Asia Nikkei, in partnership with Chinese business news conglomerate Caixin, recently reported on newly announced changes by Chinese civil air authorities that would see more of China’s airspace opened as much as drones and eVTOLs. In keeping with December’s National Airspace Basic Classification Method released by the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), the country will now organize its airspace into 7 classes, 2 of that are unregulated, meaning that air traffic control services is not going to be provided.
This includes airspace with a mean sea level of lower than 6000 meters and around 300m above the bottom (apart from areas surrounding airports and other critical infrastructure). This move is clearly designed to spur on the domestic eVTOL and drone industry, who will profit from fairly unfettered access to the brand new airspace. It also will bring Chinese regulations closer consistent with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
This follows a discussion on the Central Economic Work Conference about strategically supporting the fast-growing low-altitude airborne economy focused on UAVs and eVTOLs, an area wherein the Chinese government has heavily supported development. The classification system was published in a draft document of the country’s Regulations for Airspace Management, which concluded its period for public comment on Dec. 8. It’s unclear when the policy will formally be adopted.
The opposite listed categories cover all aviation between 6000-20000m, in addition to regulated air zones like general aviation and civil airports and are formally regulated.
In other regulatory news, Dronelife recently reported on a recent Kentucky bill that would have significant effects on the UAV space within the Bluegrass State.
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