Hong Kong
Pilot Apprentice
Programme
An unparalleled, government- and school-supported summer experience giving young people exclusive access to airport restricted areas, full-motion simulators, and the chance to pilot a light aircraft.
Course at a Glance
Program Outline
Target Age 16–25 years
Participants 1,200 students & teachers
Duration 1 full day · 8am–6pm
Location Zhuhai Airline HQ & GA Airport
Certificate HKPAPA accredited
★Summer 2026 Cohort· Flexible scheduling
ⓘ This programme is open to school and youth organization applications only.
2,000
Aspiring pilots hosted every year
1
Light-aircraft trial flight each
6+
Restricted-area site visits
100%
Hands-on, instructor-led
The Opportunity
The chance to actually pilot a light aircraft.
The Pilot Apprentice Program offers students an in-depth and comprehensive experience of the aviation industry through piloting light aircraft, field trips, and flight simulators — inspiring their aviation dreams.
By positioning Hong Kong as a major aviation hub and showcasing the global shortage of aviation professionals, the program promotes the development of the next cohort of skilled pilots and engineers.
Program Objectives
Why we run this program
Inspire young people
Immersive field trips and hands-on experiences that spark a passion for aviation early.
Promote Hong Kong
Reinforce the city's role as a leading aviation hub and surface the global skills shortage.
Open career paths
Help students discover concrete potential career paths across the aviation industry.
Foster interaction
Encourage meaningful exchange between participants and seasoned aviation professionals.
Agenda
0700
Departure & designated meeting point
Group gathers and sets off toward the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge.
09:00
Level-D simulator flight experience
Boeing 787 / 737 and Airbus A320 / A350 full-motion simulators, plus aviation emergency procedures training.
12:00
Lunch break
Rest and refuel before the afternoon at the General Aviation Airport.
13:00
General Aviation Airport
Light-aircraft trial flight · control-tower visit & ATC interaction · aviation English training · career-path workshop · light aircraft & helicopter engineering workshop.
16:00
Certificate presentation & group photo
Followed by departure and the return journey across the bridge.
Inside the control tower
Standing where the
professionals stand.
What's Included
Program highlights
Flight Experience
-
Trial flight — pilot a light aircraft
-
Simulated airliner flight experience
-
Multi-crew cooperation under guidance
-
Jet Orientation (JOC) tactic control
-
Airbus & Boeing full-motion simulators
Restricted-Area Visits
-
Visit the apron, maintenance areas & airport
-
Explore the apron & airfield
-
Aircraft engineering site visits
-
Visit air traffic control centres
-
Explore key airport locations
Knowledge Workshop
-
Principles of aircraft engineering
-
Understanding flight knowledge
-
Aviation flight principles
-
Aviation communication technology
-
Air traffic control & aviation services
Travel, logistics & coverage
-
Led by a licensed travel agency in HK.
-
Transportation provided by licensed cross-border coaches.
-
Includes cross-border travel insurance.
-
Trial flights operated by a CAAC-licensed flight school with insurance coverage.
Building the next generation of aviation professionals.
The world faces a major shortage of pilots and engineers as air travel returns to growth. By immersing young people in real cockpits, simulators, and engineering workshops, the program turns curiosity into a credible career ambition.
Every participant leaves with first-hand exposure to the discipline, precision, and teamwork that define modern aviation — and a clearer sense of where they might fit in.
Unveiling the mysteries of the aviation industry.
Aviation is precise, complex, and largely hidden from public view. The program pulls back the curtain — from the science of flight and aircraft maintenance to the choreography of air traffic control and ground operations.
Guided by experienced pilots and certified instructors, students see how the industry really works, and how every role connects to keep aviation safe.
Supporting organizations
Organized by HKPAPA and backed by government departments, industry bodies, and education networks across the aviation sector.
HK Government — Home Affairs Department
Youth Network & Youth Advisory Committee
Association of Principals of Aided Schools
Local & Mainland Airlines
Flight Schools & Training Centres
Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC)
HK Observatory
Civil Aviation Department
HK Airport
Let's help the next generation soar.
We sincerely invite your school or organization to register your group for the HKPAPA Pilot Apprentice Program. To reserve a month and number of participants, please provide the following:
▸School / organization name
▸Contact person — name, email & phone
▸Number of participants (students / STEM teachers)
▸Preferred program date
▸Any special requirements (dietary, medical, mobility)