Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs) GCAC Programs 1. What is the Guangzhou Civil Aviation College? It is a very prestigious College, totally dedicated to the study of the various disciplines of the Civil Aviation profession and is the No 1 such Institution in China. 2. Is it a Private Educational Institution? It is fully owned and funded by the Government of PR China. It is not a Private Educational Institution. 3. What is special about the GCAC? The GCAC is administered by the Civil Aviation Authourity of China (CAAC), which is one of the very largest in the World. All courses conducted by them are in conformity with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which is the body of the United Nations (UN) which controls Civil Aviation Worldwide by setting regulations & standards. These regulations & standards are observed by all countries who are signatories to the convention. 4. Is there World Wide acceptance of the courses conducted by GCAC or are they restricted to China or a very few Countries? GCAC qualifications are accepted World wide as they are in conformity with the ICAO regulations & standards. 01
5. What are the programs that are conducted by the GCAC? They conduct a total of 16 programs at the moment: 1. Flight Services & Tourism Management 2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technician 3. Aircraft Avionics Maintenance Engineering 4. Aircraft Structural Repair 5. Airport Safety Inspection 6. Airport Operations 7. Air Transport & Logistics 8. Air Material Trade & Management 9. Safety Inspection Equipment Management 10. Electronic Engineering Technician 11. Computer Network & Technology 12. Information Systems & Management 13. Computerized Accounting 14. E-Commerce for Civil Aviation. 15. Computer Engineering Technology 16. Software Technology But at ACHE we are concentrating on the following 4 study programs - 1) Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technician 2) Diploma in Flight Services & Tourism Management 02
3) Diploma in Avionics Maintenance Engineering Technician. 4) Diploma in Airport Operations Management -and we hope to add more courses later on. 6. Give an overview of the Airport Operations Management Program. This program prepares a student for the Operational Management of an Airport a World recognized qualification commanding much esteem & status, offering superb training for a prospective decision maker. The program duration is 2 years 1st year at ACHE & the 2nd year at GCAC. Enrollment requirements is 5 credit passes at the GCE O level + Foundation programs, as for other GCAC programs, or GCE A Level with 2 passes. The student will cover the basic courses + specialized courses on Management Science, Introduction to Civil Aviation, Communication & Etiquette, Airport Passenger Service, Airport Cargo Service, Air Transport/Airline Geography ( specialized for Civil Aviation) among several others. The 2nd year will be completed at GCAC, China, where cutting edge technology/facilities exist for the study/training of the specialized courses. However, students must remember that since they are foreign students most of the practicals will be given at GCAC itself and not at the airport Airside 7. What is so special about this Airport Operations Management Program? (a) In addition to the main program, the student has the option of sitting for IATA (International Air Transporters Association) exam that decide and set guidelines on the Commercial activities of Airlines world wide thus obtaining 2 World recognized qualifications by following just one program. (b) After completing the Diploma at GCAC the student has the option of obtaining a Degree in this discipline from the University of Winchester, USA, covering an additional 2 years. 03
8. Is the ACHE acting as a recruitment agent of students for the GCAC? No, ACHE is NOT an Agent for recruitment of students. ACHE has a joint collaboration with Guangzhou Civil Aviation College in China to conduct 1+1 diploma programs, where the ACHE conducts the first year of studies in Sri Lanka and the students transfer to GCAC, China to complete the second year of the Diploma programs. 9. Why can t the full program of 2 years be completed in Sri Lanka at the ACHE? The facilities that are required for the training of students, such as different types of Aircraft, Helicopters & various types of engines, specialized tools & technical equipment, Aircraft Cabin Simulators, etc, are not found in Sri Lanka. However, at GCAC there are more than 50 different Aircraft types, ranging from single seat trainers, jet fighters, cargo planes, Bombers, Large Passenger Aircraft including Helicopters, plus many types of Aircraft engines ranging from Piston engines, Radial engines, Turbo Props, Gas Turbine engines, Ram jet engines, etc, numbering more than 150, for the training of the student according to the ICAO standards & regulations. So it is best for the student to complete the 2nd year in China. 10. What is the difference between a UN/ICAO Qualification and a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) qualification? Civil Aviation across the World is regulated by the UN through the ICAO and EASA also is subjected to and observes these ICAO rules & regulations. EASA is restricted to the countries of the European Union (EU) & is a domestic mechanism for Airlines of the EU to follow. 04
