PLA grants Sek Kong airfield hotline to flying service

The PLA air wing has provided the Government Flying Service (GFS) with a hotline to its Sek Kong control tower.

The move, seen as further evidence of growing co-operation between the military and civilian flyers, will allow GFS members to land at the New Territories airfield at short notice.

Sek Kong has been used for GFS training before and since July 1, with the respective approval of the Royal Air Force and PLA.

GFS Controller Captain Brian Butt Yiu-ming said: 'We have more or less worked out a deal with the PLA. Before we had to go through liaison officers, now we can deal directly with the tower.

'This will help us if we have urgent requirements.' For routine training requirements, the GFS supplies the PLA with a two-week flight programme every fortnight so that the military knows when to expect GFS helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft.

Captain Butt added: 'They seem to be very happy with the situation and their relationship with the GFS.'