China Plans to Open Two Areas of Low-Altitude Airspace for General Aviation

China’s aviation regulator plans to open two bands of low-altitude airspace zones for use by general aviation, including drones, helicopters and electric aircraft, as the country seeks to bolster its airborne economy and bring its clasifications into line with international norms.

According to the “National Airspace Basic Classification Method” released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in December, the country’s airspace will be categorized into seven classes with five being regulated and two unregulated. The document defined unregulated airspace as “where air traffic control services are not provided to aircraft.”