Sky is the limit for local youngsters dreaming of a career in the cockpit

Childhood dreams of soaring through the skies are becoming a reality for more than just the elite, according to local pilots.

Three Cathay Pacific pilots, co-authors of Cathay Pacific Pilot Book II, yesterday urged more young Hongkongers who aspire to a career in aviation to try their luck.

Poor eyesight, mediocre language skills, an underprivileged background and being female are just some of the concerns cited as preventing hesitant youngsters from following their dreams.

When women think of an airline career, they 'always think about cabin crew first', said pilot Wendy Leung Wing-man, 37, who wears glasses.

'They are not sure they can control the aircraft,' but physical strength is not an issue because the planes are automatic, she said. Women make up only three per cent of pilots worldwide. Leung puts this down to a 'lack of understanding' of the industry among women.

Ron Chan Pui-lung, 35, studied architecture at university despite a long-term interest in aviation because he did not come from a wealthy family and believed a career as a pilot was 'an impossible dream'.