HKAC any good ?

[Kristoff]

Hey Guys

I'm curious to see if any of you have come across the Hong Kong Avation Club specifically the fixed wing PPL program & instructors. As far as I'm aware, this is the only avation club in hong kong where you can attain a PPL.

I am considering joining the club, my dad has given me the go ahead however my mom said she would ask her colleagues about the club (currently an SP for Cathay).

I would like to know about any past encounters you've had with the club (if any) or what you think about the club, mainly the rates.

Thanks for the help,
Kris

[cyrex]

wayyyyy cheaper for you to spend your summer in australia to get your ppl.

[Dragon69]

Kris ,

I would stay clear of the flying club. You're far better doing it elsewhere. Canada and the US offer accelerated courses. You can conceivably obtain your ppl over the summer holidays. In HKG the HKAC is only permitted to fly on weekends, so it will take you a very long time to finish your ppl. The more often you can fly the less hours you will need to obtain your ppl, bear that in mind. Doing it in HKG will be costly. Take the time and do the math.

[Kristoff]

Thanks D, I did do the math however if I was to complete the course over summer, out of Hong Kong, I would also have to spend on accommodation, travel & tickets. At HKAC the instructor is provided to you free of charge however the rent for the Cessna (per hour) is 1.8k HKD.

Thanks, I'll look into a couple of alternatives to HKAC.

[cxlineguy]

Find a good country to learn to fly in (Aust, Canada, USA, NZ), then:

1. Do the medical (can do this in HKG),
2. Study for the exams (books, notes and sample exams are available for most places)
3. Travel to the training country and sit the exams on the first day
4. Fly for 3 weeks and have a PPL (choose a time of year when the wx will be good)

[Dragon69]

Kris,

Have you factored in the membership joining fee? That alone will cover a good portion of your accomodations overseas. Also consider the quality of training you will receive in HKG compared to elsewhere. One example in HKG you would receive your ppl not having experienced flying cross country into different controlled and uncontrolled aiports

Good luck with whatever you decide

[Kristoff]

Thanks for the input it seems as though it makes a lot more sense to conduct my practical training outside of Hong Kong, I'll look through a couple of the suggested options, thanks again.

[bigjames]

i don't know about other countries but pretty sure canada does not accept hk medical for ppl. you want to solo in canada, you need at least some form of check up over there...

[Iron Skillet]

There are many doctors in HKG who are certified to perform various countries' medicals: FAA, AUS, NZ, SAF, UK and CAN.

So if you get a Canadian medical done in HKG, you will have a Canadian medical certificate the same as if you have it done in Canada. Find out ahead of time how this works for student pilots vs. a renewal, as you may need a student licence thing first.

[ReverseFlight]

One example in HKG you would receive your ppl not having experienced flying cross country into different controlled and uncontrolled aiportsClarification: The HKCAD will only issue you a "restricted" PPL. The restriction says you have not completed training in respect of cross country flying as required by ICAO rules. :=

[hongkongfooey]

I think the going rate in Oz is around 2400HKD inc instructor, because the HKD is not worth :mad: in Australia, and is unlikey to be any time soon.
As you mentioned, if you have nobody to stay with that will cost another 800hkd/day and then you have to eat, get to and from the airport etc etc.

[nitpicker330]

There must be some operators in the country areas that have a "live in" course?

Try calling Geelong Flying school, they have recently moved from Geelong up to Tocumwal ( I think? Somewhere near there anyway!! ) and do their flying training up there. The owner Andrew Townley is CX. They might be able to arrange suitable accommodation as well. The weather up there is good too :ok:

Here is their old web page, give them a ring for the latest info:-

www.geelongaviation.com.au

Tocumwal Airport, 18 Murray Street, Tocumwal NSW 2714
Phone: (03) 5838 2111
Fax: (03) 5874 3260

[Kristoff]

I did some number crunching and figured out that along with accommodation the Geelong course titles to around 149k HKD. The exchange rate really does not help the Hong Kong dollar out.

Thanks though. The down side is that here in hong kong avation courses are very limited and so the HKAC can change whatever the hell they like. It's a charity but I'd like to know where all the cash goes.

[AAIGUY]

PPL can be done for 7-8,000 usd in 3 weeks
in the states. Cessna's should rent for 5-700 HK
an hr. don't even attempt it in HK. The pollution alone
makes most days special VFR.

edit.. 3 seconds on google yielded this

Private SEL & MEL | FLAviationAcademy.com (http://flaviationacademy.com/pilot-training-courses/private-sel-mel/)

$7000. or 56,000 HK.. WHY on earth would you try and do it in HK:ugh:

[Runway101]

I am member of HKAC. Before I joined them I have had the luxury of learning under part 141 FAA in a large school for commercial pilots in the USA. For fun, I went to the PPL ground course in HK too and it's a waste of time. Stay as far away as you can. This is not just about the cost.

[Kristoff]

You spent around 50k for fun ? Dayum

[Runway101]

I went to the ground course for fun, the course was $2800 from memory but I'd have to check.

Me being a member is another story, but it didn't involve 50k.

[Kristoff]

Hey For the CPL other than the hours, all you gotta know is the theory right ?

Can the hours be completed on a simple Cessna in Hong Kong ?

Regarding the cross country requirement can that be done in HK or India on the same type of aircraft ?

[Kristoff]

Yeah it is, I've applied to join the HKAC (the only aviation club in Hong Kong), to aquire a PPL. I've got my interview tomorrow at 5.

They have a selection of courses including a PPL, Aerobatics & FTI. It's not exactly cheap however the HKAC is registered as a charitable organisation & they do maintain their planes quite well.

Im guessing you're a pilot with CX ect so if you plan on flying casually, the cost probably is't an issue.

[broadband circuit]

Im guessing you're a pilot with CX ect so if you plan on flying casually, the cost probably is't an issue.

You really don't have much idea about aviation as a career. As you've already stated that your parents are putting up the cash for your flying, I'm sure are unaware as to how mis-informed you are. Before you waste their money, do a little research.

[Kristoff]

I have looked it up & my only option is HK should I choose aviation as a career. Also, As I plan on staying in Hong Kong the club would be a good place for casual flying should I persue business as a career path as I am currently working on a business diploma.

[Kristoff]

After the research I have done, I have come up with the following

The HKAC charges 35,000HKD as a joining fee. 20,000 of which is to be paid in 4 months as the rate of 5,000 per month. The remaining 15,000HKD can be paid when you are 28 years of age.

The cost of the plane it self varies on the model, the Cessna is at 1,600HKD per hour.

The ground school and instructor are provided free of charge

Other flight schools such as those located in Geelong approach a similar price.

The cost of living abroad, travel, visas & other costs significantly increase the overall price of completing a PPL out of Hong Kong. If I then want to fly in Hong Kong I not only have to undergo a conversion but also have to join the club to fly privately, therefore it made more sense for me to simply undergo my PPL here in Hong Kong.

Finally, there is school, a year into my 2 year diploma which I need to stay in Hong Kong to complete.

I hope this provides people with some insight as to why I have chosen this option instead of the alternatives.

[bigjames]

yes there are lots of restrictions but i think the club is pretty good and the people are generally cool and true aviation enthusiasts. the instructors are great and take time with the student pilots. the staff are warm and welcoming. if your parents are happy to pay and it is something you want to be serious about, go for it. you will be frustrated by wx or cancellations for no apparent reason but on those CAVOK days when you fly over the parks and beaches of the new territiries or down the gut of the harbour it will seem worth it. the club does not try to be a training facility for the airlines but a place for people who love to fly!

[Kristoff]

Thanks James, are you a member of the club ?