Government Flying Service

The Government Flying Service (GFS) is a disciplined service providing flying support to departments and agencies of the HKSAR Government. It also serves the community by providing a 24-hour air ambulance service and participating in search and rescue operations.

In 2001, the GFS operated a fleet of 11 aircraft: six Sikorsky S-76 and three S-70 (Black Hawk) helicopters, as well as two Jetstream J-41 aeroplanes. Eight new helicopters have been procured to replace the existing fleet to further enhance the service's capabilities. Three of the new helicopters were delivered during the year. The remaining helicopters will be delivered by December 2002. During the year, the GFS flew a total of 6 430 hours in support of its clients and training for the complex roles undertaken. The organisation is staffed by 183 disciplined and 62 general grades personnel. The GFS is based at the Hong Kong International Airport where it carries out all of its maintenance work.

The GFS undertakes a wide variety of roles which include supporting the Hong Kong Police Force in law enforcement duties, assisting the Fire Services Department by water-bombing hill fires with underslung fire buckets, and assisting the Lands Department in aerial mapping and survey. In 2001, the GFS also transported 1 762 patients to hospital by helicopter, assisted in 279 Search and Rescue operations and flew 11 803 government officers and official visitors in the course of their duties or programmes.

In 2001, the GFS continued to enhance its emergency air medical service by recruiting more 'flying doctors'. The volunteer doctors provide an extremely valuable service of bringing immediate medical expertise to the patient during weekends and public holidays, when the majority of recreational accidents occur as the community takes to the hills and sea. During the year, the doctors flew a total of 90 hours in 105 operations.