TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 56

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ANNEX A TO COS 40/68

Continued

defence role the Hunter is an aircraft of fairly high

performance and complexity, and in the environment of the

Hong Kong airspace operational efficiency and flight safety

demand a high standard of flying ability. Because of the

part-time nature of auxiliary service, and the impractica-

bility of maintaning the required training standards on

this basis of availability, we consider that the possibility

of using HKAAF pilots is wholly precluded.

10.

Ground Crew. The Governor, in his discussion with the

Chiefs of Staff (2), has implied that maximum use of HAEC

would be cheaper. We have already assumed that there would

be no reasonable alternative to AEC undertaking second line

servicing. As to first line servicing, from the point of

view of technical ability there is no doubt that, with the

possible exception of armaments and ejector seat servicing,

HAEC would be quite capable of carrying out all the functions

associated therewith. Alternatively, it has been suggested

that first line servicing could be undertaken by civilian

Chinese employees of the Hong Kong Government who would have

a uniformed liability to be called out in the Auxiliary Air

Force in emergencies. In either case, we consider that it

would be prudent to establish a small element of RAF technical

personnel, mainly in the supervisory grades, to effect

liaison at the higher level, to ensure that RAF standards of

technical practices were maintained, to be responsible for

correct technical documentation, and to supervise any RAF

armament and safety equipment personnel who might be found

to be necessary.

Note:

2.

COS 25th Meeting/68, Minute 1.

A

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