These rules include all the mandatory regulations of the UN/ICAO plus a few modifications to suit EU requirements. In short UN/ICAO is the supreme body with EASA following ICAO rules with some additional modifications to suit EU domestic needs. 11. What is the basic qualification I should have to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer? This will be the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Technician) qualification. This is the basic qualification and a mandatory requirement on the path to becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. 12. In the Flight Services & Tourism Management Program what will be the career path as well as opportunities in this field? This program is very special because with one Diploma you get qualified to handle many jobs- you will be trained to be a) Air Hostess/ Flight Steward b) Hotel Front Office Manager c) Tour planer d) Travel Advisor e) Tourism & Travel Consultant f) Banquet Manager etc. 13. Is it very costly to study in China? The GCAC has offered these study programs to our students at a very very reasonable and affordable cost. (Our Program Manager or student coordinators will be able to advise you on enquiry) 14. Can students do part-time employment in China? Since this is a full time, intensive course and classes finish at around 5 pm on some days, students spend their spare time on homework and studies. Also the Laws of China do not permit part time employment while you are studying. 05
15. When I make the payment of the second year s fee to the GCAC after completing my first year at ACHE, does that fee cover only my education in China during the second year? This fee covers not only the Education for the second year at GCAC but also includes all text books, Hostel accommodation in the College hostels, as well as Medical Insurance against Hospitalization & Accidents. Other costs such as Airline ticket, China visa fee, etc, will have to be met by the student. 16. What about food costs? The College restaurants provide food to the students at a very reasonable and low cost. Generally three basic meals a day would come to approximately USD 3.50. However, this depends on what you consume. The student could take the required funds along when transferring to GCAC for usage as required. 17. Are there any other charges applicable regards accommodation? There will be a nominal charge for usage of electricity at the Hostels, but excessive usage will be charged at a higher rate. Bottled drinking water would be supplied to the rooms on a payment. 18. Is Internet Services available at GCAC? Internet Services are available. The responsible usage of this service by the student is very important as there are strict Laws regarding abuse and irresponsible use of this service. 06
19. Can I have some details of the Hostel Accommodation? Do we get single or sharing rooms? Accommodation is at the Hostels located in the City Campus and in the Aircraft Engineering Campus which is located near the International Airport. Hostels are in a secure area and males and females have separate Hostels. Accommodation will be on a sharing basis, usually 4 to a room, with attached toilets & bath. Students will need to purchase their own bed linen & mattress. The Chinese by nature are very hygiene conscious and place priority on sanitation and therefore the bathrooms are built to promote hygienic use. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their rooms and washrooms. Each student will have a desk with an attached book- shelf and chair. The Aircraft Engineering Campus boasts of a brand new Hostel block specially constructed for International students from the ACHE. 20. Will ACHE assist in the visa procedure? Yes, ACHE will assist in the visa process by providing guidance and advise on what documents are required to satisfy the visa requirements, etc. 21. Has the student got to show Bank Balances and proof of financial means when applying for student visa to China? These are not required. What is required is that the student should have: A) Successfully completed the first year of the program at ACHE B) Obtained the Police clearance report C) Obtained the Medical clearance certificates D) Deposited the required GCAC fee for the final year in China. 07
