MILLIONS of dollars in aircraft maintenance costs will be saved when the Government Flying Service moves to a purpose-built complex at Chek Lap Kok in April 1998. About $5 million a year is spent replacing sensitive equipment in the fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft damaged by noxious hydrogen sulphide gas emanating from Kai Tak nullah. But controller Brian Cluer said cleaner marine air at Chek Lap Kok would lead to significant savings and more use of the aircraft. 'The gas smells like hell. We are spending $5 million a year more than we need to because of the effects of the gas. We also have to change crucial parts four times more often than normal,' he said. Mr Cluer said there had been some improvement since the Environmental Protection Department started pumping air into the nullah to aerate the toxic mixture of chemicals and effluent being discharged from nearby factories. The conditions had become so bad that one junior engineer was barred by his doctor from working outside because the gas from the nullah caused him respiratory problems. Long-term effects can include eye irritations, fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, anxiety and dizziness. Mr Cluer said the situation would not significantly improve until the service, with 10 helicopters and four fixed-wing aircraft, moved to its new $468 million base. Completion of the complex is due in June 1997, but it cannot be used until Chek Lap Kok becomes fully operational as regulations prohibit the service using the new airport until air traffic control and fire and rescue equipment is working.
