"Taxiing in with a smile." This radio transmission marks the end of another shift for the Government Flying Service's two female helicopter pilots Ellen Yan and Emily Wong.
Women pilots are nothing new in commercial flight, however, they are rare in the search and rescue arena. The UK has three women search and rescue pilots, and Hong Kong has Mses Yan and Wong.
The 17-year-old department has 70 aviators and is looking for more candidates. Mses Yan and Wong recently spoke with news.gov.hk, saying more women should apply for the job.
Once thought of as a masculine profession, the ladies said women are just as capable as men at flying helicopters, the main requirements being excellent hand-eye co-ordination, high concentration and endless dedication.
Career first
When Ms Yan applied to become a cadet she won over the interview board with a cocksure "I want to be the first female pilot in the Government Flying Service". She has since saved numerous lives during her 14 years' service.
She has just obtained a trainer qualification for the Eurocopter Dolphin fleet of helicopters used by GFS.
Not just the department's premier woman pilot, Ms Yan scored another first for GFS on New Year's Eve 2007 when she conducted its first road rescue by helicopter. A driver was seriously injured in a car accident on San Tin Highway, Lok Ma Chau. Serious congestion made ambulance services impossible, so a helicopter was ordered in.
"It was approaching dark and I needed to watch obstructions like lampposts, buildings and high ground around the area before landing on the highway. By the time we got airborne at the scene, it was completely dark, and we transferred the patient to hospital.
"When I know they are in a life and death situation, it gives me energy to continue no matter how tired I am."
The pilots often fly in adverse weather conditions and in dangerous locations, but Ellen says she has no fear. The safety situation is assessed before every mission.
"Safety is paramount. Four crews out, four crews back, no matter if the mission is completed or not. The professional mechanical team, and the high-quality training we receive and equipment we use ensure the safety of our missions."
Air allegiance
Ms Wong joined the department five years ago, confident she could handle the job if dedicated enough.
"Flying is demanding but mostly mentally. I am not muscular but I can get the job done."
She has just qualified to fly the Dolphin fleet, saying decisiveness and teamwork are essential to being a pilot. Concentration over long periods is particularly important to search and rescue work. Tough training is also necessary, such as the underwater escape exercise which simulates an emergency ditch at sea. But dedication is by far the most important trait.
"My uniform reminds me it is my duty to serve the community with the skill we have been trained for."
In the past five years the average ratio of men to women GFS applicants has been five to one.
"Of course, I would like to have more female colleagues, but it is about hiring the best candidates, regardless of their sex," Ms Yan said, with Ms Wong adding: "It is more interesting to have both men and women working together. I want more suitable females to give it a go, and I believe our male colleagues will also be happy about that."
