PART 1: HONG KONG
Preparing for the Journey
Getting into the cockpit isn’t as simple as waltzing in and taking the control yoke. Before I could set my sights on those UK skies, I had to buckle down and complete two theory courses: the A1 First Solo Module and A2 Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) Module. These courses are part of the Certificate in Australian Private Pilot Licence Training offered by HKUSPACE & Hong Kong Flight Training Centre (HKFTC). The modules armed me with the foundational aeronautical knowledge to safely fly an aircraft.
The Info Seminar
I was already about 80% sure I’d opt for the UK program even before stepping into the Information Seminar held in April 2023. But you know how it is: there’s always room for that final nudge, that small missing piece to complete the puzzle. Calvin from HKFTC took the stage, presenting both options – Redcliffe Aero Club in Brisbane, Australia, and the West London Aero Club (WLAC) in White Waltham, UK. His talk wasn’t just informative, it was the final nudge I needed. By the end of the session, my decision crystallised from 80% to an unshakable 100%. I barely waited for the ink to dry on my notes before submitting my application and booking my flight. The trigger had been pulled.
Reasons for Choosing UK over Australia
With options laid out before me, why did I zero in on the UK? First and foremost, it’s a seasonal thing — I absolutely prefer the UK’s summer to Australia’s winter. But the weather isn’t the only thing that swayed me. WLAC offers an irresistible menu of aviation activities. Fancy executing a loop-the-loop in the sky? WLAC has aerobatics flight experience. Ever wanted to get up close and personal with the machines that once ruled the skies during wartime? They got warbird flight experiences. The UK option wasn’t just about learning, it was about living the aviation dream in all its varied hues.
Pre-Departure Briefing
With just 8 weeks to go until departure, we gathered for a pre-departure briefing dinner at the Hong Kong Aviation Club. Seeing some familiar faces from the A3 Flight Simulation Training was comforting and electrifying all at once.