As an Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) graduate from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I am honoured to share my enriching experiences. The AAE programme has been pivotal in shaping my career and fostering my passion for the aviation industry.

During my studies, I was provided with lectures covering aircraft design, aerodynamics and aircraft maintenance practices. These lessons provided invaluable technological insights, enabling me to understand how theoretical mathematics and physics are used to produce an actual aircraft in the real world. Moreover, the AAE programme enabled us to gain hands-on experiences through the Industrial Centre (IC) workshops. Practices such as riveting, welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) are crucial in the actual aviation engineering environment, and we were provided with detailed procedures to use.

The AAE programme also provided me with the opportunity to compete for the 2022 Innovation and Technology Scholarship. I was fortunate to be one of the 25 awardees in Hong Kong, which provided provisions for overseas attachment at Aston University in the UK and Beihang University in Beijing, China, allowing me to broaden my horizons on Industry 4.0 and automation. I explored the possibility of integrating these new technologies to aircraft maintenance practices. The overseas exchange journey was an unforgettable experience. During my studies, I also met many friends and teachers who inspired me, and I had the opportunity to explore the world.

Furthermore, my passion for aviation was strengthened by two local internships in HAESL and HK Express with the assistance of AAE. With frontline working experience, I gained invaluable insights into the real-world challenges faced by engineers in both base and line maintenance. These experiences have equipped me with the necessary skills to become a professional aviation engineer in the near future.

Upon graduation, I was delighted to secure a position as an Aircraft Engineering Licensed Trainee (AELT) in HAECO. In this role, I have the privilege of contributing to the critical aircraft maintenance environment. The knowledge and practical skills that I gained from the AAE programme have been invaluable, as they have enabled me to contribute to Hong Kong’s aviation industry as a professional aviation engineer.

As an AAE graduate, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement. The journey was challenging yet rewarding, and it has shaped me into the person I am today.

Now, as a Cathay Pacific cadet pilot, I can see how the programme paved the way for my career in the aviation industry. The comprehensive curriculum, which included pilot ground theory and meteorology, equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the interview process and beyond.

Moreover, the programme provided me with a community of like-minded friends who share a passion for aviation. The friendships that I have formed have been invaluable, supporting me and enriching my learning experience.

Being an AAE graduate is not just about the technical knowledge gained, but also about the personal growth experienced and the lifelong friendships made. I am grateful for the opportunities that this programme has offered me, and I look forward to contributing to the aviation industry.

As an AAE graduate, I can say that my time in this programme has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The curriculum was rigorous, covering everything from aerodynamics and propulsion to aircraft structures and systems design. The hands-on training was particularly valuable, allowing us to apply the theoretical concepts that we learned in the classroom to real-world engineering challenges.

Beyond the technical skills, the AAE programme has also provided a lot of internship opportunities and has helped me a great deal with academic advancement and staying connected with the community. I’m excited to contribute to the aviation industry. Although the field can be highly competitive, I’m ready to apply what I’ve learned in the past 4 years.

As I look ahead to my career, I’m eager to apply my AAE knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. The future of flight is full of possibilities, and I’m honoured to be an AAE graduate and to be part of shaping that future.

The programme has been instrumental in shaping my career in the aviation industry. The curriculum is both broad and practical, covering everything from aerodynamics and propulsion systems to avionics and aircraft maintenance. This comprehensive approach provides a solid foundation in all aspects of aviation engineering and has prepared me for a variety of career paths.

One of the standout features of the programme is the department’s strong industrial connections. Its partnerships provide students with invaluable opportunities for internships and industrial-based capstone projects with leading companies in the aviation industry. This real-world experience is crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Moreover, the teaching staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. They are always willing to offer guidance, whether through lectures and tutorials, one-on-one mentoring or collaborative research projects. Their support and encouragement have made a significant difference in my academic journey, helping me to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.

AAE is a department filled with exciting opportunities and a supportive learning environment. The skills and experiences that I have gained are invaluable as I embark on a dynamic and fulfilling career in aviation.

Throughout my four years of study in the Aviation Engineering programme, I was equipped with extensive knowledge and skills for joining the competitive aviation industry. Thanks to the comprehensive curriculum structure, I explored various aspects of aeronautical systems and modern technologies. The programme covered the application of advanced engineering tools and techniques, and it provided many opportunities for practical and hands-on training.

The passionate teaching staff from the aviation field, including former pilots, aircraft engineers and administrators, delivered the most up-to-date and realistic industry information to students. Their experience provided important insights into my career development as an airline pilot.

The wide range of teaching facilities in the department enable different kinds of practical training. The flight simulator laboratory was my favourite place to visit on campus, where I could access eight motion flight simulators and one full-scale A320 flight simulator. Flight instructors from the department provided detailed instruction and guidance that allowed students to receive valuable flight training.

My life in AAE was inspiring and fruitful, and it has led me into the exciting world of aviation.

Studying Aviation Engineering has been extremely fun, as I have been able to learn about various aviation-related concepts such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems and control, aircraft structures and materials, airworthiness and regulations, and aviation safety. All of these studies have broadened my understanding of how aircraft are manufactured, how and why aircraft fly under control, and how the safety of aircraft can be ensured during daily operations.

Apart from gaining academic knowledge, during the programme, I have had the opportunity to explore how the aviation industry works. My internship at Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL) has enabled me to better understand how an aircraft engine is maintained and repaired. Through my internship at the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), the Government of the HKSAR, China, I have learnt more about the role of CAD in ensuring aviation safety in Hong Kong.

Although studying Aviation Engineering has been challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, these four years have been fruitful. I have acquired the skills to handle unforeseeable changes in addition to learning knowledge delivered in lectures. I believe that these skills and knowledge will be relevant to my future studies and career.