China has approved the Low-altitude Airspace Management Reform Guidance, stipulating that in 2011, the low-altitude airspace for Beijing, Lanzhou and three other flight control zones will open to private commercial airlines, Chengdu Evening News reported Friday. Low-altitude airspace refers to the airspace that does not affect the public air transportation lines, and is generally below 3,000 meters. This airspace is used for the general civil aviation on law enforcement, medical aid, news reporting and other businesses – excluding public air transport and freight transport. According to the report, the altitudes set by China’s general civil aviation are above 6,000 meters. This reform determines the low-altitude airspace is below 1,000 meters. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) expects that the market size of general aviation, including related industries, may reach one trillion yuan ($151 billion) after the low-altitude airspace opens, according to a Xinhua report. An official surnamed Zhang with the China Aviation Industry Corp II（AVIC II）told the Global Times that China's huge potential demand for helicopters and light planes – from government agencies and the growing billionaires' club – has already become a reality in recent years, spurring the country to lift its long-standing restriction on the use of airspace below 3,000 meters.
The AirplaneNut
Via Global Times
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