Gwangju 119 Special Response Team inspects 72 helicopter landing sites

The Gwangju 119 Special Response Team's aviation unit has announced an intensive safety inspection of 72 helicopter takeoff and landing sites across the Gwangju region. The inspections, scheduled to continue through the end of the year, are being conducted during the firefighting helicopter maintenance period to ensure rapid and safe aerial response capabilities during disasters.

Personnel will conduct on-site inspections to update management cards and assess various locations. For high-rise buildings, the team will check helipad flooring, lighting, and obstacles affecting hoist operations. Inspections at hospitals and emergency medical centers will focus on the safety of landing sites and the speed of transit routes to emergency rooms.

Additionally, the team will evaluate highways for landing obstructions and vehicle proximity, investigate mountainous terrain for accessibility issues caused by trees or topography, and inspect stadiums and sports fields for lighting and artificial obstacles. The findings will be reported to the National Fire Agency to help manage the nationwide status of firefighting helicopter landing sites.