22. Does the student need to learn Chinese Language in order to undergo the study program in China? Being the Official Language of International Civil Aviation, the course will be conducted in English. However for the benefit of the Chinese students, explanations of same maybe done in Chinese, too, like in Sri Lanka for eg; where the lectures are given in English with explanations of same being repeated in Sinhala for the benefit of students. However, it would be very beneficial for the students to know some Mandarin Chinese as it would enable them to get around and talk to people that students will meet in the shops, on the roads etc. Also if students attain a proficiency in Chinese it would be a definite advantage to them in their professional career as China is fast becoming the No. 1 Economy of the World. Due to this, Mandarin has been included as part of the curriculum and students will learn basic Mandarin Chinese during the first year at ACHE. 23. What are the minimum educational requirements to enroll in these programs? Minimum requirement is GCE O levels with 5 credit passes in any subjects including Math and English. However such students should first follow the specially designed Foundation Programs which will prepare the students to reach the required standard to complete the main program successfully. Moreover, for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program, having A levels in the Math stream would be an added qualification. 08
24. If the student fails to pass any exam at ACHE, what is the position? Student will be given an opportunity to re-sit the exam within a short period of time. However an additional charge would be levied as payment to the lecturer for the preparation of a fresh examination paper and for its invigilation. 25. What is the pass mark for any subject? The pass mark is 60% but students are strongly advised to reach higher marks as possible, as it will be a definite advantage in their future careers when excellent marks are reflected on their respective transcripts. 26. What sort of practical training will the student undergo during the 2 years of study? In the first year at ACHE, the student will learn the Theory part of the program, while the practical part of the program will be conducted at GCAC during the 2nd year. Since GCAC is China s largest civil aviation college it has a large number of aircrafts (around 50) and a large number of aircraft engines (about 150) which many of the other institutions do not have. This is one of the unique features of the program. Students get their training at GCAC on many types of engines and aircrafts whereas if they go out to the industry for training they can only get to work on 1 or 2 types of engines. The GCAC program is thus a work-ready program. 09
27. Will training be offered to students in different Airlines/Aviation Organisations after the Diploma program is completed? On completion of the Diploma Program, the student is ready to apply for jobs in any part of the World, face interviews and secure employment. However, the GCAC offers our students a 3 to 6 months practical work experience/internship at various Organisations/ establishments. This internship has to be followed continuosly. Students has to be punctual, their job cards have to be filled, the workplace rules have to be followed etc. to obtain a letter stating that the internship was successfully completed. 28. Will there be facilities/opportunities, such as Job Fairs etc, at the GCAC so that a student could seek & apply for employment? Job Fairs are held at the GCAC from time to time, at their discretion and requirement. Many Organizations usually attend these events to recruit personnel who possess the skills, knowledge and language skills that they require. The student may attend such events according to his / her wishes. At such events, strong language skills in spoken and written Chinese plays a major role in selection criteria to Chinese organizations. Students who possess these skills will be at a great advantage in respect of recruitment. So we encourage our students to build strong Mandarin language skills. Students should also not expect to obtain Airport Airside operational jobs in China since most countries have strict laws and restrictions which have to be kept in mind. However, there are other jobs related to the airline/aircraft industry that the student could 10
