Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force
Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force badge
Active	1949 - 1993
Country	British Hong Kong
Type	Air Force
Role	Aerial Defence Force
Motto(s)	Semper Paratus Always ready
Disbanded	31 March 1993 (succeeded by the Government Flying Service)
Insignia
roundel
Aircraft flown
Helicopter	Sikorsky S-70 Sikorsky S-76
Patrol	Beechcraft Super King Air B200C

RHKAAF Aérospatiale SA365C1 Dauphin at Kai Tak in 1982

The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (RHKAAF) was a special air unit in British Hong Kong. It was like a local air force that helped protect Hong Kong. It started in 1949 and was part of the Hong Kong Defence Force. The RHKAAF was closed down on March 31, 1993. This happened before Hong Kong was returned to China. After the RHKAAF, a new group called the Government Flying Service took over its important jobs.

History of the RHKAAF

How the RHKAAF Started

The RHKAAF began as an air force in 1949. It was part of the Hong Kong Defence Force. From 1949 to 1970, it was known simply as the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (HKAAF).

Gaining the Royal Title

In 1951, King George VI gave the unit a special honour. He approved the "Royal" title for them. This made them the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force. It was a big deal because it was the first time a volunteer force received such an honour.

Changing Roles and Disbanding

In 1970, the larger Royal Hong Kong Defence Force was closed. But the RHKAAF and the Royal Hong Kong Regiment continued as separate groups. The RHKAAF was officially disbanded on March 31, 1993. The next day, a new civilian unit, the Government Flying Service (GFS), took over. Many of the RHKAAF staff joined the GFS.

Even though it was a military unit, the RHKAAF mostly did non-military jobs. These included helping the police, search and rescue missions, and acting as an air ambulance. They also helped with firefighting in Hong Kong. The RHKAAF was based at Kai Tak Airport from 1949 until 1993.

The RHKAAF Badge

The RHKAAF had a special badge that was used until 1993. This badge had several important parts:

• A crown called St Edward's Crown.
• An octagon shape with a Hong Kong dragon and a propeller.
• The words "Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force" written around the edge.
• Its motto, Semper Paratus, which is Latin for "Always Ready."
• An oak laurel wreath around the outside.

RHKAAF Personnel

The people who worked for the RHKAAF were a mix of full-time and part-time staff. Most of them were hired locally, especially in later years. The ranks they used were the same as those in the Royal Air Force, going up to Air Commodore.

Commanding Officers

Here are some of the leaders who commanded the RHKAAF:

RHKAAF Aircraft Fleet

On March 31, 1993, the RHKAAF had several types of aircraft.

Current Aircraft (as of 1993)

Slingsby T67 Firefly in the colours of the RHKAAF

Historical Aircraft Used by RHKAAF

RHKAAF SA365C1 Dauphin at RAF Sek Kong in 1983