Sports Pilot License (SPL)
The Sport Pilot Licence (SPL) programme jointly delivered by HKPC Academy and the HKPAPA offers international training standards, airline-grade safety oversight, and government-recognised certification — at a fraction of the cost and commitment of overseas RPL/PPL training.
Why This SPL Stands Apart
A recognised pilot licence offering international standards and airline-level safety — without the cost of overseas training or the risks of informal GA schools.
Brand-New Aircraft with Ballistic Parachute
Joint Programme with
HKPC Academy
Airline-Standard Training, CBT-Aligned by Active Pilots
No Hidden Fees
Most flight schools exist to sell flight hours;
HKPAPA does not.
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Our training uses clear pricing, structured supervision, and simulator-based performance reviews so progress is measured and supported, rather than extended through additional paid flying.
Course Transformation
Get your license in 8 weeks.*
Maximum Safety
Whole-Aircraft Parachute System
Equipped with a full-aircraft parachute system, ensuring the highest level of safety and protection in any emergency.
Advanced Training Aircraft
International Standards
China’s first all-composite training aircraft, matching international airline standards for professional pilot training.
Professional Instructor Team
Led by current and former airline captains, following airline-standard operating procedures (SOP) for seamless, real-world training.
Comprehensive Training
Beyond flying skills, we develop discipline, leadership, and problem-solving to give students a strong edge in academics and careers.
Trilingual Instruction
Courses can be delivered in English, Cantonese or Mandarin — ensuring accessibility and understanding for all students.
We fly for skills, measure progress honestly, and train people — not just pilots.
Reality creates credibility. Supervision creates safety.
This is not simulated or staged flying. Students fly real aircraft under disciplined supervision, learning how to think, decide, and manage risk in real flight conditions.
You pay for progress,
not for uncertainty.
Progress is assessed through structured reviews and simulator sessions, so students understand where they stand before more flight time is added.
Flying skill gets you airborne. Mindset gets you selected.
Training builds judgement, discipline, and decision-making — the traits expected in professional aviation and assessed in cadet interviews, not just flying skill.
Course Highlights
The Story of HKPAPA
Why We Built This Programme
Hong Kong has no general aviation pathway for young people to gain real flying experience, so HKPAPA created the SPL programme to give students a safe, structured and internationally recognised first step into aviation. Designed by active airline pilots, the programme blends theory, simulator training and real flight hours to develop confidence, discipline and maturity while opening a clear pathway toward the PPL and future cadet programmes.
Our comprehensive 20-hour Ground School covers all essential topics to prepare you for both theoretical and practical flying:
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Principles of Flight: Understanding the physics of flight and aerodynamics.
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Air Law: Key regulations and responsibilities for pilots.
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Navigation: Basics of chart reading, plotting courses, and using navigational aids.
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Meteorology: Weather patterns, interpretation of forecasts, and flight planning.
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Aircraft General Knowledge: Understanding aircraft systems and performance.
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Flight Planning & Performance: Weight, balance, and fuel calculations.
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Human Performance & Limitations: Managing fatigue, decision-making, and situational awareness.
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Operational Procedures: Emergency protocols and operational best practices.
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Radio Telephony: Proper use of communication equipment and standard phraseology.
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Instrumentation: Overview of cockpit instruments and their functions.
Course Outcomes
Recognised Pilot Licence
Sport Pilot Licence (SPL) issued by CAAC, confirming completion of formal flight training and eligibility to operate sport aircraft.
Personalised Recommendation
An Aviation Recommendation Letter outlining individual strengths and readiness for further training or cadet assessments.
Documented Flight Performance
A written Flight Performance Record signed by HKPAPA airline instructors, documenting flying competence and cockpit discipline.
Training Certification
A HKPC × HKPAPA Training Certificate, confirming completion of a structured, industry-aligned programme.
HKPAPA Advantages
Choosing Between HKPAPA SPL, Mainland GA and Overseas RPL
HKPAPA’s SPL programme emphasises structured supervision and clear progress measurement, rather than maximising flight hours or minimising upfront cost.
