China’s aviation authorities have allowed private helicopters to fly in low-altitude airspace over the island of Hainan on a trial basis for the first time.
Four helicopters flown by eight pilots from Shanghai-based Zhengyang Investment Group will participate in test flights, 1km above the ground, for two months in Hainan.
Zhengyang Investment Group Chairman Zou Jianming said the tests will gather data on low-altitude flying and gauge the ground control system’s response to emergencies, according to Xinhua.
China’s low-altitude airspace is tightly controlled, however, in November, the State Council and the Central Military Commission said that it would open up part of the low-altitude airspace to boost China’s general aviation sector, according to Xinhua.
