Episode 272 - In another episode from the floor of PAPA - Nik sits down with Ash, an international pilot currently flying the Airbus A320 for a major carrier based in Hong Kong. Ash shares a global aviation journey — from flight training in New Zealand to flying single-engine caravans in the mountainous terrain of Indonesia, and eventually landing a career with a world-class Asian airline.

We dig into what it’s like flying internationally out of Hong Kong, how airline structures differ between Asia and the West, and the often-overlooked challenges of adapting to expat life in one of the world’s densest cities. Ash also opens up about transitioning to the U.S. aviation system and earning his FAA ATP certificate, and offers his thoughts on CRM culture and cockpit dynamics across borders.

What You'll Learn:

How Ash built an international flying career starting with training in New Zealand

What it’s like flying single-engine aircraft in the challenging terrain of Indonesia

The unique structure and expectations of working for an airline based in Hong Kong

How cockpit resource management (CRM) and cockpit culture differ between Asia and the West

What to expect when transitioning from an ICAO license to an FAA ATP

The lifestyle realities of expat pilots living and working in Hong Kong

Why global flying experience can give pilots a unique edge—if they’re willing to adapt

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