Currently, any GA flight operating within China must be reviewed and approved by the Chinese military, which controls all airspace over the country. The new policy, effective Dec. 1, will allow many GA operations flown by home-based pilots and aircraft to fly throughout the country with only the approval of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC).

Additionally, CAAC will provide wider availability of aeronautical information to GA pilots under the revised policy, titled “Approval and Management Regulation for General Aviation Flight Missions.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said the introduction of the new policy marks a good step forward for promoting GA operations in China and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. “We are pleased that Chinese officials have adopted these regulations specific to general aviation,” Bolen added. “This development is the latest in series of encouraging signs that China is committed to the industry’s growth.”

Bolen further noted the changes should encourage additional investment in general aviation in China. “We hope to see further easing of flight restrictions on GA operations, as the government gains comfort with the industry and becomes more aware of its future growth potential,” he added.

Foreign aircraft operating within China will still need military approval coordinated through the CAAC, as will use of military and non-public facilities and airways, and operations near restricted areas, disputed borders or territories, or special events. All GA aircraft will be required to have a secondary radar transponder onboard to ensure Chinese ATC maintains contact with the aircraft.

NBAA has long worked with the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and other industry stakeholders in maintaining the dialogue between regulatory authorities and business leaders in the region about the benefits of business aviation, and the expanded freedom for GA operations.

Encouraging the growth of business aviation is also a central objective of the annual Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai. ABACE2014 will take place April 15 to 17, 2014.