ESF Sha Tin College - A Day of Aviation Discovery
- Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association HKPAPA
- Oct 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
At HKPAPA, we believe that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning. Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting a free aviation workshop for the bright students of
Sha Tin College.
Our mission is simple yet powerful:
Educate, Empower, and Elevate.
With a community of over 3,000 members and having inspired more than 20,000 young minds, we were thrilled to welcome the next generation of potential aviators to our center. Here is a look inside our action-packed day!
The Pilot’s Mindset: Communication is Key
We kicked off the event with an icebreaker designed to test more than just height. We asked the students to stand in a line from youngest to oldest—but there was a catch: they couldn't speak.
The result? Confusion and a slow process. Round two: We allowed them to talk. The result? Fast, accurate, and organized.
This wasn't just a game; it was their first lesson in Crew Resource Management (CRM). We demonstrated that in the cockpit, clear and effective communication is critical for safety and success.
Speaking the Language of Aviation
Once the ice was broken, we dived into the Phonetics Table. In aviation, "B" isn't just "B"—it's "Bravo." We explained why pilots use this standardized language to avoid confusion over radio waves.
To practice, students introduced themselves by spelling their names phonetically. This allowed us to get to know them personally while they picked up a vital aviation skill.
Mastering the Mind: The Memory Palace
A pilot needs a sharp mind. We introduced the Memory Palace technique, a method used by experts to memorize vast amounts of information by linking random words with absurd, bizarre stories.
The Demo: We asked the students for 8 random words and immediately wove them into a crazy story to show recall.
The Challenge: In teams, students created their own wild narratives.
By rehearsing these stories, they learned how to move information from short-term to long-term memory—a crucial skill for mastering flight manuals and procedures.
The Science of Flight & The Simulator Challenge
Next, we got technical. Before stepping into the cockpit, you have to understand the physics. We covered the four fundamental forces of flight:
Lift
Drag
Thrust
Weight
We held a quick quiz to test their knowledge, with the winner taking home a special award for their dedication!
Then, we introduced the cockpit displays of a single-engine aircraft, focusing on the "Big Three":
Altimeter (Altitude)
Airspeed Indicator (Speed)
Attitude Indicator (Orientation relative to the horizon)
We also covered the controls: the Yoke (pitch and roll), Throttle (power), and Rudder (yaw).
The Highlight: Equipped with this knowledge, students faced the ultimate challenge—landing an aircraft on our state-of-the-art simulator, the same equipment used to train real pilots. Seeing them apply the theory to practical use was truly inspiring.
CRM Survival & Career Pathways
Being a pilot isn't just about flying; it's about teamwork. We ran group survival exercises to build their CRM skills, forcing them to solve problems under pressure as a unit.
Finally, we looked toward the future. We shared insights into various aviation careers, including:
Pilots
Aircraft Engineers
Flight Attendants
We broke down the different paths, necessary licenses, and current industry trends. We showed them exactly how HKPAPA can support them through their specific journey, offering programs tailored to meet their exact needs.
Cleared for Takeoff
We wrapped up the day with a lively Q&A session to clear up any confusion and a group photo to commemorate the event.
The energy from the Sha Tin College students was electric. We hope to see many of these faces in the cockpit in the future!
Are you ready to start your aviation journey? Contact HKPAPA today to find out how we can help you Educate, Empower, and Elevate your future.
