Jeff Yiu Graduate, Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies

Flying used to be a human dream, but we have overcome the obstacles of this dream with intelligence and technology, and now aviation is the safest transportation mode. We have to give thanks for the advanced technologies, effective safety management systems and so on. You could learn all these topics from the experienced lecturers in the industry. Apart from the academic side, the College has been organising a wide range of activities for us, such as study trips as well as visits to HAECO and Heliservice Inc.. In the last summer, I joined a study trip to Beijing and visited the assembly line of the Airbus in Tianjin. After the trip, I knew much more about the aviation development in China and made a lot of new friends. In the same summer holiday, I was fortunate to be given a chance to take part in the internship programme of the Jardine Aviation Service as Passenger Service Agent (PSA). I was grateful to learn experiencing the activities in the airport and it offered me a chance to learn something out of the classroom like intercommunication skills and the boarding system. The Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies was the first programme ever in HKU SPACE CC to hold their own Orientation Camp, and it is my honour to be a member of the organising committee. It was a good opportunity to meet the new students and we are now good friends. To me, the most unforgettable event is the conference on airworthiness at the Civil Aviation Department. A number of professional and experienced international aviation experts shared their views on aviation safety. I still remember that the president of the International Federation of Airworthiness (IFA) told us, “You are the future of the aviation industry and teaching you safety is our major concern.” The achievements in aviation came from the hard-work, dedication and the commitment of talented people before, and I am sure you guys have those same talents. So, do not give up your dreams and pursue it. Come and fly with us! View Details

Cheng Chor Wing, Billy Graduate Aviation Consultant, EC Harris (Hong Kong) Ltd.

From ancient times, humans have had strong aspirations to fly in the sky. From the Wright brothers to the A380, humans have spent less than 150 years to develop aviation industry. It is amazing and interesting to me, which inspired me to join the aviation industry. I am currently working in a consultancy firm as a Graduate Aviation Consultant after my bachelor’s degree in aviation management. My main responsibility is supporting my team in airport operation, International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standards and civil aviation regulation. I was assigned to work in different projects with some of the biggest international firms, which explored my insights and increased my international experience. From my pervious project experience, I have drafted the Standard Operating Procedures for helicopter/helipad operators, amended a risk assessment report/risk register for airport operation and held risk workshops with stakeholders, which can enhance my knowledge and working skills such as communication skills with clients and business English etc. I am glad that I can work with a high qualification and professional teammates, who are air traffic controllers, management directors, risk managers and urban planners, etc. that support me a lot. Leveraging the Higher Diploma – Aviation Studies built up my aviation knowledge and expanded my networking in the aviation industry. This programme has equipped me with professional knowledge and technical skills to deal with the challenges in the aviation industry, which is applicable for your future carrier. Besides, the Hong Kong Government and Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) have agreed to build a 3rd runway in Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), but they are facing a challenge of insufficient manpower in the coming years. Therefore, I highly recommend this programme for those who are interested in aviation as your future career. View Details

Lam Yat Fung, Jeffrey Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

After graduating from the Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies with a merit result, I have pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management while working at Sky Shuttle Helicopters Limited as a Flight Operations Officer simultaneously. Currently, I am studying a master’s degree to further enhance my knowledge in Aviation. The Higher Diploma programme has equipped me with sufficient knowledge and practical techniques to deal with various tasks in aviation. I am glad that I made the right decision four years ago – to be part of the Higher Diploma programme. It is because the knowledge that I have acquired is applicable in my job. Therefore, I can adapt to the ever-changing environment easily. View Details

Napoles Karen Allisa Flight Attendant, Finnair

Hi, I am Allisa, a graduate of Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies programme. After I acquired the Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies programme, I took a Top-Up degree in Aviation Management with Coventry University, who has a partnership with City University of Hong Kong. I enroled the Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies programme in HKU SPACE CC because I had great intentions to pursue a career in Aviation; my goal was to be a pilot. Right now, I am a flight attendant flying for Finnair, but I have not forgotten my real dream, and I am still doing everything that I can to fulfill my heart’s desire. During my final year, I also spent some time working for a business jet company in Hong Kong under Supply Chain and Procurement. I have learnt how to source aircraft materials from this job and I was also able to assist them with acquiring new equipment for their new branch in Macau. It was a challenging but exciting experience for me. When I graduated from the Higher Diploma programme, I rewarded myself with two hours of leisure flight, an hour with Cessna 152 and another one with Cessna 172. This was something incredible for me, I suggest every person who dreams to be a pilot to try this, given the money and time. In the vast of two years with HKU SPACE CC, they were able to give us the maximum exposure to aviation. For example in Year 1, we visited Heliservices Inc., where we were educated about helicopters and this is when I realized, being a pilot doesn’t only mean flying for commercial airlines, there are many positions pilots can have, and the most interesting for me is flying helicopters for search and rescue. In Year 2, we had a 4-day Aviation trip to Beijing. And in the middle of Year 2, we headed to the Singapore Airshow 2014 for 6 days. We had exclusive opportunities; talks from Airbus, Boeing, CAE, Gulfstream and Singapore Polytechnic. I was even lucky to be interviewed by Airbus official media. I was one of the leaders for the Orientation Camp 2014. Our activities included city hunt, team building games and had a BBQ party at night before we had a beauty pageant. It was very enjoyable; all the planning and preparations paid off. All these activities made it possible for me to make a lot of friends who are also passionate about aviation and this is excellent as one of our lecturers said, “In aviation, sometimes it’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know”. View Details

Chan Ying Kit, Sonic Flight Attendant, Cathay Pacific

To pursue your dream, getting in a university is not the only path now. I am really thankful after taking the Higher Diploma in Aviation Studies in HKU SPACE CC. I have learnt a lot of aviation knowledge in these two years. The whole package of study was practical and the learning experience was extraordinarily sensational. No matter what outcome you are aiming for, you can get quality study and knowledge here, which can actually help you to achieve higher academic standard! This programme opened the door of aviation industry for me. The most rewarding experience was meeting a lot of experts in the industry who were experienced and professional. Thanks to them, we got to know the most up-to-date knowledge and information about the subject, and the current practice in the workplace. Flying is not easy at all. I am a cabin crew of Cathay Pacific Airways now. I have visited many places where I have never been to, such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam etc. There is no boundary to fly in the sky. This programme has helped me to take off from the ground and land back again securely with useful knowledge and experience. Had I not chosen CC as my post-secondary study, I would still be engaging in something “down to earth”, without dreams and hopes. View Details