Earlier this month, China’s Civil Aviation Administration announced it will relax requirements for obtaining a private pilot's license. The new rules have taken effect since December the 1st. With China planning to further open up its low-altitude airspace in the coming years, the move is likely to open the floodgates of demand for civil aviation in China.
Flying has always been Jin Zhangjin’s dream. Even though he’s 47, he decided to get a private pilot’s license.
“I used to be a pilot in the army, but after being released from military service, I got no chance to fly. Now, as general aviation is developing rapidly, I want to be a professional private pilot.” Jin said.
Now, any Chinese citizen aged 17 or above and with at least junior high school education, can apply for a private pilot’s license. After receiving a certified report of their physical fitness, they have to go through 40 hours of theoretical studies, 5 hours of simulation studies if a flight simulator is present, and another 40 hours of flying training before they take the relevant tests.
Reporter: "With the new regulations,more Chinese will become eligible to apply... the Chinese general aviation industry seems ready to take off."
General aviation has a huge potential market including agriculture, tourism, disaster rescue and relief. But most of China’s airspace is presently reserved for military use. Compare that to 85 percent of the United States’ airspace open for civil aviation.
“The new rules will largely help to expand the market. Because in the past, many people liked to fly, but their physical fitness did not meet the standards. Now that the requirement has been eased, more flight lovers will come to our company for the experience.” Lin Yingchen, general manager assistant of Jinggong General Aviation Copmany, said.
In 2013, this flight training company trained more than 30 pilots. That number is expected to keep rising in the coming years. China has a rapidly expanding demand for private jet travel. The new requirements will allow more people to fulfill their flying dreams.