Aircraft

The Chinese Government is set to ease rules on private flights with the release of new general aviation (GA) regulations, in a move to loosen approval requirements.

At present, GA operations within the country must be reviewed and approved by the Chinese military that controls the country’s airspace.

Under revised policy, effective from 1 December, many GA flights by domestic pilots and aircraft can operate across the country, except in sensitive or prohibited regions, with only the approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC).

Nine types of flights that cross the border or enter military area will still require mission approval.

"This development is the latest in series of encouraging signs that China is committed to the industry’s growth."

Under the new policy, titled ‘Approval and Management Regulation for General Aviation Flight Missions’, CAAC will offer wider availability of aeronautical information to GA pilots.

Supporting the new GA regulations, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) president and CEO Ed Bolen said: "We are pleased that Chinese officials have adopted these regulations specific to general aviation.

"This development is the latest in series of encouraging signs that China is committed to the industry’s growth."

The latest development is part of China’s plan to develop its non-airline aviation sector, and follows its earlier limited liberalisation of lower airspace controls.

However, foreign aircraft using China’s airspace will still require military approval coordinated through the CAAC.

Image: The latest development is part of China’s plan to develop its non-airline aviation sector. Photo: courtesy of kharlosan.

Defence Technology