HKGFS Wan Chai Helipad

HKGFS Wan Chai Helipad

The Government Flying Service (GFS) is a department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with an establishment of 332 civil service posts responsible for flight operations, maintenance and administration.

The GFS is located at the south-western corner of the Hong Kong International Airport.

History of the GFS

The GFS began operating on 1st April 1993 immediately after the disbandment of its predecessor, the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force. It is one of the disciplined services of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Structure

The department is headed by the Controller who reports directly to the Secretary for Security. The Controller is supported by the following divisions:

• Operations Division
• Training and Standards Division
• Engineering Division
• Corporate Safety Division
• Administration Division

The Operations Division

The core part of the department. It provides emergency services mainly for search and rescue, air ambulance and firefighting. It also provides support to Government departments.

The Training and Standards Division

is responsible for setting professional standards and overseeing the training and development of all aircrews.

The Engineering Division

which is an approved HKAR 145 maintenance organization and HKAR 21 design organization, well supports the flying and operational activities. It provides virtually all the aircraft and equipment maintenance services from within its well-equipped and modern hangar and workshops.

The Corporate Safety Division

is responsible for steering and managing all safety related initiatives and cross-section safety management matters within the department.

The Administration Division

provides administrative support services to the whole department. The services it provides include human resource management, financial management, supplies and general administration.

Area of Responsibility

One of the major responsibilities of the GFS lies with search and rescue operations. Generally, the area of responsibilities covers up to 700 nautical miles (1300 Kilometers) to include the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR) and the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre area of responsibility. Besides serving Hong Kong, the department also assists in missions originated from the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC).