(HONG KONG) The Dragonair Aviation Certificate Programme (DACP) is calling for people to join the next intake in 2016. Young people aged 18 to 25 who are interested in exploring the world of aviation are now being invited to apply. Applications for the latest DACP will close on 13 December 2015.

As one of the key initiatives under the Dragonair Youth Aviation Academy umbrella, the DACP offers young people a comprehensive nine-month aviation programme that aims to deepen their knowledge of aviation and boost their interest in taking up a career in the fascinating and dynamic industry. The programme has gone from strength to strength over the past decade, receiving support from an increasing number of organisations.

Entering its 11^th year, Scout Association of Hong Kong will join the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps to become partners of the programme. In addition to opening the programme up to a wider group of young talents, the new partnership will enrich the DACP through additional resources such as an aviation training centre featuring full-motion simulators, flight simulation equipment and a reference library.  

The DACP offers an extensive programme that includes exclusive aviation training and eye-opening visits provided by more than 10 key aviation organisations in Hong Kong. Participants will also get the chance to experience various aviation activities at first hand such as aircraft takeoffs and landings, the workings of air traffic control and, through a flight simulator, the handling of an aircraft’s controls.

One of the programme highlight is that participants will be guided throughout by Dragonair pilots, who will act as mentors and offer career and personal development advice. Another exciting part is the opportunity to take an observation flight operated by their mentors, following the whole journey from the pre-flight briefing to viewing the actual flight operation from the cockpit. Apart from gaining a concrete understanding of how an aircraft works, participants will also learn about how to develop a positive and professional attitude in the workplace.

Almost half of the programme’s graduates to date have already realised their aviation dreams, working as flight dispatchers, air traffic controllers, cabin crew and pilots. Jan Lam graduated from the DACP in 2011 and is now a Junior First Officer at Dragonair. He says he gained practical aviation knowledge through the programme and benefited from the advice given by his pilot mentor and other aviation professionals.

“I wanted to join the aviation industry from the time I was in secondary school,” Jan says. “I applied for the cadet pilot programme after graduation but wasn’t accepted. There was an economic downturn at that time and my future seemed dark. After joining this programme, I met a group of friends with the same passion for aviation. With the encouragement of my mentor and the knowledge acquired through the programme, my confidence was restored and I was finally able to realise my dream to become a pilot!”

Young people interested in exploring the aviation world are now invited to take this great opportunity to broaden their horizons. Programme and application details can be found at www.dragonair.com/aviationacademy.