Ho Man Yui, Ryan Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in International Shipping and Transport Logistics

If you never try, you will never know. Aviation is a fantastic industry. There are lots of opportunities, and if you take every chance, you will enrich your knowledge and widen your horizon. After studying the Aviation Studies programme at HKU SPACE Community College, I could learn different aspects of the industry, for example airport operations, aviation business, aircraft weight, and balance and dispatch, to name but a few. Those subjects provide a great chance for me to know more about this industry and get solid experience. Apart from knowledge, internship is a rare opportunity for students, and the College has provided several internships with different airlines. I still remember when the internship at Cathay Pacific was offered, I was hesitating for a while, because I was afraid that I was not competent for this job. However, my friends encouraged me to join this internship, and it was a good chance for me to affirm my capability. Although I worked for one year only, I felt care and warmth in this programme. Everyone, especially the staff and mentors, took care of us all the time. During the internship, I not only learned about knowledge, but also building relationships with different people and interacting with others. I hope everyone who loves aviation or aircraft can join this programme. It should be a wonderful experience for you. Exploring and developing yourself: remember that, if you never try to do it, you will never know whether you’ll succeed or not. View Details

CHAN Pak Yui, Floyd Flight Dispatch Officer, Cathay Pacific Airways

Throughout my two-year study in HDAS, I gained numerous professional knowledge, including Basic Aeronautical Knowledge, Safety Management & Risk Assessment, Human Factors & Performance, and Aircraft Weight & Balance and Dispatch. All of the lectures were delivered by local experts who have worked in the industry for a number of decades. Not only did they explain those theories in detail, but they also shared their valuable work experiences and insights into aviation developments during classes. Aside from classroom teaching, the programme offered various activities to broaden our horizons locally and globally in the aviation field. To name a few, I attended the Trade Day of the Airshow to enjoy aerobatic performances and talk to key people from leading industrial enterprises like Airbus and Boeing. I also attended international conferences to listen to the latest and future developments in the field. I experienced a Trial Instructional Flight on a Cessna 152. Last but certainly not least, I enrolled in the Internship programme to become a frontline ground handling agent to perform check-in, boarding gate and arrival duties in the airport. The HDAS programme has equipped me with essential skills and a worldwide perspective on the aviation industry. Even after joining the local flagship carrier, I still find what I learned and experienced in HDAS useful in my career. As a graduate, I have no doubt that HDAS is the right choice to get yourself well-prepared and pave your way to enter this challenging but fascinating industry. View Details

Nesley Ngan Undergraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Aviation Operations and Systems

Aviation is a field full of challenges, where unexpected situations are happening every second all around the world. At the same time, it has a limitless future in terms of development, knowledge and people. Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies programme in HKU SPACE CC provides me a lot of valuable opportunities and great memories. I am one of the lucky participants to join the Singapore Airshow 2016. Before the trip, I could never imagine how stunning it would be when a fighter jet flies across the harbour just few thousand feet away from me. Study trips arranged by the programme are definitely amazing and have broadened my aviation knowledge outside the books. Therefore, with the previous experience in the Singapore Airshow, I realized that as an aviation lover I should not miss these unique chances; therefore, I am going to join the Shanghai tour and the Incheon Management Course in the period of my Year 2 study. The programme also strengthens my connection with the aviation industry. In the year of 2016-2017, I completed a 1-year placement in the well-known Hong Kong airline, Cathay Pacific Airways, in a position as Customer Service Specialist. This placement opportunity was offered by the programme. From the interview at Cathay City to my last day of work there, I had to deal with different challenges and problems that came with passengers or were asked by travellers. At that time, supervisors and colleagues in CX were kind to give me a hand to solve all the problems. I built up a good relationship with the staff working in CX. Fortunately, the administrator of the department welcomes all the interns to take their positions full-time after graduation since most of us were awarded compliments from customers and had a good performance record during the placement. Also, Cathay Pacific organised several field trips and visits during my internship, for example a tour of Cathay Pacific Catering Services (HK) Ltd and a visit to the CX First Class Lounge in HKIA. Apart from study trips and internships, lecturers in aviation courses have abundant knowledge and are equipped with solid working experience in the aviation industry. They have a passion for teaching and are willing to share their expertise with students. It was a pleasure to hear their advice when I faced difficulties about study or future career because they could always give me comprehensive guidance. I was even invited to visit the Cathay Pacific Pilot Training Centre and walk into the flight simulator cockpit with my lecturer. What an amazing and unforgettable experience in my life! In addition, I was the leader of the organising committee for the Aviation Studies Orientation Camp of 2016. Due to a lot of unexpected reasons, my team only got 3 months for the Ocamp preparation, which included campsite/shuttle bus booking, helpers arrangement, city hunt routing, and event scheduling. Recognizing this tight schedule, the programme team gave us great support. In the Ocamp, my team and I were able to show our personalities and abilities like leadership, time management, organising, and even dancing! Do not hesitate to chase your dream, remembering every small achievement will lead you toward success. Dream Big and Fly High! View Details

