Operators may get greater freedom to fly in more areas at up to 3,000ft

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is considering revising airspace regulations to allow general aviation aircraft to operate in more areas and with less notice to authorities. General aviation operators, the CAAC and the Chinese air force discussed airspace changes at a conference in January. The CAAC has not yet determined what changes will be made or when they will be implemented.

Operators have asked the CAAC for freedom to operate in their local areas at altitudes of up to 3,000ft (900m) without filing flight plans. At present, operators must apply to their airport tower by 15:00 the previous afternoon for local flights and their requests are often rejected. Guangdong and Shinjang may be the first provinces to be opened, with operators there hoping to participate in a demonstration later this year. The CAAC says a date for the demonstration has not been set and the new procedures are under negotiation with the air force.

General aviation manufacturers say it could take one or two years for any changes to be rolled out. Initially they may not be as radical as operators hope. The operators are also seeking looser regulations governing cross-country flights.

To fly outside their local areas - which are typically about 10km (5.4nm) in diameter - operators must apply separately to regional authorities. Flights between regions require air force approval as well.

Flying schools and local police agencies are also required to apply to the air force annually for use of local airspace. This is in addition to daily approval from the local air traffic control department.

The US Federal Aviation Administration says lifting restrictions on general aviation flights within visual range of airport control towers is feasible, but beyond that, change may take several years. "By CAAC regulations all air traffic must be controlled, but it does not have the capacity to control at low altitudes," the FAA says.

The government agency suggests China does not have the radar or radio equipment to monitor and keep in contact with low-altitude aircraft in rural areas. Although the CAAC plans to buy the necessary equipment, existing funds are being invested in creating more high-altitude commercial air routes.

Ultimately the CAAC wants to adopt the FAA seven-layer airspace system, but likely only in rural areas.

BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE

Source: Flight International