L3Harris / Acron Aviation Academy (New Zealand, ex-CTC Aviation)
New Zealand · NZ CAA; also UK CAA / EASA approvals (global network)
The Acron Aviation Academy in New Zealand, formerly L3Harris Airline Academy and originally CTC Aviation, is an airline pilot training academy based at Hamilton Airport. It trains ab-initio cadets from around the world for airline careers.
The New Zealand academy has operated at Hamilton since 2005, originally as CTC Aviation, before being acquired by L3 (later L3Harris) in 2015 and rebranded as Acron Aviation Academy after the training business was sold in 2025. It trains approximately 200 cadets per year, taking them from ab-initio through Private Pilot Licence, Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Licence and ATPL theory, with advanced training and Airbus A320 type rating completed in the United Kingdom. Its Hamilton fleet has included Diamond DA20 Katana single-engine aircraft, Cessna 172s and Diamond DA42 Twinstar twins, plus simulators. It forms part of a global airline pilot training network.
School facts
| Country | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Region | Waikato |
| Base airport | Hamilton Airport (NZHN) |
| Regulator | NZ CAA; also UK CAA / EASA approvals (global network) |
| Courses | Ab-initio airline pilot training CPL IR MPL/ATPL cadet programs |
| Fleet | ~38 aircraft: Diamond DA20 Katana (single), Cessna 172, Diamond DA42 (multi); 3 simulators |
| Partnerships | Multiple airline cadet pipelines (global L3Harris network) |
| Founded | CTC Aviation founded 1969; acquired by L3Harris 2018; rebranded Acron Aviation Academy |
| Website | l3harrisairlineacademy.com |
Key facts
- Based at Hamilton Airport, New Zealand; operating there since 2005
- Originally CTC Aviation, taken over by L3/L3Harris in 2015, rebranded Acron Aviation Academy in 2025
- Trains around 200 airline cadets per year from around the world
- Cadets earn PPL, MEIR, CPL and ATPL theory, with A320 type rating completed in the UK
- Fleet has included Diamond DA20 Katana, Cessna 172 and Diamond DA42 Twinstar aircraft
Frequently asked questions
Where is the academy based?
Why the name changes?
What does the training involve?
What aircraft are used?
Sources
- https://www.nzskillsconnect.co.nz/find-a-flight-school/ctc-aviation-training-nz-limited
- https://l3harrisairlineacademy.com/
- https://acronaviationacademy.com/usa/blog/l3harris-airline-academy-rebrands-to-acron-aviation-academy/
- https://www.ftnonline.co.uk/2025/04/18/l3harris-flight-training-academy-sold-and-rebranded-as-acron-aviation/
Last verified 2026-07-13. Professionally-public, sourced information only.