Government Flying Service
Government Flying Service (GFS) is a disciplined unit of the Government of Hong Kong responsible for providing aerial search and rescue, air ambulance, firefighting, and law enforcement support. The GFS operates under the Security Bureau and is headquartered at the Hong Kong International Airport.
History[edit | edit source]
The Government Flying Service was established on 1 April 1993, succeeding the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (RHKAAF). The transition was part of the preparations for the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China in 1997.
Operations[edit | edit source]
The GFS provides a wide range of services, including:
- Search and rescue (SAR) operations within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR).
- Air ambulance services, transporting patients from remote areas and outlying islands to hospitals.
- Firefighting support, particularly in areas that are difficult to access by land.
- Law enforcement support, including surveillance and transportation for the Hong Kong Police Force.
- Disaster relief operations, both within Hong Kong and in neighboring regions.
Fleet[edit | edit source]
The GFS operates a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, including:
Training and Personnel[edit | edit source]
The GFS employs a team of highly trained pilots, aircrew, and support staff. Training programs are rigorous and include both local and overseas components to ensure personnel are equipped to handle a variety of emergency situations.
Notable Incidents[edit | edit source]
The GFS has been involved in several high-profile rescue operations, including:
- The rescue of passengers from the sinking vessel Lamma IV in 2012.
- The search and rescue operation following the 2010 Hong Kong bus hostage crisis in the Philippines.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Hong Kong Fire Services Department
- Hong Kong Police Force
- Civil Aviation Department (Hong Kong)
- Security Bureau (Hong Kong)
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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