By CCTV reporter Wu Lei
General aviation is a huge sector in much of the world. It covers all civil
aviation other than passenger planes. But it’s been hampered in China by strict
controls on low altitude airspace.
Small privately-owned aircraft flight needs access to airspace below 1,000 meters. But this airspace is controlled by the Air Force and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. At the opening ceremony of this year’s China International General Aviation Convention, government officials said low-altitude airspace will be further opened up.
“The National Civil Aviation administration has issued special funds to support general aviation companies to conduct agricultural, forestry and other flight works. More pilots will be trained and air infrastructure will be greatly improved.” said Xia Xinghua, Deputy Director, Civil Aviation Administration of China.
Pilot projects have been launched in northeastern, central and southern regions, as well as seven cities including Tangshan near Beijing, Xi’an and Hangzhou. Low-altitude airspace could be fully opened around the country by 2015. Plenty of overseas companies want to get a slice of this new market.
China’s light aircraft manufacturers are also on the move.
“There’s much work to do in terms of maintenance and other professional fields. But we’ve already established our flight schools, maintenance companies and flight clubs. A multi-service industry will be our key project.” said Song Qingguo, Vice President, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd.
General aviation is still embryonic compared with that of developed countries. But with more reforms being implemented, these companies have set their sights on making the industry take off.
Please go to CNTV to watch news video about this article
Source: CNTV
Small privately-owned aircraft flight needs access to airspace below 1,000 meters. But this airspace is controlled by the Air Force and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. At the opening ceremony of this year’s China International General Aviation Convention, government officials said low-altitude airspace will be further opened up.
“The National Civil Aviation administration has issued special funds to support general aviation companies to conduct agricultural, forestry and other flight works. More pilots will be trained and air infrastructure will be greatly improved.” said Xia Xinghua, Deputy Director, Civil Aviation Administration of China.
Pilot projects have been launched in northeastern, central and southern regions, as well as seven cities including Tangshan near Beijing, Xi’an and Hangzhou. Low-altitude airspace could be fully opened around the country by 2015. Plenty of overseas companies want to get a slice of this new market.
China’s light aircraft manufacturers are also on the move.
“There’s much work to do in terms of maintenance and other professional fields. But we’ve already established our flight schools, maintenance companies and flight clubs. A multi-service industry will be our key project.” said Song Qingguo, Vice President, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd.
General aviation is still embryonic compared with that of developed countries. But with more reforms being implemented, these companies have set their sights on making the industry take off.
Please go to CNTV to watch news video about this article
Source: CNTV
