Published: 8 Oct 2023
Last Update: 10 Oct 2023
UK Flight Training with HKFTC
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 Aussie
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.
Touchdown London and Settling In
From Airport to Accommodation to WLAC
My flight CX251 from Hong Kong touched down on London Heathrow at the crisp hour of 5:30 am local time, reality unfurled before me. This wasn’t a holiday, this was an ambitious quest. And there was Calvin, flashed a welcoming smile outside Terminal 3.
A 30-minute drive was all that separated us from our temporary home, Athena Court by House of Fisher. The check-in time at Athena Court is 2 pm, fortunately, we could unload our luggages in a room occupied by a fellow student who had opted for the 3-week package.
Since the clock was still ticking shy of the afternoon, Calvin whisked us away to West London Aero Club (WLAC) at White Waltham Airfield (EGLM). Imagine walking into a place that you’ve only dreamt about! Over a cuppa, we listened intently to Calvin’s prep talk then we were given a quick tour and then escorted back to the apartment to get some rest.
Athena Court our Temporary Home
1:30 pm rolled around, and the moment had arrived to officially check into our apartment. The apartment features two rooms — one of which is an ensuite — a living room, a bathroom and an open-plan kitchen.
We’re talking high-speed Wi-Fi, a fridge/freezer, a dishwasher, an oven, stoves, a microwave, a coffee machine, all sorts of utensils, and a washer/dryer. A cleaning service appeared like clockwork once a week, freshening up our living space by changing bed sheets, duvet covers, and towels. Though, it’s worth noting that just because we stayed in this particular apartment, future trips may differ in accommodation.
However, it wasn’t all perfect. The bed sheets were distractingly scratchy cos of low thread counts, prompting me to purchase a softer set from Sainsbury’s. And the anti-theft hangers were cumbersome, making me wish I’d brought my own.
For those who prioritise convenience, you’ll be pleased to know that two major supermarkets, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s are within minutes’ walking distance from the apartment, along with a handful of restaurants and convenience stores, making it easy to keep the pantry stocked or grab a quick meal.
My Training Experience
The Clockwork Routine
At precisely 8:30 am, Calvin would ferry us to the WLAC, our ground zero for skyward aspirations. By 9 am, we were there, ready to tackle whatever came our way until the clock struck 6 or 7 in the evening. Our first task was always a visit to the Operations (Ops) desk. This was where we got the critical airfield information — runway in use (White Waltham has four runways, mind you), visibility, and wind conditions etc. It’s like reading the morning paper, only this one tells you whether you’re going to have a smooth ride or get tossed around in the sky like a paper plane.
The Aircraft: Piper PA-28
In theory modules or even A3, we’d trained on a Cessna 172 equipped with a glass cockpit. However, the real flying was with a Piper PA-28, a no-frills aircraft complete with analog instruments. Personally? The switch didn’t bother me. Whether it was dealing with mechanical flaps, carb heat, or manual fuel tank change, each feature was a lesson in adaptability and hands-on engagement.
Time not Flying
With only two-hour flight slot allotted each day, you might assume we had ample free time. Quite the opposite. When we weren’t up in the air, our feet were firmly grounded in rigorous study. We’d hunker down with our notes, backseating others, and ‘chair flying.’
The lawn outside the WLAC became my go-to location for chair flying. Seated alone, eyes closed, my mind would launch into a simulated flight. I’d mentally step through each item on my pre-flight checklist, visualising every action from engine start-up to final touchdown. As I navigated this mental landscape, my hands followed suit, mimicking the manipulation of levers and switches. It was an immersive mental rehearsal, offering its own form of flight training.
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The atmosphere at WLAC was reminiscent of my high school days.
Fuel Your Stomach
Our service apartment was stock with breakfast essentials: bread, milk, cereal, ham, sausages, eggs, juices, ramen etc. We were in charge of cooking our own breakfast. But for someone like me, who prefers efficiency in the morning to elaborate cooking, the choices were pretty straightforward: cereal, sandwiches, or boiled eggs.
There is a cafe within the Club, eliminating the need for any off-site lunch excursions. With a wide-ranging menu and prices from £6-12. You’re not just stuck with the basics, the cafe offers an array of daily menu on top of the regular items to please your palate.
While we were based in Maidenhead, our dining experiences often took us beyond its town limits. Rather than sticking to the local spots, we ventured into neighbouring areas like Marlow, Warfield, Lane End, and Littlewick Green. The evenings found us in local pubs and diners, enjoying British classics like Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers & Mash. These experiences offered a no-frills but authentic taste of local life.
Let’s Talk Money
Navigating through flight training options can be like manoeuvring through air traffic—lots to consider and choices to make. HKFTC cuts through the fog by offering two packages that address the needs of two kinds of students: the sky-curious and the solo-aspiring aviators.
First, there’s the “Sky Experience” package, designed to quench the thirst of the sky-curious at HKD $55,800. Then there’s the “Solo Preparation” package, crafted for those aim to fly solo and meet the sky on their own terms at HKD $80,800
I opted for the 2-week “Sky Experience” package. And here is a breakdown all related expenses
The Invaluable Network: A Hidden Asset
At first glance, you might say, “Well, I could piece this together myself for cheaper.” True, but here’s where the genius of the HKFTC package manifests — a network so valuable, you can’t put a price tag on it.
Calvin, the linchpin of this unique network, opens doors to an aviation universe. He introduces us to former students at HKFTC, sharing stories & first hand experiences that felt like a preview of what lay ahead for us.
So yes, the upfront cost is steeper. But that’s not just a purchase rather an investment in your future, a runway for your aspirations to take off.
Reflections
Training with HKFTC was a holistic experience that extended beyond the cockpit. Alongside intensive training, the community of passionate batch mates enriched the entire journey, making every moment worthwhile.
Weighing the value of these two weeks, I can’t just look at the invoice or the logbook. The true value resides in the irreplaceable insights I gained. It was an investment in refining my own understanding of aviation and my place within it.
As I wrap up this post, the memories play back like a cherished film, from the first take-off to the final landing, each frame etched into my mind. This isn’t a conclusion, it’s more like an opening act in my aviation journey.
West London Aero Club, I’ll be back!
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