association of NZ (RAANZ) has appointed me as an Authorised Testing Officer (ATO) which is an extra level of responsibility entitling me to offer advanced training including Instructor Ratings.