Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps

Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps Emblem
Formation	7 April 1971
Type	Aviation
Purpose	(a) To provide an organization to encourage and aid the people of Hong Kong in their contribution of their efforts, services and resources in the development of civil aviation; (b) To encourage and develop by example the voluntary contribution of private citizens to the public welfare; (c) To develop within the youth of Hong Kong, by example and inspiration, the qualities of leadership and good moral character; and (d) To promote international goodwill by participating in exchange programmes, rallies, conferences and other activities with overseas youth organisations.
Headquarters	Old Hong Kong International (Kai Tak) Airport
Location	Sung Wong Toi Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Membership	3263 cadets (youth) with 1588 adult members
Official language	Cantonese, English
Commanding Officer	Group Captain CHAN Man-lang IDSM
Website	www.aircadets.org.hk

Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps head office at Kai Tak Airport, next to the Hong Kong Aviation Club head office

The Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (Chinese: 香港航空青年團) is a group where people wear uniforms and volunteer their time. It gets support from the Home Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong government. It is also a charity that doesn't aim to make money.

This group started in 1971. It used to be connected to the British Armed Forces and the Royal Air Force. The Corps is a disciplined group for young people who are interested in flying and aviation. Its main goals are to help members learn about planes and flying, become good leaders, and help their community. Big airlines like Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragon Air also support the Corps with aviation training.

Besides learning about aviation, members of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (HKACC) take part in many outdoor activities. These include parachuting, rifle practice, visits to interesting places, hiking, and field training camps. They also organize water activities like canoe courses in the summer. A big part of being a member is helping out in the community.

The HKACC is divided into 7 main sections called "wings." These are Hong Kong Island, New Territories East, New Territories West, Kowloon East, Kowloon West, No 6, and Operations Support Wings. Each wing is then split into smaller groups called squadrons. A squadron usually has at least 35 cadets. Many squadrons are based at secondary schools, which helps with recruiting new members and training them.

History of the Air Cadets

The Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps was officially formed on April 7, 1971. At first, it had strong ties with the British Royal Air Force. However, after Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997, the Corps became a civilian organization. Since 2024, the HKACC has received some funding from the Government Flying Service.

How the Corps is Organized

Hong Kong Air Cadet on a shooting exercise.

The top leader of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps is the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Chan Man Lang. As the main manager, the Commanding Officer is in charge of the Corps' daily activities. They report to the Executive Board.

The Commanding Officer's Office helps with special tasks at the main headquarters. This includes managing the Honorary Officers Scheme, dealing with legal matters, and connecting with British and Canadian Air Cadet groups.

Groups and Their Missions

The HKACC has several important groups that help it run smoothly:

• The Administration & Support Group handles all the daily tasks. This includes managing money, staff, and buildings. They also organize adventure activities, manage computer systems, and work with government groups. They also handle public relations and medical support.

• The Institutional Advancement Group works on building relationships. They connect with the government, other groups in mainland China, parents, and other youth organizations. They also arrange international and mainland exchange programs and special projects.

• The Operations Group directly leads the five main operational wings. This group is responsible for organizing and managing the activities of cadet and university squadrons. They make sure that all units follow the training goals set by the Headquarters. They also ensure the Corps completes its community service duties.

• The Training Group sets the standards and plans for all training within the Corps. They regularly update these standards based on what the community needs and new technologies. This group also runs advanced courses. These include aviation education, training for adult members, and special skills training.

• The Flying Squadron organizes activities where cadets can experience flying. They also make sure that all flight operations are safe and follow aviation rules.

Structure of Squadrons

Most cadet squadrons are part of the Operations Group. This group is divided into four wings. There is also the Ceremonial Squadron which is part of the Ceremonial Wing under the Training Group.

Administration Group Units

• Medical Squadron
• Adventure Activities Squadron
• Supply Flight
• Public Affairs Flight

Training Group Units

• Adult Training Wing
• Ceremonial Wing
• Vocational Qualifications Unit

Skills Development and Support Group Units

• Support Services Wing
• General Service Training Wing
• Skills Development Wing
• Community and Mainland Activities Wing

Operations Group Wings and Squadrons

Aviation Education and Development Group Units

• Aviation Education Wing
• Flying Squadron
• Technical Operations & Support Wing
• Development Unit

Ranks in the HKACC

The Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps has different ranks for its members, just like in other uniformed groups. These ranks show a member's experience and responsibilities.

Ranks and Insignia of HKACC Officers

	Air Officer	Senior Officers			Junior Officers
Rank	Air Commodore (Air Cdre)	Group Captain (Gp Capt)	Wing Commander (Wg Cdr)	Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr)	Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt)	Flying Officer (Fg Off)	Pilot Officer (Plt Off)
Insignia

Ranks and Insignia of HKACC Warrant Officer and Instructors

	Warrant Officer	Instructors
Rank	Warrant Officer (WO)	Sergeant Instructor (Sgt Instr)	Instructor (Instr)
Insignia

Ranks and Insignia of HKACC Trainees

Ranks	Officer Cadets (Off Cdt)	Officer Trainee (OT)	Recruit Instructor (RI)
Insignia

Ranks and Insignia HKACC Cadets

	Senior Non-commissioned Officer (SNCO)			Junior Non-commissioned Officer (JNCO)		Cadets
Rank	Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO)	Cadet Flight Sergeant (FS)	Cadet Sergeant (Sgt)	Cadet Corporal (Cpl)	Cadet Lance Corporal (LCpl)	Basic Cadet (BC)	Recruit Cadet (RC)
Insignia

Advanced Aviation Education Programme (AAEP)

The Advanced Aviation Education Programme (AAEP) started in 1997. At first, only members of the HKACC and other uniformed youth groups could join. In 2000, the program became open to everyone. That same year, Cathay Pacific Airways became a partner, and later, the UOW College Hong Kong also joined.

The AAEP helps participants get the basic training needed to take the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority General Flying Practical Test (GFPT). If you pass all the tests, you get a Certificate of Achievement from the HKACC. Graduates can also get credit if they apply for the Associate Degree of Science in Airport Operations and Aviation Logistics (AScAOAL) at UOW College Hong Kong. HKACC cadets who complete the program are considered to have passed all Aviation Education subjects needed for higher cadet ranks.

To complete the program, participants must finish 8 required subjects. These are split into two main parts, with a total of 20 sessions:

Technical Modules

• Aerodynamics (ADY): This is about how air moves around planes.
• Aircraft General Knowledge (AGK): Learning about how planes are built and how they work.
• Operation, Performance, and Planning (PERF): How to plan flights and understand a plane's abilities.
• Flight Rules & Air Laws in Australia (LAW): The rules and laws for flying in Australia.

Navigation Modules

• Navigation (NAV): How to find your way when flying.
• Meteorology (MET): Learning about weather and how it affects flying.
• Radio Communication (RT): How to talk on the radio while flying.
• Human Performance and Limitation (HPL): Understanding how human bodies and minds work in flying.

Practical Module

• Flight Simulation Training (FST): This is done using flight simulators, taught by instructors from the New Zealand (HK) Flight Training Academy.

Activities and Exchanges

Cadets in the HKACC get to take part in exciting activities. These include the International Air Cadet Exchange, where they can meet cadets from other countries. They also participate in international shooting contests.

Aircraft Used

For flight experience in Hong Kong, the Corps uses helicopters like:

• Robinson R44
• Eurocopter EC120

Glider training, which involves flying planes without engines, is provided through programs in Canada and Australia. It is also offered by private flying clubs in Canada and New Zealand.

See also

• Cadets (youth program)