Chaoyang University of Technology (CYUT) proudly partnered with China Aviation Development Foundation (CADF) for the first time to host an aviation camp on January 22 and 23. This two-day event attracted over 200 senior high and vocational school students, but only 61 were selected by a panel of senior airline executives, reflecting the growing interest in aviation careers among young students.

Organized by CYUT’s Department of Aviation Technology, the camp offered hands-on experiences in flight planning, air traffic control simulations, radar operations, and cabin crew drills. Students also trained with advanced simulators, including the B777-300ER, A320-200, and B747-400, and participated in emergency evacuation exercises. A standout moment was the chance to enjoy an in-flight meal during the B777-300ER simulation, creating a truly lifelike experience.

Wei-Cheng Hsieh, Secretary-General of CADF, explained that this was their first aviation camp tailored for high school students. The collaboration with CYUT was driven by the department’s highly experienced faculty, which includes retired pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and aviation safety experts. The goal was to inspire students to explore careers in aviation and build a strong foundation for the future of Taiwan’s aviation workforce.

Tao-Ming Cheng, President of CYUT, emphasized the increasing global demand for aviation professionals as air travel surges in the post-pandemic era. CYUT’s NT$700 million College of Aviation provides a comprehensive education pipeline covering aircraft maintenance, pilot training, cabin crew services, and airport management, solidifying its reputation as a leader in aviation education.

Completely free of charge, the camp provided participants with exclusive items such as boarding passes, event T-shirts, commemorative desk calendars, and model airplanes. This unique and immersive experience left a lasting impression, inspiring many students to consider a future in aviation and take their first steps toward fulfilling their dreams.