For the first time in Navy history, a pilot has achieved 10,000 hours of accident-free flight.
The Navy announced on the 25th that Park Gi-hyun (59), a flight instructor with the 609 Training Squadron, set the record during a training flight on the 23rd. This milestone comes 34 years after he began his career as a Navy helicopter pilot in 1992.
Flying helicopters over water presents unique challenges compared to land, including a lack of visual reference points and various weather conditions. Missions often require long flights at low altitudes and speeds, demanding thorough preparation and high levels of concentration.
Commissioned as a Navy second lieutenant in 1991, Park retired as a major in 2010 and was appointed as a civilian flight instructor the following year. Over the past 15 years, he has contributed to the training of 378 helicopter pilots, including 347 from the Navy, 28 from the Marine Corps, and 3 from the Air Force.
Park stated, “Behind the number of 10,000 hours is a commitment to uphold the basics at every moment, along with the support of many comrades on the ground, including fellow pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance personnel. I will continue to do my best to train elite helicopter pilots who protect the skies and seas.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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