✅ Recognised pilot licence, comparable in structure to RPL / LAPL
✅ Joint programme with HKPC Academy
✅ Brand-new training aircraft with ballistic parachute system
✅ Airline-standard SOPs and CBT-based training philosophy
✅ Training delivered by active airline pilots
✅ Simulator-based performance reviews — progress measured without selling extra flight hours
✅ International standards: English + Chinese, ICAO-aligned
✅ Mid-ground cost: paying for supervision and structure, not uncertainty
Beyond the licence:
✔ Continuous mentoring throughout training
✔ Formal performance records, certification, and recommendation letters
✔ Clear progression visibility towards cadet pilot pathways and aviation-related opportunities
Testimonial
Mrs. Lam, Parent
We joined because my son loved aviation. We did not expect the transformation. His discipline, confidence and maturity skyrocketed. After earning the CAAC-issued SPL licence and receiving the HKPAPA flight report, he suddenly became a top candidate for PPL and even cadet programmes. Looking back, the HKD150K was nothing compared to the change in his future. If we didn’t act then, we would have missed this window.
Adrian Ho, 18
The biggest difference with HKPAPA is access — real airline captains training us, real aircraft, real CAAC licensing. My friends couldn’t believe I was flying at 17. The HKPC × HKPAPA certificate and recommendation letter made me stand out immediately. This programme didn’t just teach me to fly; it made me feel like I belonged to an elite group.
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Mr. Smith, Parent
Places fill up fast — we almost didn’t get in, and I would have regretted it deeply. My daughter completed the programme, got her SPL licence, and was invited to join HKPAPA as a ground school assistant. This put her years ahead of other students her age. HKPAPA gave her a competitive edge I could never have created alone.
Course Details
The Sport Pilot Licence (SPL) requires a minimum of 30 flight hours for licence issuance — Most of our students are able to complete the course within these 30 hours.
Flying is a skill-based process, and training duration may vary depending on individual aptitude, learning pace, and weather conditions.
Some students may require additional flight hours to reach the required safety and proficiency standard. Any additional flight hours, if needed, will be charged at the published hourly rate.
Fees
HK$150,000 (Includes 30 Flight Hours*)
Additional Flight Hours (if required) HK$4,000/ flight hour
Duration
Flexible start dates — personalised scheduling to fit your study or work routine. 8-52 weeks
Age
15+
Location
HKPC Ground School (20h):
Mon–Sat, 0900–2130 • Flexible • No Sun/PH
Zhuhai Flight Training Center (30h):
Daily (daylight only) • VFR weather • Max 10-kt crosswind • Flexible scheduling
Fees Includes
✓ CAAC-issued Sport Pilot Licence (SPL)
✓ 20 hours airline-pilot ground school (HKPC × HKPAPA)
✓ 30 hours real flight training in the Greater Bay Area
✓ Simulator training for procedures, checklists & RT
✓ Flight Performance Report signed by airline captains
✓ HKPAPA Recommendation Letter for PPL & cadet interviews
✓ HKPC × HKPAPA Joint Certificate
✓ All training materials & insurance included
✓ Multilingual instruction (EN / Cantonese / Mandarin)
✓ PPL & Cadet pathway advisory
✓ HKPAPA alumni privileges
Prerequsite
✓ No experience required
✓ PRC Driving licence / HK licence convertible to PRC
✓ No Driving licence → must pass Class II medical
Prerequsite
✓ No experience required
✓ PRC Driving licence / HK licence convertible to PRC
✓ No Driving licence → must pass Class II medical
Sport Pilot License
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By enrolling in, attending, or participating in any part of the Sport Pilot Licence (“SPL”) course (the “Course”), the student (“Student”) acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the following terms and conditions.
1. Nature of the Course and No Guarantee of Licence
1.1 The Course includes a minimum of 30 flight hours, which represents the regulatory minimum requirement for licence application only. Completion of 30 flight hours does not guarantee that the Student will:
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complete the Course,
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be assessed as competent,
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be recommended for licence issuance, or
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be issued with a Sport Pilot Licence by any regulatory authority.
1.2 The issuance of any licence is solely determined by the relevant aviation authority and is subject to the Student’s flying competence, decision-making, safety performance, medical fitness, regulatory compliance, and examination results.
1.3 The Student acknowledges that aviation training is skill-based and outcome-dependent. HKPAPA makes no representation, warranty, or assurance that any Student will obtain a licence, complete the Course within 30 hours, or complete the Course at all.
