Sek Kong Airfield (ICAO: VHSK) is a small, single-runway aerodrome located in the northern New Territories of Hong Kong, near the border with mainland China. Unlike the bustling international hub of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Sek Kong serves as the territory’s primary home for general aviation, including flight training, private aircraft operations, and recreational flying. For anyone interested in learning to fly or understanding Hong Kong’s aviation infrastructure, Sek Kong is an essential place to know.

This article explores the airfield’s origins, its current facilities, the flight schools that operate there, the types of aircraft based at the field, and the practical realities of using Sek Kong as a pilot or student. It also compares the airfield with other regional options and explains how it fits into Hong Kong’s strict aviation regulatory environment under the Civil Aviation Department (CAD).

History of Sek Kong Airfield

Sek Kong Airfield was originally built by the British Army in the 1930s as a Royal Air Force (RAF) station. During World War II, it was used by the Japanese occupation forces. After the war, it reverted to British military use and was home to various RAF units, including helicopter squadrons and transport aircraft. The airfield’s runway, originally a grass strip, was paved in the 1950s to support heavier aircraft.

In 1997, with the handover of Hong Kong to China, the RAF handed Sek Kong over to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The PLA continues to use a portion of the airfield for military helicopter operations. However, a significant part of the site, including the main runway and adjacent taxiways, is leased to the Hong Kong Aviation Club (HKAC) for civilian general aviation use. This arrangement is unique in Hong Kong: a military airfield with a dedicated civilian enclave.

Layout and Facilities

Sek Kong Airfield sits on approximately 70 hectares of land. The single asphalt runway, designated 11/29, is 1,524 metres (5,000 feet) long and 30 metres wide. This length is sufficient for light aircraft such as Cessna 172s and Diamond DA40s, as well as some turboprop and small jet aircraft. However, it is not long enough for commercial airliners.

The airfield has no instrument landing system (ILS); all approaches are visual (VFR) only. Pilots must rely on the local weather conditions and maintain visual contact with the runway at all times. The airfield’s elevation is approximately 10 metres (33 feet) above sea level.

Key facilities include:

  • Hong Kong Aviation Club (HKAC), the main civilian operator, offering a clubhouse, hangars, a fuel farm, and a flight training centre.
  • Two asphalt taxiways (Alpha and Bravo) connecting the runway to the apron and hangars.
  • Aviation fuel, Avgas 100LL is available from the HKAC fuel farm. As of 2025, the price is approximately HK$28 per litre for members.
  • Parking, tie-down spots for up to 30 light aircraft on the apron; additional hangar space for about 15 aircraft.
  • No customs or immigration, Sek Kong is not a port of entry. All flights arriving from outside Hong Kong must clear customs at HKIA first.

Flight Schools and Training Organisations

Two main organisations provide flight training at Sek Kong: the Hong Kong Aviation Club (HKAC) and the Hong Kong Flight Academy (HKFA). Both are approved by the Hong Kong CAD to conduct training for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

Hong Kong Aviation Club (HKAC)

The HKAC is the older and larger of the two. It was founded in 1952 and has been operating at Sek Kong since the 1960s. The club operates a fleet of about 12 aircraft, including Cessna 172S Skyhawks, Diamond DA40s, and a Piper Seneca for multi-engine training. Membership is required to use the club’s facilities and to rent aircraft. Annual membership fees are approximately HK$8,000 for adults, with a one-time joining fee of HK$10,000.

Training costs at HKAC are among the highest in the region. A typical PPL course, including 45 hours of flight time, ground school, and exam fees, costs around HK$180,000 to HK$220,000. This is consistent with the broader cost of obtaining a PPL in Hong Kong, as detailed in our cost analysis article. The club offers both fixed-wing and helicopter training. For those deciding between the two, our guide on fixed-wing vs helicopter provides useful comparisons.

Hong Kong Flight Academy (HKFA)

HKFA is a smaller, independent school that operates out of a shared hangar at Sek Kong. It was established in 2016 and focuses on fixed-wing training. Its fleet includes three Cessna 172s and one Tecnam P2002. HKFA does not require membership, but students must pass a medical examination (Class 2 or Class 1) before starting. The school charges approximately HK$3,200 per hour for a Cessna 172 with instructor. A full PPL package is quoted at around HK$195,000.

Both schools use the same runway and airspace, and both adhere to the CAD’s licensing process. Students must complete a minimum of 45 flight hours (including 10 hours of solo flight) and pass a written exam and a flight test with a CAD examiner. For a detailed breakdown of the PPL syllabus, see our ground school subjects guide.

Aircraft Based at Sek Kong

The civilian fleet at Sek Kong is small but diverse. As of early 2025, approximately 25 aircraft are permanently based at the airfield. The majority are single-engine piston aircraft used for training and private flying. A few owners keep more exotic types, including a Cessna 210 Centurion, a Mooney M20, and a Robin DR400. There is also a single helicopter, a Robinson R22, used for rotary training by the HKAC.

The PLA maintains a separate area on the eastern side of the airfield, where it operates Z-9 (Harbin Z-9) utility helicopters and occasionally a small number of fixed-wing transport aircraft such as the Shaanxi Y-8. Civilian pilots are strictly prohibited from entering the military zone.

