Massey Aviation students pushed to the brink by intense degree

The Bachelor of Aviation at Massey is widely regarded as one of the institution's most demanding degrees. What was once a four-year degree, has been squeezed into three, leaving students struggling to juggle coursework with a flight training schedule that mirrors professional airline expectations.  

With students on call to fly anytime between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, second-year Dhruv Vijairam said the workload is intense and unpredictable. 

“The programme is structured to replicate the airline environment, but it leaves little room for planning your personal life.” 

Unlike most degrees with long mid-year and summer breaks, Massey’s Aviation students have limited downtime.  

Particularly over the summer break where most students get 15 weeks off, Aviation students get three-weeks.  

The mid-year break sees three weeks off for most students, and two weeks for Aviation.  

However, these breaks are tightly linked to flight training requirements. Students must complete their required flying hours on time, or risk having leave reduced or rescheduled. This means even official breaks can feel more like catch up time than real time off.  

Vijairam found that the biggest issue was that the course had been “crammed” into three years.  

The university says this squeeze reduces financial burden. However, students say the compression increases the risk of falling behind. Vijairam found this problem himself, having to repeat an entire semester after being recoursed, failing to pass one required subject.  

Ashok Poduval, chief executive of the School of Aviation, confirmed the degree is delivered under “compressed teaching”, authorised by the Ministry of Education.  

However, the school suggests that the degree’s intensity is a strength, not a flaw.  

“For students with a passion to become professional aviators, and the necessary motivation and self-discipline, Massey provides a world class start on their journey towards a dynamic career,” Poduval said.  

He said the structure is designed to balance academics and flight hours, with a fortnightly rotation between lectures and flying. It allows students to gain not only a university degree but also a commercial pilot licence, a multi-engine instrument rating and credits towards an airline transport pilot licence within the first two years.  

To make up for lost time due to bad weather, the flight centre operates seven days a week. Poduval noted that “no staff member or student is scheduled for more than six consecutive days, in line with fatigue limitation rules”.  

He emphasised that wellbeing is closely monitored. Cohorts are capped at 40, with instructors trained to spot fatigue and stress, each mentoring four students.  

Students are also taught to self-assess fitness to fly using the IMSAFE model (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion) and are encouraged to use university counselling and medical services. 

Despite this, students found the physical and mental demands unrelenting.  

“It’s a strange balance,” student John* said. “You love flying, but you don't really get proper time off. Even when we have a break, there's always assignments looming or hours to catch up on.”  

“You don’t get a proper break unless you ask so sometimes it feels like I’m living at uni and not going to uni.” 

Despite the strain, most admit the rewards are real. Flying planes, which is a privilege very few students ever experience, remains the motivator.  

Student Mary* shared, “It’s people who do Aviation; it’s a passion that keeps you going. Even after 100 hours of flying, I still feel that thrill.”  

Balancing social and mental risk versus the reward of flight remains at the forefront for these students. At Massey Aviation, the degree never truly stops.  

*Names changed for anonymity.