Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and Central Military Commission Chairman
Jiang Zemin have signed a decree regulating the country's general
aviation industry.
Sources say the regulation, known as the Regulation for Flight
Control of General Aviation and formulated in accordance with
internationally accepted practices, will help China make better use
of its airspace, ensure aviation safety and ensure the smooth
development of the country's general aviation activities.
General aviation refers to all aviation activities with the
exception of those related to the military, the police, customs and
public transportation, the sources explained.
It
involves flights undertaken by a wide variety of sectors, including
manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishery, mining and maritime
monitoring and survey. It also includes flights related to
scientific experiments, remote sensing surveys, sports and
sightseeing.
The regulation, which will take effect on May 1, 2003, consists of
seven chapters and 45 articles.
All those engaged in general aviation activities in China are
subject to the terms of the regulation.
The regulation also applies to the release of free and unmanned air
balloons and fixed balloons.
Violations of regulation that cause serious consequences will be
subject to criminal prosecution, the regulation stipulates.
(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2003)