All civilian aircraft must be registered with the Hong Kong CAD and carry a B-H (or VR-H for older registrations) prefix. Maintenance is performed on-site by HKAC’s approved maintenance organisation (AMO) or by private engineers contracted by owners.

Flying Operations and Airspace

Sek Kong operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only. The airfield has no control tower; instead, pilots use a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) of 123.45 MHz to announce their intentions. The circuit pattern is standard left-hand for runway 11 and right-hand for runway 29, at an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

The airspace around Sek Kong is complex. The airfield lies within Class D airspace that extends from the surface to 2,500 feet. Above that, Hong Kong’s Terminal Control Area (TMA) begins, which is Class A airspace requiring an Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance. All flights from Sek Kong must depart via designated VFR routes, known as “Sek Kong Departure Routes,” which keep aircraft clear of the busy approach paths to HKIA. These routes are published in the Hong Kong AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication).

Because of the proximity to the border with mainland China, pilots must be careful not to stray into Chinese airspace. The border is about 3 kilometres north of the runway. A violation can result in interception by PLA aircraft and severe penalties. The CAD provides a dedicated frequency (131.8 MHz) for pilots to contact Hong Kong ATC for flight following and border awareness.

For students, this airspace complexity is both a challenge and an advantage. Training in such an environment builds strong situational awareness and radio communication skills, valuable assets for any pilot. Our article on learning to fly in Hong Kong covers the specifics of the local airspace in more depth.

Costs and Practical Considerations

Flying at Sek Kong is expensive by global standards. The high cost of land, fuel, maintenance, and insurance in Hong Kong drives up hourly rates. Below is a typical cost breakdown for a student pilot training at Sek Kong in 2025:

  • Aircraft rental (Cessna 172, wet): HK$2,800-3,200 per hour
  • Instructor fee: HK$800-1,200 per hour
  • Fuel (Avgas 100LL): HK$28 per litre (approx. HK$1,200 per hour for a Cessna 172)
  • Landing fee: HK$150 per landing (HKAC members pay HK$80)
  • Ground school course: HK$15,000-25,000 (classroom or online)
  • CAD exam fee: HK$2,000 per attempt
  • Flight test fee: HK$8,000 (paid to CAD examiner)
  • Medical certificate (Class 2): HK$2,500-4,000

Total cost for a PPL: HK$180,000-220,000. This aligns with the figures in our detailed cost article. For those considering a career path, the CPL is significantly more expensive, typically HK$500,000-700,000, as discussed in our CPL pathway article.

One way to reduce costs is to complete ground school online before starting flight training. Our online ground school guide lists several affordable options that are accepted by the CAD. Another is to use a flight simulator for procedural training. While not a substitute for real flight hours, simulator sessions can help students master instrument scans and emergency procedures at a fraction of the cost. See our simulator benefits article for more details.

Comparison with Other Airfields in the Region

Hong Kong has only one other airfield, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), but it is not available for general aviation training except for very limited operations by the Government Flying Service. Therefore, Sek Kong is the only option for civilian flight training within the territory.

Many Hong Kong residents choose to train abroad, particularly in Australia, Canada, the United States, or mainland China (e.g., Zhuhai or Shenzhen). Training in those countries can be 30-50% cheaper. For example, a PPL in Australia costs approximately AUD $15,000-20,000 (HK$80,000-105,000), including all fees. However, converting a foreign licence to a Hong Kong licence involves additional paperwork and a flight test with the CAD, as explained in our licensing article.

The advantage of training at Sek Kong is that you learn in the exact airspace and regulatory environment where you will eventually fly. There is no conversion required, and you build local knowledge, such as the specific VFR routes, weather patterns, and border restrictions, that cannot be gained abroad.

Future of Sek Kong Airfield

The long-term future of Sek Kong Airfield is uncertain. The PLA has occasionally indicated interest in reclaiming the entire site for military use. However, as of 2025, the civilian lease remains in place and has been renewed on a rolling basis. The Hong Kong Aviation Club has invested in upgrading the fuel farm and hangar facilities, signalling confidence in the airfield’s continued operation.

The Hong Kong government’s 2019 “Hong Kong 2030+” planning study mentioned the possibility of relocating general aviation to a new site, possibly on reclaimed land near the airport or on Lantau Island, but no concrete plans have been announced. For now, Sek Kong remains the only game in town for general aviation in Hong Kong.

For aspiring pilots, the message is clear: if you want to learn to fly in Hong Kong, Sek Kong is where you will do it. The airfield’s history, facilities, and dedicated community make it a unique and rewarding place to start your aviation journey. Whether you are pursuing a PPL for recreation or a CPL for a career, Sek Kong offers a solid foundation, albeit at a premium price. For more on financing your training, see our financing guide.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Learning to Fly and General Aviation in Hong Kong and the Region
  • Realistic Cost of a PPL in Hong Kong
  • Flight Schools in Hong Kong
  • Hong Kong CAD Licensing Process
  • Choosing Fixed Wing vs Helicopter Training
  • Commercial Pilot Licence Pathway