Ryan McFeaters, general manager of Sikorsky Aircraft China, the US helicopter manufacturer, said some common equipment, such as hoists, searchlights and a specialized search and rescue automatic flight control system, which helps pilots perform rescue missions in challenging environments, are needed in such situations.

"Reliability and all-weather capability are also the most important performance characteristics of the helicopter for search and rescue," he said.

But Gao, from Beihang University, said that the exclusion of the general aviation sector from the emergency response system means the sector's potential has not been well applied.

Wu agreed, saying his pilots know the terrain in Ya'an well and his helicopters are small and flexible compared with military ones.

Wu Jingkui, vice-president of North Asia sales and market development for the Cessna Aircraft Co, believes depending only on military helicopters for rescue and relief work is not the answer.

Questions:

1. How long have the aviation companies been waiting for approval to join in the rescue relief efforts?

2. How many helicopters does Beijing Capital Helicopter Company have?

3. So far, which private aviation company has helped with rescue and relief efforts in Ya’an?

Answers:

1. 5 days.

2. 9.

3. The Xilin Fengteng General Aviation Co.

About the broadcaster:

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