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Aerospace Laboratory Print E-mail

Introduction

Following the completion of the third runway at the Hong Kong International Airport in the near future, the aviation services in Hong Kong are expected to play a more vital role in the region. The expansion of the aviation industry is estimated to create more than 140,000 new jobs in the next 20 years.

In light of this, there is a need for the education system to provide appropriate training in order to cope with the growing demand for aviation professionals. Aviation training, therefore, should not be accessible only in tertiary education. Our school has been playing a leading role in running aviation programmes among secondary schools. We have formerly organized flight training workshops and gifted programmes on learning STEM through our Aerospace extra-curricular activities. To step up our efforts in helping our students’ aviation dream take off, upon the completion of the New Annex, an aerospace laboratory was established, equipped with university-grade facilities including the cabin mock-up and flight simulation programs. The Core Aerospace Team, comprised of inter-disciplinary teachers, was established to enrich our STEM education with new pathways by allowing and encouraging students to participate in research and pilot training programmes. Not only can our flight training programmes maximize our students’ learning opportunities and their potential, but the learning experience will also inspire them on their career goals.

 

Scope of the Programme

The programme will be implemented through a three-phase development plan, namely Current Development (Years 2020 – 2021), Interim Development (Years 2021 – 2022) and Long-term Development (Years 2022 – 2025). The programme is designed to cultivate our students’ interest in and foundation knowledge of aviation. The dimensions in each phase aim at a significant paradigm shift in knowledge construction, research study and personal exposure, while offering students with a wide range of applied skills and aviation knowledge for their career and personal development.

 

Current Development (Year 2020 – 2021)

In order to enhance students’ understanding of basic aerospace sciences and their higher order thinking skills, in the first phase the school plans to reform our existing school-based curriculum of junior and senior secondary science, mathematics and technology education. The proposed new components in the re-structured curriculum of the corresponding subjects are outlined below:

  • Angle, Distance, Speed and Flight (Junior Mathematics)
  • Aircraft structure and flight instrument (conducted in Aerospace Laboratory in Junior Science)
  • Newton’s Law on force and acceleration (Junior Science)
  • Bernoulli’s Principle and Fluid Dynamic (Senior Physics)
  • Fuel and Energy Expenditure (Senior Chemistry)

The re-structured curriculum aims to encourage our students’ curiosity and develop their interest in aerospace science and the aviation industry. Learning activities including flight simulation, laser cutting and 3-D printing of flight instrument will be organized for students in different forms. With the help of core teachers who have been trained to teach basic flight simulation skills, flight simulation for virtual flying practice will be featured in our extra-curricular activity to engage our students in evidence-based learning and reinforce their problem-solving skills through by getting them to cope with challenging situations. Visits to major airlines companies in Hong Kong will also be organized to allow students to explore our local aviation industry. With the interest and insights gained from the programme, students will be encouraged and empowered to map out their career path in the aviation industry.

 

Interim Development (Year 2021 – 2022)

To allow them to test and apply what they have learnt in phase one in order to consolidate and enrich their learning experience, students with basic flight simulation knowledge will be encouraged to participate in research study on topics such as aviation communication and the exploration of the factors contributing to pilot performance. The school will provide technical support aiding the students to carry out their research, and the possibility of collaboration with universities on research study is also being discussed and explored. This phase will see a pivotal shift from curriculum-based learning to research-based learning.

While research study helps deepen students’ knowledge of aviation, the school will provide them with hands-on experience and training to complement their learning. Overseas exchange programmes will be organized in this phase to expand their horizon and experience. Students will have a chance to gain a profound understanding of the global aviation industry and its development, and take part in real flying training in a flying school.

 

Long-term development (Year 2022 – 2025)

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and flight instruments, our school will be eligible for accreditation by international flying schools as a venue for flight simulation training. Professional and tailor-made curriculum will be delivered by qualified trainers to prepare our students for recognized examinations in the field. The internationally recognized certificates obtained can act as a springboard for their advancement to local and international diploma or bachelor courses, such as bachelor programmes in the aviation industry co-launched by Hong Kong and overseas institutes. Students can therefore continue their professional pursuit according to their personal interest and ability.

 

Aerospace Lab Equipment

Aero Cadet

Our Aero Cadet is a professional flight simulation built in accordance to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. It simulates some of the most commonly used training aircrafts among airline. The 1:1 scale cockpit allows for instructors to adjust flying conditions like weather, wind speed and other scenarios. Such challenging scenarios could help students improve their problem solving skills in high-stake situations and test their piloting abilities.

Flight Simulation

This includes essential flight simulation equipment. Sets of joysticks, pedals and throttles enable students to conduct regular flight simulation training. Based on a single engine aircraft, it is mainly used to develop students’ ability in their early stages of pilot training.

Aircraft Platform

Our scaled model passenger aircraft sits on top of our aircraft platform, bearing our school’s name, emblem and the markings of the Aero Alliance. It helps demonstrate the basic structure of an aircraft. It’s engine, flaps, ailerons, rudder and lights are all maneuverable. Instructors could control these parts to demonstrate how a passenger plane moves.

 

News and Media:

香港01:全港首間!羅氏基金中學設航空實驗室 培育學生航空興趣試做機師 (2020年11月24日)

明報:中學增設「航空實驗室」 模擬飛行學數理通識 (2020年11月24日)

星島日報: 羅氏基金中學斥60萬 打造航空實驗室 (2020年11月24日)

大公報: 中學建飛行實驗室 激發學生航空興趣 (2020年11月24日)

Last Updated on Friday, 27 November 2020 18:18