Source: The Standard Author: Phila Siu 11/09/2009
Subject Concerned: Government Aircrew
Rescue missions by Hong Kong's Government Flying Service (GFS) hit a five-year high last month amid hot weather.
Senior pilot Eric Leung Man-chiu said the higher number of missions last month, 145, may be because the hot weather forced more people to venture into the water to cool off.
"In the past, there were usually three to four rescue missions a day. But last month, there were around five a day," Leung said.
He added the higher number of rescues put more pressure on pilots but they are well trained and well equipped to cope with it.
Leung was speaking at the service's open day at its headquarters at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), which drew about 20,000 people.
It was the third open day since the service was established in 1993.
He said that even though the service's fleet was on display at the open day, two aircraft were ready for quick deployment in the event of an emergency.
The open day was a good chance to let the public know more about the service, he said, with the slogan, "For You, We Fly" designed to let people know the service is not just something they see on television.
There were 10 aircraft on display, comprising four Dolphin helicopters, three Super Puma helicopters, two Jetstream 41 airplanes and one single-engined Zlin flight trainer.
Visitors watched a demonstration of low-level formation flying by the two Jetstreams and two of the Dolphins. That was followed by one of the Super Pumas releasing 3,220 liters of water from a bucket.
The demonstration's finale was the two Dolphins performing a synchronized "ballet".
"The ballet performance was really creative. They really looked like they were dancing," said visitor Yeung Lai-ching.
There were also performances by the police dog units, the Civil Aid Service motorcycle team and its marching band, and the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps ceremonial squadron.
Aviation fan Calvin Hui Chee-hang said he was thrilled to be able to get so close to the aircraft.
He said he had applied to be a GFS pilot and was confident that he would be chosen even though only two out of 2,000 applicants were selected last year.