Hank Cheng
Local pilot Hank Cheng has a dream of building and flying an aircraft of his own and flying it around the world for charity. In 2008, Cheng teamed up with students from St. Paul’s Convent School to build a fully functioning airplane on campus. He explains to Grace Tsoi why money and red tape has not deterred him from fulfilling his dream.
HK Magazine: When did you first decide to build an aircraft in Hong Kong?
Hank Cheng: I received flight training in Adelaide, Australia, 12 years ago. When I was there, a pilot bought an aircraft kit and invited students from a nearby school to help build it. Students gained a valuable experience and the pilot got a finished airplane. The idea has been stuck in my mind all these years, and I told myself I should do the same if I got a chance. In 2008, I got the feeling that it was time to do it, and so I started looking for schools to partner with.
HK: What is the first step when building an aircraft?
HC: I ordered a two-seater aircraft kit from America that was shipped to Hong Kong in batches. I picked a common model for homebuilt aircraft; it is a proven design and the manufacturer has already produced more than 7,000 of the model. I get a lot of technical support from my fellow aircraft builders around the world. When I have any questions, there are always people who can offer tips online. Once, someone answered me 15 minutes after I posted a question in a forum!
HK: How do the students help in the construction process?
HC: The students contribute to the assembling process. It is not particularly challenging, because many of the procedures are repetitive and can be time-consuming. They help out with tasks like nailing and smoothing the edges of the metal boards. Every student will first get a practice kit. After practicing for some months, they move onto building the real thing. During the course, I introduce some theories of aerodynamics.
HK: You are partnering with a girls’ school for this project, despite aviation being a male-dominated profession. Why is that?
HC: Gender is not important. Boys are stronger physically, but girls have an eye for detail. I don’t think it matters at all. The students master the skills very quickly if you make an effort to teach them.
HK: Apart from students, who else is helping you with the project?
HC: I’ve got a fantastic team! About 30 pilots have participated in the project, with 10 as core members. We also recruited a number of aircraft engineers to check if we have made any mistakes during assembly. We also received sponsorship and support from a few corporations, such as my company, Cathay Pacific. They do not offer monetary support; it’s more about technical assistance.