Introduction

In 1998, one of Hong Kong’s best known landmarks, Kai Tak airport, closed after 73 years. Kai Tak, which was built between the mountains and the city, was world-famous for its unique landing approach that became known as 'the Kai Tak heart attack’. Captain Kim Sharman was the pilot of the last commercial flight out of Kai Tak.

During his career he landed at the airport more than 1,000 times. Twenty-five years on he shares his memories with Gill Kearsley.

(Photo: Boeing 747 landing at Kai Tak Airport. Credit: Russ Schleipman via Getty Images)