1.4 The Student agrees that no claim, complaint, refund, compensation, or legal action may be brought against HKPAPA arising from:
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failure to obtain a licence,
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requirement for additional flight hours, or
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termination or suspension of training.
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2.1 All Course fees are strictly non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-cancellable, except where mandatory under Hong Kong law.
2.2 The Course fee covers up to 30 flight hours only.
If additional flight hours are required for safety, competency, regulatory compliance, or instructor assessment, such hours shall be charged at the prevailing hourly rate.
2.3 No refund, credit, or fee adjustment shall be provided for:
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unused hours,
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partial completion,
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suspension or termination of training, or
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failure to meet regulatory or internal standards.
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3.1 HKPAPA reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to refuse, delay, suspend, or terminate a Student’s training if the Student:
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fails to meet required performance or safety standards,
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provides incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading documentation,
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fails to follow instructions or procedures,
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is deemed medically, physically, or psychologically unfit to fly, or
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poses any safety, operational, reputational, or regulatory risk.
3.2 No refund, compensation, or damages shall be payable in such circumstances.
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4.1 Students must arrive punctually for all ground school and flight sessions.
4.2 A late arrival exceeding 10 minutes, or failure to attend for any reason, may be treated as a no-show, at HKPAPA’s discretion.
4.3 No-show sessions shall be deemed completed, with:
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no refund,
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no credit, and
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no rebooking.
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5.1 Rescheduling by HKPAPA
Training schedules may be affected by weather, airspace restrictions, ATC instructions, NOTAMs, border controls, regulatory decisions, aircraft maintenance, technical issues, or instructor availability.
HKPAPA may amend, postpone, or cancel any session at its sole discretion for safety or operational reasons.
An alternative session may be offered, which shall be the Student’s sole remedy.
HKPAPA shall not be responsible for any travel, accommodation, visa, transport, or related expenses.
5.2 Rescheduling by Student
Rescheduling requests must be made at least 72 hours in advance and are subject to availability.
Requests made within 72 hours, or non-attendance for any reason, shall be treated as a no-show.6.1 Students must strictly comply with all instructions issued by instructors, operators, and HKPAPA staff.
6.2 HKPAPA may immediately suspend or terminate participation without refund if:
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safety is compromised,
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the Student behaves in an unsafe, disruptive, or uncooperative manner, or
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the Student is medically unfit to fly.
6.3 Students are solely responsible for ensuring they are medically and physically fit to participate.
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7.1 The Student shall be fully liable for any loss, damage, malfunction, contamination, or misuse of any aircraft, simulator, equipment, facility, or property (collectively, the “Equipment”) caused directly or indirectly by the Student’s negligence, misconduct, unauthorised actions, or failure to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs), instructions, or safety requirements, whether oral or written.
7.2 Without limiting the foregoing, the Student agrees to fully compensate and indemnify HKPAPA for all losses arising from such damage or misuse, including but not limited to:
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repair and replacement costs;
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parts, labour, inspection, testing, and certification costs;
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aircraft downtime and loss of training or commercial income;
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repositioning, hangar, storage, recovery, and logistics costs;
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administrative, investigation, and compliance costs; and
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any third-party claims, penalties, or liabilities incurred by HKPAPA.
7.3 HKPAPA may, at its discretion, suspend or terminate the Student’s training pending full settlement of all amounts due. No refund, credit, or compensation shall be payable in such circumstances.
7.4 This clause shall survive termination or completion of the Course.
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8.1 Aviation training involves inherent risks, including but not limited to turbulence, hard landings, equipment malfunction, emergency procedures, motion sensitivity, and, in rare cases, serious injury or death.
8.2 Participation is voluntary and entirely at the Student’s own risk.
Students are strongly advised to obtain personal insurance.9.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, HKPAPA and its directors, officers, employees, instructors, contractors, volunteers, agents, and partner operators (“Protected Parties”) shall not be liable for any injury, loss, damage, delay, expense, or claim arising out of or connected with the Course, except in cases of proven gross negligence.
9.2 Students agree:
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not to bring claims against individual Protected Parties; and
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that any permitted claim may only be brought against HKPAPA as an entity.
9.3 HKPAPA’s total liability, if any, shall be strictly limited to the Course fee actually paid.
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These terms are governed by the laws of Hong Kong.
The courts of Hong Kong shall have exclusive jurisdiction.