Pilot 101 - How to Become a Commercial Pilot?
Event
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Date
21 Oct 2023
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Organiser
Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering
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Time
12:00 - 13:00
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Venue
FJ303 Map
Enquiry
General Office aae.info@polyu.edu.hk
Summary
Abstract
This talk provides a comprehensive overview of the path to becoming a commercial pilot. The talk covers various essential aspects, including the necessary qualifications, training requirements, and career opportunities in the aviation industry.
Speaker
Captain Michael Lau is an esteemed professional with a Honours Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Edinburgh. With a career spanning over three decades, he has gained extensive experience in the aviation industry.
In 1991, Captain Lau joined Cathay Pacific Airways as a commercial pilot after completing rigorous cadet pilot training in Prestwick, Scotland. His time at Cathay Pacific allowed him to develop expertise in international flight operations, adhering to the airline's high training standards. He holds ratings on various aircraft types, including the Boeing B747 and Airbus A330.
In 2008, Captain Lau transitioned to the Flight Standards and Airworthiness Division of the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) as a Senior Operations Inspector. Throughout his tenure, he gained valuable regulatory experience in safety oversight, accident investigations, safety policy formulation, and handling public complaints and pilot unions. As the Chief, Flight Standards from 2017 onward, he played a pivotal role in enforcing safety regulations for civil air operations in Hong Kong and managing the operation of Hong Kong registered aircraft. This encompassed licensing pilots, developing on-the-job training programs, overseeing budget planning, and conducting accident investigations.
With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Captain Michael Lau brings a wealth of experience to the field of aviation and safety regulations.
