Search and rescue missions, air ambulance, and fire-fighting services are all in a day’s work for pilots with the Government Flying Service (GFS). 

But those keen to become a cadet pilot with GFS will encounter stiff competition, as it receives several thousand applications with every recruitment exercise, says Captain Bruce Wong, senior pilot for helicopter training at GFS, who will have a booth at the forum.

Those that make the cut need to have strong communication and leadership skills, a good command of spoken and written English, physical fitness, and a passion for flying and serving the community. Applicants must also meet the requirements to be granted a Class One Medical Certificate by the Civil Aviation Department, Wong says.

Upon joining GFS, cadet pilots undergo basic pilot training at an overseas flight training institute. After obtaining a professional pilot’s licence, they will undergo intensive in-house training to develop from co-pilots to competent aircraft commanders capable of performing a wide range of GFS operations. “These include air ambulance services, search and rescue missions, fire fighting, law enforcement tasks and other flying services for government departments.”

GFS also performs data collection flights, for example for the Hong Kong Observatory to track typhoons.

New joiners start off at the cadet pilot grade, before moving up to pilot II and then pilot I. A pilot I with extensive instructional experience may be considered for further promotion to senior pilot.

“Competent senior pilots with a wide range of operational, instructional and managerial experience may be considered for further promotion to chief pilot, the top of the GFS career ladder,” Wong says.