Cadet Pilot Programme

This integrated programme aims to prepare students to become airline pilots through comprehensive training and examinations. From day one, the students will be trained on the skills and knowledge of safe and efficient operations of an aeroplane and will gain confidence and experience through practical flying training to deal with routine and abnormal scenarios.

The programme comprises two parts: Theoretical Knowledge Instruction (TKI) and Flying Training. Students will first attend the approximately six-month (minimum 750 hours) TKI course in Hong Kong. The Academy will organise preliminary job interview(s) for students with the partner airlines towards the end of TKI.

After passing the TKI examinations, students will proceed to IASCO Flight Training in California, the United States for approximately eight-month Flying Training. Students will be trained on both single and twin-engine aircraft and instrument flying on Flight Training Device. Students will then return to Hong Kong for a two-week Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course to complete the final phase of the integrated programme.

Programme Structure & Outline

Part 1: Theoretical Knowledge Instruction (TKI)

• Aircraft General Knowledge
• Communications
• Flight Performance and Planning
• General Navigation (Aeroplanes)
• Hong Kong Air Law
• Human Performance (Aeroplanes)
• Meteorology
• Operational Procedures (Aeroplanes)
• Principles of Flight (Aeroplanes)
• Radio Navigation (Aeroplanes)

Part 2: Flying Training

• Phase 1 – Exercises up to the first solo flight, comprising a total of at least 10 hours of dual flight instruction on a single-engine aircraft
• Phase 2 – Exercises up to the first solo cross-country flight, comprising a total of at least 10 hours of dual flight instruction and at least 10 hours of solo flight
• Phase 3 – Exercises up to the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) navigation progress test, comprising a total of at least 5 hours of dual instruction and at least 40 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
• Phase 4 – Exercises up to the instrument rating skill test
• Phase 5 – Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course, which will be conducted in Hong Kong with Hong Kong Airlines

Notes:

• Candidates are responsible for visa application and ensure the entitlement and validity of travel documents for overseas flying training
• To qualify for the issue of a Hong Kong Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument Rating (Aeroplane) (CPL /IR(A)), the 
   candidates should also meet the requirements as stipulated in CAD 54 Document.

Minimum Entry Requirement

• Be a Hong Kong permanent resident or presently have the right to live and work in Hong Kong
• Aged 18 or above
• Graduated from secondary school with good passes in English language and Mathematics. The minimum standard for Physics knowledge would be desirable
• Able to achieve International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) English Language Proficiency Level 4 or above
• Be physically fit and qualified for a HKCAD Class 1 Medical Certificate

Selection Process

Step 1: Online Application

The application fee of HKD2,000 applies (online credit card payment only). Only paid applications will be processed. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Applicants who fail to meet the minimum entry requirement will not be invited to attend the designated Pilot Aptitude Test.

Step 2: Pilot Aptitude Test

Eligible applicants will undergo a designated Pilot Aptitude Test for conformity to industry standards to determine the suitability of becoming a professional pilot. Assessment includes:

• Monitoring Ability
• Spatial Orientation
• Complex Control
• Applied Numerical
• Multi-tasking
• Reaction Speed
• Work Related Behaviour

Any appeals against the test results will not be accepted.

Step 3: Final Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the final interview, to assess the following through group exercise:

• English Communication Proficiency (spoken & written)
• Inter-human Relationship Skill
• Reasoning & Decision Making
• Leadership
• Aviation Technical Knowledge

Step 4: HKCAD Class 1 Medical Assessment

Successful candidates must obtain a HKCAD Class 1 Medical Certificate at their own expense to complete the enrolment process. For details on Aeromedical Matters, please visit the HKCAD website at https://www.cad.gov.hk/english/aeromedical.html.

Programme Fees

The Cadet Pilot Programme fee will be paid in instalments, the first instalment at the time of accepting the admission offer.

The programme fees cover the minimum requirements of training and tests stipulated in the syllabuses in CAD509(A) Document. The actual commitments in these activities will vary by individual performance in the process, and extra costs will be incurred by an additional count of engagement.

What's included?

• Minimum 750 hours of Theoretical Knowledge Instruction (TKI)
• Fees of the first attempt of Theoretical Knowledge Examinations
• Training materials, flight computer, students pilot route manual
• 140 flying hours, including 135 hours on single engine aircraft and 5 hours on multi-engine aircraft
• 55 flight simulator hours
• Fees of the first attempt of flight test and related authorised examiners, including General Flying Test (GFT), Instrument Rating Test (IRT) and progress tests
• 8-month student accommodation for overseas flying training
• Ground transportation service between student accommodation and campus on flying training days
• The United States Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by flying school
• The United States I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fees (excluding the DS-160 visa application fees)
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical Examination Class II (initial attempt)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Medical Insurance, Aircraft Hull and Liability Insurance for flying training

Remarks

• Candidates enrolled in this self-financed programme must be aware that any employment is not guaranteed after the successful completion of the training and that the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and HKIAA shall not be liable

• The English version shall prevail in case of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the English version and its Chinese translation