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AGM 2008Chairmans Report - March 2008As I am about to hand over the Chairmanship of the Hong Kong Region of GAPAN to John Li, I have taken a little time to reflect upon my time as Chairman. When I took over from Ian Fogarty two years ago, I inherited a healthy, active and respected organisation that quietly went about its business. Very quickly I became aware that the influence of, and respect for, The Guild through the community at large, and in particular the aviation community, was far greater than I had thought possible. This is reflected in numerous ways as illustrated by the continuing and frequent invitations for GAPAN representation at aviation forums, the satisfyingly warm relations that we maintain throughout the aviation fraternity in general and in many cases all the way through to the most senior executives. Having witnessed the cordial, frank, professional and wide-ranging discussions that have taken place between the Master and these important people has been nothing short of inspirational where, as an observer, I could just watch “The Guild at work.” The Guild’s “work” I summarise as: To Advise, Advance and Acknowledge. I’ll take these one by one. It is plainly evident that our advice is often sought through the frequent requests for our representation at industry events. Currently we have ongoing consultation with the HKCAD at such forums as Flight Time Limitations Working Group and The Drug and Alcohol Awareness Working Group. We were invited to make a presentation at the recent Asia Pacific Regional Conference sponsored by ICAO on the Multi-Crew Pilot License and I have no hesitation in saying that it was warmly received. Additionally we have regular meetings with the Hong Kong Observatory in relation to aviation meteorological services. There are many, many more examples of this, what I have just quoted really only scratches the surface. On a more personal side I constantly hear of Guild members being sought out by the young fledgling aviators for career advice and job interview guidance. The Guild in Hong Kong is very busy “advancing the cause” of aviation. The highest profile vehicle for this is our Flying Scholarship. Since its establishment in 2005, the GAPAN (Hong Kong Region) Youth Flying Scholarship Limited (a fully registered Charity with the Hong Kong Government) has awarded at least two flying scholarships each year. These scholarships normally result in the winner gaining a PPL. GAPAN (Hong Kong Region) Youth Flying Scholarship Limited is shortly to add a further scholarship to its activities. This scholarship will be used to benefit those in need of assistance at a more advanced level and is designed to help the awardee on his/her way to obtaining professional qualifications necessary for meaningful employment within the industry. Acknowledging those who have done well and deserve recognition is an important part of our work as well. The Government Flying Service (GFS) has, on more than one occasion, been the recipient of such awards. A Cathay Pacific Captain was also the recipient of an extremely prestigious award a couple of years back. The events that lead to these awards were recognised by the HK regional committee, written up and sent to London where the Guild’s Trophies and Awards Committee decides on merit, from amongst the worldwide nominees, who gets what. Hong Kong’s aviation fraternity is obviously “up there” with the best. All of the above makes the Chairman’s job fulfilling and very busy! The Guild’s work could not be done by any individual and our work is made possible by those volunteers who serve with me on the regional committee. This group of people devote many hours of their time, often at personal inconvenience to ensure that The Guild’s work gets done. Without them none of this would be possible so I publicly wish to thank them all for their efforts and enthusiastic support. I would not be here reporting on an active, healthy and flourishing HK Region of the Guild without them. Standing down from the committee this year is Richard Wong who has served as secretary for the last three years. Thank you Richard for your support and I wish you well for your future endeavours. What is also very satisfying is the willingness of others to step up to theses tasks when it is required. We are a volunteer organisation that relies on the donation of a fulltime worker’s spare time in an industry where one is away from home more often than not. That we have so many willing to make this sacrifice speaks volumes about the calibre of the people who go to make up the Guild. Thus I have no doubts in my mind that Guild in Hong Kong will continue to grow and go from strength to strength. Our membership is diverse and continues to grow. I am extremely happy with this diversity as it represents our strength and uniqueness. I do not believe another organisation could attract members from such a wide background. We have members from GA, airline employees that range from new-to-Hong Kong Second Officers through to vastly experienced Senior Check and Training Captains, Government Flying Service crew and business aviation pilots. We have associate members from many related areas of aviation including Doctors, Air Traffic Controllers, Lawyers and even Accountants! The mix of nationalities is as diverse and so is the age range. One by product of a good and growing membership is financial security. As can be seen from the Treasurer’s report, we in HK are in a sound financial position. Our social functions are well attended and popular. The Master’s visit each year attracts enthusiastic support with most functions being sold to capacity. The membership makes the Guild and the committee makes the Chairman. With the picture painted above, I have no doubt that Guild will continue to prosper and that with your continued support, John Li will also enjoy a fulfilling and successful term as Chairman guiding the Guild in Hong Kong along its established and respected path. It has, for me, been a great honour and privilege to serve as your Chairman for the past two years.
Peter Robinson |
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Updated
08-Jul-2008 |
