Home FAQ

Questions & Answer - Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
Q1:
 Is it safe to learn flying with Guangdong Baiyun General Aviation Co. Ltd.?
A1: Our aircraft are always maintained in the best conditions by our professional engineers. Aircraft are inspected and overhauled according to factory scheduling requirements. Our engineers received their type rating training from aircraft factories directly. International standard aviation fuel is always used. We have a clean accident record. Overseas students, Japanese in majority, have been coming in groups and our customers are satisfied with our safety measures.
Q2:
 Is it difficult to fly a helicopter? Should I learn the fixed wing first?
A2: No, it is not particularly difficult and it is not necessary to learn the fixed wing before you learn the helicopter. You will do most of the actual flying (i.e., handling the various controls) from the beginning be it a helicopter or a fixed wing.
Q3:
 Can the flying and theory training be done simultaneously?
A3: Yes.
Q4:
 Can I schedule my own training plan?
A4: Yes. You can pick your own training time and date of your preference. Your training time is not restricted to weekends. The flexibility in time scheduling allows you to be more comfortable in sparing time from your work.
Q5:
 Is the text book in English or Chinese?
A5: We use both English and Chinese text books.
Q6:
 What language is used for the training?
A6: Training is in Putonghua, Cantonese or Japanese. We can provide English translator service at a cost.
Q7:
 What kind of insurance should a student pilot arrange for?
A7: The student pilot should consider arranging life or accident insurance.
Q8:
 How many hours can a student pilot fly in one day?
A8: It depends on the students' capability to digest the skill and knowledge. It is not advisable to fly more than 3 hours a day normally.
Q9:
 How frequent should a student pilot fly?
A9: A student pilot should receive flying training regularly to ensure minimum time wastage in repeating training coverage.
Q10:
 Do the training aircraft have GPS?
A10: Yes, but it should not be used in VFR training.
Q11:
 How long is the theory test result valid for?
A11: The result is valid for 2 years within which one should complete the flying training and do the flying test.
Q12:
 Failing the theory examination, when can the candidate do it again?
A12: One month later.


Questions & Answer - PPL Recognition
Q1:
 With a Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) PPL, can I fly in Hong Kong?
A1: Yes, you can fly after satisfying a check flight.
Q2:
 Is my CAAC PPL valid in other countries?
A2: Yes, because China is an ICAO (International Cival Aviation Organisation) member country. The CAAC PPL is recognised in all ICAO countries. However, you may be required to take some lessons on the relevant flying regulations and telephony.
Q3:
 If I am a CAAC PPL holder, can I do a formal conversion in other countries?
A3: Yes. China is an ICAO (International Cival Aviation Organisation) member country. As most developed countries are members of ICAO, you can do a formal conversion in these countries. The time frame and requirements vary from country to country. Basically, you will need to do a proper check out, including a border check and familiarised yourself with the flying regulations of the country. You may need to take some theory training and flight training for the conversion in certain countries in order to be able to fly solo. Such training lasts for different length of time, from 2 days to 2 to 3 months.
Q4:
 Can a PPL holder fly an aircraft from one country to another?
A4: Generally, you can fly to most popular flying countries in the world with your PPL, but some procedures have to be completed. First, your aircraft has to be registered in your destination country. Second, the pilot should complete all required procedures for permission of entering the country as a tourist.
Q5:
 PPL (H) & PPL (A) - With either one, will there be any exemption for obtaining the other licence? Will the flying training time be shortened?
A5: The flying training can be shorten by ten hours.
Q6:
 Is the license perpetual?
A6: Yes, it is.
Q7:
 What are the career prospects if holding a PPL?
A7: It depends on the total competitiveness.


Questions & Answer - Training Costs
Q1:
 What is the total fee for obtaining a PPL?
A1: PPL (A) - approx. HK$110,000 min.; PPL (H) - approx. HK$120,000 min; (excluding accommodation and transportation).
Q2:
 Will the fee be pre-paid?
A2: The flying fee is paid for every 15 hours in advance.
Q3:
 What is the flying hourly fee for solo flight?
A3: Same as for the usual flying training.
Q4:
 What is the costs of recency checking?
A4: Same as the normal flying hourly rate.


Questions & Answer - Other Pilot Licenses
Q1:
 How can a PPL holder advance to the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) level?
A1: One should build up the flying hours as a pilot-in-command. It is best for one to join an airline as a trainee and accumulate up to 700 flying hours by being a co-pilot in order to become an ATPL holder.
Q2:
 What is the training fee for ATPL?
A2: It is in the range of HK$1 million to 2 million.
Q3:
 What is the basic requirement for obtaining a CPL?
A3: 150 solo hours are required.
Q4:
 Is flying training available in Hong Kong?
A4: Yes, please contact the Hong Kong Aviation Club.
Q5:
 Do airlines hire local people?
A5: Yes.


Questions & Answer - About Flying
Q1:
 Is flying safe?
A1: Well built and well maintained aircraft flown by a competent and prudent pilot makes flying as safe or safer than many other forms of transportation. The vigilant pre-flight safety check procedures are always conducted.
Q2:
 Why shouldn't a pilot donate blood?
A2: After donating blood, the pilot will have less red blood cells to deliver oxygen for the body consumption.
Q3:
 Could short-sighted people fly?
A3: Yes, such condition will be mentioned in the pilot's medical certificate
Q4:
 Would a laser operation affect a pilot's eyesight?
A4: The person is not allowed to fly in Hong Kong, but fine under the FAA and CAAC jurisdiction.
Q5:
 Will I have air sickness?
A5: It depends on the individuals. However, airsickness can be caused by just plain nervousness. Try a few precaution before flying. Don't fly with an empty stomach nor being too full. It is advisable to skip carbonated beverages. During the flight, try to reconcile the discrepancy between what your eyes see and what your inner ears feel. You may simply look out the window toward the horizon. Take slow and steady deep breaths. Don't make sudden movements, which will create discrepancies between your eyes and your inner ears. Should all fail, make use of the sickness bag and you need not feel embarrassed.
Q6:
 What will be checked during a check flight?
A6: Radiotelephony capability; airlaw; aircraft rating; recency; etc.
Q7:
 Can a small aircraft land in an international airport?
A7: Commercial aircraft can land in an international airport, although it may be a small aircraft.
Q8:
 It is true that if the engine fails, the helicopter falls?
A8: This is definitely not true! A helicopter can act like either a FAN or a WINDMILL. The windmill effect, i.e., the autorotation, allows the helicopter to make a CONTROLLED decent and landing. Helicopters do not fall like bricks. Rather, they decent like maple seeds. Even under the most unfavourable conditions, a skilled pilot can still make a safe autorotation landing - no damage and no injuries - into an area not much larger than the helicopter itself.