be recruited for. 29. Do I need to wear a uniform when studying at GCAC? A uniform has to be worn when undergoing work shop training, Cabin Crew training, etc. These uniforms will be as stipulated by the GCAC. In the class room/lecture hall, a student may wear Jeans, T- shirt and sports shoes which are acceptable attire. However, slippers are not acceptable and hair and beards need to be kept short and neatly trimmed. The reason for this is that when you are an aircraft engineer, you will be working with highly sensitive equipment, powerful motors and a lot of metal. Therefore, for your safety you will be trained from the beginning to keep your hair short so that it will not get entangled in a motor or clog up sensitive apparatus and you should wear suitable shoes so that you will not injure yourself. 30. Is discipline very strict? The Chinese as a Nation are very disciplined themselves and they observe rules and regulations diligently. Since these rules and regulations are based mostly on common sense and practicality for the safety of the student/engineer and the passenger it is wise for you to adhere to them. Also students must make it a point to be punctual for all classes and practicals and should strive to maintain 100% attendance. A booklet giving a brief outline of the General Rules & Laws of China will be issued to 11
each student before their departure to China. This will create awareness in their minds. 31. What about the Examinations in China? Examinations are also taken seriously, as a student should be well-qualified before he attempts to work on aircrafts since it is a very responsible job on which the safety of the Aircraft and human lives depend. Also just like at our O/Levels and A/Levels in Sri Lanka the violation of the examination rules and regulations is a very serious offence in China and will be dealt with according to the regulations of the GCAC and the Laws of China. For example: The use of mobile phones or speaking during an exams, etc, is strictly forbidden The American College of Higher Education is very committed to your success so do well and keep Sri Lanka s flag flying high! All the Best! 12
COURSE DETAILS 1st Year Program at ACHE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN Aviation Mechanism Basics Aerodynamics Beginning Chinese College English Higher Mathematics -1 Higher Mathematics -2 Fundamentals of Electric Circuit Electronic Circuit 1 Blueprint Reading Introduction to Computers Air Law 2nd Year Program at GCAC, China Aircraft Handling Procedures Basic Aircraft Systems (I) Basic Aircraft Systems (II) Aircraft Maintenance Technical English Tools for Aircraft Maitenance Electrical System & Wiring Landing Gear Systems Practice College English Aircraft Structures, Strength & Fatigue Introduction to Rotary Wing Aircraft Stressed Skin Structures Non-Destructive Testing & Corrosion Prevention Aircraft Systems 13
Computer- Aided Design (CAD) Aircraft Structure Repair Practice Non-Destructive Testing & Corrosion Prevention Practice Air Condition & Flight Control Systems Practice Hydraulic, Gas & Fuel Systems Practice. AVIONICS MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN Computer Network/Data Communication Aerodynamics Beginning Chinese College English Higher Mathematics -1 Higher Mathematics -2 Fundamentals of Electric Circuit Electronic Circuit 1 Blueprint Reading Introduction to Computers Air Law 2nd Year Program at GCAC, China Fundamentals of Aircraft Communication & Navigation Systems Aircraft Auto Flight Control Systems Electrical & Electronic Principles Digital & Analogue Devices & Circuits Integrated Flight Information Systems Aviation English 14
Engineering Science Aircraft Electrical Systems Air Frame & Power Plant Systems Human Factor in Aviation TOURISM & FLIGHT SERVICES College English Introduction to Computers Beginning Chinese Introduction to Different Customs & Cultures Career Preparation Introduction to Aviation Exceptional Customer Care Human Relations in Business & Industry Air Law 2nd Year Program at GCAC, China Service Marketing Air Transportation Body Shaping (Grooming, fitness & personality Development) Airline Cabin Service English Customer Service & Communication Cabin Service & Emergency Procedures Dining room & Banquet Management 15
Ticketing & Reservations Aviation Business English Introduction to Tourism Airport Ground Service Introduction to Different Customs & Cultures Team Building & Outward Development. AIRPORT OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Air Transportation Airline/Air transport Geography Computer Applications Principles of Management Communication & Social Etiquette Applied Writing Career Guidance College English College Algebra Basic Chinese 2nd Year Program at GCAC, China Passenger Ground Services Air Cargo Transport Airport Maintenance Practices 16
Airport Safety Check Practices Airport Fundamentals Elementary Microeconomics Marketing Air Transportation. College English Airport Operations Airline Operations Control Managing Airport Environment Airport Emergency Rescue Aviation English Flight Information Services Air Law Human Factor and Aviation Safety Air Traffic Management INFORMATION CORRECT AS AT TIME OF PRINTING SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS PER GOVERNMENT / INTERNATIONAL / INSTITUTION REQUIREMENTS