Sin Lok Man, Cedric Air Traffic Flight Services Officer III – Civil Aviation Department

The Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies (HDAS) programme offers comprehensive classroom training closely related to the aviation industry. Through internship programmes offered by HDAS, you can get hands-on experience which is important for aviation professionals. Site visits also provide a good insight of the working environment of different aviation firms. After the 2-year programme, students sharing a strong interest in the aviation field could work their way through and understand how the aviation industry functions. The programme prepared me by building a good foundation of knowledge for further development and it also inspired me to never stop learning as new things emerge every day in the aviation industry. Taking what I have learnt from the Higher Diploma Programme, I continued my study under the Bachelor of Aviation Management Programme in Australia. The bachelor programme consolidated what I have learned from HKU SPACE CC and took it to another level. Upon graduation, I stayed behind to undertake powered aircraft and glider training. I love flight training and it is something one could never forget; every turn, every stall, every spin and every loop was a delight for me. I would love to thank my instructors from Darling Downs Soaring Club and Airline Academy Australia for giving me such an incredible experience. Returning from Australia, I worked part-time in various companies and looked for development opportunities in the aviation field. It was not easy finding the right job so I studied under the Advanced Aviation Education Programme (AAEP) in 2016 to refresh my skills learnt from flight training. In 2017, I started to work under the Civil Aviation Department (Hong Kong) as Air Traffic Flight Services Officer (ATFSO) III. Working in the aviation field is one of the most rewarding experiences, you can always find something new no matter how long you have worked in this industry; this is what makes the aviation industry fascinating. There is so much to learn and the knowledge is out there for your grasp. I could go this far in such a short time only because I choose the right discipline of study at the right place. If you have the enthusiasm and determination to go down this path, the HDAS programme will bring you the knowledge and experience you need to kick-start your aviation career. View Details

Ho Ka Yung, Isabelle BBA (Hons) International Shipping and Transport Logistics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Do you have a dream of becoming a pilot or flight attendant, or a manager of an airline company? Reach out and touch your dream! Unleash your potential by taking part in the fun-filled activities organised by our programme. Socialize with aviation experts, work on exciting projects and have a taste of being on a large variety of jets, ranging from helicopters to fighter planes. Bear in mind, the 3C’s of life: Choices, Chances, Changes. Let your dreams take flight! View Details

Dickson Cheuk The Airport Authority Hong Kong - Operation Officer, Airfield

Upon the completion of the Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies programme, I am well equipped with a concrete foundation of knowledge and skills regarding Airport and Airline Operations, Air Traffic Management and Aviation Security and Contingency Planning, etc. Through this programme, I’m pleased to have an opportunity to work in Heliservices as a part-time Casual Junior Duty Controller organised by the Internship programme. Through these experiences, not only have I equipped myself with various ground handling techniques, I have also developed strong critical appraisal skills in the aviation field. Now I’m working as an Airport Authority Operation officer in the Airfield department, not only has this programme enriched my aviation knowledge in airport management, it has also provided me with an opportunity to put my knowledge into practice. Aviation is not so much a profession as it is a disease. View Details