|
On August 26, a Government Flying Service EC155B1 helicopter crashed
while crossing Tung Chung Pass near the HKIA. The two crew members on
board the helicopter died in the crash. An Inspector's Investigation is
being conducted to determine the causes of the accident.
Satisfactory progress was made on the Cooperation Arrangement on mutual
acceptance of approval of aircraft maintenance organisations established
among the CAD, the CAAC, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Macau during
the year. The main objective of the Cooperation Arrangement is to ensure
a common aircraft maintenance standard throughout the Mainland, Hong Kong,
and Macau. The maintenance release certificates issued by organisations
recognised under the Cooperation Arrangement will be accepted without
further investigation by the other participating authorities. In September
and October, the Maintenance Standardisation Team (MAST), composed of
airworthiness officers from the three authorities, visited all authorities
concerned and inspected some of the maintenance organisations recommended
for mutual recognition. The visit reports were accepted by the MAST in
December.
The Aviation Security Ordinance and Regulation constitute the comprehensive
local legislation for implementation of the conventions and agreements
on aviation security promulgated by the ICAO. The Hong Kong Aviation Security
Programme (HKASP), which was developed by the Government and in consultation
with the airport operators, airlines and other concerned parties, stipulates
the aviation security requirements for the various operators at the HKIA.
The implementation of these requirements is closely monitored by the Government
to ensure that they meet international standards.
In January, the CAD assisted the ICAO in holding the
first Aviation Security Auditors Course for the Asia-Pacific region in
Hong Kong. Two officers from the department completed the course and qualified
as ICAO-certified aviation security auditors.
In August, the department assisted the Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation in hosting a 'Symposium on the Promotion of Effective
100% Hold Baggage Screening' in Hong Kong. More than 100 delegates from
13 member economies attended the symposium to share their knowledge and
discuss the latest development in baggage screening technologies.
To further enhance cockpit door security, the department
issued a Flight Operations Notice and an Airworthiness Notice in 2002
to reflect the mandatory cockpit door security requirements in accordance
with the ICAO standards. The two concerned Hong Kong operators, namely
CPA and HDA, complied with such requirements in 2003.
|
